Lieutenant governor candidates speak of importance of the arts

Democrat Christina Hale, a state representative from Indianapolis, and Republican Suzanne Crouch, the state’s current auditor, sat down at the WFIU/WTIU station on Indiana University’s Bloomington campus to talk generally about arts and culture and answer questions submitted by IU students and arts advocates. The two candidates gave statements and answered questions separately.

Hale focused on the way she and Democratic gubernatorial candidate John Gregg would “work smarter and do things differently.”

Their administration would be one of talent, community and collaboration, she said.

“We are committed to being an administration that values creativity, that values the arts, like never before,” Hale said.

That could manifest itself in several different ways, she said, including ensuring communities can better leverage arts and music education in elementary, middle and secondary schools by shifting focus away from high-stakes testing; reversing the message the state has broadcast through the Religious Freedom Restoration Act and other pieces of legislation in recent years to show the state truly has a welcoming climate; and implementing a thorough economic development plan that addresses quality-of-life issues.