The Town of Carmel Democratic Committee

These are the current issues and evolving needs that we believe are crucial in our community, in our state, and in our nation.

• Elected officials are the servants of the people; they must conduct the people’s business honestly, openly, responsively, efficiently and ethically.

• Putnam County government should deliver services efficiently and make best use of all facilities throughout the county.

• We demand that our county’s eroding road and bridge infrastructure be repaired and upgraded to ensure safety.

• Public transportation should be available throughout the county to trains, shopping and medical, governmental, and recreational facilities.

• We are committed to responsible development that protects our environment. 

• Putnam County government should facilitate the development of small businesses and should recruit companies or institutions that would offer full-time employment opportunities in the county.

• Institutional programs of higher learning should be established in Putnam County.

• We support and encourage the development of community-based programs to help adolescents transition to adulthood and the world of work, such as mentoring, apprenticeship and parent education training.

• We propose the creation of locally based community centers which offer healthy and stimulating group activities that provide for the emotional, social, and intellectual growth of our youth.

• The county should coordinate resources and programs that would prevent and treat substance abuse in our county.

• Seniors should be offered opportunities to socialize, exercise, and be involved in educational and community activities.

• Workers have the right to a safe work environment; to be protected from sexual and other forms of harassment; and to earn equal pay for equal work.

• We support the right of employees to form unions.

• We support a living wage for all local employees, and we encourage the adoption of living wage standards by all local businesses and institutions, regardless of size.

• Affordable child and senior care, based on income, should be available to all.

• We support the Equal Rights Amendment, affirmative action, and a woman’s right to choose.

• Crimes of sexual harassment or assault must be prosecuted in a timely manner. 

• Putnam County should protect and preserve unique features, such as historic structures and natural and recreational resources that can contribute to tourism.

•  We strongly encourage local government to promote the restoration and rehabilitation of abandoned and underutilized buildings.

• We encourage the construction of affordable housing units in walkable communities.

• Water and air quality standards should be based on the best scientific knowledge and be strictly enforced.

• We stand for significantly reducing, and eliminating as quickly as possible, our dependence on fossil and nuclear fuels.

• We are committed to renewable energy and the sustainable production of food and other basic necessities.

• Genetically modified food should be labeled.

• Gas or oil pipelines and train hauling of oil, natural gas, and other hazardous materials should not be permitted without prior independent health and safety impact assessments.

• We are committed to the banning of fracking.

• We believe that the terms of any proposed agreements and treaties should be openly discussed, especially those that may be detrimental to health, safety, jobs or the economy.

• We support a national universal health care system that emphasizes prevention and informs medical research.

• We support our veterans’ rights to medical, mental health, educational and vocational rehabilitative services.

• We are committed to preserving and improving Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.

•  We encourage cooperation and dialogue between law enforcement and community members.

• We support strong, responsible, and strictly enforced gun control laws.

• We believe that the composition of Putnam County law enforcement agencies should be diverse.

•  We oppose the militarization of law enforcement agencies.

• A progressive tax system should apply to all forms of income.

• We call for the reversal of Citizens United.

• We promote the expansion of voting opportunities with a goal to achieve 100% participation.