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Indiana Barrister 
Indiana Barrister is a weblog, or interactive online journal, with the most recent entry on top. Indiana Barrister seeks to be one of the Net's best sources for Hoosier commentary.
Post Frequency: 3.4/day Last Entry: November 20, 2009 at 08:02:40 Recent Entries: 1075
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Going Rouge
Posted on November 20, 2009I went looking for a copy of Governor Sarah Palin book “Going Rogue” at the downtown Borders bookstore. I couldn’t find it. It wasn’t because they were sold out, but because I was looking in the fiction section. More than 1,000 people gathered in Noblesville to see the former Vice-Presidential candidate and get signed copies of [...
Explain This One To Me?
Posted on November 19, 2009The Center for Disease Control says in 2008, Indiana went from 6th to 2nd in the nation in the percentage of adults who smoke, but since 2005 more than 30 municipalities have imposed smoking bans in one form or another in public places. So although there are fewer places to smoke in Indiana more people are smoking...
Paranormal Activity in IPS
Posted on November 19, 2009I don’t know what rocket scientist came up with this rule in Indianapolis Public Schools, but I can’t think of a better way to get sued and cost the taxpayers thousands of dollars. According to scienceblogs.com, IPS is blocking atheist websites from its computers; actually its blocking all “alternative spirituality” websites...
Trustees, Thy Days Are Numbered
Posted on November 18, 2009As you folks know one of my big issues down at the Statehouse is government reform and consolidation. I think there is too much government in Indiana and it can be streamlined for more accountability, efficiency and savings. The township assessors have already felt the bite of the consolidation and it looks like the Trustees are [...
Where There?s Secondhand Smoke?
Posted on November 17, 2009The Libertarian Party of Marion County is asking Marion County Prosecutor Carl Brizzi to probe Smoke Free Indy to see whether the group used public money for political purposes. As I told you last week Smoke Free Indy posted a blog critical of the LPMC which could be argued was crossing the line from advocacy in [...
The Four Tops
Posted on November 16, 2009Indiana’s four legislative leaders today are showing unity on state finances, but differing on property tax caps. Speaking at the Indiana Chamber 2010 Legislative Preview Lunch Senate Pro Tem David Long, House Speaker Pat Bauer, Senate Democratic Leader Vi Simpson and House Republican Leader Brian Bosma all agreed that with Indiana’s $310 million revenue shortfall, there [...
Good Ole Gossip, Rumor and Blatant Innuendo
Posted on November 15, 2009I picked up a lot of gossip over the weekend. So naturally I did what anyone else would do. Share it!!! Enjoy. The list of candidates for Public Safety Director is now down to four; three in-house and one from outside. Interim Director Mark Renner, current police chief Mike Spears and Darryl Pierce...
Quote of the Day
Posted on November 13, 2009“Walking into a bar and complaining about the cigarette smoke is like walking onto the Interstate and complaining about the speeding traffic.”
Is Smoke Free Indy Playing with Fire?
Posted on November 12, 2009Unless you?ve been living in a cave or under a rock you know I am not a big fan of expanding the current Indianapolis smoking ban because, like 81-percent of the rest of Marion County, I think the current compromise works just fine. Adults can exercise their choice and decide whether they want to work [...
Pence off the Fence
Posted on November 11, 2009Terry Burns over at the Indianapolis Times is blogging this morning that Linda Pence is withdrawing her name from consideration for U.S. Attorney. Pence tells the Times that the move came after very careful consideration, however there may be another side to this story...
Happy Veteran?s Day
Posted on November 11, 2009Today is Veteran’s Day. My Dad and brother are both Veterans. My father was in the Army, my brother the Air Force. Like millions of men and women they both proudly served their country. And it’s because of them we can argue about things like smoking bans, property taxes and the role of government...
Gather Ye Muslims While Ye May*
Posted on November 10, 2009As Americans mourn the loss of more than dozen people murdered by alleged shooter Nidal Malik Hasan thoughtful people are asking thoughtful questions and the crazies are coming out of the woodwork. Hasan apparently left signs all over the place that something just wasn’t quite right; A PowerPoint presentation on suicide bombers, attempts to contact Al-Qaeda, [...
RINOs and DINOs
Posted on November 09, 2009Anyone who’s been following this blog has probably figured out my personal politics tend to fall into the somewhat right-of-center category. I tend to be fiscally conservative but socially progressive. I don’t mind if my gay friends get married, as long as they don’t ask me or my Uncle Sam to pay for it...
