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Best foot forward
Klinker’s ‘approachable’ personality shines in shoes and Statehouse By Nick Rogers
Sheila Klinker apologizes, but she has to reschedule. Something has come up on this rare day off from 2019’s session of the Indiana General Assembly, where Klinker has been a Democratic state representative for House District 27 since 1982. She’ll talk more later, but still makes time to preview that discussion — which will concern, among many other topics, proposed budget increases for Indiana’s Department of Child Services and incentives for Indiana teachers. Even in her downtime, Klinker finds ways to put her best foot forward for Indiana families — a foot frequently found in a fashionable shoe. Klinker’s locally legendary, vibrant fashion sense reflects not only her personality but her strategy in politics. “I’d describe my style as happy, outgoing and, hopefully, friendly,” she
Rep. Sheila Klinker
says. “If I want to be approachable, I want to feel that way.”
D-Lafayette PHO TO BY RI CHARD G . B I E V E R
For nearly four decades, Klinker has represented most of Lafayette, Ind.,
here. I’ve been in the minority and the
diana. Klinker also strongly supports
along with sections of West Lafayette
majority. You have to work together
First Steps, which provides in-home
and Tippecanoe County. From the
to make sure you’re doing the right
services for newborns and toddlers
middle of her 19th term, what advice
thing. If you see a bill you can work
who have developmental delays or
would she give to herself at the start if
on with Republican friends, join in.”
disabilities.
she could?
There’s not enough room to list every
“The reason I continue to do this is re-
“Be a good listener, don’t try to make
cause Klinker has championed. But
ally to help education and to help the
big decisions quickly and work in a
she cites Court-Appointed Special
people in my area,” Klinker says. “I still
bipartisan way,” says Klinker, who
Advocates, or CASA, as a bipartisan
enjoy serving the people very much.”
spent more than 34 years as a teacher.
capstone — bringing advocacy for
“That last one might be why I’m still
abused or neglected children to In-
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MARCH 2019
Freelance writer Nick Rogers is a communications manager for Purdue Agricultural Communications.