Ron Fusselman

HuntingtonPolitics.com Interview: Economic Development

What ideas do you have to open up business development in small communities like Huntington, Columbia City or even smaller communities?

Talking to business owners and farmers, they tell me there are many struggles connected to the economy slowing down.  The top two items that seem to be on the business owners mind is the increase in labor costs and higher taxes.  One thing that I would recommend at the state level is to stop sending down unfunded mandates.  There are certain things that have to be done for our communities in order to keep them running and to keep them safe.  But we are putting money into things that are not necessary at this time.  Not that they aren’t important, but priorities need to be set.  Here is an example:   In my home, if the toilet stops working, I don’t go out and remodel the whole bathroom.  I fix the toilet!   My point is in these tough times we need to prioritize.  

Right now our priority should be in putting a majority of the funds into what needs fixed; and that is to invite businesses into the community and to create jobs.  We must eliminate waste and over taxation. 

Say no to LOIT

In regards to the upcoming county council discussion and possible vote of increasing the LOIT (Local County Income Tax), I believe increasing the LOIT at this time is not the direction our local government should be taking.  When the people have less to give, that is not the right time for them to be going after more.  It's time our government act fiscally responsible in good time and bad with what they have been given. 

I also believe that the public should be able to speak on this issue at the meeting.  To do otherwise makes me think that they are either trying to hide something or quiet the people's voices.  To not let citizens speak publicly to their representatives is un-American.  Allowing two days for citizens to get letters in to the auditor is insufficient time when proposing to take more money from those citizens. Our local government needs to wake up and work with the people, not around them!

State Senate District 17 interviews: How to Fund?

With accessed values trending down, what are your thoughts on funding local entities beyond the 1,2,3 property tax caps?

I think most people are going to understand where I’m coming from as I answer this question through the eyes of a business owner.  We have to realize that if value is trending down, that means the net worth of people is also trending down.  So how in good conscience can we continue to require people to contribute more in other forms of taxes?  Government produces or makes nothing.  Their income is from the people.  When a business starts to see a downturn, choices are limited to keep it going.  Business can’t print money, or force people into higher prices like government tends to do.  Businesses have to make cuts in expenses, and in personnel.  These are tough choices!

University, HuntingtonPolitics.com to host forum

HUNTINGTON, IN—Huntington University and HuntingtonPolitics.com are teaming up to sponsor the Indiana State Senate District 17 town hall forum at 7 p.m. on Oct. 27 at the university's Merillat Centre for the Arts.

The event is free and open to the public.

The forum will include Whitley County Councilman Jim Banks, Huntington resident and Coffee D’Vine owner Ron Fusselman, and Huntington County Commission President Tom Wall, as well as any candidate that is announced prior to the forum.

Fusselman to speak and hold Meet-and-Greet

Huntington, IN - Indiana State Senate candidate Ron Fusselman will be one of the featured speakers at the upcoming Huntington TEA Party meeting to be held on October 23 at the Dan Quayle Vice Presidential Learning Center from 7-9 p.m.  Fusselman will also be holding a Meet-and-Greet the same evening, first, prior to the TEA Party meeting from 5:30 to 6:30 at his coffee shop, Coffee d'Vine, and immediately following the TEA Party meeting from 9:30 until close.

Also scheduled to speak at the Huntington TEA Party meeting are Peter Heck, a radio talk show host on WIOU out of Kokomo, will be presenting "Rebuilding the Walls"; Thomas Tabback, a national speaker and the author of "Things Forgotten"; and Richard Behney, candidate for U.S. Senate and Co-Founder of Indianapolis TEA Party.

HuntingtonPolitics.com Interview: Want to bet?

This is a tough question, because there are people that are sitting on both sides of the fence.  Reflecting back on my father’s lifelong occupation as a farmer, I remember going with him each year to borrow money to buy the seed, purchase the fertilizer, and everything else needed to plant the crops.  I remember him telling me numerous times that farming is just like gambling “We put it in the ground, and we pray to God that he gives us the rain and the things needed to make it grow.” 

The difference between this type of gambling and the topic of this question is my dad was taking the chances necessary to produce a product that was needed by others. The other type of gambling is very high risk and for personal gain.  The object is for a quick “get rich” fix which for most people that goal is never obtained.  The point is that the state government is already the largest casino in Indiana and has encouraged this kind of behavior.  So if there are other people out there that want to open or run a legal casino or gambling establishment, how can we as legislatures think that we have the right to tell them “No.” 

Meet Ron Fusselman

Ron Fusselman is a lifelong citizen of Huntington county. Raised in Union Township on the family farm, of which his parents still reside, he graduated from Huntington North High School in 1984 and furthered his education at International Air Academy in St. Louis, Missouri.  From there he worked at the Fort Wayne airport, which gave him great experience with all different walks of life. 

Ron has been the owner of Coffee D'Vine since 2005, a thriving coffee shop catering to those of all ages, but is a particularly popular spot with the students from nearby Huntington University. He also owned the Curves for Women fitness club for the last 3 years; which he recently sold so that he could devote more time with the coffee shop and his family. Mr. Fusselman is not entirely new to the political realm, as he served as a board member for the Huntington County Community Schools from 1999 to 2000. This was a position in which he was a driving force in getting the school board members elected by the people, rather than appointed by county trustees. He believed then, as he does now, that the people should have a voice in their selection of government officials.

As a State Representative, Mr. Fusselman would like to serve the people of the 50th District of Indiana.  He strives to do what is best for the average citizen and small business owners. He believes that these are the people that make America run and they deserve someone to look out for their interests and help them pave the way to a better future.  He feels strongly that with his work ethic and familiarity to the average working society, it gives him an edge and compassion that is needed by the people and for the people.  He is dedicated to finding places in which everyday people are part of the solution of their government and wants to focus on hearing what is wanted and needed to improve the lives of their families.

HuntingtonPolitics.com Interview: Why?

As a citizen of Indiana all of my life, I have always been proud of the people of this state.  I have always held the citizens here at a very high level in their integrity, and their loyalty to their families and to their country.  It seems that in the past few years, government officials of various parties have adopted the notion that they know what is best for all citizens and are not listening to the concerns and ideas of their constituents. 

Why am I running for the Indiana State Senate?  It is time for us to take back our government.  I want to serve YOU; no special interest groups; no “good buddies;” just YOU; the people.  I am a small business owner, and I have experienced the damages that the policies being set by our politicians are creating.  They are discouraging people and small businesses to take any kind of risk. Regardless of what we do, they want more!

HuntingtonPolitics.com Interview: 1, 2, 3

The tax cap  was to be a way to give some tax relief to homeowners. That is a good thing!  But, if you talk to property owners that is not the case because the State’s way of assessing values of property has been very poor. Assessors are over valuing  lots of properties.

In the case of rental properties and farmland, there is no relief at this level of cap.  Commercial properties are seeing an increase in property taxes.  This is putting a real burden on all businesses; renting and owning.

 We also need to remember that the state  increased sales tax by 1 %.  This creates a tax burden on all Indiana residents.  This increase makes up more than any of the current  property tax relief.