On the race to fill the seat being vacated by State Senator Kyle Walker, Republican Dr. Juanita Albright and Democrat Marion County Sheriff Kerry Forestall offered contrasting perspectives on state policy, local funding and public safety at a Greater Lawrence Chamber candidate forum. Chamber President Brad Klopenstein moderated the discussion, which also covered roads, education and the proposed arrival of the Chicago Bears in Indiana.
On Senate Bill 1, Forestall said the state should not retain local revenue while leaving communities to raise taxes for services. He said schools, fire departments and police still need adequate funding, and suggested exploring property-tax relief for homeowners aged 65 and older. Albright, a physician and Hamilton Southeastern School Board member, said she understood the bill’s intent but believed it had not solved the funding problem. In Fishers, she said, a school referendum was now being pursued after property taxes fell.
Health care was a central issue for Albright, who called for greater transparency in medical costs so patients can compare prices and avoid unexpected bills. She also urged incentives to increase the number of primary-care physicians, particularly in underserved areas. Forestall proposed a $25 million pilot program to help pay down medical professionals’ student loans in exchange for working in designated medical deserts.
On corrections, Forestall criticized the Indiana Department of Correction for leaving sentenced prisoners in Marion County Jail, where he said it costs the county more to house them than the state reimburses. He also called for greater public transparency about parolees returning to communities and said he supports restricting immigration-enforcement warrants at schools except in extreme circumstances.
Both candidates raised concerns about public costs associated with attracting the Bears. Albright warned that taxpayer-funded incentives could burden residents and set a precedent for future Colts lease negotiations. Forestall said decisions should account for the effects on northern Indiana and avoid harming Indianapolis-area teams and businesses.
The candidates also discussed charter schools. Albright said they can serve students with specialized needs but argued public schools should remain strong and adequately funded. Forestall said tax dollars should first support public schools.
On infrastructure, Albright said gas-tax revenue should go to road improvements and opposed expanding toll roads. Forstall urged the governor to follow through on putting gas-tax money back into roads and criticized state requirements tying local road funds to matching contributions.
Asked how he would represent Lawrence within Unigov, Forestall said the city needs an appropriate share of public safety resources. Albright said lawmakers should recognize Lawrence’s distinct community and identity.
In closing, Albright emphasized listening and compromise. Forestall pointed to his experience managing law enforcement, jail operations and negotiations with local officials.
