Hoover looks to turn Parke County Commissioner District 2 seat Blue

For Chance Hoover, an opportunity to represent an area he calls home and change the political voice and landscape was too great for the Democratic candidate to pass up. 

Hoover is a candidate for Parke County Commissioner District 2, which is currently held by Republican  Bruce Hartman. Hartman faces a May primary challenge from Daniel Jensen, Cameron Martin and Jeffrey A. Ramey. 

"I grew up in the northern part of Parke County outside of Lodi. I went to Turkey Run Elementary and Middle School. I graduated from North Vermillion High School, joined the Marine Corps, moved back to Parke County and this is my home. I decided to run because I am like a lot of other people. I see the roads out there, dodging potholes isn't fun. I am not one to sit here and complain about an issue. If there is a problem, I want to put in the hard work and try to fix it," Hoover told The Parke County Post. 

Hoover said he is getting tired of sitting back and watching what Indianapolis Republicans have done to the state, including Park County. 

"We are getting tired of what Indianapolis Republicans are doing and how it impacts us locally. I am running so that maybe we can show the Indianapolis Republicans they are going to have to listen to Parke County too. If elected, it will show state Republicans they need to start paying attention to Parke County and we are not going to put up with schools closing, increased budgets and more because they want to cut budgets to make sure the Governor has a helipad or others have luxury vehicles," Hoover said. 

As the Parke County Democratic Party Chairman, Hoover knows the deck is stacked against him and he has work to do if he looks to turn the seat blue. 

"It is discouraging a little bit and then I turn that around and that is what motivates me. There is nothing worse to hear as the Democratic Party Chair is when people ask oh there are Democrats in Parke County. It is time to kick and scream and be heard. There are people out here that think a little different. I get told all the time from people they are scared. My time in the Marine Corps taught me to be too stupid to be scared. I'm not scared and I can't take what people say on Facebook. I know Parke County is full of great people, and I am not going to let one or two ruin it. I am going to be out there letting people know we are here and we exist," said Hoover, who admitted hearing from some citizens they aren't going to give him or his ideas a chance due to being a Democrat. 

Hoover said as he makes his way around the county, he has gotten an earful of concerns from voters. 

"I am here for the county. The main thing I hear about is the roads. A lot of times I hear there is favoritism taking place. I haven't seen that, but there is that appearance and when that happens, people lose faith in the government. I am not here to give out money to my business or family, but, instead, to help the county and give people a voice," Hoover said. 

In addition, Hoover said he has heard quite a bit about the fallout from Senate Bill 1, which was aimed at cutting property taxes in the state. Many towns and municipalities around the state have raised concerns that services may need to be cut as a result of less tax dollars coming in. 

"People are looking at budgets now and asking, "how many people are going to die." To know that something I did caused a death, that would weigh heavy on me. People need to understand we may need to pay a little bit more, and I hate it. But, it may give you peace of mine to know that if your daughter chokes on something, that fire department will still be there and have the tools. Is that worth the extra money? Absolutely," Hoover said. 

Hoover is optimistic that in November, he will be able to help make Parke County a special place to live, work and play.

"It truly is a special place. It is a place that is beautiful, and there is something about this place that makes me long to come back here. The geography and the people here are lovely. The people care about each other. That is what I love about this place. We are going to need some transplants to grow. What makes Parke County great is that loving, caring way and we need to welcome and invite people to our table to continue to be great and grow," Hoover said. 

Hoover said that if people want a change in Parke County, they should consider voting for him.

"You have another option. I am asking people to vote for Chance Hoover, as a person, not some letter. Vote for someone who helps out at sporting events and wants to help. People should vote for me if they want to see change. I want you to vote for me if you think this one seat being Democrat will get the people in Indianapolis and Republicans in Indianapolis to think about us. That is why I want people to vote for me," Hoover said.