Russ Stilwell, Indiana State Representative District 74

Thank you everyone!! It was a Great Journey!

2010-11-06T13:20:00.000-07:00

Joanna and I would like to thank everyone who volunteered and helped us on our incredible journey over the past 14 years. The memories are very special and the friendships will last a lifetime. I have been blessed with good health, a great family and a career of sheer enjoyment from my days as a mineworker through my runs for public office. The journey may be over but the passion for the things I believed in are still there.

And a special thank you to the scores of people from across the state who called and emailed me their best wishes after the election. I know it is not an easy thing to call someone who just lost a competitive race that lasted for months, but the calls were welcome. It was a great run and I believe we provided some lasting provisions in our Hoosier state that will help working families and Hoosiers across the state for generations.

THANK YOU ALL for allowing Joanna and I to have been your public servent for the past 14 years. It was an incredible journey!

Russ Stilwell

A Pledge to Citizens and Voters of Indiana House District 74

2010-10-08T07:07:00.000-07:00

Last night, at the candidates debate in Dale, House District 74 candidates Russ Stilwell and Sue Ellspermann publicly signed a pledge to run clean, high integrity campaigns. A crowded room of constituents applauded both candidates for signing the pledge. The pledge is a commitment from the candidates to run their campaigns with a focus on issues and vision that will make all voters in District 74 proud. Both candidates stressed that races focused on issues, and not negatives, is what voters want and the public deserves.

The pledge is below:

A Pledge to Citizens and Voters of Indiana House District 74

We are entering the last few weeks of the election. Most of you have probably been bombarded with political information from a myriad of sources… much of it negative. Many of you have reached out to us sharing your frustration with “mud slinging” ads, negative polls and distortions of one’s record and beliefs. They clutter our mailboxes, our phone lines and our televisions. We agree this is unacceptable!

We believe the voters of House District 74 deserve two candidates who will focus on issues and allow voters to explore each candidate’s strengths and differences as they decide for whom they will cast their vote. We both have been public in this desire. At the suggestion of one our local media outlets, we have agreed to craft a joint pledge… and here it is:

We agree to a clean, issues-driven race. Further, we agree to inform our respective state party leadership and our respective party caucuses of this joint agreement. We further agree that we both intend for them to honor this agreement and not send out any mail or mass communications on our behalf unless we have personally approved the material. Hold us accountable to hold them accountable.

We agree to spend the remainder of the campaign talking to and providing you with information in an accurate, professional and ethical manner. Your engagement in this race is our top priority. Our goal is to provide you with a clear vision of our qualifications, our records and our vision for Indiana without the static of negative messaging.

We would welcome your support of this joint pledge by letting us know that you appreciate this joint agreement. We welcome your calls, e-mails and editorials. Who knows? We just might start a trend to return political civility to our state and nation!

Sincerely and in the interests of the citizens of Southwest Indiana,

Russ Stilwell
Democrat Candidate
State Representative, District 74

Sue Ellspermann, PhD
Republican Candidate
State Representative, District 74

Real Issues of Campaign

2010-09-28T08:35:00.000-07:00

Dear Editor:

Your newspaper recently received an editorial message from my opponent outlining a message of her “Ten Commandments of the Campaign” and reference of a survey that, according to her, “included a long portion of, ‘If Sue was found to have . . . would you support her’ topics of mistruths”? She wanted to assure voters that if you are called, these wild scenarios are without merit. She even threw in the word “political mudslinging.”

Let me and my campaign join the bandwagon! I was the recipient of a survey poll that lasted about 16 minutes that was conducted a few days after the survey my opponent referred to. The survey was clearly a poll conducted by the Republican Party or my opponents’ own campaign. This Republican pollster was seeking to find issues that confuse voters from which to form a negative message against me.

I too had several friends and voters share with me that they too had been on the receiving end of this poll. They also expressed their dismay and outrage of the attacks upon my integrity and my voting record in a distorted way! My opponent should not make accusations about a survey without reviewing or even being knowledgeable of the content of her own! It sounds a little disingenuous, to say the least!

I agree with my opponent that the voters of District 74 do not deserve to have our positions and lives distorted. And I agree that mudslinging has no place in our campaigns!

I have personally knocked on thousands doors and had community forums throughout my district. I know the issues voters are talking about and those issues include jobs, making sure our tax dollars are used efficiently, public education and many others. They want to know that I will continue to challenge Indianapolis bureaucrats’ efforts to run our local communities, our schools and our way of life!

Voters want to know if their representative is a strong leader, can they trust them and do they care about people like them. I do my best to be that person.

I have continually worked with both sides of the political aisle, did my best to understand the debate from different perspectives and forge compromise in the end. I have worked very hard to earn the confidence of the voters in House District 74. I welcome the discussion of the real issues of this campaign as Election Day draws near.