Sunday Morning Posts
Posted on November 08, 2009My wife and I are about to enjoy a quiet Sunday morning together so here are a few things to ponder… Statehouse Stuff House Speaker Pat Bauer says he may look at government reform involving township trustees when lawmakers come back in January...
Brother, Can You Spare $46 Million?
Posted on November 06, 2009It’s not the $60 million shortfall it could have been, but October revenue collections in the state of Indiana fell $46 million short causing Governor Mitch Daniels to call for more budget cuts, wage freezes and dipping into surplus state dedicated funds...
$60 Million Shortfall?
Posted on November 05, 2009Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels is going to announce the latest revenue collections for October tomorrow and the picture “ain’t pretty.” I’m told not to be surprised if collections fell short by $60 million for the month. That’s on top of $250 million for the last quarter, bringing the state to a total shortfall of $310 million...
Why Franklin Failed
Posted on November 05, 2009My friends at the Indy Star this morning are writing about this week’s local school referendums and conclude the mixed results don’t offer a clear trend. Franklin and Perry Townships’ referendums failed while Beech Grove’s passed...
Why Wishard Won
Posted on November 04, 2009I was going to start this post taking a shot at a local blogger who spent an ungodly amount of Internet space railing against the Wishard referendum but who will now likely be its first patient at the new Hospital since his head exploded when voters overwhemingly approved the measure last night...
Referendum Update
Posted on November 03, 2009I’ll be doing updates over the course of the day so check back here periodically. At 11:00 a.m. More evidence from folks in southern Marion County, particularly Franklin Township, that voters are splitting their tickets by voting “yes” on the hospital and “no” on the schools...
It?s the People?s Turn
Posted on November 03, 2009Today is referendum day in Marion County. Voters, about 15% by my last count, will go to the polls and vote on a new hospital for Wishard, and school referendums in Franklin and Perry Townships as well as Beech Grove. Wishard supporters say they are cautiously optmisitc about today’s outcome, but are still encouraging their supporters [...
Franklin Fails; Perry Too Close to Call
Posted on November 03, 2009The split ticket voting I heard about this morning in Franklin Township was true. With 24 of 25 precincts reporting in the referendum is losing by a more than 2-to-1 margin. The first question is losing 2015 for, 4544 against. The second question 2017 in favor, 4054 against...
Wishard Wins
Posted on November 03, 2009Wishard referendum proponents declare victory. Franklin Township is losing badly.
The People are Speaking
Posted on November 03, 2009Still waiting for official results but Wishard winning 8-1. Beech Grove winning 2-1, Franklin is losing 5-1, Perry too close to call.
Some Referendum Results
Posted on November 03, 2009Franklin – 25 Voted: 315 Wishard yes: 228 Wishard no: 84 School 1 yes: 125 School 1 no: 189 School 2 yes: 121 School 2 no: 189 Franklin – 26 Voted: 248 Wishard yes: 162 Wishard no: 83 Franklin 1 yes: 91 Franklin 1 no: 156 Franklin 2 yes: 97 Franklin 2 no: 151
The People Have Spoken
Posted on November 03, 2009The polls are officially closed. You can view the results here. I’ll have analysis at the end of the evening.
Should IN Opt Out?
Posted on November 02, 2009I blogged last week about how Indiana lawmakers are taking a wait and see approach to whether the state will opt out of the public option component being discussed in the national health care reform debate. I understand the need to be cautious, but it’s my hope that Indiana will opt out of the public [...
Why Wishard Works For Me
Posted on October 31, 2009For most of the Wishard referendum debate, I’ve basically been neutral. I understand the need for building a new facility, but I also understand the taxpayers have been burned on projects like the Library and Lucas Oil Stadium. I’ve heard arguments on both sides and critically watched presentations by both proponents and opponents...
Point of Clarification
Posted on October 30, 2009The other day I questioned whether Hamilton Southeastern Schools were running contrary to the law by advocating for their referendum on their website. It turns out HSE is operating within the law because the referendum is for operational expenses. If it were for capital improvements, the school district would be in big trouble...
Ooops!!!
Posted on October 29, 2009I’m sure this is an oversight, but someone in the Hamilton Southeastern School District is probably running contrary to the law and will want to correct that as soon as possible. If you go to HSE’s website there is an icon on the front page encouraging residents to “Vote yes” on its upcoming referendum...
