Governor Eric Holcomb spoke before a packed crowd at Conner Prairie in Fishers Friday morning, in an appearance before a joint Hamilton County Chamber of Commerce Legislative Breakfast. He offered comments on a number of issues while being questioned by moderator Kevin Rader, Statehouse Reporter for WTHR. He also took a few questions from the audience.
Here are some of the issues the governor talked about during his time in Fishers”
Keith Cooper Pardon
“It’s never too late to do the right thing.”
Cancelling Cell Tower Contract
“Enough was enough.”
“We will go back to the market.”
On His Path From Senatorial Candidate to Governor
“It was, in fact, February 9th, (one year ago) when Governor Mike Pence nominated me to be the Lieutenant Governor. So, a lot happens on the way to the office.”
Infastructure
“I feel like everybody is on the same page, in terms of…we need a truly sustainable path.”
About a 20-year plan – “A lot will change in the world over that 20-year period, so you have to make sure you are balancing – what will transportation look like in 20 years?”
Substance Abuse Crisis
“It’s bad enough that we need to be all hands on deck and not waste another second. I mentioned one of those blank stares of just despair, and not knowing if someone was going to make it to the next month, and that will jar you…into action.”
“This is not just a personal crisis, it’s a business crisis as well.”
How Does He Differ From Previous Governors Pence & Daniels?
“I’m taller, I’m younger, I’ve made a (basketball) shot in all 92 counties. I’m clearly not answering the question.” (plenty of laughter)
“The most important part is to remain who you are. Other folks can judge similarities or differences.”
Cigarette State Tax Increase
“I have remained open-minded about it. It is not on my agenda, to be blunt. But I recognize there are lots of things not on my agenda that I will be involved with. I do understand the human toll.”
State Versus Local Control
“(I) respect and believe that we leave things closest to the people to be handled closest to the people. The state has an immense role in this.”
State Discrimination Laws
“I do think that we have it in the State of Indiana about right.”
What Made You Pick this profession?
“I think the profession picked me.”
“In life, you either swing at pitches or you don’t, or you watch them go by. There are all different pitches. That’s just what I’ve done.”
Attorney David Day, in introducing the governor, said Holcomb had made a basketball jump shot in each of Indiana’s 92 counties. Holcomb later countered, “…most of them were set shots.”