Who will get your vote?

TIPPECANOE COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI) - It was 1982 when Democratic State Representative Sheila Klinker first walked through the State House doors as a representative for District 27. Thirty years later, she hopes to hold on to that title.

"I feel that I've worked hard enough to get issues done for our local community that my experience speaks for itself," said Klinker.

Yet, Republican candidate Chuck Hockema is hoping to bring a breath of fresh air to the community.

"There's a lot of people who have grown accustomed to voting for my opponent," said Hockema. "Thirty years is a long time, but I'm very confident that I can do some things that will be very beneficial to Lafayette and the surrounding communities."

While they may differ on who they think should represent District 27, they both believe job creation, education, and the economy, are top priorities. Both Klinker and Hockema have experience when it comes to the local school system.

Klinker was a teacher with the Lafayette School Corporation and Hockema is a McCutcheon High School graduate. Both believe a positive learning experience comes from teachers, and said teacher evaluations need to be reworked.

Klinker and Hockema also believe creating jobs locally depends on the economy. The economy is an important issue, but as Klinker said, something Lafayette and West Lafayette have the resources to do.

"I think the economy is really looking up here," said Klinker. "We're getting companies looking at Lafayette and West Lafayette and I understand it's because we have a symphony, we have the arts which is very prevalent, as well as very good schools."

"Everything we do in government at the state level is driven by how well our economy is doing," said Hockema. "If we don't have the revenues we need in order to fund those programs, then everything else is lost."

In the end, their fate lies in the hands of voters. Cast your vote on Tuesday, and decide who will be your District 27 State Representative.