WARSAW — Brian Smith, Warsaw, announced his candidacy for State Rep. 22nd District, on the Democratic ticket, this morning, Jan. 19. His announcement was made outside the Kosciusko County Courthouse.

Smith, the son of a single mother, graduated from Warsaw Community High School with honors and then Valparaiso University. He is a lab technician at Parker Hannifin, Goshen.

“I want to be your next state representative because when I’m in Indianapolis I will end this governor’s war on teachers and public education. I will end these senseless high stakes testing requirements and let teachers do what they do best … teach,” said Smith.

He said unlike his opponent, incumbent Rep. Curt Nisely, “I will be a tireless and firm advocate for the orthopedic capital of the world. Market challenges and stiff competition have led many to worry about the future of the industry and the future of Warsaw, which is inseparable from the success of our big three: Zimmer, DePuy and Medtronic.”

Smith said the 2.3 percent medical device tax has hampered research and development and industry growth. “I believe this provision has proven itself unnecessary as the cost of the law has come in billions below expectations.” Smith said one of his first acts will be to co-author with Democrat Rep. Christina Hale and Republican Rep. Ben Smaltz HB 1605, which will provide a state tax credit to corporations subject to the federal medical device tax.

“Inexcusably, our current extremist representative, for reasons he has yet to explain, did not co-author or co-sponsor this bi-partisan bill. Mr. Nisley, if you won’t stand up for Warsaw, I will,” said Smith.

He spoke of the affordable care act and additionally feels the district “traded down in the last election. Although we may not have agreed with all of her policies, child care facilities are much safer thanks to (former) Rep. Kubacki. She was well respected among both Democrats and Republicans and authored some important pieces of legislation. Our current representative has not.”

Smith noted the lack of Knisley’s standing up for Warsaw and lack of co-authoring or co-sponsoring a bi-partisan bill providing a state tax credit to those subject to the medical device tax. He mentioned the one bill Nisley did co-sponsor, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. “We, as a state, will be paying for RFRA for a very, very long time to come,” said Smith. He pointed out the loss of tourism revenue threatening a multi billion dollar industry employing nearly 75,000 people, out-of-state purchasers canceling contracts, and the credit rating agency Moody putting the state on notice of a possible credit downgrade, potentially increasing the interest rates paid on state and municipal debt.

Another point made by Smith was the consideration of HB 1267, regarding poultry from exempted slaughter operations being required to comply with health requirements, sell directly to the last purchaser and not sell poultry to a food establishment or an institution. A North Manchester family farm met 50-year-old requirements of the federal poultry products inspection act, received a permit and built a new facility, purchased equipment and created jobs. Passage of the bill, according to Smith, would put the business in jeopardy of facing a substantial loss and putting many Hoosiers out of jobs.

“When I’m your state representative, I will get the government out of the bedroom, off the farm and most importantly, out of the classroom,” concluded Smith.