Wes Bennett

Wes Bennett graduated from Plainfield High School. He earned an associate degree from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2000.

His career experience includes working as a financial consultant.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Wes Bennett is a seasoned public‑sector executive with a career rooted in service, integrity, and practical leadership. He served six years as State Commissioner of the Department of Local Government Finance and two years at the Utility Regulatory Commission. He statrted his public service in 2005, as the Clerk-Treasurer for the Town of Plainfield. During his twenty years of public service, Wes has brought steady guidance to complex regulatory, fiscal, and community challenges. Before entering public service, Wes spent more than 25 years in banking, insurance, investments, and mortgage lending, building a strong foundation in financial stewardship and customer-focused leadership.

A lifelong Hoosier, and Plainfield resident since 1969, Wes is deeply committed to strengthening the community that shaped him. He and his wife, Suzy, have been married for 40 years and raised two sons, and now enjoy time with their two grandsons. Wes is active in local service organizations, his church, and youth sports, and is known for his calm, collaborative approach to solving problems and improving quality of life for families across Hendricks County, and the State of Indiana.

My values are shaped by my Christian faith — honoring God, protecting families, and serving others with integrity. My Christian conservative beliefs call me to lead with integrity, defend the sanctity of life, support strong families, and uphold the principles of freedom and personal responsibility.

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?

Safety and security are the foundation of every strong community. Safety and security aren’t just policies — they’re promises we make to one another. When our neighborhoods, streets, and schools are protected, families thrive, businesses grow, and people feel confident in where they live and work. Nothing matters more than ensuring our communities are safe and secure. It’s the responsibility of government, it's what we owe every person. Protect what they’ve built and create a place where everyone can live, work, and prosper with confidence. Strong communities depend on trust, preparedness, and a shared commitment to looking out for one another. Wes Bennett will continue to work to ensure our community is safe and secure.Affordability & Fiscal Responsibility: these go hand in hand. Families, seniors, and small businesses feel the impact of every dollar government spends, and I believe taxpayers deserve leaders who treat public funds with the same care they use at their own kitchen tables. My focus is on keeping costs down, prioritizing essential services, and making sure every investment delivers real value for our communities. Responsible budgeting isn’t about saying no to everything — it’s about setting clear priorities, eliminating waste, and protecting the long‑term stability of the community where we live. I will work every day to see that every tax dollar spent by the State of Indiana and local government will have a return on that investment.Education: Every child deserves access to a strong, quality education that prepares them for the real world and the American Dream. I believe in supporting our teachers, strengthening classrooms, and ensuring parents have a choice and a voice in their children’s learning. Education should be affordable, accountable, and focused on helping students build the skills they need to succeed. When we invest wisely and put students first, our entire community benefits.

Safe/Secure, Affordable/Fiscally Responsible, Education - SAFE

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

America & Hoosiers First. Families across our community are feeling the strain of rising costs in some of the most essential parts of everyday life — housing, groceries, child care, health care, energy, and even basic technology like cable & internet servcies. These aren’t abstract economic trends; they’re real pressures on seniors, working parents, and young people trying to build a future. I believe leaders have a responsibility to focus on affordability, cut waste, and make sure government decisions don’t make life harder for the people we serve. When we prioritize responsible budgeting and commonsense solutions, we can ease the burden on households and help our communities stay strong and secure.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

President Ronald Reagan - President Reagan implemented a number of conservative policies. Tax cuts were implemented to stimulate the United States’ economy, which was facing double-digit inflation numbers and an unemployment rate above 7 percent. He also advocated for increases in military spending, reductions in certain ineffective and wasteful social programs, and measures to deregulate business. President Reagan made decisions based more on policy than politics. Making decisions based on good policies rather than politics are always better for the community and its residents.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

As a voter since 1976, I look for elected officials who demonstrate integrity, transparency, accountability, and conservative principles. I want qualities that build trust and ensure decisions are made in the public’s best interest. Our officials should have strong communication skills and a willingness to listen. These attributes help elected and appointed officials stay connected to the people they serve. I want my elected officals to be effective problem‑solvers, be fiscally responsibility, and have the discernment and ability to work collaboratively, especially when addressing complex community needs. I beleive in a commitment to fairness, respect for others, and a steady, christian principled approach to leadership. These are the traits that I believe are essential for serving well in public office. These are the skills and leadership principles that I have used in my twenty year public service career.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

