<strong>Why are you seeking election?</strong>
I was concerned about where we were headed legislatively as a state, and so I decided I wanted to get involved and take action. I got involved at the lower level as a precinct committeeperson for the Johnson County Democratic Party, and just continued to engage in different issues. I found this opportunity, and I think it’s an excellent way to get involved and work to make a difference for Hoosiers.
<strong>What qualifications and experience make you a good fit for this position?</strong>
The most significant experience I have that qualifies me for being a state representative is the experience I have working at Eli Lilly and Co. I worked in information technology for over 20 years at Lilly, and one of the roles I had was managing global projects with multiple constituencies, and I think the skills you learn in developing solutions for problems through IT, you can apply to addressing our state issues and policies.
<strong>What would be your top three priorities if elected?</strong>
My platform includes four E’s: education, employment, environment and equality for all. Based on analyzing and studying the legislation that has been put forth over the last few years in Indiana, I believe if we make those items a higher priority, we will be able to make differences in the quality of life for Hoosiers moving forward.
<strong>What are some of the biggest issues facing Indiana today?</strong>
Education and how it is funded in Indiana is a significant issue. We must address it. We are facing short-term and long-term issues there. As far as teacher shortages, we see the impact right now. But in the long run, that impact is only going to get bigger.
The pandemic continues to highlight what’s important for us to focus on … Jobs are important. Hoosiers want to work … We need to make sure there are opportunities for hardworking Hoosiers to get good, safe jobs so they can have stability.
We don’t have to look far to realize that we need to take better care of our environment so it isn’t making us sick.
We need to demonstrate that we are a welcoming state for all people. That is really important to encourage development of business and good jobs.
<strong>How do you plan to push legislation that addresses your priorities?</strong>
Nothing in the General Assembly gets done by one person. It is very important to develop partnerships and collaborate with those on both sides of the aisle. One of the things I’m very proud of is that I have bipartisan support for my candidacy.
<strong>What are your thoughts on Indiana’s COVID-19 response, and what role do you think the General Assembly should play next year when considering pandemic-related legislation?</strong>
I do appreciate that our governor and state government has taken an approach to communicate directly with the public. I appreciate they are basing their plans on facts and science, and that Dr. (Kristina) Box is an equal partner in the discussion.
The General Assembly should take on a larger role in the response to the pandemic. One of the most important roles of representatives is that they are responsible for bringing those unique aspects or issues or impacts for their district to the table, so that it can be included in decision-making.
<strong>How do you plan to help your district specifically, and communicate with constituents about what is going on at the Statehouse?</strong>
My plan is to have more opportunities to communicate with constituents, like town halls. I will continue to engage through email and phone. I would also like to engage more people in conversation on a regular basis as we work through the session. Some of the legislators last session were able to communicate through social media in effective ways, and share what was happening and ask for input. I will always have an open-door policy.
<strong>What is your position on public school funding? How should Indiana address the way it funds schools?</strong>
The General Assembly and governor made a promise to teachers at the Red for Ed rally last year that they will address the teacher pay issue in 2021. They need to fulfill that promise. We’ve seen through the pandemic, the impact on our public schools and how difficult it has been for our students, teachers and parents. Teachers are critical in the success of our public schools.
The public school funding formula needs evaluation. We need to understand how that’s impacting the quality of education in different areas across the state. The quality of a child’s education should not be defined by their zip code or by their socioeconomic status. Also, we must evaluate how the voucher program has been impacting school budgets, especially in the public school sector.
<strong>Do you think it is beneficial or detrimental to decision-making that both chambers in the General Assembly have supermajorities?</strong>
I don’t believe a supermajority of either party is a good thing. I believe that balance is what we need to be striving for because balance will increase accountability. A balanced representation will bring back a balanced discussion and more debate. The more perspectives we have in that debate, the better solutions we will come up with.
<strong>The Elliott File</strong>
Name: Angela Elliott
Party: Democrat
Residence: White River Township
Family: Husband; two children
Occupation: Independent business consultant
Education: Indiana University
Political experience: Precinct committeeperson
Memberships: 25 Women for 2020; Network of Women in Business
