On the eve of Indiana Black Expo and with community concerned about violence in Indianapolis and other Indiana cities and the fall out of the Trayvon Martin case, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence visited Afternoons with Amos. In his most extended interview on the program since becoming Governor, Pence talked with Amos and listeners on a wide range of issues. The Governor talked about the problems of violence not just in Indianapolis but other parts of the state, especially Gary whose Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson has asked for State Police help to deal with the rash of murders in the city. Gov. Pence talked about the importance of dealing with youth violence. But stressed that the key was building and strengthening families, a subject he’s extremely passionate about. The Governor was concerned about the groups of unsupervised teens that misbehaved on State House property on the 4th of July. He said it was important that the State work with the City to make sure people were safe downtown. Another passionate subject was education, especially Gov. Pence’s push to restore an active system of vocational education and courses in Indiana’s high schools. The Governor talked about his new Indiana Career Councils that will be working with Indiana businesses, on a regional basis, to work together to help provide the skills Hoosiers need to obtain meaningful jobs and knowledge not necessarily in a college setting. Amos asked the Governor about the continuing problems with the Indiana Economic Development Commission (IEDC). The Indianapolis Star uncovered new scandal and problems with IEDC. While Pence defended IEDC’s efforts in providing jobs, the Governor stressed that he wanted to make sure that IEDC was operating in a strong, ethical manner. The Governor was proud of the state’s $1.9 billion surplus. Pence defending the amount of dollars appropriate for K-12 education and for other state needs. On Health Care Reform, the Governor continues to be optimistic that the Federal Government will allow Indiana to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act using the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP). Though the Governor hoped that the President would postpone the individual mandate a year like the Obama Administration has postponed the employer mandate. On the ISTEP testing mess, Gov. Pence lauded the work Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz has done in that effort. The Governor expressed irritation at the actions of McGraw Hill Education, who prepares and administers ISTEP. When asked if he would consider appointing a minority as the next State Auditor, Gov. Pence jokingly asked if Amos was available. Amos replied he didn’t think he’d meet the party requirement. Then Pence said he was looking for the best person for the job to hold and run for the Auditor’s office being vacated by current Auditor Tim Berry who will be come to new Indiana Chair of Indiana’s Republican party. Gov. Pence also shared the names of the honorees from Indianapolis who were honored at the 2013 Governors Awards held in conjunction with Indiana Black Expo. Click the Arrow to hear Amos’ Full Interview with Gov. Pence, Runs 39 Minutes ©2013 WTLC/Radio One.
