Letter: Candidate participation should be required

The 2024 Election is over, and as the Chairperson of the Dubois County Democratic Party, I would like to thank everyone who took the time to participate in the electoral process by casting their vote.

I was also a candidate for State Representative in this election. I was disappointed that my opponent, Representative Lindauer, along with several other candidates, refused to participate in debates or forums. Such events would have helped voters make more informed choices.

The lack of public interaction among candidates shows little respect for the people of Dubois County, whom they seek to represent in state government. People need easy access to information to make informed decisions, so candidates need to speak publicly about the issues they would address in the State Legislature. This transparency is a vital part of the election process. 

I would hope in future campaigns, the public would demand that our elected officials engage with their constituents in a public forum or meeting that allows questions and answers about issues that matter to them.  A candidate that does not show respect to their constituents does not deserve the constituent’s vote.

In 2025, we’ll get a break from campaigns and relentless political TV ads—at least until 2026. Hopefully, candidates from both parties will engage in meaningful dialogue with voters so that we understand what we are voting for and how each candidate intends to work for us.

Teresa Kendall,
Jasper