Indiana
Indiana governor candidate Q&A: Jamie Reitenour on the issues
Who is Jamie Reitenour: 2024 gubernatorial candidate?
Jamie Reitenour, a 2024 gubernatorial candidate is interviewed on Dec. 8, 2023, at the Indianapolis Star.
Jamie Reitenour admits that for most of her life, she was a conservative voter who felt like she was merely checking boxes.
But the 2016 election piqued her interest in politics. Not long after, the Indianapolis mother of five said, she felt a calling from God to become governor of Indiana. Last year, she said, she felt the calling resurge and decided to act on it.
She has significant ground to cover in terms of name recognition compared to her opponents in the Republican primary, which include Fort Wayne businessman Eric Doden, U.S. Sen. Mike Braun, Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, former Attorney General Curtis Hill and former Commerce Secretary Brad Chambers. Donald Rainwater is running as a Libertarian and former schools Superintendent Jennifer McCormick as a Democrat.
IndyStar asked Reitenour, as well as the seven other candidates, a set of questions about issues relevant to the 2024 race, some of which were submitted by readers. This interview is edited for length and clarity.
Q: What do you think sets you apart from your competition in the Republican primary?
A: I haven’t been in politics. That’s why people should want me in politics. Because America needs normal people. Not perfect people ― true people. Because the country is in need. And the people are hurting. It’s real. So that’s the biggest difference.
Q: What would be your first priority as governor?
A: I’ve traveled over 13,000 miles in the last two years ― I got started January 2022. And so as I went around, I looked for, where is the most vulnerable place in our state? And what I saw was that education is the area where it is most vulnerable. Our children are vulnerable. Our scores are low. Kids are losing their identity. They’re losing their desire. That’s a big deal ― their vision for life. When you leave, and you have no reason to continue to get a job, when you’ve got half a society that’s just dropping off and saying, who cares? That’s a big deal.
So my head of education, her name is Paige Miller. And she’s a Mom for Liberty. I love that group; they are a wonderful group of people. We bring to the table, desiring that every senior would graduate having completed an apprenticeship. Senior year is a year where they’re not doing a whole lot anyway. We want Indiana to be the training capital of the United States. So we start there, and we very rapidly go around the state. We’ve got great plans for our small towns. We’ve got our eyes on Gary, Indiana.
Q: In many ways today’s Republican Party has factions defined by one’s posture toward Donald Trump. What’s yours?
A: Whether it’s President Trump or Tim Scott or Nikki Haley or Ron DeSantis ― if any of those people were in the position that President Trump has been put in, I’d have a problem with it. I don’t believe that what’s happening in our country is fair justice. I think it’s easy to not like a person or blame something on a person’s personality, but I love the law. And there’s a lot to be wanting, in the situation that he finds himself in. In the Bible, in Micah, it says, “What is required of you but to do justly, and to love mercy and to walk humbly before thy God.” I would just say to anyone in that position, I would want everyone to do justly. And I think that is wanting, so I would direct my comment less to the person and more to the situation.
Q: Do you believe the 2020 election was stolen from Donald Trump?
A: I believe the 2020 election had an incredible amount of irregularity, and it should have been questioned.
Q: Where do you stand on Indiana’s new abortion law, and what changes to it would you support?
A: I definitely am a person that believes in life at conception, and I’m not an exception person. I’m just, life at conception. I know a lot of babies that people would have said “no” to that are just so beautiful. And our society needs their beauty.
Q: Gun violence is an epidemic in today’s American society. How should Indiana respond?
A: Fatherless homes is an epidemic in our society, and that’s what we need to be addressing. Kids model their examples. They want to be wanted. They want leadership. They want to belong.
The issue is not the item they’re picking up to do violence; the issue is their homes and the brokenness of their homes. There needs to be a wake-up call for the families that have been constantly going to the same well, but the water has run dry, and the solutions are not working. So they need to be looking for something different. My solution to gun violence is education. It’s walking in those streets, looking at those children, going to those high schools.
I’m willing to consider very outside-of-the-box things for schools that are struggling in education. If you’ve got a 10% graduation rate, everything is on the table. We will talk apprenticeships, we will talk early training in freshman year. We will talk all solutions so that kids can get out of this cycle of poverty and violence and broken family and really experience what they were made for.
Q: The 2023 legislative session dealt with culture war topics such as LGBTQ issues and school library books. Where do you stand on those issues?
A: Some of the books they’ve read, the way that they speak in these books are things that I would never let my children hear. So, there was a need for discretion. So I’m happy with the laws that have promoted that discretion and given the boundaries. But it was done for just up to third or fourth grade. It’ll be interesting to see if they stop at third grade or if they continue it for all the grades. I think if it’s good for a third grader, I don’t understand how it cuts off at fourth grade. I think it’ll be an interesting conversation.
Q: Should citizens have a right to collect signatures to put questions on the ballot without legislative approval?
A: Yeah, I think Hoosiers should.
Contact IndyStar state government and politics reporter Kayla Dwyer at kdwyer@indystar.com or follow her on Twitter @kayla_dwyer17.
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Thousands of firefighters from around the world are in downtown Indianapolis for one of the world’s largest fire and rescue training events.
The 99th Fire Department Instructors Conference started Monday and runs through Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium and the Indiana Convention Center.
This is the 32nd year the FDIC has been held in the Circle City, and over 38,000 firefighters are in town for the event.
