Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Charles R. Tiede is seeking nomination as Republican candidate for State Representative from District 22.
Tiede said that during the race he will "say nothing bad about his opponents." He believes Bill Ruppel and Brian Haupert are "good and honest men."
"I simply believe that I can represent you better," said Tiede.
Tiede said Indiana's 20 to 25 percent high school drop-out rate is a "disaster" and does not meet parents' expectations.
"We need to do something," said Tiede. "Teachers everywhere say that kids whose parents are involved do well."
He would also like to raise the state's Teachers Retirement Fund, which he said is "grossly underfunded."
Tiede is in favor of the ISTEP Plus exam but he thinks something needs to be changed.
"These kids have to take the test five times before they pass it," he said. "I'm afraid many of them will get discouraged and quit before that fifth time."
Tiede, a native of Walkerton, has been married 41 years to his wife, Julie. They have raised five children and have six grandchildren.
He is an attorney in North Manchester.
