The Indiana Debate Commission has selected Ball State University President Jo Ann Gora to moderate the gubernatorial debate Sept. 23 in Jasper. She will be given a chance to represent not only Ball State, but also the interests of all college students in Indiana.
The following is a list of questions, among other issues that should be addressed, for Gora to consider asking Republican Mitch Daniels, Democrat Jill Long Thompson and Libertarian Andy Horning:
1. Economic forecasts for Indiana project muddled results at best, but many are optimistic there is a slow, steady growth for the state. How do you plan to capitalize on this?
2. Gas prices have reached well beyond $4 per gallon in parts of the state. Gov. Daniels has advocated ethanol plants, such as Central Indiana Ethanol LLC in Grant County, as a way to reduce fuel costs and improve the economy; however, this plant's latent effect on the economy has given rise to controversy. What are your thoughts on Indiana's ethanol production and its effects?
3. By leasing the Indiana Toll Road, Gov. Daniels closed a budget gap for Indiana's Major Moves transportation project, which will cost the state $12 billion. If elected governor, do you plan to continue leasing the tollway to private companies as a way to pay for this project, to find funding to close the gap for the project elsewhere or to make budget changes to the project itself?
4. The demand for environmentally friendly technology has increased not only as a way to preserve the environment, but also as a way for cutting energy costs. What are your thoughts on green living, and how would you encourage state businesses to use it?
5. If elected governor, what would be your first action regarding higher education?
6. The presidential candidates constantly stress the importance of votes from the 18 to 24 age group. What, as a gubernatorial candidate, do you intend to do to reach out to this age group?
7. What will you do as governor to reduce the financial burden of college education?
8. Gov. Daniels has started initiatives, such as the Hoosier Hope Scholarship, to prevent brain drain in Indiana. Are more initiatives necessary, and what would they be?
9. No Child Left Behind has brought a lot of attention on ISTEP+ testing because parents worry teachers are teaching to the test and because it complicates funding. What type of future do you see in store for ISTEP+ testing, its format and how it is proctored?
10. Gov. Daniels has been trying to convince the state legislature to pass a law protecting teachers when they discipline students. In one case, the Marion County prosecutor filed charges against a teacher who cupped a student's face to get her attention and get her back to class. At what point does discipline go too far, and how much should teachers be protected?
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