This survey was distributed to primary candidates across several Boone County races to gather clear yes-or-no positions and optional written comments on issues related to Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library. Not every candidate submitted responses, and some shared additional context with their answers.
About the Survey
Men of Truth USA sent this four-question survey to candidates in key Boone County primary races to document where each candidate stands on recent Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library decisions. The table below shows the responses received so far and notes where candidates did not answer.
The Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library is governed by a 7-member library board, appointed to 3-year terms. Two of these members of this board are appointed by the Boone County Commissioners and 2 members are appointed by the Boone County Council. Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library is supported by property taxes. Recently, library staff have prominently displayed many books promoting LGBTQ and transgender themes in the children's section. The library also promoted and participated in last year's "Zionsville Pride Fest", which featured a "drag queen" story hour for children and a "drag show" in which scantily clad male performers dressed as women danced provocatively for young children. All of this took place in a public park in Zionsville. When these matters were brought to the attention of the library's Board of Trustees at a public meeting, the board refused to take any corrective action and instead ratified the decisions of the library staff.
As part of its effort to educate the public regarding the issue, the Men of Truth USA have created this survey to ensure that primary voters are aware of the positions of candidates for Boone County Commissioner and Boone County Council in this matter.
Man in drag performing at Zionsville Pride Fest in August 2025.A festival attendee stuffing dollar bills down the shirt of a drag performer at Zionsville Pride Fest in August 2025.Man in drag interacting with children as parents look on during a performance at Zionsville Pride Fest in August 2025.A collection of books currently available in the children's section of the Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library promoting LGBTQ and transgender themes.Another collection of books currently available in the children's section of the Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library promoting LGBTQ and transgender themes.
Survey Results
Results are organized by question and grouped by office. Responses are shown exactly as reported so far, including non-responses.
Question 1:
Do you agree with the Hussey-Mayfield library board's decision to allow the books described above to be displayed in the children's and teen's sections of the library?
County Commissioner District 1
Candidate
Response
Comments
Timothy (Tim) Beyer
No
Jason Plunkett
No
County Council District 1
Candidate
Response
Comments
Jennifer J. Hostetter
No Response
County Council District 2
Candidate
Response
Comments
John Hume
No
I believe those type of books do not belong in the children's section.
Gretchen Smith
No Response
County Council District 3
Candidate
Response
Comments
James Edward Davis
No
Christian Litscher
No
The library was a place where you would do research, have an opportunity to find New and fun topics to explore. It wasn't a place where you sent your children to be exposed to the latest form of debauchery of a perverted social engineered attack on the moral structure of both family or our faith.
Kevin Van Horn
No Response (See Comments)
I believe libraries should be mindful of age-appropriate content, especially in children's sections. While I support access to information, I also believe parents should have a strong voice in what materials are presented to younger audiences. Clear guidelines and transparency are important to maintain community trust.
County Council District 4
Candidate
Response
Comments
William Arnold
No
Craig Melton
No Response
Aaron Williams
No Response
Question 2:
Do you agree with the Hussey-Mayfield library board's decision to promote and participate in the "Zionsville Pride Fest" and "drag queen" story hour?
County Commissioner District 1
Candidate
Response
Comments
Timothy (Tim) Beyer
No
Jason Plunkett
No
County Council District 1
Candidate
Response
Comments
Jennifer J. Hostetter
No Response
County Council District 2
Candidate
Response
Comments
John Hume
No
Those activities should not be promoted to children.
Gretchen Smith
No Response
County Council District 3
Candidate
Response
Comments
James Edward Davis
No
Christian Litscher
No
Again this is an insidious attack on the moral fiber of community. I find it appalling that we see the embracing of these types of events while at the same time there is no encouragement for religious groups, within our community, to utilize any of our facilities for prayer groups or religious studies.
