Indy Chronicler

FISHERS, Ind. — All eight candidates in Indiana’s crowded gubernatorial race shared their vision Tuesday to hundreds of business leaders during a candidate forum at the Wellington Banquet and Conference Center—each making the case that they’re the top candidate in terms of education, workforce and government transparency.

“Every agency head will be looked at,” Sen. Mike Braun (R-Indiana) said. “I’ll make sure there’s somebody from the private sector from that agency that gets regulated.”

”The Republican party has been a one-party rule for 20 years,” Jennifer McCormick, the sole Democrat running for office, said. “Are we going to embrace local control, which I will, or are we not? That’s the question.”

Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch touted her “Axe the Tax” plan, which aims to eliminate the state income tax over time by cracking down on wasteful government spending.

”It’s not going to happen overnight,” Lt. Gov. Crouch said. “My opponents say it’s a gimmick, but as the former Vice Chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, as the former auditor of state, we can do it.”

But other candidates said no state income tax means eight billion fewer dollars in the state’s budget every year—pointing to property tax reform as their top priority.

”We need to fix the property tax for the elderly. They really love this because now they can plan and that can make sure that they cannot lose their home,” Eric Doden (R) said.

”As to whether or not we would eliminate property tax, huge conversation obviously, but it could be something we put on the table,” Jamie Reitenour (R) said.

Others pointed to attracting and retaining more talent as a viable method of tax reform.

”I think the best way everybody’s burden is by growing the topline: adding more taxpayers by growing our population, adding more businesses small and large,” Brad Chambers (R) said.

Some candidates expressed concerns about the state’s talent pipeline — taking aim at the Indiana Department of Education, calling for an increase in work-based learning programs and asking for an end to CRT in the classroom.

”We have over 250 personnel there and we still have problems with third graders reading,” Curtis Hill (R) said. “Maybe we need some cuts over at the IDOE.”

”Our education programs should be based on what parents think their children should learn, not the government,” Donald Rainwater (L) said.

On March 26, FOX59/CBS4 will be hosting a debate of the top four Republican gubernatorial candidates. For more information on that debate, click here.