Brian Bosma: speaker, Indiana House.

• Author: Andrade, Jane Carroll
• Position: THE FINAL WORD - Biography - Interview

It's no surprise Brian Bosma became a legislator. His father, Charles, served 21 years as a legislative leader in the Indiana House and Senate. Bosma grew up discussing state issues and visiting the Statehouse often. He was elected to the House in 1986 and first elected speaker in 2004. He is a graduate of the Purdue University School of Engineering and Indiana University School of Law.

What's next, now that elections are over? I think there are a few lessons to be learned. First, politics matters. It's not a game. It affects real people now and in the future. Democracy is a not a spectator sport. We are a great country--the best country in the

world--but we clearly have our problems, many of them emanating out of Washington, D.C. Leadership must come from the states. The states are the laboratories of innovation and we have to double down on our work.

What are your legislative priorities this session?

Our top priority will be continuing our 12-year history of balanced budgets without general tax increases, while still maintaining our state's AAA credit rating and investing in our key priorities like education and infrastructure. Right behind that will be a long-term funding solution for Indiana's roads and bridges.

Who inspired you to run for office? I grew up in a family that placed a high premium on public service. My grandparents were immigrants. My dad was a World War II combat veteran, my mom a schoolteacher. Our dinner table discussions were about giving back to the nation and state that had been so generous to us. We were expected to give back to our community.

What characteristics are essential to good leadership?

I firmly believe that integrity is the very core of leadership. Coaching legend John Wooden once said that ability may get you to the top, but it takes integrity to stay there. The electorate must have confidence in its democratically elected leaders. For that we have to be transparent in our legislative and private dealings.

What motivated you to found Bosma Enterprises for the Blind, and what does it do? My dad was a compassionate conservative way before it was cool. When he passed away in 1984, the state named a building that housed its blind workshop after him During my first legislative session in 1987, I was informed that the program was being cut. So five of us founded a fledgling nonprofit to take it over. We have 120 blind and visually impaired employees ranging from production employees to graphic artists and...