With a presidential election of historic importance taking place, plenty of coverage has been offered to politics on a national level.
However, some observers believe attention to the presidential primary has been provided at the expense of elections for several local offices. In other words, voters might be paying much more attention to Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama than candidates who live in their own neighborhood.
This year Indianapolis is experiencing intense primary races for several state legislative seats, county offices, township positions and school board seats.
“History shows us that all politics is really local, and local politics has a more direct effect on our daily lives,” said Leroy Robinson, a member of the Indianapolis Public Schools Board. “When you need a pothole filled, your trash picked up or some other assistance you’re going to call someone who is downtown, not in Washington.”
Most of the local primary competitions are among Democrats competing for the right to represent their party during the general election.
The party is witnessing state Senate primaries in District 33, where attorney Greg Taylor is facing businessman Charles “Doc” Henderson and journalist James Patterson, as well as District 34, where incumbent Jean Breaux is being challenged by David Nicholson.
“Paying attention to state legislative races is very beneficial to voters because members of the state Senate and House are the ones who draft important laws that effect us everyday in areas of concern such as taxes, health care, jobs and education,” said Taylor.
Incumbent Democratic House member William Crawford (District 99), is facing a primary challenge from Abu Henderson, community activist and president of the Martindale Brightwood Neighborhood Association.
Other Democrats fighting for house seats include Timothy Huber and Thomas K. Pappas in District 91, as well as Stephanie DeKemper and Robin Olds in District 91.
“It is at the state level where laws and programs are passed that will have an almost immediate impact on our daily lives,” said DeKemper. “That is why it is important for voters to keep in tune with state legislative campaigns.”
County positions on the ballot include coroner, surveyor and treasurer. Marion County Treasurer Mike Rodman is unopposed in his primary, but John Linehan and Frank Lloyd Jr. are competing for the Democratic nomination for coroner.
Incumbent Democratic Surveyor Mary Catherine Barton is facing a fierce challenge from Debra S. Jenkins. Barton received the Marion County Democratic Party’s endorsement when she ran in 2004, but this year the party’s “slating” endorsement is going to Jenkins. This is significant, since the party seldom denies support to its incumbents.
County coroners determine causes of death in unusual circumstances and issue death certificates, while county surveyors review newly purchased land so that taxes for homeowners and businesses are properly assessed.
Most local Republican primary candidates are in the same fortunate position as Sen. John McCain, who has the party’s presidential nomination locked up.
Only a few GOP incumbents from Indianapolis legislative districts are facing primary challengers, including state Sen. Teresa Lubbers in District 30, as well as state Rep. Cindy Noe (District 87) and Rep. Michael Murphy (District 90).
On the county level Republican coroner candidate John Pless, surveyor candidate Erica Pugh and treasurer candidate David T. Moscrip are all unopposed in their primaries
Still, Tony Kirkland, director of the Indiana Civil Rights Commission and a Republican activist, encourages members of his party and all voters to make their voice heard in the primary.
“As you pay attention to the local races you realize that it is individuals running for those positions that you’re going to have more access to,” said Kirkland. “People have much more access to their state legislators and local officials who serve on a grassroots level.”
Also in the primary are candidates running for 16 positions on the Marion County Superior Court, including nine Democrats and eight Republicans.
One of the Democrats, attorney Garland Graves, noted that judges play a critical role in the quality of citizens’ lives by ruling in a variety of cases.
“Voting for judges is a special opportunity because having elections for them keeps them directly accountable to the people,” said Graves. “It’s important to review the candidates and decide which ones can have the most positive impact on our justice system.”
Other candidates running for judge include Democrats Kimberly Brown, Annie Christ-Garcia, David J. Dreyer, Patrick McCarty, Jim Osborn, Tanya Walton-Pratt, David Shaheed and Gerald Zore, as well as Republicans Cynthia Ayres, Dave Certo, Kurt Eisgruber, Robyn L. Moberly, Marilyn A. Moores, Timothy W. Oakes, Marc T. Rothenberg and Ted Sosin.
In addition to regular party primaries, non-partisan candidates are running for seats on school boards in Indianapolis Public Schools as well as Decatur, Franklin, Lawrence, Perry, Pike, Warren, Washington and Wayne townships.
In the IPS district, incumbents Mary Busch and Marianna R. Zaphiriou are running unopposed, while Diane Arnold in District 4 faces Ralph Adams and Barry Campbell. Incumbent at-large member Clarke C. Campbell is being challenged by Ramon Batts, Karen Mahamadou and Elizabeth Gore.
Robinson became an at-large member in February when Olgen Williams, resigned to become deputy mayor. Robinson is facing Michael Cohen.
“School board seats should not be forgotten because the education of our children is vitally important,” said Robinson. “Board members determine the curriculum and policies in schools as well as district expenditures.”
During his “Afternoons With Amos” program on Monday, Amos Brown, strategic analyst for Radio One, encouraged voters to remember the impact that board members have on children.
“It’s no fun to go out and vote for Clinton or Obama then neglect our schools,” Brown said. “So when you go to the polls and fill in your choices for president, governor and Congress you’re not done. Don’t forget to turn your ballot over and vote for school board candidates.”