Russ Stilwell

State Representative

House District 74

Stilwell Responds

2010-09-24T06:59:00.000-07:00

Letter to the Editor

Ferdinand News

I am surprised that my opponent for Indiana House Seat 74 used the NFIB (National Federation Independent Business) in your Letter to the Editor last week. It was suggested that my 11% voting record for “small business”, as determined by the NFIB, was prove that I was not responsive or supportive of our small business community. Nothing could be further from the truth!

The NFIB rated only nine issues in their voting record, most of which I did not support, and with good reason! Let’s review a them:

(1) I voted in a bipartisan fashion to move the age discrimination claims from the Labor Department to the Civil Rights Commission. This was a vote to not allow further erosion of age discrimination. I think the 58-37 bipartisan passage of this measure speaks for itself. (2) I voted to require businesses that have a mass layoff or closure to provide notice to their employees, when applicable. Seems like a logical and fair procedure for Hoosier workers! (3) I voted to extend Indiana’s stature of repose regarding asbestos exposure claims. This vote provided equity for victims of mesothelioma, which takes decades to develop after exposure. (4) Want to know what’s in your food at National Restaurant Chains? That why I voted to support this nutritional informational notice. (5) Again, I voted in a bipartisan fashion to end the improper classification of employees that cost the state of Indiana millions of dollars in tax revenues and violates federal law. (6) I supported, in a broad bi-partisan vote, vote to restore the property tax cycle. (7) Property Tax Caps – I had the courage to vote no on the property taxes. These caps will not affect my district as nearly 98% of homeowners in District 74 fall outside the caps. The relief and your tax dollars will go to high-tax urban area in Indianapolis, South Bend and Lake County while your property taxes continue to creep upward. Not only this, but small business would pay three times what they pay today if the full caps were used! (8) This vote was a no vote (on a 2nd reading amendment) to dismantle the Unemployment Insurance fund and cause unemployed Hoosiers countless delays/problems with their UI. (9) Delay of the UI reform measures passed the House 85-12, in a bipartisan fashion, a measure that I negotiated and sent to the floor of the House.

Sometimes when a person is criticized for a voting record, the record in not fully explained. I am proud of my work on behalf of all Hoosiers, particularly the Hoosier who call House District 74 their home. As to the NFIB . . . the chief lobbyist for NFIB in Indiana has never called upon my office nor informed my office of their position prior to a House Floor vote even though I have open office hours, have a key leadership position within my caucus and gauge every vote on the strengths and weaknesses of the bill and the impact on the folks I have the privilege to represent!

Russ Stilwell

State Representative, House District 74

Happy Labor Day!

2010-09-04T14:22:00.000-07:00

I would like to extend a Happy Labor Day to everyone across our nation, particularly those who do the work for our nation and our state. The U.S. Labor workforce is second to none. Give us the challenge, provide us the jobs and put us on a mission and the American worker has no equal!

The Great Recession has taken a toll on Hoosiers. I hope to continue my work to bring meaningful and good paying jobs to SW Indiana. I was the leading force to bring the Village Earth project to Warrick County, but the Senate Republicans said no. I was the author of legislation that provides an opportunity for thousands of skilled trades to build a high-tech cleanest-in-the-world gasification facility. And I helped create a package of small business incentives in 2010 that can put people to work.

Together our nation and our workers can create whatever the imagination can deliver. Happy Labor Day to everyone. And thank you for allowing me to serve you in the Indiana General Assembly as your State Representative and House Majority Leader.

Best . . . Russ

Tell City canvass a great success

2010-07-24T18:29:00.000-07:00

Russ Stilwell supporters endured the heat Saturday morning to reach out to their friends and neighbors during a Tell City campaign canvass.

Thank you to the many volunteers who knocked on dozens of doors and chatted with voters. Russ and the campaign team appreciates your support.

There are many ways to volunteer and help re-elect Russ Stilwell as our State Representative. You could make phone calls, write letters, or knock doors. If you'd like to volunteer, let us know!


Volunteers gathering in front of City Hall in Tell City.

Volunteers listening to instructions from a campaign coordinator.

Happy Anniversary & Happy Birthday Mom & Dad

2010-07-08T15:54:00.000-07:00

I will be spending Saturday and Sunday with my Mom and Dad as my entire family will be celebrating Dad's 95th birthday and my Mom's 90th birthday. We will also be celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary.

Although I spend so much time on the campaign trail, in Indianapolis working for real hard-working folks in my district and much more, it is always important to put your family first. This weekend, that is exactly what we are doing. HAPPY 70th ANNIVERSARY Mom and Dad and Happy Birthday!

