Recently in Indiana Senate Category

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 28, 2008
 
Contact: Sen. Jim Arnold (home) 219-326-5826 or (cell) 219-608-9520
 
Arnold has broad support for re-election
State Senator receives key endorsements
 
State Sen. Jim Arnold has received endorsements from a wide variety of organizations in his bid for re-election in Senate District 8.
 
Arnold's support includes public safety, labor and education groups, as well as the Indiana Manufacturers Association and the Indiana Farm Bureau.
 
"The wide array of support that I have received for my re-election campaign demonstrates what I am most proud of - my ability to reach out to all groups and across the political aisle to work hard and get the job done for my constituents."
 
Arnold's endorsements include:
 
LaPorte Firefighters
Indiana Fraternal Order of Police
Professional Fire Fighters Union of Indiana
Indiana AFL-CIO
Indiana Manufacturers Association
Indiana Farm Bureau
Indiana Federation of Teachers
Dunes Shore Political Action Committee for Education
United Senior Action of Indiana
 
Arnold, an Air Force and Army Reserve veteran, has over three decades of public service to his credit. He is a career law enforcement officer who served two terms as the LaPorte County Sherriff. Senate District 8 covers portions of LaPorte and St. Joseph counties.
 
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Paid for an authorized by The Committee to Elect Jim Arnold State Senator
 

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 15, 2008
 
Contact: Trevor Foughty, Campaign Manager
(765) 480-2508 (cell)
trevor@drtonybennett.com

  Republican candidates promise to back measures for tighter background checks on new teachers

State Superintendent candidate Dr. Tony Bennett, State Senator Teresa Lubbers, and State Representative candidate Chris Swatts pledge support for reforms to strengthen background checks on new teachers and provide a centralized reporting process for dismissed teachers
(INDIANAPOLIS) Republican candidate for State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Bennett, along with Republican State Senator Teresa Lubbers and Republican State Representative candidate Chris Swatts, promised on Wednesday to push for education initiatives that would strengthen current laws regarding background checks for teachers during hiring processes.

"Teachers are on the front lines of education every day, and we must make sure we have teachers of the highest integrity and moral quality in front of our children," said Bennett.  "Currently, schools are only required to do a limited criminal background check when hiring new teachers, and I think the first thing we need to do is to require national FBI background checks so that school systems can have the confidence they aren't hiring any bad actors."

Bennett also addressed Indiana's lack of a central reporting procedure for schools when they dismiss teachers for misconduct.

"The Department of Education should be set up as a conduit for this information so that we can stop 'passing the trash' from district to district," said Bennett.  "It is unacceptable to me that a teacher who acts inappropriately in one district is able to sneak into another district just because we have no uniform method to inform other districts of the reasons for their dismissal."

Lubbers, who also chairs the Senate Education Committee, agreed with Bennett that the measures are needed, and emphasized that school districts will maintain their local control.

 "Responsibility for personnel decisions ultimately rests with the local school districts," said Lubbers.  "But it's clear to me that the system we have isn't working.  We have a real opportunity to repair and strengthen what's currently in place, while at the same time respecting the autonomy of individual districts."

Swatts also agreed that the measures were needed, citing recent stories and editorials in the Indianapolis Star that highlighted cases of teachers dismissed for behavioral issues such as sexual misconduct finding jobs in other school districts.

"As a result of recent articles in the Star, it has become apparent to me that reform is needed," said Swatts.  "These are simple, common sense initiatives that will have an extremely positive impact on education in Indiana.  If elected, I look forward to the chance to work on this crucial legislation."

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For immediate release
June 30, 2008

Contact:
Russell Bennett - Senate Democratic Caucus Campaign Director - 317-231-7118

Mike Cesnik running for Senate District 35 Seat

At a caucus held Thursday, June 26, 2008, Mike Cesnik, a Decatur Township resident and psychotherapist, was chosen as the Democratic candidate for Indiana Senate District 35.

"The voters of District 35 deserve to make the choice in which candidate will best represent them," said Cesnik. "For too long they have been represented by a career politician who is out of touch with their needs.

I've spent my adult life helping others, and that is what I will continue to do as the new State Senator for the district."

Cesnik works for Centerstone, a mental health center in Mooresville. He has worked for other treatment centers and social service organizations over the years, including Big Brothers in Indianapolis.

Cesnik earned his bachelor's degree from St. Meinrad College. He earned an MS in marriage and family therapy from Butler University and his MAT from Notre Dame.

Cesnik and his wife Jackie are active members of St. Ann Catholic Church. They serve on the building committee and he leads a study group.

Cesnik also volunteers for St. Vincent DePaul and tutors children at Stephen Decatur Elementary School. He serves as the secretary of the Decatur Township Democrat Club.

The Cesniks have been married for 41 years and have five children and six grandchildren.

Senate District 35 includes portions of Decatur and Wayne Townships in Marion County, and also portions of Johnson and Morgan Counties. The seat is currently held by Republican Senator R. Michael Young.