Mary Roberson
Mary Roberson
LEOPOLD – Mary Roberson, who has led Perry Central Community School since 2003, has thrown her hat into the political ring, filing to fill the vacancy created by the resignation earlier this month of District 74 State Rep. Lloyd Arnold.

Arnold, a Crawford County Republican who had served the district since late 2012, stepped down from office after being asked to serve as director of law enforcement for the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. He began his new duties Oct. 23.

Roberson believes she has the experience and temperament to be a good legislator who can help find solutions to problems

“It’s something that’s been in the back of my mind for a long time and I believe the time is right. I think I would do a good job representing our district in the Statehouse,” she said. With her experience in education, Roberson believes she can have meaningful input on state funding of education, which is about half of the state’s budget. She also sees herself as a consensus builder who can work with Republicans and Democrats to find solutions to the state’s issues.

If chosen, Roberson would serve the remainder of Arnold’s term, through December 2018. Whoever is chosen to replace Arnold would most likely be the Republican front-runner for the seat in next year’s election but could face primary opposition in May.

Democrat Larry Kleeman of Tell City, who ran against Arnold last year, has already announced plans to run again.

Roberson said she would seek to remain superintendent of schools at Perry Central but would ask that her contract, and pay, be reduced to reflect the time she would be spending in Indianapolis.

Also seeking to succeed Arnold are Richard Lee and John Bowen of Spencer County and Steve Bartels of Crawford County. The caucus to choose Arnold’s replacement will be held on Monday, Nov. 6, at Perry Central.

Roberson began her education career at Perry Central in 1986 as a kindergarten teacher. She joined the administrative staff in 1997 as an elementary assistant principal. In 2002, she became assistant superintendent and, in 2003 became superintendent.
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