June Update

2010-06-08T15:06:00.000-07:00

You will be seeing the Russ Stilwell campaign team out in your neighborhood in the coming days and weeks, as we continue to reach out to our friends, supporters and constituents in House District 74. Our door information sheets are in, our campaign team is recruiting volunteers and we are excited to meet more and more folks from our SW Indiana House District.

We had a great day at the Spencer County Democrat Golf Outing at Christmas Lake and dinner at the Santa Claus American legion. It was a great opportunity to see old friends, meet new friends and get reacquainted so many folks I have met over the years. We had supporters from Tell City, Boonville, Santa Claus, Rockport, Gentryville, Dale and many places in between.

In the United States, Flag Day is celebrated on June 14. It commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States, which happened that day by resolution of the Second Continental Congress in 1777. Please make sure your flag is flying with clear colors and in good repair. And thank a veteran for the honor and privilege of our freedoms

End of Great Week

2010-05-21T07:38:00.000-07:00

Today is the end of another great week. I was with Warrick FOP all day on Monday, took a whirlwind partial (4 hours) trip thoughout my district with my campaign assistant on Tuesday, an up and back to Indianapolis on Wednesday, office, email, mail, return calls, etc plus a great event with the UAW CAP Council on Thursday, and today, Friday, I have catch-up things before a fully packed weekend. And in between, I visited my almost 95-year old father in the hospital twice.............he has since recovered and is home and in great shape.

District 74

2010-05-18T07:40:00.000-07:00

Voter Registration opens today. Make sure you are registered to vote.

2010-04-28T16:51:00.000-07:00

The primary election is just a few short days away. I encourage everyone to participate in the most important right we have as Americans and Hoosiers ......casting your ballot to vote in the Primary Election!

I have had the pleasure of listening to you, representing you and working for you in the Indiana General Assembly. I have always made my best attempt to be honest with you, listen to you and take your ideas and concerns seriously. This business of politics isn't all that complicated. We should always do our best to understand the debate and issues from both perspectives and work to forge compromise when possible.

Most voters have three basic questions about a candidate and politcians:

1.     Is he/she a strong leader?
2.     Can I trust him or her?
3.     Do they care about people like me?

I have done my best to have a positive answer on these three basic questions. Thank you for your support and confidence. Best wishes to you and your family. Please make sure you take the time to vote on Primary Election Day, Tuesday, May 4, 2010.

Russ

Russ Stilwell
State Representative
House District 74

Campaign Updates

2010-04-23T17:15:00.000-07:00

This was another busy week. We attend the AIC conference in Jasper where the Perry & Spencer County Commissions presented me a proclamation of appreciation for legislative work in the 2010 session. Spent most of the day Wednesday in Rockport with Evanville Mayor Jonathon Weinzapfel visiting folks, walking the downtown area and having lunch with nursing home volunteers.

On Thursday we were off to the Steelworkers 104 breakfast and lunch. Had a great time with scores of members and old friends. We also had a great informational session with the Perry County Farm Bureau and other local elected officials talking about schools, taxes, farming issues and much more.

We will complete our week with the annual Jaycees Breadkfast, a Legislative Session sponsored by the Spencer Chamber and then to Tell City again for a big and special social event.

Thanks for visiting the website and email me with your comments, suggestions and thoughts.

Russ Stilwell, State Representative, House District 74

Perry County JJ Dinner

2010-04-11T09:12:00.001-07:00

What an incredible turnout at the Saturday, April 10th Perry County JJ Dinner. Our next U.S. Senator Brad Ellesworth was the keynote speaker and Bill and Dave's was 'rockin' with democrat support unseen in a long time. As I worked the tables and visited with the 200 guests, I discovered that Perry Democrats want what most folks want...................someone who listens, someone who cares and someone who they can trust. I would like to thank all of the fine folks in Perry County for all of their support during my tenure.

Remember our Nation's Miners

2010-04-06T08:40:00.000-07:00

As we reflect on our lives today, let us remember those miners who lost their lives in the West Virginia tragedy yesterday. Mining is a necessary and dangerous job. I know. I was a coal miner in SW Indiana for a dozen years. Then I went to work for the miner's union where I worked to insure we had adequate mine safety laws, dust controls and other protections for our nation's miners.

Please remember these lost miners, and all the countless others who have lost their lives mining coal so we can have energy at the touch of a light switch. Remember these miners every time you switch on the light.

Russ Stilwell
State Representative

Go Colts and Week Ahead

2010-02-07T14:29:00.000-08:00

It is almost time for the kickoff -- Go Colts!! As we head into next week, there will be a Senate hearing on HB 1077, the Village Earth legislation that could create a STIF District that would bring a huge tourism project near the Bluegrass State Fish and Wildlife area that is abandoned mines land. Please let your Senate leaders know that this project will create 500 good clean tourism jobs and bring economic development to SW Indiana and our state.

