Welcome to Barnes4StateRep.com - the virtual campaign HQ for the Committee to Elect John Barnes
Welcome
My name is John Barnes and I’m running for state representative. I’m a lifelong eastside resident, a graduate of Howe High School and a teacher in the Warren Township School system. I’m a parent, a community activist and a blood donor. Like you, I’m a local citizen who is concerned about his neighborhood and wants to make a positive difference.
You may remember my name from the election two years ago. In 2006, I challenged a 24-year-incumbent and one of the most powerful members of the General Assembly. We had a grassroots campaign with bi-partisan appeal. We had a message about the need for state government to be efficient, transparent and interactive.
With $28,000 and a lot of shoe leather, we criss-crossed House District #89 and knocked on doors. We had numerous conversations with eastside and southeastside residents about their realities, their hopes and their dreams. Although the incumbent spent over a quarter of a million dollars to win re-election, our campaign fell short by only 512 votes out of some 15,000 cast.
In 2008, the climate of the election will be very different. The property tax crisis has led to a feeling of empowerment among voters. They know that people can band together and bring change at the ballot box that will result in positive legislation. They also know that those candidates who don’t heed the call for common sense and efficiency in government will be turned away in their quest for office.
Back in 4th grade, at IPS school #77, I learned about the concept of Indiana’s part-time legislature. I learned that it was supposed to be made up of average citizens and not career politicians. I learned that members of the legislature would return to their own districts after each session and have to explain their actions to their friends and neighbors. I also learned that if office holders disregarded the wishes of their constituents, they wouldn’t be in office very long.
I believe that people want a no-nonsense approach to government. I believe that with a part-time legislature, politicians need to focus on the needs of the average taxpayer and avoid partisan wedge issues that are used to divide people when we should be bringing them together. I believe that office holders should be serving their people and not the special interests.
Please use this website to find out more about our campaign. If you have a question or would like more detailed information, please contact us through this site. If you like what you see, join us by volunteering for what will continue to be a home style, grassroots campaign.
Barnes Team Action Center
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