Kleeman files as Democrat for House District 74

Completing a successful career at Lincoln Hills Development Corporation (LHDC) a few weeks ago, Larry K. Kleeman has decided to continue his public service by filing his petition to be the Democratic candidate for election to the Indiana General Assembly for House District 74.

House District 74 includes all of Perry and Crawford counties and portions of Spencer, Dubois and Orange counties in southern Indiana. Representative Lloyd Arnold currently represents District 74.

Kleeman resides in Tell City with his wife Sharon. They are the parents of five children, grandparents of nine and great grandparents of one.

He is a graduate of Tell City High School and Indiana State University with a degree in Business Administration and Economics. Kleeman also was a member of the Indiana Army National Guard, graduating from the Indiana Military Academy as a second lieutenant, serving in Charlie Company in Tell City as an Infantry and Mortar Platoon Leader achieving the rank of first lieutenant prior to his honorable discharge.

Kleeman started his career as a caseworker in 1970 with the Perry County Department of Public Welfare and was promoted to Director of the Department in 1971. He joined Lincoln Hills Development Corporation (LHDC) as a deputy director in 1976 becoming executive director/CEO in 1980 and serving in that capacity until his retirement December 31st.  As the CEO of Lincoln Hills, Kleeman oversaw 140 employees who provided services in 10 counties and 30 locations to approximately 7,000 people annually with an annual operating budget of around $14 million.

During his tenure the Head Start early childhood development pre-school program grew from serving 60 children annually to 371 children in Crawford, Harrison, Perry and Spencer Counties.

Kleeman also initiated and developed 615 housing units in 21 different locations including the Indiana Cotton Mill. The Cotton Mill constructed in 1849, located in Cannelton, was vacant for nearly three decades when Lincoln Hills was invited in 1998 by the Perry County Chamber of Commerce to get involved. The building was on the top 10 most endangered historic buildings of being lost. Kleeman was successful in securing a variety of tax credits, equity investments, grants and loans to preserve this National Historic Landmark and converted to 70 apartment units that opened in 2002.

Kleeman has served on numerous local, state and national boards, including Perry County Habitat for Humanity and the Tell City-Troy Township School Board. He is also the recipient of numerous awards including the staff member of the year award from the Indiana Association of Community and Economic Development in 2005, a Distinguished Hoosier award from Governor Daniels in 2007, a Sagamore of the Wabash award from Governor Pence in 2014 and a Congratulatory Certificate from Archbishop Joseph W. Tobin honoring Kleeman’s service upon his retirement in December.

“I believe I have the abilities and talents to serve the people of District 74 in a fair and responsive manner,” Kleeman said. “I have spent my entire career working throughout the District (Crawford, Dubois, Orange, Perry & Spencer Counties) with people of diverse backgrounds, from all political parties, to improve the quality of life. I’m not running to be State Representative; I’m running to serve the people of this area as their representative.”