Meet Suzanne Crouch, gubernatorial candidate
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Crouch has strongly advocated for increased mental health funding. Photo: Scotty Perry/Bloomberg via Getty Images
As Hoosiers cast ballots in the gubernatorial primaries between now and May 7, Axios asked candidates in the crowded GOP field about their views on top policy issues, Indianapolis and how they'd run the state.
Who's up: Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, who is trying to carve out a political identity separate from the governor she's served under for the last seven years.
- Crouch, 72, has more time in office than any other candidate, having served at the local level and in the General Assembly before being elected to statewide office in 2014.
🌱 Should Indiana legalize marijuana for recreational or medicinal purposes?
No.
💰 Do you think Indiana's road funding formula is fair?
It's time to revisit the road funding formula.
🧐 Is the IEDC transparent enough?
No, and I've been consistent and public in my call for the IEDC to increase its transparency to prevent like the problems we see with the LEAP District.
⚖️ The state legislature has waded into a lot of local issues recently. Are you comfortable with the balance between local control and state intervention in local decisions?
The goal is to find the right balance. I believe home rule should be supported as much as possible by the General Assembly.
🛣️ Would you support a state takeover of Washington and Meridian streets?
If the state and the city can come to an agreement that improves road conditions and safety, I would be supportive.
🎒 Is school choice working for Indianapolis kids and families?
Yes, absolutely it is. Our problems with education will take efforts from all of us to overcome, and I support school choice for parents. We need competition to make our schools better.
👪 Should FSSA maintain the attendant care program, or are changes to reduce costs necessary?
Yes, FSSA should maintain the attendant care program.
📈 What's one state agency that would function better at the end of your four-year term?
All of them — making state government work better for Hoosiers is one of the main reasons I am running for governor.
🧑💼 In 25 words or less, how would you pitch Indiana to the young, educated workers the state needs to keep and recruit more of?
Indiana will "Axe the Tax" — putting more money in the pockets of young people and young families.
🏫 What's Indiana's biggest challenge right now?
Addressing our mental health crisis.
🐘 Republicans have had control at the Statehouse and in the governor's office for much of the last two decades, yet you've raised concerns about the state's tax structure, our workforce, the infant and maternal mortality rates, among other issues. Do Indiana Republicans bear any responsibility for these challenges? If so, what would you do differently?
Because of conservative Republican leadership, Indiana is sound fiscally and well-positioned to address these issues. I would start by eliminating the state income tax, giving people more economic freedom.
🥰 If you're elected governor, you'd be an Indianapolis resident. What's something you like about living in Indianapolis?
El Toro Bravo in downtown Indianapolis.
🏖️ What's your favorite vacation spot in Indiana?
Evansville — my hometown and so I can spend time with my husband, Larry.
☝️ If a voter knows only one thing about you, what do you want it to be?
As governor, I will always protect our most vulnerable Hoosiers … the unborn, the elderly, our veterans, the disabled, and those struggling with mental illness and addiction … because they are our families, our friends, and our neighbors.
Go deeper: Meet the other candidates...