Sharon Wight

Sharon Wight earned a high school diploma from North Side High School, a bachelor's degree from Purdue University Fort Wayne in 2009, a graduate degree from Indiana University-Purdue University, Fort Wayne in 2012, and a graduate degree from Purdue University Global in 2022. Wight's career experience includes working as a project manager.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Hi, my name is Sharon Wight, and I am running for District 81 in the Indiana State House. I am a lifelong Fort Wayne resident, having lived in the northwest corner of Allen County for my entire life. I am proud to come from a family of educators, engineers, farmers, union workers, and clergy. As a child, I attended Holland Elementary School, which instilled a deep appreciation of science in me. At Northwood Middle School, and at North Side High School, I had a golden opportunity to be surrounded by diversity every day. I always say that diversity is worth its weight in gold, and that it contributed to the deep empathy I am bringing to this campaign. Empathy is everything to me, and I want to use that as your next representative in District 81.

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 believe strongly in accessibility for all. This has three areas that I feel are being neglected. The first is accessibility of infrastructure, including both physical and digital access to all spaces where life takes place. Second is accessibility of language; ensuring that all citizens are able to read and understand the most important documents in our society, from personal paperwork to our Constitution. They should also have the ability to ask questions and receive answers in a tongue they understand related to these questions. Finally, accessibility of processes for all - processes in our country are convoluted and often need a translator of a particular field, whether that be banking, school enrollment, or transportation or others.I believe that we have processes in our state that are not serving us at the statehouse. Currently, our legislators are only in session during the first quarter of each calendar year. This does not allow for quick action on incredibly important issues. And even when a vote is held, our representatives and senators can have their vote silenced even if they have only left temporarily. Comprehensive statehouse process reform would cost the average Hoosier little or nothing to implement, but will guarantee that each constituent is represented to the fullest extent. My reform would include shorter sessions more often during the year, resulting in a consistent, transparent schedule for Hoosiers.Healthcare is a right, not a privilege. We need to ensure that all constituents are cared for, and are able to choose appropriate care for their needs. Given that this is no longer a priority at the federal level, we as state legislators need to push for a statewide single payer system, to ensure Hoosiers have the care they deserve.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Accessibility, Infrastructure, Education, Healthcare, LGBTQIA+ Rights