The incumbent comes from a small town and emphasizes children's safety; one opponent is running to represent Fort Wayne and wants to see more responsible energy use; and the other opponent has been unresponsive.

Republican Matt Bell of Avilla is seeking election as state representative of the 83rd District this year; he was appointed in 2005 by the Indiana House of Representatives in a caucus after Robert Alderman retired in his 29th year of office. Running against him are Democratic candidate Steven Heaston of Columbia City and Libertarian candidate Herbert “Jack” Evans of Fort Wayne.

House District 83 covers parts of Allen, Noble and Whitley counties.

When it comes to principal goals in office, a main focus for Bell is making Indiana a better place for children to develop and get an education.

“We have got to find an equitable way to fund our school systems. We need to see (students) are well-educated and well-trained,” Bell said.

During his time in office, Bell has been part of the Family, Children and Human Affairs Committee, helped establish a Youth Advisory Committee, and co-authored a bill that extended foster care to young adults ages 18 to 21.

Libertarian Evans said his focus if elected as state representative would be to ensure government really starts looking at the grim future ahead - with declining oil reserves and a faltering economy - and starts preparing accordingly. A big project like the Interstate 69 extension, Evans said, is something the state should not be draining its resources into. What the state should be funding, Evans said, is further exploration for oil in southwestern Indiana in the Trenton Field.

“Right now, we're in a bit of a delicate bind,” Evans said. “We need to prepare now.”

Evans also said that, if elected, he would serve for only one term, and he believes it's important that someone from a bigger city like Fort Wayne serve as state representative and present the thoughts and feelings of people from Fort Wayne.

“He (Bell) is rural and favors a rural mentality,” Evans said. “I think there needs to be more of a stress on people who are from the city.”

Bell said he is unsure if he will seek a permanent political career because it will largely depend on whether he can still spend enough time with his family. Also, Bell said, he will continue to work on speaking with his constituents and answering their questions and concerns.

“I take great honor in representing this district,” Bell said. “My promise to everyone is that I will try and be as accessible as I can.”

The News-Sentinel made several attempts to contact Heaston throughout September and early October, but he did not respond.