Ashley Hammac

Ashley Hammac earned a high school diploma from Robert E. Lee High School. He went on to earn a bachelor's degree from the University of Arkansas in 2002, a graduate degree from Auburn University in 2005, and a Ph.D. from Washington State University in 2015. Hammac's career experience includes working as a consultant.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am not a politician. I am a soil scientist and a father. I am running for many reasons, but first and foremost, I would like to inspire others to run for office and protect our system of self governance. I promise to represent my district in such a way that reflects the needs and ideas of the people in the district and not influence peddlers and power brokers from outside the district and state. Local rule is under attack. State preemption of governance is being forced onto local communities where they lack control in how their public funds are spent and what projects are developed here. My goal would be to give the power back to local communities and return small towns in Indiana to their once thriving state. I aim to rebuild rural agricultural based supply chains that conserve our resources, provides healthy foods, and generates jobs and sustainable economic growth. All of this will be done by talking to constituents, hashing out disagreements in open forums, and coming up with durable, bipartisan policy that will last and be beneficial to district 16 and all of rural Indiana.

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 aim to promote a local and sustainable agricultural based supply chain. This goal is multifaceted and provides for solutions in many different areas of need. First, it addresses some of the root causes that create health issues. Second, it provides jobs and economic stimulus. Third, it allows public education and health to receive adequate funding to work for rural communities.I aim to tell the AI data centers that they should present an efficient, sustainable plan to the public or go somewhere else. There are more efficient AI models which would require less energy. Less energy use means less water use. Proper location of the AI data centers (beneficial reuse and not on farmland) insures that we take a practical approach to land use and not a "slash and burn" method of land use. All of this needs to be presented to the public out in the open so we can reach the best solution. Also this will allow us to stay in compliance with Indiana's open door law regarding representatives holding meetings where there is a quorum.I aim to create sustainable pathways for both conventional and renewable energy. I do believe we need to look for alternatives to fossil fuels, however, I do not belive covering up farmland with solar panels is the best way to achieve that. Energy is not more of a necessity than food and water. Therefore we need smart and workable solutions that fit into our agricultural and rural landscape.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Sustainable agriculture, healthy soils, and conservation of natural resources.