"It's nice to have him in town and get a feel for the community." Former South Bend Mayor and Indiana governor, Joe Kernan says he's glad he ran into Governor Mike Pence at the Chicory Cafe.
"I think he's off to a great start. It sounds like things are moving. We just don't want to be forgotten up here," says Kernan.
He wasn't the only one who got to chat with the new governor.
"I think the governor realizes the value of Northern Indiana and St. Joe and Elkhart Counties in particular with the manufacturing and medical education institutions here. I think we'll expect to see him quite often," Steve Watts.
"If he is a person who helps businesses grow then I'm all for it and I'll support him as long as he keeps that up," says Chicory Cafe owner, Philip Schreiber.
Governor Pence also answered questions at a Chamber of Commerce luncheon. He moved into the Governor's Mansion and says things are off to a good start. "It's been very humbling for my family to step into this role. We're all adjusting well."
But he has his work cut out for him. One of his top priorities has been a 10% personal income tax cut. "I really do believe that lowering our taxes at a time of the largest state surplus in our history is simply the right thing to do."
But House Republicans -- members of his own party -- dismissed the cut and want that money used for education and road spending. Pence isn't giving up on the idea. "Hoosiers don't have to choose between funding roads and schools and providing tax relief for working families and small businesses. We can actually afford to do both."
He says it's still early in the legislation process, but a tax cut like this would create jobs all over Indiana. And he says our northwest corner will benefit greatly.
"When government collects more than it needs, the right thing to do after you fund your priorities and protect your balance sheet, is to return that money to the hard working tax payers who earned it in the first place."