Wednesday Wire Regarding Tuesday Tidbits
Posted on October 28, 2009Here’s the long and short of some things to keep an eye on over the next few days that happened on Tuesday… Indiana lawmakers are split over whether the state should opt out of the public option of the Obama administration’s health care reform plan...
Make a Wishard
Posted on October 28, 2009Matt Gutwein, CEO of Health and Hospital addressed the Downtown Rotary Club of Indianapolis Tuesday. He spoke about the need for the hospital expansion and answered questions from Daniel Lee of the Indianapolis Star and Dr. Matt Will, professor of Finance at for the School of Business MBA program...
Smoke and Mirrors
Posted on October 26, 2009Delay, not necessarily denial. That’s the attitude of proponents of a more strict smoking ban in Marion County. The measure, along with two amendments, failed to garner enough support to pass. The arguments were pretty standard; supporters argued public health, opponents argued property rights...
Track the Teacher
Posted on October 26, 2009Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett is about to launch a program that will definitely raise the ire and the eyebrows of the education establishment in Indiana. Bennett’s office is preparing to launch a tracking system tying graduates of Indiana’s Colleges of Education to the academic performance of their students...
Am I Missing Something Here?
Posted on October 25, 2009Monday night the Indianapolis City-County Council may vote on a tougher smoking ban for the city. I say “may” because as I write this post this morning there is some serious question as to whether either side has enough votes for a clear victory or whether the matter will be delayed for another meeting or [...
I Need a Favor
Posted on October 23, 2009I found out the other day that Indiana Barrister is in the running for one of the top 50 blogs in the state. We had no idea someone nominated us and I don’t think there’s any real prize except bragging rights. So if you could, vote and help a barrister out...
Hot Ghetto Mess
Posted on October 22, 2009I admit to thinking long and hard about using that title for this blog post, but the more I thought about it, the more appropriate I thought it was when discussing City-County Councilor Doris Minton McNeil. McNeil, when functioning, represents Council District 15 on the near northwest side of Indianpolis...
Privatized Parts?
Posted on October 21, 2009It took four months, but somebody got the hint. The City of Indianapolis is seeking proposals from private entities to take over the operational costs of Lucas Oil Stadium, the Convention Center and Conseco Fieldhouse. Mike Huber, head of Enterprise Development for the city says they’ve received a number of inquiries from private companies interested in [...
A Tale of Two Maherns
Posted on October 20, 2009It was the best of Maherns. It was the worst of Maherns. Okay, that’s probably a bit much. You probably read me blog yesterday about City-County Councilor Dane Mahern reportedly going to abstain from a vote on a stricter smoking ban because his father Ed Mahern is a lobbyist for the tobacco companies and is throwing [...
Kip Too!
Posted on October 20, 2009Another potential Democratic candidate for Mayor is out of the running. According to the Indianapolis Times blog, lobbyist Kip Tew has decided not to get into the race for Mayor in 2011. Kip tells the Times that other commitments are keeping him out of the race...
Abstain On Your Record
Posted on October 19, 2009There is talk tonight that City-County Councilor Dane Mahern may abstain from voting on the proposed smoking ban at Monday night’s meeting because a news story scheduled to break later this week that Mahern’s father, Ed, is a lobbyist for the tobacco industry and is holding Dane a fundraiser, his vote might be tainted...
A Little Gossip, A Little Chat, A Little Idle Talk of This and That
Posted on October 18, 2009Hey guys, after being out of town for a few days, I’ve managed to get caught up on a few items here and there. Some you are quite aware of, others maybe not so much. As always, we are more than happy to print the gossip, rumor and blatant innuendo that we can confirm from [...
Friday?s Photo
Posted on October 16, 2009I’m out of town today on business, but I figured I’d treat you folks to this wedding photo that I found while looking through about 1000 of them. It’s something you’ve all probably wanted to do at one time. My wife is the only one who can get away with it.
Rush & the Rams
Posted on October 15, 2009Allow me to chime in on the whole Rush Limbaugh/Rams controversy. I know there are a lot of people who think Rush was booted from a joint bid to purchase the St. Louis Rams because he’s a conservative radio talk show host. Sorry folks, but you’re not looking at the whole picture...
Are You Being Served?