As a state representative, my job is to listen to the people I serve, bring their concerns to the Statehouse, and make sure their voices shape the laws we pass. That means focusing on responsible budgeting, strong schools, safe communities, and policies that support families and local businesses. It also means being accessible, answering questions, and helping residents navigate state agencies. My commitment is simple: represent our district with integrity, work hard every day, and put the needs of our community first.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I was 14 years old when I started working for a couple local farmers in Plainfield. I held this job in the summer and fall until i graduatged from high school. I cleaned stalls, baled hay and straw, prepped the fields for planting, and then planted the beans and corn. Tended the cattle and horses, along with a small herd of pigs. I learned how to drive a tractor before I got my drivers license.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

The ideal relationship between the state legislature and the governor is one of balanced power, mutual respect, and constructive collaboration. Both branches have distinctly different constitutional roles, and effective governance depends on each branch of government fulfilling its duties while working in a cooperative manner.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

According to the Indiana Chamber, Indiana’s greatest challenges over the next decade center on workforce shortages, slow productivity growth, and the need to modernize the state’s economy while navigating national economic uncertainty. I agree

1. Workforce & Talent Shortages

Indiana faces a long‑term challenge in attracting and retaining skilled workers. Reports highlight **low educational attainment**, lagging talent attraction, and the need to significantly increase workforce participation to stay competitive. [Indiana Chamber of Commerce](https://www.indianachamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/INProsperity2035_Plan.pdf)

2. Slow Productivity Growth & Industry Transition

Indiana’s advanced industries have seen declining productivity, falling below the national average. The state is also among those most at risk from automation and AI‑driven job disruption, requiring major adaptation in training and economic strategy. [Indiana Chamber of Commerce](https://www.indianachamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/INProsperity2035_Plan.pdf)

3. Economic Growth Pressures

Indiana is “punching above its weight,” but no Midwestern state currently leads the nation in economic growth. Competing with faster‑growing regions—Sun Belt, Mountain West, coastal states—will require bold economic strategy and innovation. [The Central Indiana Corporate Partnership](https://www.cicpindiana.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/TEConomy_Indiana-2031-Phase-1-Report.pdf)

4. National Economic Headwinds

Forecasts show the U.S. economy slowing, with below‑potential growth, tariff‑driven inflation, and rising unemployment projected through 2027. These national trends directly affect Indiana’s manufacturing‑heavy economy. [IN.gov](https://www.in.gov/sba/files/1.-Economic-Outlook-April-16,-2025.pdf)

5. Entrepreneurship & Business Formation

Indiana has one of the nation’s strongest business climates, but startup formation lags behind other states. Strengthening entrepreneurship is critical for long‑term competitiveness. [Indiana Chamber of Commerce](https://www.indianachamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/INProsperity2035_Plan.pdf)

6. Energy & Infrastructure Modernization

Indiana must modernize energy systems and infrastructure to support advanced industries and future economic growth. State leaders emphasize the need to prepare for the “Economy of the Future,” including clean energy, tech, and global competitiveness. [The Central Indiana Corporate Partnership](https://www.cicpindiana.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/TEConomy_Indiana-2031-Phase-1-Report.pdf)

You can read more at www.indianachamber.com

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

There are times when you may need to compromise on policy choices. However, ethical compromise is wrong and I will not compromise my principles when making decisions and choices on what becomes law or when carrying out the duties of the office.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Former Indiana Secretary of State, Connie Lawson; Hendricks County Sheriff, Jack Sadler; HC Prosecutor, Loren Delp; HC Commissioners, Dennis Dawes, Bob Gentry, & Brad Whicker; HC Assessor Nicki Lawson; HC Recorder, Laura Herzog; John & Chastidy Hall & John E Hall of Hall Farms; Township Trustee Chuck Ellis; Lane, Carolyn & Chase Slaughter; Plainfield Town Clerk, Mark Todisco & Linda Todisco, Mel & DeeDee Daniel; John Brand; David Lahey; Larry Paynter, JD Harris; Bill Holland; Chief Joel Thacker; Dan Shackle, Esq.; Brownsburg Clerk-Tresurer Ann Hathaway; Jeff Banning; Scott & Vicki Walker; Indiana Manufacturers Assoc.; IN Professional Fire Fighters Union; Build Indiana Council; Indiana Business for Responsible Government;

What was the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember?

The 1963 assasination of President John F Kennedy, and the 1969 tragic launchpad fire that caused the death of Mitchell, Indiana, native, and Purdue graduate, Gus Grissom.