Kevin Van Horn
No Response (See Comments)
I believe libraries should be thoughtful about the types of programs they promote, especially those involving young children. While I respect inclusion, I also believe many families expect libraries to remain neutral spaces. I would support greater community input and careful consideration of age-appropriateness in these decisions.
County Council District 4
Candidate
Response
Comments
William Arnold
No
Craig Melton
No Response
Aaron Williams
No Response
Question 3:
If elected, would you support the appointment of new library board members, at the end of the existing board members' terms, who would oppose the actions of the current library board described above?
County Commissioner District 1
Candidate
Response
Comments
Timothy (Tim) Beyer
Yes
Jason Plunkett
Yes
County Council District 1
Candidate
Response
Comments
Jennifer J. Hostetter
No Response
County Council District 2
Candidate
Response
Comments
John Hume
Yes
But there needs to be candidates willing to serve on the Board. Most appointments are made from a single prospective member.
Gretchen Smith
No Response
County Council District 3
Candidate
Response
Comments
James Edward Davis
Yes
Christian Litscher
Yes
The library, like so many other institutions, has been taken over to serve a small faction of very active and vocal groups who believe their status as a protected class allows them to tell the majority they must embrace their ideologies or suffer the consequences.
Kevin Van Horn
No Response (See Comments)
If elected, my responsibility would be to support the appointment of qualified, thoughtful individuals who will serve the entire community-not to pre-select people based on a single issue. I believe board members should be chosen for their judgment, integrity, and willingness to listen to all voices, especially parents. I would support individuals who are committed to transparency, accountability, and making decisions that reflect the values of our community.
County Council District 4
Candidate
Response
Comments
William Arnold
Yes
Craig Melton
No Response
Aaron Williams
No Response
Question 4:
If elected, would you support the immediate removal of existing board members who failed to take corrective action on this issue, before the end of their current terms, in accordance with Indiana Code 36-12-2-20?
County Commissioner District 1
Candidate
Response
Comments
Timothy (Tim) Beyer
Yes
However, Indiana Code is arbitrary and can be changed by the legislature at any time. The better course of action would involve informing elected servants and board members what authority has been granted in the Indiana Constitution for the use of public money related to libraries and education and demanding remedy by ceasing and desisting the use of public money for any such purpose that has not been granted. Similar things have been done in other states related to education curriculum in schools and I would be happy to share what has been done if there is an interest in doing something similar here. It's important that People and board members know this information so that they can stand on it because government is obligated to abide by what authority is and what authority is not granted in constitutions and there is no argument against it.
Jason Plunkett
Yes
Subject to Indiana Code. The HMML board appointments were made with the current District 1 Commissioner in office - in 2023 and 2025. If the current appointments were deemed to meet the criteria of Indiana Code 36-12-2-20 justifying the public hearing and removal, those efforts could have been requested by Commissioner Beyer over the last 3 1/2 years. That request has not been made.
County Council District 1
Candidate
Response
Comments
Jennifer J. Hostetter
No Response
County Council District 2
Candidate
Response
Comments
John Hume
Unsure
I would need more details on the actions that would require dismissal. The State Code is a little vague. The Council has a legal advisor that I would consult with.
Gretchen Smith
No Response
County Council District 3
Candidate
Response
Comments
James Edward Davis
Yes
Christian Litscher
Yes
I would support the removal of any board member that has weaponizes (sic) the library to make it an institution that now tries to influence and destroy the moral compass of our community. Thank you for requesting my views on this. I have a very strong view about what I see in our community not only within the library, but within so many of our government institutions
Kevin Van Horn
No Response (See Comments)
I believe accountability matters, but so does fairness and due process. I would not support removing board members based solely on disagreement over one issue. However, if there were clear failures to follow policy, uphold community standards, or respond appropriately to concerns, then those situations should be reviewed through the proper legal and appointment process.
County Council District 4
Candidate
Response
Comments
William Arnold
Yes
Craig Melton
No Response
Aaron Williams
No Response
"Moreover you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness."
