You can always count on Prosper Group to be in the middle of the action. Today we are here to see Becky Skillman demonstrate again why she's a key partner in the Daniels administration and why she is primed to replace Daniels in 2012 if she chooses.
The room is full for the LG debate- packed mostly with Mitch Daniels supporters. Unfortunately for Mr. Oxley, it seems that the room is reflecting what is likely to be the result of this election- a complete and total victory by Mitch Daniels and Becky Skillman.
A side note: I've been asked several times why Mitch Daniels chose the color green. It's apparent at events like this one where Daniels supporters stick out like a sore (green) thumb. I don't see ANY corresponding Long-Thompson wear. There seem to be a few JLT staffers in the corner looking like their candidate- completely clueless.
Gerry Dick is the moderator for today's debate. Questioners include Ruth Ann Gordern from WISH TV, Tom Beckman from Indiana Prairie Farmer, Gary Truitt from Hoosier Ag Today and Dave Russel from Brownfield Ag Network.
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Ok, my internet connection totally pooped out on me.
Q to Oxley: What are your agricultural priorities? Answer: We need health care and better education. Yeah, basically he didn't answer the problem.
Skillman: We created the office of community and rural affairs. We've also been working on rural entrepeneurship initiatives. We've had great partners with state and local leaders to get these things gonig. We also have a new hometown competitiveness program to work with communities to determine strengths in order to have strong and sustainable operations.
Q to Skillman: Lots of new dairy farms, etc. but we don't have a strategic plan. What is your plan and vision for helping the dairy industry? Answer: In the early days when we adopted the seven strategies on agriculture, dairy wasn't one of them. Our department, however, serves as strong advocates for all livestock industry. We all have a role to play there. We've had a lot of growth which is why we've announced the ag regulation task force and will be making recommendations to the governor this year.
Oxley: Our approach to agriculture and livestock. Bring everyone to the table and make everyone a part. Livestock operations, however, need to be done in a responsible manner. The Long-Thompson and Oxley administration won't support bad actors.
Q to Oxley: One of our strategies was to double pork production by 2020. Do you support that action and what would you do to make it happen? Answer: We will support the increase of pork production, but not only do we want to support pork production we want to support all of the livestock industry. We believe that not everyone has been adequetly included in the program.
Skillman: We haven't doubled it yet, but there has been a 22% increase since 2005, but that's still a decrease from 1995. We've been working on international trade to help increase that production. We hope that these trips we've been making overseas will help.
Q for Skillman: Are we tapped out with jobs from overseas or do we need to look at jobs related to research? Answer: Indiana is #1 in North America in new international jobs coming to a state. More than 45,000 new jobs are coming from these international trips.
Oxley: When O'Bannon left we had 13 trade offices throughout the world. Today we have five. At the same time, the department of agriculture has increased its budget 45% while closing these offices. We also need to be looking into jobs we can create RIGHT HERE.
Q for Oxley: Something about schools. Answer: 2005 budget was horrible and took money from schools. Budget also caused much of property tax problems. We are also going to work with Congress to change "No Child Left Behind." We want more flexibility.
Skillman: We are proposing a lot of education policy changes for 2009. We want to get more in schools. We would like to consolidate admin costs through joint purchasing. We've also proposed immunity for teachers.
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