Ft. Wayne Science Teacher Set To Challenge Leonard In Indiana House District 50

FORT WAYNE, IN, December 16, 2015 – Jorge Fernandez has filed paperwork forming an exploratory campaign committee to run for Indiana House of Representatives 50^th District. House District 50 includes all of Huntington County as well as western Wells County and southwestern Allen County.

“I’m exploring this run for Indiana House of Representatives because I believe that this state has great untapped potential,” explained Fernandez. “A big part of that is because there is a great disconnect between what is happening in the classroom and what is occurring at the state level in terms of policy, and I feel that I can help bridge that gap.”

“In order to reach our full potential as a state, we have to invest in the children of this state. If our state is to be successful, we cannot settle for the minimum possible number of Department of Child Services caseworkers or for spending valuable resources on dubious programs, while students sit in large and inadequately resourced classrooms,” stated Fernandez. “A key component in this is the shift from local revenue to state revenue that occurred when property taxes were capped and the state sales tax increased. I believe that the government closest to the people is the one most in touch with its needs, so I will push for giving school districts and municipalities more flexibility to raise local revenue outside of property taxes, so the state can target its resources where they are most needed. In order for state and local government to function properly, civic engagement must be high. No-excuses absentee ballots and later poll closing hours should be steps taken to better that engagement.”

Jorge Fernandez is a chemistry and physics teacher at South Side High School. He graduated with a bachelor’s of science degree in Chemistry Education from Taylor University and has lived in Allen County since graduation. He has been featured as an “Everyday Advocate” by Northeast Indiana Friends of Public Education.