Democrat challenges incumbent GOP lawmaker for the 38th District seat

Republican incumbent Heath R. VanNatter is defending his seat against Democratic challenger Carl A. Seese to represent the 38th District, which includes northeastern Tippecanoe County, southeastern White County, parts of Clinton and Carroll counties and all of Tipton County.

The candidates were emailed questions and ask to return them with a photo. Here are their responses to questions.

Name: Carl A. Seese

Age: 67

Occupation: Retired public school teacher (most recently, Twin Lakes High School: Spanish and U.S. history)

City: Delphi

Why are you running for office?

I’m running out of concern for Indiana’s near- and long-term future. Too many of our graduates leave Indiana to seek better quality of life and opportunities elsewhere. “Hoosier hospitality” is not a thing of the past. People, in all their diversity, must feel safe, secure and welcome in our community.

What are your top three goals, if elected?

My first priority is to stop the expansion of the voucher system. As a recently retired public-school teacher, I know that vouchers suck scarce resources away from public schools, especially in rural areas.

My second goal is to protect access to quality health care. This includes access to women’s health care that restores reproductive rights. It also includes access to clinics and community hospitals for people of all income levels.

My third concern is for the environment. We must incentivize solar and other forms of renewable energy and establish policies to protect the soil, air and water of rural Indiana.

What do you see as the biggest challenge the district faces in 2025?

Tippecanoe County’s surge in population needs to be managed carefully. Not only the recent increase in student numbers at Purdue, but also the coming influx of families of high-tech and other industrial workers will impact many areas: the stock of quality affordable housing; parks, recreation, and biking opportunities; the transportation and communication infrastructures (including broadband); the availability of affordable quality child care; and, of course, public education and sustaining the stellar reputations of the county’s schools.

Policies at the state level must be developed transparently, with broad citizen input, such as to respect local control while prioritizing society’s greater good.

GOP candidate VanNatter did not respond to the J&C's questions.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Democrat challenges incumbent GOP lawmaker for the 38th District seat