Stilwell Proposal Passes Through House

2010-02-04T16:00:00.000-08:00

INDIANAPOLIS – State Rep. Russ Stilwell (D-Boonville) and the Indiana House of Representatives hope to change how the Perry County Port Authority operates.

Officers of the local port came to Stilwell last year asking for his help to change existing laws covering the port.

House Bill 1076, authored by Stilwell and passed Tuesday by the House, would eliminate the requirement that the Perry County local port authority contract be in the name of the political subdivision creating the authority.

“My proposal specifies that local port authorities are instruments of the state, and are allowed to exercise certain powers independent of any political subdivision,” said Stilwell.

HB 1076 would allow the local port authority to borrow monies rather than bond for the monies they need.

“This would save the local port authority tens of thousands of dollars in bond and attorney fees,” said Stilwell.

The legislation also provides that the port authority can directly apply for and receive grants from federal and state sources. Presently, the authority must apply for these grants through the political subdivision (county) that created the authority, which can result in delays in seeking time-sensitive grants.

The Indiana House of Representatives passed HB 1076 with a 94-0 vote. The bill now moves to the State Senate for further consideration. If passed, the bill would become effective July 1, 2010.

House Passes Stilwell Economic Development Proposal

2010-01-13T14:21:00.000-08:00

INDIANAPOLIS - Yesterday, State Rep. Russ Stilwell’s (D-Boonville) legislation that will pave the way for an economic development project in Warrick County was passed by the Indiana House of Representatives with a vote of 89-7.

House Bill 1077 calls for the creation of a sales tax increment financing district. Under this plan, 80 percent of sales tax revenue generated inside the district will be used to pay for the not-for-profit educational tourism center known as Village Earth.

“Village Earth will create hundreds of jobs and a sustainable economic development in a section of Warrick County that is barren with no hope of generating any other types of development in the future,” said Stilwell.

Officials predict this project will produce 100 full-time jobs, 400 full-time development jobs and 2,000 constructions jobs over a two-year period. Strong outdoor retailers have also expressed interest in building near Village Earth.

Village Earth will feature a natural history interpretive center, the Aquarium of the Midwest, and a center for sustainable living. Interpretive and interactive exhibits, natural history dioramas and large-format films will be just some of the features throughout the center. It will combine education with tourism and is estimated to bring in over 700,000 visitors, with a majority being from surrounding states.

“Village Earth will be a way to get Southwest Indiana on a worldwide map,” said Stilwell. “There has never been anything like this before and we have the opportunity to bring millions of visitors from across the Midwest to our state.” Warrick County’s proximity to other entertainment venues–including Holiday World in Santa Claus, the Lincoln Amphitheater in Lincoln City, the Evansville Zoo, and multiple state parks throughout Southern Indiana–will contribute to making Village Earth a tourist hot spot.

“With the addition of Village Earth, we can make Southwest Indiana a destination vacation location, where tourists can stay for days and visit multiple venues,” Stilwell said. “This project will only be positive for our state, bringing millions in revenue, hundreds of jobs and national attention.”

House Bill 1077 now moves onto the Senate for consideration.

Happy New Year

2009-12-31T08:07:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to everyone. As we head into a new decade and New Year, I am hopeful that all of our Hoosier citizens will have the opportunity for a meaningful job, good health and a very good year. The 2010 legislative session will begin January 5, 2010. Please make sure you contact my office if we can be helpful.

Stilwell: State Budget Committee Approves Interlake SRA Upgrades

2009-09-25T14:30:00.000-07:00

INDIANAPOLIS – State Rep. Russ Stilwell (D-Boonville) announced the State Budget Committee gave its approval, as expected, for $181,923 in improvements to the Interlake State Recreation Area during the committee’s meeting on the Purdue University West Lafayette campus Friday.

Stilwell said the funding will be used for a variety of needed upgrades.

“Under the first phase of the project, several basic improvements will be made,” said Stilwell. “There will be the installation of culverts, upgrading of the gravel roads, more development of the trails, and the construction of parking lots, restrooms, a gatehouse and a maintenance building.

“Right now, there are no restrooms, nor any really good parking areas. The gravel roads are the ones originally constructed when the mine was in operation,” explained Stilwell. “Interlake gets a lot of use and has become a popular site with hunters, fishermen, hikers, bikers, horseback riders, and off-roaders. I am pleased the State Budget Committee has invested this matching grant to enhance this naturally beautiful area.”

The approved funding will be the state’s match to a Federal Recreational Trail Program grant to finance the $909,000 project.

The Interlake State Recreation Area sits on 3,500 acres of land in Pike and Warrick counties near Lynnville. The property was first opened to the public in August 2008.