Posted on October 15, 2009You probably figured out that we had some server issues yesterday. Some of you tried to log on and got a message telling you that you didn’t have permission to access this page. My good friend Kevin Hood who manages the technical aspects of this blog is working to get our problem solved...
Irsay?s ?Rush? to Judgment
Posted on October 14, 2009The following was originally written by Jason Hammer. Hammer is the host of “Sports Sunday” which airs Sunday nights from 5-8 on Newstalk 1430, WXNT-AM. For arguments sake, let?s just ASSUME that Rush Limbaugh is actually serious about buying the St...
Democratic Underground
Posted on October 13, 2009A recent decision by Marion County Democratic Chairman Ed Treacy to exercise more control over the local slating process is creating an underground of inter-party resentment that could grow into a major battle based on racial lines. As I told you before, Treacy is creating rules that would ban anyone from running against the slate from [...
For Whom the Bell Curves
Posted on October 12, 2009My good friend and occasional political counterpart Thomas Cook is opining about some recent recommended reading by Governor Mitch Daniels. At the last meeting of the Education Roundtable, Daniels handed out a copy of “Real Education” by Charles Murray...
Happy Columbus Day?
Posted on October 12, 2009There’s nothing like a holiday named after a guy who was headed in the wrong direction, “discovered” a place (the Vikings got here first) where a bunch of people were already there which resulted in most of them ending up dead or displaced...
Gaze Upon the Military
Posted on October 11, 2009The President is vowing to end restrictions on gays and lesbians serving in the military. As an army brat watching the military from my front row seat, barring service based on sexual orientation was one thing I never quite understood. One thing I always appreciated about the military was the fact that it stood for the [...
A Civil Action
Posted on October 10, 2009Although some of you may find this hard to believe, but a very good friend of mine is a big supporter of a total ban on smoking in Marion County. Obviously I disagree and our discussions can get pretty animated at times, despite that we are still good friends...
Thursday Thoughts
Posted on October 01, 2009Yesterday’s post took a lot of time to research and put together so I don’t have a whole lot for you today, but I’ve got enough to keep life interesting. Here you go… Although Mitch Daniels doesn’t step down as Governor until 2012, word on the street is that the camps of two serious Republican contenders [...
Map Maker, Map Maker, Make Me a Map
Posted on September 30, 2009One bit of consternation from the City-County Council?s recent budget vote was the allocation of $290,000 for redistricting. In 2010 a new census will be taken and those figures will be used to draw a new City-County Council map. What makes this interesting is although the census is being taken in 2010, the full [...
Where the Voters Are
Posted on September 29, 2009I was doing some research this morning and came across this interesting factoid regarding where the voters are in Marion County. As of 29 September 2009 there are nearly 582,000 registered voters in Indianapolis. You would think that Center Township had the largest number of registered voters, but it doesn’t...
Mayoral Q & A
Posted on September 29, 2009Democrat Joe Hogsett exiting the race for Mayor of Indianapolis raises a lot of interesting questions. Now that Hogsett is out, where will his supporters go? Will they flock to Melina Kennedy, will they look at Kip Tew, Jose Evans or Brian Williams? Does Hogsett’s exit pave the way for a “dark horse” candidate to enter the [...
Where There?s Smoke
Posted on September 28, 2009My very reliable sources are telling me the anti-smoking people are about go at it again and try to push for a total public smoking ban in Marion County. Under the current law smoking is only allowed in places that are either not open to the public or only allow adults; a reasonable compromise that [...
Hogsett Exits Race for Mayor
Posted on September 28, 2009Just got this e-mail from Joe Hogsett. In recent months, many friends and long-time supporters have encouraged me to run for mayor in 2011. They all expressed concern that Indianapolis is moving in the wrong direction ? for our families, for our economy and for our future...
Hogsett Exit, Stage Left?
Posted on September 28, 2009Terry Burns over at Indianapolis Times is blogging that Democrat Joe Hogsett has decided NOT to run for Mayor in 2011. According to Terry… Democrat Joe Hogsett has decided not to run for mayor in 2011, at least not for now. Hogsett made his decision over the weekend for “professional, personal and political” reasons...
Not Just Me?
Posted on September 28, 2009I was told I was crazy and had no clue as to what I was talking about when I said Congress’ efforts to deny funding to ACORN for its activities might be unconstitutional because the body could be passing a bill of attainder. Well apparently I’m not alone in this assessment...
