Michael Talarzyk

[{"question": "Ballotpedia survey responses", "answer_html": "<p>See also: <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a></p>\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-10 col-md-6 col-xs-offset-1 col-md-offset-3\"><p><a href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\"><img align=\"middle\" alt=\"Candidate Connection\" src=\"https://cdn.ballotpedia.org/images/8/88/Candidate_Connection_Logo.png\" width=\"90%\"/></a></p></div></div>\n<p>Michael Talarzyk completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Talarzyk's responses.</p>\n<p><span class=\"expand-all\">Expand all</span> | <span class=\"collapse-all\">Collapse all</span></p>\n<div aria-multiselectable=\"true\" class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-218705-2024-02-17\" id=\"heading-bio-218705-2024-02-17\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-218705-2024-02-17\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-218705-2024-02-17\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho are you? Tell us about yourself.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-bio-218705-2024-02-17\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-218705-2024-02-17\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe question here, who am I?…I am you! I’m an everyday citizen from Evansville, Indiana hoping to be your next representative to the U.S. congress to help make things just a little bit better for all. I’m married and a father of 3 boys ages 19, 16 &amp; 2. I am a school bus driver where I get to see and hear about all sorts of things while I’m out and about. I’m a good listener and on the fly problem solver. That in itself has encouraged me to run for office. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-218705-2024-02-17\" id=\"heading-key-message-218705-2024-02-17\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-218705-2024-02-17\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-218705-2024-02-17\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tPlease list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-key-message-218705-2024-02-17\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-218705-2024-02-17\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>I’m purple! The best Democrat candidate choice to put up in the General Election that could win in a primarily red district. Yes I’m running as a Democrat the party I was born and raised in but I’m more middle of the road and see both sides of issues. </li><li>I believe in Bi-Partisanship. Not working for “The Party Affiliation” but instead working for you and the best outcome that may be achieved working alongside members of both parties.</li><li>Let’s get back to the basics of just doing the right thing! Enough of the extreme positions! Time to use some common sense!</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-218705-2024-02-17\" id=\"heading1-218705-2024-02-17\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-218705-2024-02-17\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-218705-2024-02-17\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading1-218705-2024-02-17\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-218705-2024-02-17\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tHealthcare, Infrastructure, Accountability\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-218705-2024-02-17\" id=\"heading2-218705-2024-02-17\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-218705-2024-02-17\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-218705-2024-02-17\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIs there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading2-218705-2024-02-17\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-218705-2024-02-17\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\t“MADISON” the movie\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-218705-2024-02-17\" id=\"heading3-218705-2024-02-17\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-218705-2024-02-17\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-218705-2024-02-17\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading3-218705-2024-02-17\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-218705-2024-02-17\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tBeing able to take criticism, Listening to other people’s thoughts and opinions besides your own, Accountability for one’s actions and just doing the right thing.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-218705-2024-02-17\" id=\"heading4-218705-2024-02-17\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-218705-2024-02-17\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-218705-2024-02-17\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading4-218705-2024-02-17\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-218705-2024-02-17\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI’m middle of the road when it comes to politics. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-218705-2024-02-17\" id=\"heading5-218705-2024-02-17\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse5-218705-2024-02-17\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-218705-2024-02-17\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading5-218705-2024-02-17\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse5-218705-2024-02-17\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tWorking for your constituents and not your party affiliation. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-218705-2024-02-17\" id=\"heading6-218705-2024-02-17\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse6-218705-2024-02-17\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-218705-2024-02-17\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading6-218705-2024-02-17\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse6-218705-2024-02-17\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe Challenger space shuttle exploding. I was 6 or 7 at the time. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-218705-2024-02-17\" id=\"heading7-218705-2024-02-17\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse7-218705-2024-02-17\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-218705-2024-02-17\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat was your very first job? How long did you have it?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading7-218705-2024-02-17\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse7-218705-2024-02-17\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tGrocery Store started when I was 15 and worked there all through high school even some after I was first married to help out from time to time.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-218705-2024-02-17\" id=\"heading8-218705-2024-02-17\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse8-218705-2024-02-17\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-218705-2024-02-17\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading8-218705-2024-02-17\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse8-218705-2024-02-17\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThere is no other country like the United States of America. Even in its at times political disfunction it’s still the best country in the world to live in. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-218705-2024-02-17\" id=\"heading9-218705-2024-02-17\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse9-218705-2024-02-17\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-218705-2024-02-17\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading9-218705-2024-02-17\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse9-218705-2024-02-17\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tNo, As long as you have some common sense and willingness to do the right thing for the interests of others I feel is more than enough.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-218705-2024-02-17\" id=\"heading10-218705-2024-02-17\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse10-218705-2024-02-17\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-218705-2024-02-17\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading10-218705-2024-02-17\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse10-218705-2024-02-17\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tLosing our sense of humanity and compassion to those around us. Technology is great but we also need to take time and smell the roses! \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-218705-2024-02-17\" id=\"heading11-218705-2024-02-17\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse11-218705-2024-02-17\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-218705-2024-02-17\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading11-218705-2024-02-17\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse11-218705-2024-02-17\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tNo, It seems like they are always playing politics to get re-elected. They play games for a year and then the next year is spent on re-election. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-218705-2024-02-17\" id=\"heading12-218705-2024-02-17\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse12-218705-2024-02-17\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-218705-2024-02-17\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat are your thoughts on term limits?