Smith and Pitman debate at IUPUC education forum

Indiana State Rep. Milo Smith, a Republican, debated last night with his November opponent, Democrat Bob Pitman at an education-centered event at IUPUC.

The forum, hosted by the IUPUC education department, featured questions from a student panel and from audience members.

Smith and Pitman are running to represent District 59 in the statehouse, which covers most of Bartholomew County.

The candidates were asked about the nation’s immigration debate and both said the national discussion on the subject was a disgrace.

Milo Smith said there needs to be a mechanism for immigrants to be screened and to pledge their allegiance to the United States.

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Bob Pitman said there should be a path to citizenship for immigrants here illegally:

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The candidates were asked about the top local issues they would like to address and Pitman suggested raising the minimum wage would be one of his priorities.

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Smith disagreed, saying it should be a negotiation between workers and employers.

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The first question from the audience asked about teaching evolution in public schools.

Pitman said teaching evolution should be required:

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Smith believes it is a violation of the separation between church and state to teach evolution.

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Smith and Pitman are running to represent District 59 in the statehouse, which covers most of Bartholomew County.