Hello

My name is Shawn Olson and I would like to introduce myself to the residents of Northwest Indiana who don’t already know me.  I operate a home remodeling business in Valparaiso where I grew up and I am running for the Indiana Senate.  I’m amazed at how much Northwest Indiana has changed over the years.  Towns have become cities, and new towns like Winfield have been formed.  Chicago is now pushing its way into our area.

            Though some of us choose to make the trek into the big city, many more work in their own communities.  Through our comparatively low taxes and sustained property values, people want to live here.  Despite economic troubles in much of the country, Porter and eastern Lake Counties are growing due to developing business and industry.  People and businesses have come to Northwest Indiana to escape the heavy taxes and the long arm of an intrusive Chicago government.

            But we need to be careful about the ways we choose to develop.  Cities like Hammond and Gary were once in our same situation with economic bounty.  As some of their industries faltered, the local governments raised taxes and as a result property values went down.  Both cities are now riddled with debt and many of those who can leave have done so.  Despite this, taxes are still on the rise!

            We have so many advantages in Lake and Porter counties – a nice airport and several major highways, not to mention scenic parks and good farmland.  We need to keep making sure that we develop in Northwest Indiana, not just exporting our jobs into Chicago via train.  We can lose all we’ve built with the wrong approach.  People want to live and work here and the best way to encourage that is to build jobs and businesses that will stay and work with the community.

            I hope that you consider the issues and read my position statements here at www.olson4senate.com .  Let’s keep Northwest Indiana prosperous while not losing that down home appeal!

With respect,
Shawn Olson

Republican Candidate for Indiana Senate in the 4th District.
Standing for the Tax Payers- not against them.