Joy Fischer, of Ice Miller LLP, attended the Lt. Governor's debate and authored this blog.

On August 13, Ice Miller LLP, CountryMark and the AgriInstitute presented the Lieutenant Governor's debate on agriculture at the Indiana State Fair.  There was no better backdrop than the fair to host the debate given the tremendous impact the food, agricultural and, of course, hardwood industries have on our state.  The debate was moderated by Gerry Dick from Inside INdiana Business.

Indiana State Representative Dennie Oxley opened the debate talking about the need to re-build and reinvigorate Indiana's economy.  He emphasized his rural roots growing up in English, Ind., a small rural community in Crawford County.  Oxley emphasized a collaborative approach to governing – that every stakeholder should have a place at the table and a voice in the discussion, especially as we face economic challenges.  Oxley noted that Indiana is 44th in the nation in personal growth and one of the leading states in home foreclosures. 

Lt. Governor Becky Skillman countered referencing the Governor's 2004 roadmap to an economic recovery which brought real change to Indiana.  She noted the $600 million budget deficit Gov. Daniels inherited and emphasized the administration balanced the budget in the first year.  She spoke of the work of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) which has closed on 590 business deals attracting $17 billion in private capital investments to the state.  Skillman particularly noted the impact agriculture has on our state, contributing an estimated $25 billion a year to the state's economy. 

The candidate's opening remarks were followed by a series of questions from the panelists.  One of the questions asked the panelists to share their top five rural economic priorities.  Oxley focused on the need to expand healthcare, re-invest in schools and adapt a green jobs initiative.  Lt. Governor Skillman referenced the administration's work in creating the Office of Community and Rural Affairs which has distributed $100 million to local communities for infrastructure and capital projects.  She also emphasized the importance of community leadership training programs and the hometown competitiveness program.

Another question focused on the expansion of dairy operations and asked the candidates how they plan to manage the growth and, at the same time, safeguard the environment.  Lt. Governor Skillman referenced the work of the ag regulatory task force and that the Daniels administration will continue to be an advocate for livestock groups.  At the same time, she recognized that growth must be managed responsibly.  Oxley acknowledged that he supports the growth of livestock as well but wants all production to increase in a responsible manner. 

One of the panelists asked the candidates to offer their opinions on the biggest opportunities and challenges facing our state.  Lt. Governor Skillman focused on the opportunities for livestock production and hardwoods.  She referenced the growing gap between the public's perception of agriculture and reality as one of the biggest challenges.  Oxley stated that one of the greatest opportunities for Indiana is to use agriculture to improve the economy.  As a state legislator, he supported the formation of the Indiana Department of Agriculture and emphasized we need an administration that will attract as many jobs as possible. 

One of the final questions asked the panelists to comment on soil erosion and the June 7 flood.  Oxley highlighted the challenges rural Indiana faces and emphasized the need to re-invest in rural areas.  Particularly, he highlighted his support of the Clean Water Indiana program.  Lt. Governor Skillman pointed out that in 2005, the administration re-distributed the cigarette tax to provide funding for soil conservation efforts. 

Oxley's closing statements, once again, focused on his rural heritage.  He spoke about the role agriculture can play in developing Indiana's economy and the need to bring everyone to the table.  Lt. Governor Skillman spoke of the need to develop a strategic plan.  Specifically, she referenced the growth of biofuels, livestock production and the hardwood industry.  She spoke of her commitment in seeing the agricultural sector grow and thrive.  She concluded by pointing to the administration's 3 1/2 years of action-oriented policymaking which has made Indiana cleaner, leaner and more tax payer friendly. 

Agriculture long has been an important part of the political dialogue.  I think we can all agree that in the current dynamic and even volatile period we find agriculture, we need an administration with a strong strategic vision to help us compete in the global marketplace. 

I know like many of you, I am looking forward to continuing to hear from the candidates on this important issue.