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading12-218705-2024-02-17\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse12-218705-2024-02-17\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tWe should have them! \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-218705-2024-02-17\" id=\"heading13-218705-2024-02-17\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse13-218705-2024-02-17\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-218705-2024-02-17\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIs there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading13-218705-2024-02-17\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse13-218705-2024-02-17\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tNope, I’d rather make a name for myself proving to you I am different and worthy to represent you. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-218705-2024-02-17\" id=\"heading14-218705-2024-02-17\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse14-218705-2024-02-17\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-218705-2024-02-17\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tBoth sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading14-218705-2024-02-17\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse14-218705-2024-02-17\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI over hear stories daily from students about sorts of things. The most impactful ones are the struggles they or their family is facing at home. There are good stories too though. What I’ve learned though is no story should be discounted good or bad. They all have meaning! \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-218705-2024-02-17\" id=\"heading15-218705-2024-02-17\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse15-218705-2024-02-17\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-218705-2024-02-17\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading15-218705-2024-02-17\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse15-218705-2024-02-17\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI firmly believe it’s necessary but unfortunately I don’t see it being desirable where it should be in order to get things done even if it’s just incrementally. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse16-218705-2024-02-17\" id=\"heading16-218705-2024-02-17\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse16-218705-2024-02-17\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse16-218705-2024-02-17\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tThe Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading16-218705-2024-02-17\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse16-218705-2024-02-17\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tYou raise revenue “work” to pay for your bills. Just like in any household in America. My role would be the same. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse17-218705-2024-02-17\" id=\"heading17-218705-2024-02-17\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse17-218705-2024-02-17\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse17-218705-2024-02-17\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tHow should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading17-218705-2024-02-17\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse17-218705-2024-02-17\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tFor Accountability purposes. They need to take the political theater out of it. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse18-218705-2024-02-17\" id=\"heading18-218705-2024-02-17\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse18-218705-2024-02-17\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse18-218705-2024-02-17\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading18-218705-2024-02-17\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse18-218705-2024-02-17\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse19-218705-2024-02-17\" id=\"heading19-218705-2024-02-17\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse19-218705-2024-02-17\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse19-218705-2024-02-17\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat committees interest you?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading19-218705-2024-02-17\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse19-218705-2024-02-17\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tNot exactly sure yet. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse20-218705-2024-02-17\" id=\"heading20-218705-2024-02-17\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse20-218705-2024-02-17\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse20-218705-2024-02-17\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading20-218705-2024-02-17\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse20-218705-2024-02-17\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tWhat is there to have a specific view on here? It’s a public office where transparency and accountability should be a given. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div></div>\n<div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.</i></p></div>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-1548351761485-0\"><script>googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display(\"div-gpt-ad-1548351761485-0\"); });</script></div>", "answer_text": "See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection\n\nMichael Talarzyk completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Talarzyk's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. The question here, who am I?…I am you! I’m an everyday citizen from Evansville, Indiana hoping to be your next representative to the U.S. congress to help make things just a little bit better for all. I’m married and a father of 3 boys ages 19, 16 & 2. I am a school bus driver where I get to see and hear about all sorts of things while I’m out and about. I’m a good listener and on the fly problem solver. That in itself has encouraged me to run for office. Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? I’m purple! The best Democrat candidate choice to put up in the General Election that could win in a primarily red district. Yes I’m running as a Democrat the party I was born and raised in but I’m more middle of the road and see both sides of issues. I believe in Bi-Partisanship. Not working for “The Party Affiliation” but instead working for you and the best outcome that may be achieved working alongside members of both parties. Let’s get back to the basics of just doing the right thing! Enough of the extreme positions! Time to use some common sense! What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Healthcare, Infrastructure, Accountability Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy? “MADISON” the movie What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official? Being able to take criticism, Listening to other people’s thoughts and opinions besides your own, Accountability for one’s actions and just doing the right thing. What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder? I’m middle of the road when it comes to politics. What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office? Working for your constituents and not your party affiliation. What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time? The Challenger space shuttle exploding. I was 6 or 7 at the time. What was your very first job? How long did you have it? Grocery Store started when I was 15 and worked there all through high school even some after I was first married to help out from time to time. What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution? There is no other country like the United States of America. Even in its at times political disfunction it’s still the best country in the world to live in. Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics? No, As long as you have some common sense and willingness to do the right thing for the interests of others I feel is more than enough. What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade? Losing our sense of humanity and compassion to those around us. Technology is great but we also need to take time and smell the roses! Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives? No, It seems like they are always playing politics to get re-elected. They play games for a year and then the next year is spent on re-election. What are your thoughts on term limits? We should have them! Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after? Nope, I’d rather make a name for myself proving to you I am different and worthy to represent you. Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful? I over hear stories daily from students about sorts of things. The most impactful ones are the struggles they or their family is facing at home. There are good stories too though. What I’ve learned though is no story should be discounted good or bad. They all have meaning! Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking? I firmly believe it’s necessary but unfortunately I don’t see it being desirable where it should be in order to get things done even if it’s just incrementally. The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected? You raise revenue “work” to pay for your bills. Just like in any household in America. My role would be the same. How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers? For Accountability purposes. They need to take the political theater out of it. What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign? What committees interest you? Not exactly sure yet. What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability? What is there to have a specific view on here? It’s a public office where transparency and accountability should be a given.\nNote: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it."}]