Reske and Reid part of a campus discussion
By Noelle Smith, Staff Writer Oct. 26, 2012Oct. 29 at 7 p.m. in the Butz-Carruth Recital Hall.
Two of the candidates battling for the 5th District Congressional seat, Democrat Scott Reske and Libertarian Chard Reid, will be in attendance to share their platforms and field questions from the audience. Republican candidate, Susan Brooks, has declined attending due t
o a scheduling conflict.
Reske is a retired Marine officer and volunteer
firefighter. He is owns an engineering firm and a construction firm. Reske has served as a state representative for the past 10 years.
Reid is a native Hoosier who teaches economics and finance at Carmel High School. The Anderson graduate also ran for Congress in 2010.
Brooks is the current vice president of Ivy Tech Community College. She was appointed by President George W. Bush to the position of U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana in 2001 where she
served for seven years.
Representative Dan Burton (R) is stepping down from his seat he has held for 30 years in the 5th District. He cited family health reasons for his retirement.
The 5th District was redrawn in 2010, and it lost several counties that Burton would have depended
on to win had he run.
Political Science professor Stephen King has been organizing the forum. The political science and international studies departments along with Global Engagement are sponsoring the event.
The purpose of the forum is to, "Encourage greater civic and political awareness on the part of the Taylor community, especially the students," King said. He hopes students from the 5th District and outside it attend the forum. "It is vital that Taylor students, both those living in the 5th district and those who do not, take the time to listen to political candidates, hear their hearts, understand the issues facing the country, and thus become better informed and active citizens."
King chose to go with a forum rather than a debate because he wants it to be informative and educational rather then heated and combative. King will be moderating the forum. Some of the topics to be discussed are the economy, jobs, education reform and foreign policy.
"I am excited that Taylor is able to host this candidate forum," King said. "And it is my hope that as many students, faculty, staff, administrators and the general public will come and engage in the political process. It is imperative that for a free nation to remain free and strong it must have a vital civic education component. The forum is one such vehicle to encourage and promote this civic-mindedness."
Global Engagement is partnering with the political science and international studies departments to host the forum. "Students need to realize that outstanding events are being offered daily by our student leaders and faculty alike," said Roger Mitchell, Global Engagement co-president.
The forum is free and open to the public. There will be a time for the audience to ask questions. Refreshments will be provided.
