Candidate eyes debate with incumbent
>>Print ViewPublication Date: 10/06/2006
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The Democratic candidate for Lafayette's State Senate seat challenged the Republican incumbent to a debate regarding two pieces of health care legislation.
Democratic candidate Dave Vorbeck said he wants to hold a public debate "anytime and anyplace" with Sen. Ron Alting, R�Lafayette, over the "atrocious pieces of legislation" Alting voted for while in office.
Alting voted for the two House bills that gave members of the Indiana General Assembly health care for life, fixed the price of that coverage, and provided a 4-1 ratio in retirement benefits, said Vorbeck.
"That means that for every dollar a retired lawmaker saves, Indiana tax payers put up four," he said. "There is no way the good people of Indiana should accept this amount of (money) being spent on the Assembly."
Vorbeck said at the same time the health care bill was voted through, legislation to provide benefits to the widows and orphans of state police and state conservation officers killed in the line of duty was voted down.
"I just don't think that's fair," he said. "It never even made it out of committee."
Vorbeck said the house bills were popular among the members of the Senate and House because they were so generous to lawmakers.
"But," Vorbeck said, "popularity among lawmakers doesn't make it right. Reality needs a seat at the table."
Alting said his "yes" vote was to let two members of the Congress, Rep. Pat Bauer, D�South Bend, and Sen. Robert Garton, R-Columbus, put together a health care bill for members of the Assembly.
"We never thought (Bauer and Garton) were going to come up with (a bill) as ridiculous as they did," said Alting.
Alting said he is not going to debate a health care program that he has never participated in.
"I never took the plan, haven't been on it in eight years and will never go on it," he said.
As for retirement benefits, Alting said lawmakers are required by law to accept the plan, and cannot opt out.
Alting said he has named the National Cancer Society the beneficiary of his pension, and he has never touched any of the money.
Alting said he would like to see members of the Assembly pay the insurance premiums themselves and get the same coverage and benefits as any other government employee.
"I agree with my opponent; the pension program should stop. I am not voting for a new (Senate) president who doesn't support this change."