Senator Clark speaks to IU students

Indiana state Sen. Murray Clark spoke to the IU College Republicans and other students Tuesday night at the Indiana Memorial Union. The native of Indianapolis emphasized the importance of being involved in politics, while also addressing the topics of leadership, taxes and improvement of job opportunities.\nClark ran for Indiana lieutenant governor in the 2000 elections with gubernatorial candidate David McIntosh. The senator said he is considering running for governor in 2004, but has not made any final decisions.\n"It's awfully early (to be talking about the next election). There is a lot to get done in the mean time," Clark said.\nClark opened by relaying his family history. Growing up in a political family of both Democrats and Republicans, Clark believes he has experienced both views and ideals. He also attributes his interest and involvement in politics to his early participation in campaigns. \n"When I was young, you got involved in elections and politics," he said. "I started passing out pins and look where it led me."\nClark greatly encouraged the students present to become involved and if nothing else, vote. He used his director of campaigning, Sarah Steeles, as an example of the opportunities for involvement. Steeles graduated from IU in 1997 and was present Tuesday. \n"Let me tell you who legislators are most concerned about -- people who vote in their district," Clark said. "You make a difference."\nElected to the Senate in 1994, Clark was re-elected in 1998. Having experience in legislature, law and "Hoosierness," as he calls it, Clark is proud to have worked on a school safety bill and to have co-authored a domestic violence bill during his time in office. \nDevoting much of the evening to taxes, Clark said Indiana faces three difficult fiscal challenges. \nThe $2 billion surplus that Hoosiers were wondering what to do with is gone, Clark said. In short, Indiana is broke. Clark believes this is due to a lack of investment in informational technology. Indiana is one of the top ranking states in exporting intelligent young people. The state needs to create jobs for them at home in order for the state to rise above the national economic downfall, he said.\nTo assist the creation of new jobs, Clark said he believes the Indiana taxes need restructured. The last restructuring took place in 1960.\nLast, but not least, the tax reassessment needs to be completed. The state Supreme Court ruled Indiana's tax plan is unconstitutional. There has been delay in the reassessing process, so much delay that if the state does not have the taxes reassessed by the year 2002, the court will proceed in finishing the business themselves.\nClark answered numerous questions and reflected on the need for the Republican party to convey their message to the public better. \n"As a Republican party, we have not done a good job of conveying our issues," Clark said.