PIERCETON - More than 20 Kosciusko residents attended an event to learn more about where Democrat candidates stand on issues such as immigration, policing and education.

The Kosciusko County Democratic Party held its "Meet The Candidates Night" Wednesday night at Blue Lion Coffeehouse, Pierceton.

Democratic candidates who attended the event and spoke about their goals for the Nov. 7 race included Chris Rahe, state house candidate for District 23; Larry Rensberger, who is running against seven-term State Rep. Bill Ruppel for the District 22 seat; and Jim Bumbaugh, who is running for sheriff of Kosciusko County.

Tom Hayhurst is running for the third district congressional seat in the November general election against incumbent U.S Rep. Mark Souder and also attended the event.

The candidates updated those who attended Tuesday night about how their campaigns are going and focused on their campaign issues.

Rensberger said he has campaigned in Claypool, Silver Lake and Pierceton and distributed more than 10,000 campaign cards that say "Hang Your Hat On the Common Sense Approach and Vote For Larry Rensberger."

He said as he has campaigned door-to-door people have been receptive in supporting the Democratic party.

"Politicians should represent the people who they serve and I will do everything I can to do that if I am elected," Rensberger said.

Rahe, who said it is his first year for running in an election, also spoke during the event.

"I decided to run because I was fed up with the current government not working as our founding forefathers intended," Rahe said.

He said he will work to make sure healthcare is affordable for all Hoosiers.

"The government should represent we the people not corporate lobbyists," Rahe said.

Bumbaugh also spoke about his campaign goals in running for sheriff for Kosciusko County.

He said the sheriff's department has been family-operated for 28 years and it is time for a change.

"My stand is pro-active policing where officers will go out into the community and get to know those they serve," Bumbaugh said.

Bumbaugh said it is important to spread out police shifts to better serve the community.

"Crime doesn't stop at night or on weekends and we need to manage our man power so we are there for our citizens in need."

Hayhurst, Fort Wayne, also spoke during the event.

He has practiced medicine in Indiana for more than 30 years, is a Vietnam War Veteran, and has served on the Fort Wayne City Council since 1996.

He addressed issues, including education and illegal aliens in the United States.

"Education is the foundation of a stable society and we need to help fund families who cannot afford it," Hayhurst said.

He said adults should stress to children the importance of an education.

Hayhurst also said there should be a focus on U.S. security where borders should be controlled and the U.S. should know who is in the country.

"There has been neglect in controlling our borders and as a result we have millions of individuals who are undocumented," Hayhurst said.

He suggested immigrants coming to the U.S could go through a process where they would be required to learn to speak English and learn the Constitution before being allowed to become a U.S. citizen.

Sara Strahan, Warsaw, attended the event and said listening to the candidates has helped her make a more informed decision when she votes Nov. 7.

"It was helpful to hear the candidates' positions and learn the positive changes they are proposing to make in Kosciusko County," Strahan said. [[In-content Ad]]