Both District 12 state representative candidates have education and public safety high on their list of concerns.

Incumbent Mike Andrade, 44, of Munster, is facing another Munster resident, James Lietz, who recently ran for a seat on the North Township Board of Trustees. If reelected, Andrade will be serving his third term in the Indiana General Assembly.

Appointed to the House’s powerful Ways and Means committee, Andrade said he invited Committee Chair Rep. Jeff Thompson, R-Lizton, to tour his district and highlighted “the unique opportunities and challenges in Lake County. This long budget session, he knows there’s going to have to be a focus on capping property assessment values and reworking the tax cap.

Andrade said he’s also testified at the State Board of Education against lowering the diploma requirements, “ensuring that we maintain a balanced and comprehensive education.”

“I have been in constant communication with school board members and superintendents in my district,” he said. “I’m also continuing to support our teachers and will reintroduce a bill to increase the maximum income tax credit for teachers’ classroom supply expenses from $100 to $500.”

As far as the Medicaid crisis is concerned, Andrade said the General Assembly won’t be able to address it until they “fully understand how a nearly $1 billion error occurred.” This past session, however, House Democrats proposed amendments to hold FSSA accountable for the shortfall.

“I will continue working with my caucus colleagues to push these conversations and ensure we properly fund FSSA Medicaid for Hoosiers, so they have the resources to care for their family members in need of these vital services,” Andrade said. “Fortunately, we do have a $2.5 billion surplus in reserve to help subsidize some of this funding.”

Other measures on which Andrade plans to tackle if elected is reintroducing a carjacking/auto theft bill to ensure our communities remain safe, and working to continue funding the Indiana Behavioral Health Commission “to ensure Hoosiers have the necessary resources to address mental health.”

Andrade also said he’ll accept all election results.

Lietz didn’t respond to questions the Post-Tribune sent to him by email, saying that between work and campaigning, his schedule is “quite busy.”

His campaign website says that he’s a retired Hammond Police officer and former restauranteur whose main goals are increasing public safety funding, lowering K-12 class sizes and promoting a health-care system that allows for aging in place. According to his LinkedIn profile, Lietz works part-time as a building security officer for Security Industry Specialists, Titan Security Group, and Walden Security.

Michelle L. Quinn is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.