ALEXANDRIA — Candidates from four races faced the questions of the Madison County Tea Party Thursday.
Candidates included state representative candidate Kim Builta, Circuit Court Judge Rudy Pyle, sheriff candidate Sam Hanna and candidate for prosecutor Angela Simms.
While the candidates all represented local offices, the more than 100 citizens in attendance posed a variety of questions that related more to social issues and federal law.
“Are you pro-life?” one man asked.
Three candidates said they were, but Pyle could not comment due to his oath as a judge, but answered the question by affirming that he is a servant of Jesus Christ.
Another member of the audience asked Builta if she would support a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage in Indiana.
“I believe marriage is between a man and a woman; I don’t believe and won’t support gay rights,” Builta responded.
Later, tea party member Nova Guffey asked Builta if she would have voted for the Patriot Act.
Builta reminded Guffey and the audience that federal legislators passed the legislation, not state legislators.
Speaking on more local issues, Angela Simms, who is running against Rodney Cummings for the republican nomination for prosecutor, said the office needs to be more open to the public.
“That office needs to be restored to the citizens of the community,” Simms said.
Sam Hanna, who is running for sheriff, said he is eligible to retire after 35 years as a county police officer, but feels compelled to serve as sheriff.
“There is no room in the Madison County Sheriff’s Department for politics,” Hanna said. He also commented that Sheriff Ron Richardson has spent the last four years “running for sheriff.”
Judge Rudy Pyle, running for re-election to his current seat, said his comprehensive skill set enable him to serve the bench well.
Pyle said he had been able to upgrade court technology by using probation fees rather than tax dollars.
Builta said she believes the citizens of Indiana are overtaxed.
Responding to comments made about the group on The Herald Bulletin Web site forums, Guffey said the tea party is not a group of extremists, as they have been portrayed.
“We’re not going to promote violence or any of the things you may have been hearing,” Guffey said.
Tea party member Danny Hayes emphasized the point by polling the audience. “Is there anyone here who thinks the way to change government is blow up buildings?”
None of the members in attendance raised a hand.
Contact Brandi Watters 640-4847, brandi.watters@heraldbulletin.com.
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Related Photos
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Canidates stand before members of the Madison County American Tea Party. The group was there to answer questions and introduce themselves to members of the community. From left to right they are Judge Rudy Pyle, canidate for re-elction for Circuit Court, Kim Builta, canidate for State Representative, Angela Simms, canidate for Prosecuting Attorney, and Sam Hanna, canidate for Madison County Sheriff.
Discussion
Tea party hosts hopefuls, defends reputation
Local candidates quizzed on social, federal issues
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