Heim Ready To Represent
By Stacey Creasy
Pilot News
CULVER � Even though Steve Heim has traveled to Indianapolis and was sworn in as the new state representative for the 17th District, he does not yet feel like a lawmaker.
"It still hasn't sunken in yet, it does not feel real yet," Heim said in his first interview since being elected Nov. 5. "Maybe when I'm down there in the Statehouse, day after day, I will feel more like a state legislator."
Heim overcame the odds and pulled off a number of firsts on Election Day. He became the first person who does not have the last name of Cook to win the district. He is also the first Republican to win Starke County in decades.
"I was told I am the first Republican
to win Starke County since something like 1972," Heim added. "I am honored so many Starke County people voted for me. I was surprised to win the county. I hoped to carry 40-45 percent and have Marshall
County put me over the top."
Heim credits a number of hard-working volunteers in Starke County for the upset win. In fact Heim gives his volunteers and campaign team all the credit for winning the election.
Heim also believes there are a growing number of people in Starke County who see a need for change.
The county has consistently ranked in the top 10 counties in the state with the highest jobless rate. There is also a real need for various education programs in the area.
Heim was able to take a day or two to relax after the election, but life has been pretty hectic since then. He has been to Indianapolis looking for a place to live while in session and searching for a roommate while holding down his job at IUSB and spending as much time as possible with his wife, Karen, and 19-month old daughter, Kate.
While Heim is still soaking up the excitement of being elected to the Indiana House, he knows he is facing a number of tough challenges when the 2003 General Assembly session rolls around in early January.
The state is battling to maintain a balanced budget. Projected revenues are down, expenses have risen. The state is struggling to move to a fair market assessment system.
This year will be the �long� session, in which the General Assembly will be charged with putting together the state budget for the next two years.
Heim's party, the GOP, does not yet have control of the House (there are recounts under way which could switch the balance of power) which means it will be difficult to push their budget wish list through to the Republican-controlled Senate.
"There will be three big issues this session: The budget, the budget and the budget," said Heim, who plans to stick to his campaign promise of looking at all spending cuts before thinking of raising any tax.
In fact, during his freshman term in the House, Heim plans to take his election campaign to Indianapolis. During the long session, lawmakers are allowed to submit as many bills as they want.
"Right now it looks like I will submit eight-nine pieces of legislation," Heim said, "most of which are from the campaign."
Heim will push to have the Indiana ISTEP test moved to the spring and cut the length of the test. He also wants to see the test computerized so schools and students do not have to wait months for results.
Heim also plans to introduce bills that offer tax credits for small businesses and hopes to start some educa-
|
|
| Community Calendar |
|
No events listed.
|
|
Interactive Calendar
|
