Letters to the Editor

Redistricting not just a power grab

Mainstream media outlets have largely written off Republican redistricting efforts as being part of a power grab aimed at preventing Democrats from taking over Congress in 2026.

But I cannot let that perception go, given we live next door to the king of gerrymandering, Illinois, which gave the GOP only three out of 17 U.S. House seats in 2021.

As a former Indiana state representative (2016-2022), current Greene County Republican chairman, and current candidate for State Senate district 39, I know a handful of state Republicans have balked at redrawing Indiana's nine House districts. Yet it is also true that the Indiana Republican base seems firmly behind a mid-decade redraw. And I talk to these people every day – it's not even close.

So, no, it's not the establishment that wants this. It's the voters.

It seems counter-intuitive. Voters are supposed to be the moderating voice in such issues, but there is a new sense of taking the fight to the Democrats. It's a lively spirit lacking in a few Statehouse Republicans.

And yes, it means the GOP risks more than the wrath of MSNBC and the elites if the Republicans redistrict. They risk the much more sizable wrath of the MAGA base if they don't redistrict.

President Trump and Vice President Vance made clear they desire a more aggressive redraw, one that reflects the GOP's Hoosier growth. Why do so many feel that way? Illinois, for starters. And New York. And some other blue states, such as Maryland and California. They played by different rules when they redistricted in 2021.

Here in Indiana in 2021, we drew maps that mostly gave us a predictable 7-2 U.S. House majority over the Democrats, even as the state grew more conservative. The GOP was polite and proper, and was tougher on its own party members than the Democrats. No more. It's time to realize we are in an arms race with an enthusiastic, gerrymandering cabal of national Democrats. It won't always be a gerrymandering war for the U.S. House of Representatives, of course.

I suspect things will settle down and maps will likely become more competitive decades hence. But for now, this is a lesson we need to teach California Gov. Gavin Newsom and others. It's time to steel ourselves and do it, Republicans.

–Jeff Ellington, Greene County GOP chairman

Stop the shutdown and confront the debt crisis

Senator Kelly and his party must stop the political maneuvering and end the government shutdown immediately.

To claim Republicans refused to negotiate is simply false; it was the Democratic side that broke faith with the American people, especially their commitment to paying our troops, and then forced this closure.

The reality is that we are no longer willing to compromise for the sake of a destructive political agenda. The constant pressure to accept poor legislative deals highlights a fundamental lack of fiscal seriousness. We must look around and realize we have almost $190,000 of debt loaded onto the back of every single person in this country. That devastating legacy should be reason enough for Democrats to agree to terms that prioritize the nation's financial health.

When elected leaders refuse to come to an honest, fiscally responsible agreement, they leave the opposition no choice but to find political solutions. The will of the people, expressed clearly in 2024, mandates a change in direction. We will use every legislative tool available, including redistricting, to ensure the government finally reflects the mandate to refocus on building, not destroying, our nation.

— Kristi Risk, Candidate for IN Senate District 39

Local organizations like Wagler Education & Training Center are needed
By: Britt Miller, Director, Member Engagement, UDWI REMC

According to a study conducted by Ivy Tech earlier this year, there will be a need for more than 82,000 people to gain non-degree credentials— such as skills training, certifications and licenses— in the next decade to meet the growing demand for skilled trade jobs in Indiana.

One organization helping to support people into entering skilled-trade positions is Wagler Education & Training Center (WETC), based in Lyons. WETC is a state-approved Adult Education Site offering the Indiana High School Equivalency and certifications in trade skills. As a local organization, Wagler Education & Training Center is passionate about helping fellow community members achieve their goals by advancing their careers and their overall qualities-of-life— something I discovered when I toured WETC to learn more about what they do.

During the tour, I had the chance to meet with Michelle Ellis, Director of Training Programs & Adult Education Coordinator. Michelle truly embodies the mission of WETC and cares for the success of each one of her students; her heart for helping the community is reflected in the success of WETC, with 352 students having graduated from various programs from July of 2024 through June of this year. Upon graduation, many families are able to become self-sufficient, going into skilled-trade professions across Indiana and advancing their annual incomes by thousands of dollars.

The specific trade skills offered by Wagler Education & Training Center include: IT Fundamentals, Welding, CNC Machining, CDL-A training, CDL-B, School Bus, Heavy Equipment Operations, Core Construction, Certified Clinical Medical Assistant, HVAC and Medical Billing & Coding.

For those looking to further themselves, now is a great time to apply as a student at waglereducation.com. Community members can also support WETC's mission by purchasing something on their Amazon wishlist or by "sponsoring a student."