Candidate Interview: Austin Meives

Indiana’s 23rd State House District isn’t one story—it’s many.From Logansport to Peru, from Mexico to the communities surrounding Grissom Air Reserve Base, this district represents a mix of rural towns, small cities, and working families all facing the same question:Why does it feel like we’re being left behind?In this episode of Hold ’em Accountable, we sit down with Austin Meives, a Democratic candidate running to represent District 23, to break down what’s really happening on the ground—and what needs to change.📍 This isn’t about talking points. This is about reality.🔎 In this interview, Meives dives into the issues shaping north central Indiana:🏭 Factory closures and the limits of tax-cut economic policy🌾 The future of family farms and rising operational costs🏥 Rural healthcare struggles, provider shortages, and mental health access🏫 Education funding and the need for real workforce development📡 Broadband gaps and outdated infrastructure🏚️ Housing challenges, abandoned properties, and community decline🚧 Infrastructure systems that haven’t kept pace in decades⚡ The role of the state when markets fail rural communitiesHe makes a clear argument:“One-size-fits-all policy doesn’t work—and it’s leaving rural Indiana behind.”💬 Key takeaways from this conversation:✔️ Rethinking economic development beyond corporate tax incentives✔️ Investing in rural hospitals and mental health systems✔️ Expanding career and technical education earlier in schools✔️ Supporting farmers with new tools and diversified income streams✔️ Treating broadband and infrastructure as essential services✔️ Addressing housing through vacancy policy and smarter zoning✔️ Holding government accountable to the people—not just party leadershipMeives also emphasizes something voters across the district are feeling:They’re not being heard.And when people stop feeling heard—they stop showing up.🎯 Then we put it all on the line in Hold ’em or Fold ’em—our rapid-fire segment where candidates take clear positions with no spin:• Fully funding public schools• Supporting rural hospitals when markets fail• Expanding broadband access• Holding corporations accountable for tax incentives• Protecting family farms• Voting against party leadership when necessary📍 Whether you’re in Logansport, Peru, Miami County, Cass County, or anywhere across Indiana—this conversation highlights the real challenges facing rural communities and the decisions that will shape their future.👉 Watch the full interview and decide for yourself:Is this the leadership District 23 needs?🎙️ About Hold ’em Accountable:Real conversations. No spin. No scripts. Just the questions voters actually care about.#IndianaPolitics #AustinMeives #District23 #RuralAmerica #WorkingClass