Two candidates vy for eight counties

FOUNTAIN COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI) - Two candidates are vying to represent eight different counties in the Indiana House for the next two years.

The state of Indiana reworked its districts last year. That means two candidates for District 13 are working to get votes in parts of  Benton, Fountain, Jasper, Montgomery, Newton, Tippecanoe, Warren and White Counties.

Republican candidate Sharon Negele has served as Attica's clerk-treasurer for the last nine years. Democratic candidate Mark Straw of Warren County is a farmer who also works as the Executive Administrator for the Indiana State Egg Board.

"I have something to give back, my experience, my education. I have the time now in my life because my children are grown," Negele said.

"I felt like the citizens of District 13 deserved a choice. I think choice is important," Straw said.

Both Negele and Straw said they know what issues the people of District 13 want to see change. They said job creation and education are at the top of the list.

"We're rural and we do need a lot of jobs. How do we build those jobs and keep them there?" said Straw.

"The area in education that I really want to focus on is growing our vocational programs," Negele said.

In October, Straw challenged Negele to a series of debates. She declined the challenge.

"We thought it was important that the citizens in the district have an opportunity to learn more about the candidates," Straw said.

"If he was truly was sincere about this, I should have received some information on this where he and I could have mutually created these forums and appropriately obtained a moderator to create a fair and balanced atmosphere," Negele said.

Both Negele and Straw said they are ready to represent the large, rural District 13.

Election Day is Nov. 6 and the polls are open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.