About Mark
Experienced & Visionary Leadership
Mark Spencer began his career as a teacher of speech and drama, spending more than 25 years in the classroom and as an administrator of arts and theater. Mark earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theater from Indiana University, a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Calumet College of St. Joseph, a Master of Education degree from Indiana Wesleyan University. He is the recipient of several awards and accolades including The Times of Northwest Indiana’s “Professionals to Watch,” The Katie Hall Educational Foundation’s “Merit of Distinction Award” and Gary Frontiers Club’s “Drum Major Award.” Mark is credited as the founder of West Side Theatre Guild. He is the Director of Fine Arts for Gary Community School Corporation and was recently elected to the Gary Common Council as councilman-at-large. He is an artist and musician who lives, works and worships in Gary and surrounding communities.
Education
Every community in District 3 deserves the resources required to dismantle learning systems built on scarcity. We will co-create the schools our young people deserve.
As Indiana State Senator representing District 3, I will work hard to ensure that our schools champion the individual talents, abilities and interests of each student. For our schools, I will fight daily to see that student and teacher needs are met.
Economic Development
Explore processes that are efficient, transparent, community-centered and cross collaborative in support of growing a transformative and inclusive economy. We will investigate innovative solutions to address capital needs, particularly among underserved communities and small businesses.
As Indiana State Senator representing District 3, I will explore equitable and inclusive workforce development strategies to build resilient economic clusters and communities.
Environment
Many communities in Gary, Hobart, Lake Station, Merrillville and New Chicago have fought to prevent or shut down polluters from harming residents due to extreme deficits in environmental policies and legislative action, some of which failed to protect communities, and others of which have been notable drivers of harm.
As Indiana State Senator representing District 3, I will embed the voice of communities in the decision-making process related to environmental decisions made by the state government to move an environmental justice and climate action agenda.
Youth & Gun Safety
In Indiana, approximately 42.4% of households have at least one gun. Thousands of minors live in homes with at least one loaded and unsecured firearm. Every child deserves to live free from violence. Young people in our state pay an enormous price for our weak gun laws. We must do better.
As Indiana State Senator representing District 3, I will fight for child access prevention laws that can help prevent unintentional shootings and gun suicides, especially amongst our youth.