Published: October 10, 2008 12:28 pm            

ELECTION Q&A: Indiana House - District 72

Editor’s Note: Submissions appear as the candidates submitted them without editing. Candidates are listed in alphabetical order. Except where noted, questionnaires are only being published for contested races.

William C. Cochran

• POLITICAL AFFILIATION: Democrat

• AGE: 74 Years

• EDUCATION HIGHLIGHTS:

Graduate of New Albany High School

Attended classes at Indiana University Southeast

• CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:

Floyd County Deputy Sheriff

Deputy County Clerk of the Circuit Court

Floyd County Clerk of the Circuit Court

State Representative

• FAMILY NOTES: Married to wife, Judy, 54 years. Father of three children and grandfather to six grandchildren.



WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR THIS OFFICE? “I feel that my experience in this office, and other offices, have prepared me to be the most qualified State Representative.”



WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE FACING THIS POSITION DURING THE NEXT TWO YEARS AND WHAT IS YOUR PLAN TO RESOLVE IT? “The State's bi-annual budget will have to be written in the upcoming session, and as chairman of the Budget Subcommittee of the House Ways and Means Committee, we will be holding hearings of all entities funded by the State budget, and appropriate needed funds as revenue allows.”



WHICH PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT OF YOURS FROM THE LAST FEW YEARS ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF, AND PLEASE EXPLAIN WHY? “Secured authorization for building resident halls at Indiana University Southeast, and funding for the resident halls; obtained funding for building at Ivy Tech Sellersburg; Ogle Center and new Library building at IUS.

Elevating Floyd County Court to Superior Court 2, and creating Superior Court 3, to relieve the case load of our Floyd County Court system, and eventually relieving the overcrowding of our jail. This would, hopefully, keep Floyd County from having to build, or expand, another jail; and

helping to reduce property tax in 2008.”



WHAT RESULTS CAN YOUR DISTRICT EXPECT TO SEE FROM YOU DURING THE TERM IF YOU ARE ELECTED? “Continue funding of education Kindergarten thru 12th grade, and higher education. Continue to work to lower property taxes, and work to secure a medical education program at IU Southeast.”



WHAT IS YOUR STAND ON LETTING INDIANA VOTERS CHOOSE WHETHER OR NOT TO MAKE PERMANENT CAPS ON PROPERTY TAXES?

“I voted for the constitutional amendment in the 2008 session, and will support the passage the second time in the 2009 session. This amendment caps property taxes at 1% on residence, 2% on rental property, and 3% on commercial property, and when passed the second session will be on the ballot in 2010.”



HAVE YOU EVER BEEN CONVICTED OF A NON-TRAFFIC COURT CRIME IN THE UNITED STATES? IF SO, PLEASE EXPLAIN ALL RELEVANT INSTANCES. “No.”



Candidates(s) listed on the ballot that did not submit questionnaires by deadline include: Ed Clere of New Albany.

        

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