Friday?s Follies
Posted on September 25, 2009I have to hit the road this weekend, but I couldn’t leave without dropping these tidbits of gossip, rumor and blatant innuendo. Enjoy. Super Bowl Shuffle The head of the Marion County Emergency Management Agency has managed to get on the bad side of the FBI...
Whatever Happened to the Revolution?
Posted on September 24, 2009I got a notice in the mail at the radio station Wednesday from the Nora-Northside Community Council regarding their October 1 meeting. There will be a presentation by the folks at Wishard Hospital on the new referendum. The presentation has been just one of hundreds Wishard has been doing to drum up support for the [...
We Interrupt This Blog?
Posted on September 23, 2009We’ve had to do something with Indiana Barrister this morning that normally we don’t like to do, delete comments. One comment was just over the top and another, was included enough factual errors about an elected official that it warranted taking down...
Taken for Grant-ed
Posted on September 22, 2009By now you know the City-County Council passed the Mayor’s $1.22 billion spending plan. There’s more money for public safety, fewer dollars for parks and the there is $16 million in the rainy day fund. No big shocker and most measures passed with bi-partisan support...
Strange Bedfellows
Posted on September 22, 2009A veteran reporter once told me that if you stick around a place long enough you will eventually see everything. Well that statement was definitely true at Monday night’s City-County Council meeting. Here’s what I witnessed. Libertarian Ed Coleman voting with Joanne Sanders against eliminating the position of Telecom Director...
Did Carson Get It Right?
Posted on September 21, 2009Indiana’s 7th District Congressman Andre Carson has come under fire for voting against an amendment that would deny funding to ACORN, the controversial community action group. Congress voted to deny funding to ACORN after an investigation showed ACORN workers giving tax advice to undercover conservative activists posing as a pimp and prostitute...
Budget; Bang or Bi-Partisanship?
Posted on September 20, 2009On Monday night, the Indianapolis City-County Council will take up Mayor Greg Ballard’s second budget, $1.22 billion, and by all indications much of it should pass (no big shocker) but with overwhelming bi-partisan support. I make this assumption based on committee votes...
Township Talk
Posted on September 19, 2009Unless you were paying close attention this week, there were three items in the news this week regarding local government which I think further illustrate the inevitable change that is coming to Indiana. In Marion County, the Franklin Township Board voted 6-0-1 to move forward with fire consolidation...
Who?s Who?
Posted on September 18, 2009Okay guys, I’m compiling my list of who is running for what. We know it’s only going to get worse before it gets better so feel to pile on right now. Whether it’s the U.S. Senate or some useless township office, it doesn’t matter...
Afternoon Delight
Posted on September 17, 2009A few big items to report this afternoon. An Indiana appellate court has struck down the state’s Voter ID law on the basis that it violates the state constitution. The Court held the law did not treat all voters uniformly because it required ID for voting in-person, but not absentee nor nursing home residents if their [...
ISTEP by ISTEP
Posted on September 17, 2009Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett says the state is ready to step in and take over under performing schools. Bennett’s comments followed the release of state ISTEP test scores. While ISTEP results showed statewide pass rates of 70% for English, 71% for Math, 62% for Science, and 59% for Social Studies, nearly 40% of students failed to pass either one or [...
Indiana AG: ?Court Decision To Have No Impact on Upcoming Local Elections?
Posted on September 17, 2009The Indiana Attorney General’s Office says the recent decision by the Indiana Court of Appeals that the state’s voter ID law is unconstitutional will not have an impact on upcoming local referendum. The Court ruled Indiana’s Voter ID law violated the state constitution because it treated citizens who voted in person differently than those who voted [...
Sunday Sales
Posted on September 16, 2009Indiana lawmakers are deciding whether to allow Sunday alcohol sales in grocery and liquor stores. Proponents say Hoosiers want to be able to buy beer, wine and spirits on Sunday, opponents say it will lead to more alcohol-related problems and that mom and pop stores will lose money from having to be open an extra day...
Early Discussions
Posted on September 15, 2009If the Indiana Pacers wanted to break their contract with the Capital Improvement Board because of their failing financial health, they could do so. That’s according to CIB officials. However the Pacers would have to pay a penalty which could be used to conceivably keep Conseco Fieldhouse open for years...
Lilly Payback
Posted on September 15, 2009I don’t have much use for Gary Welsh, but sometimes even a blind squirrel finds a nut, or vice versa. Eli Lilly announced more than 5,000 layoffs Monday, many of which will impact the Indianapolis area. If Lilly goes forward with the job reductions will it have to payback some of the money it received in [...
