Turn Left, hosted by Indiana's Own Dana Black

Turn Left with your host Indiana's Own Dana BlackWhere we discuss Indiana Politics from the Left side of things.To donate to Helen: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/helen-wean-1?refcode=TurnLeftHelen, a candidate for Madison County Council District 1, described her district as a large rural area including Elwood, Summitville, and Alexandria. She explained that she ran because the county council and commissioners were entirely Republican and she wanted to provide representation for her community. Helen shared that she has been a real estate agent for nearly 39 years and has lived in the area for 50 years. She discussed several local issues, including rising property taxes, flooding, and the need for better drainage infrastructure. She also spoke about the homelessness problem in Madison County and criticized the focus on a new jail over community services. Helen mentioned her efforts to hold town halls and collaborate with other Democratic candidates. She expressed her opposition to data centers and emphasized the importance of transparency in public meetings.BlackPearl IT Solutions - www.blackpearl-its.com Music by Dorianan22 from Pixabay

Turn Left with your host Indiana's Own Dana BlackWhere we discuss Indiana Politics from the Left side of things.To donate to Michelle: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/michelle-milne-1?refcode=TurnLeftMichelle Milne, a candidate running for State House District 49 in Indiana. Michelle, an actor, director, and educator with experience teaching in colleges and prisons through programs like Inside Out, discussed her background and motivation for running for office after being asked to join the race just 10 days before the filing deadline. She explained how her work in theater and education has prepared her to connect with diverse communities and address the needs of her constituents, including concerns about education funding, healthcare access, affordable housing, and library services. Michelle noted that her campaign outraised her incumbent opponent by nearly $25,000, primarily from individual donors rather than corporate or PAC contributions. The conversation covered Michelle's experiences working with incarcerated individuals and college students through creative arts programs, her concerns about budget cuts affecting essential services, and her approach to bringing humanity and authentic connection to political discourse in the State House.BlackPearl IT Solutions - www.blackpearl-its.com Music by Dorianan22 from Pixabay

Turn Left with your host Indiana's Own Dana BlackWhere we discuss Indiana Politics from the Left side of things.To donate to Jim: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/james-pittsford-iii-1?refcode=TurnLeftJim Pittsford, a candidate for State HouseDistrict 46. Jim Pittsford described himself as a third-generation union steamfitter and former union leader who entered the race after being encouraged by a Democratic Party member. He explained that District 46 includes parts of Monroe, Owen, Clay, and Vigo counties. He shared his experience in union leadership, including serving on the executive board and finance committee, and emphasized his belief in being a servant-leader who is open to hearing bad news. He discussed his concerns about the right to work law, its impact on teachers' ability to negotiate working conditions, and his opposition to constitutional carry. He also spoke about the need for tax incentives to attract businesses to small towns to preserve their quality of life. He criticized state government spending, specifically mentioning a helipad for the governor and proposed toll booths on I-70. The conversation also touched on his personal background, including his competitive shooting experience and his family's political diversity.BlackPearl IT Solutions - www.blackpearl-its.com Music by Dorianan22 from Pixabay

Turn Left with your host Indiana's Own Dana BlackWhere we discuss Indiana Politics from the Left side of things.To donate to Kerry: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/forestal?refcode=TurnLeftKerry Forestal, the current Marion County Sheriff, is running for State Senate District 31. Kerry shared his professional background as a former United States Marshal and his experience managing a $150 million budget and collaborating with judges. He discussed his platform, which included addressing medical deserts through a pilot project to pay off medical school tuition for doctors who relocate to underserved areas, fully funding schools, and creating regional mental health facilities instead of using jails for people in crisis. He also criticized the criminalization of homelessness and the expansion of gun access, arguing that law enforcement perspectives were often ignored by the state legislature. Kerry emphasized the need for bipartisan collaboration in the State House and noted that his district includes both Marion and Hamilton counties.BlackPearl IT Solutions - www.blackpearl-its.com Music by Dorianan22 from Pixabay

Turn Left with your host Indiana's Own Dana BlackWhere we discuss Indiana Politics from the Left side of things.To Donate to Randy: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/randynovak?refcode=TurnLeftState Representative Randy Novak from District 9, who serves northern La Porte County and eastern Porter County. Representative Novak discussed his background as a 33-year career firefighter who retired as fire chief, his 11 years on the La Porte County Council before being caucused into the State House in October 2022 to replace Representative Pat Boyd, and his upcoming election for his first full term. They covered his approach to building relationships with colleagues across the aisle, his work on utility costs and data center regulations, concerns about public school funding compared to charter schools, and his successful legislation increasing stipends for volunteer firefighters from $200 to $500 annually. Representative Novak also shared his perspective on current political issues, including his belief that claims of discrimination against white males are "100% BS" and an excuse to maintain the status quo, while expressing frustration with national political developments and their impact on state legislation.BlackPearl IT Solutions - www.blackpearl-its.com Music by Dorianan22 from Pixabay