The conference includes hands-on fire and EMS training scenarios, classroom sessions, workshops, guest speakers, and 900 exhibitors.
“We’re uniquely positioned where we do 138 hands-on training sessions. That means the students get on the buses, they go out to fire academies, they go out to structures through our network of 350+ instructors,” Chief David Rhodes, editor-in-chief of “Fire Engineering,” told News 8.
Rhodes says conventions like FDIC help take firefighters to the next level in training situations.
“They not only get to learn to do it, but they get to do it. Whether it’s going into a fire, whether it’s searching a building, or cutting someone out of a car.”
Click here to learn more about FDIC International.
There’s a small-town state park in Indiana with rugged sandstone ravines, deep canyons, ladders, steps, and tranquil scenes of Sugar Creek. Sounds like Turkey Run State Park in Marshall, doesn’t it? Well, it’s not. Less than 10 miles away, there is another park often overlooked by the one million visitors who come to west-central Indiana. Shades State Park in Waveland is a quieter and more remote version of the popular Turkey Run, so much so that it feels like a local secret.
But this low-key state park has a few hidden secrets that you can’t find anywhere else in the state. Find out what makes this one of the best state parks in Indiana to visit.
Why This Small-Town State Park Stands Out in Indiana
At over 3,000 acres, surprisingly, Shades is actually larger than Turkey Run, yet it’s often called the “less popular little brother.” And although they may have the same features, Shades State Park stands out in more than one way. For instance, this remote park offers rugged trails with dramatic views without the crowds. So, if you want to spend time without feeling rushed, this is the place for you.
Moreover, because it’s located in the rural town of Waveland, the park boasts some of the darkest skies in Indiana and hosts events throughout the year. Stargazers rejoice! You can spend dreamy nights here, looking up into the heavens, letting your imagination take you through the cosmos.
Additionally, there are unique geological formations, secluded canoe-only campsites, and incredible overlooks that make this park even that more special. And as the light filters into the less-traveled paths with canyon walls covered in moss, it looks otherworldly. In my opinion, and I am sure many Hoosiers will agree, Shades is arguably one of the most underrated hidden gems in Indiana.
What You’ll Experience at Shades State Park
Shades is known for its more rustic and less developed landscapes. Its rugged terrain makes it a fun playground to explore. Here, you’ll have access to Devil’s Backbone, a steep hike along a jagged ridge with vertical drops, with unique geological features, and it’s not for the faint of heart. It’s found on the three-mile Pine Hills Nature Preserve Trail. This is the kind of trek that you would do when you need a challenge.
The 6 Ravine Challenge trail is an adventure on its own, and one of the best hikes in Indiana. The name says it all; you’ll be hiking through six ravines on this trek. Along with the rugged and rocky terrain, come ready to climb ladders and steps to enter the narrow, carved-out canyon walls. It’s part of the fun on this hike, though, and standing inside these crevices carved out millions of years ago will leave you in awe.
Thanks to Sugar Creek, keep an eye out for the waterfalls in the area; some just slowly trickling over the rocks, but still worth the attention. And speaking of Sugar Creek, it’s another reason to visit the park. Shades has secluded campsites along the scenic water that are accessible only by canoe or kayak. Not only can you spend the night, but you can also paddle all the way to Turkey Run State Park on the creek.
Shades State Park might be the overlooked brother to Turkey Run, but this underrated state park in Indiana surely knows how to shine, in a quieter, more intimate way. That’s why locals love it so much, and you will, too.
Local Tips for Visiting
Even in peak season from April through October, Shades will be far less crowded than its “popular brother.” That said, spring is a great time to visit to see the wildflowers and flowing waters, and summer is the prime season for camping and canoeing. Of course, fall is when the park lights up with autumn colors, attracting leaf peepers galore. And the frosty season is when the park settles in. Avoid the crowds by visiting in winter, early morning, or on weekdays.
Come prepared to hike in less-developed, rugged terrain, with downed trees. Meaning, there will be rock scrambling, climbing, and you’ll find muddy and slippery sections, too. Your sneakers might not hold up here, so leave them behind. With all that there is to do and see inside Shades State Park, you’ll need more than just a day here. This means camping is the way to go! If you’re camping, be sure to bring your stargazing equipment to take advantage of the dark skies here.
The Shades campground is pretty simple with basic amenities and no electric or sewer hookups. There are just over 100 sites, 7 backcountry sites, and 10 water-access sites, perfect for those paddling on Sugar Creek.
What to Know Before You Go
Keep in mind that Shades State Park charges an entrance fee per vehicle, which varies based on residency. Bikers and hikers pay a small fee as well. If you plan on stargazing after 11 p.m, you’ll need to get a permit from the office. Visit the Shades State Park Clear Sky Chart to plan your visit.
If you come during the winter, the park has limited facilities, and some areas will have no water. So, unless you want to really rough it in the wilderness, I would skip camping here from November through April. The good news is, you might have the campsite to yourself. Before you visit, check the Shades State Park website for closures and updates.
It’s easy to see why Hoosiers like to keep this laid-back park their little secret. This is where they can come and fully immerse themselves in a peaceful, serene park with incredible views and natural wonders.
Plus, the nearby town of Waveland is a wonderful small town in Indiana to visit. Enjoy scenic rural drives to wide-open fields and nearby covered bridges. This is where slow travelers come to trade the crowds for peace.
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