FRANKLIN, Ind. — Lieutenant Governor Micah Beckwith answered questions from constituents for more than hour on Monday night during a town hall that was contentious but more tame than other recent events put on by Hoosier politicians.
There was the occasional outburst and jeer from the packed council chambers inside Franklin City Hall.
One of the most-touched-on topics was Beckwith’s support of vouchers for private schools. He repeatedly doubled down on his position that taxpayer money should follow the student. Those questions came mostly from current and former public school teachers like Pam Jones.
Jones scoffed at Beckwith for saying he supports public schools.
“I think he knew while I was talking that he was going to say that at the end, so I don’t think he really listened to me,” Jones said.
Beckwith also fielded questions about cuts to Medicaid, medical marijuana and his often-controversial public statements. The lieutenant governor said he knew he’d be walking into the proverbial lion’s den, but said he enjoys it.
“I thought it was amazing,” Beckwith said of the town hall. “A passionate room. I think this is exactly what needs to happen in our republic, is coming out and hearing the concerns that people have.”
There was some common ground uncovered on concerns with an INDOT project on U.S. Highway 31 and preserving the rights of reserve police officers whose fates are resting on a bill making it’s way through the statehouse.
“There will be some issues where we’re going to not be able to come to an agreement, and I get that,” Beckwith said. “But then there’s other issues, and that’s what I was looking for tonight is what are those issues that I don’t really know where maybe we can find some common ground.”
The agreement between the crowd and Beckwith was minimal with several people saying they were disappointed in his answers.
“I am never satisfied with what Micah Beckwith has to say,” Blythe Potter said.
“To be honest, I think it’s very traditional politician speak,” Levi Ault said.
However, Beckwith’s critics also gave him credit for facing tough questions.
“He did come, and he did try to answer questions,” Jones said. “It wasn’t the answer I wanted, but that’s just how it is.”
Beckwith did have some supporters in the audience.
The lieutenant governor said he’d take what he heard back to the statehouse as time ticks on the legislative session. Beckwith said he plans to continue holding town halls across the state.