Tea Party or Third Party
Posted on September 14, 2009As I watched some of the coverage of the tea party rally in Washington D.C., one thing that crossed my mind was “where do these guys go from here?” I ask that question because attending a rally is a relatively simple thing to do, all you have to do is show up...
Private Parts
Posted on September 13, 2009Now that the wedding stuff is over and my new wife and I have started to settle into a routine, I can now get back to the business of paying closer attention to local government. I’ve found most of the budget hearings to be pretty mundane and nothing out of the ordinary, with the exception of [...
Eight Years Later
Posted on September 11, 2009Today marks the eighth anniversary of 9-11. We can all remember what we were doing that day when the Twin Towers were struck. I was driving on I-55 from Springfield to Bloomington, IL to buy a new car when I heard about the event on the radio. It wasn’t until I got the dealership where [...
So What?s Your Plan?
Posted on September 10, 2009Okay, the President spoke last night about health care reform. We all know what he said. However, here’s my question. If you don’t like his plan, which is cool, what do you suggest we do to reform the health care system? For example, if you’re going to advocate tort reform, be specific...
Little Things Mean A Lot
Posted on September 09, 2009I’ve finally had some time to get caught up on the little news stories from in and around the area. Here are my thoughts. CT Time A group of parents are advocating Indiana move to the Central Time Zone so kids don’t get hit by buses and cars in the morning when it is dark...
School Dazed and Confused
Posted on September 08, 2009It’s amazing what happens when you spend a few days away getting married. I’m doing my regular Internet-news cruising when I come across this silliness that some parents are actually taking their kids out of school today because of President Barack Obama’s 18-minute address to the nation’s students...
Put All Reform Ideas on the Table
Posted on September 08, 2009The following is a guest blog by City-County Councilor Jose Evans. We know what the problem is: our children are not graduating from high school at acceptable levels. IPS has arguably one of the worst high school graduation rates in the country. Students are not buying into the system ? we are failing...
Wedding Twitters
Posted on September 07, 2009My brother captured this moment shortly after the wedding ceremony on Saturday. We all thought it was priceless and said just about everything that needed to be said.
Get Me To The Church On Time
Posted on September 04, 2009I?ll be taking the next couple days off from posting here on the Indiana Barrister. As many of you know I?m getting married this weekend and the future Mrs. Shabazz would rather have me focus on our upcoming nuptials than the politics of the day. I?ll be back after Labor Day with more commentary and a wife...
Request and You Shall Receive
Posted on September 02, 2009I received my copy of IPS’ budget information Tuesday. I haven’t had a chance to walk through all of it yet, but I wanted to make sure that as soon as I got a copy of it, you received one also. 090827 Budget Adoption Board Items 090817 Variance Analysis 090817 Board Supplmentary Information 090804 Budget Advertisement Board Items 090708 Budget [...
Come Hob Nob
Posted on September 02, 2009If you get a chance Thursday, come hang out the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce’s Hob Nob. It really is the premiere political event in Indiana. It’s Thursday from 5-7 p.m. at the Indiana State Museum, 650 Washington. I haven’t missed one since coming to work here nearly five years ago...
The Big One
Posted on September 02, 2009I was having some computer issues this morning and couldn’t upload the big IPS budget document. This is the 2010 Budget by line item. It is 577 pages long. Happy reading. 2010 Adopted Budget Detail by Cost Center
I Love Me Some Libertarians, But?
Posted on September 01, 2009One day someone asked me what stops me from being a Libertarian, even though I fundamentally agree with them on a lot of issues. I told them two things, my practical nature and appreciation for the status quo. I can respect the Libertarian ideas of limited government and personal freedom and more individual responsibility, however [...
WellPoint CEO; Public Option Not An Option
Posted on September 01, 2009WellPoint CEO Angela Braly told the Economic Club of Indiana today that it was time to reform health care and not just health insurance. Braly said she providing more people with coverage without getting costs under control will only make the system worse...
City Market Watch
Posted on August 31, 2009As a frequent patron of downtown Indianapolis there is one place in particular I tend to have little use for, City Market. I think the set up is annoying and the food isn’t all that great for what you have pay. For a dollar or so more I can go get some real food with [...
Open Up, IPS!
Posted on August 30, 2009Although I have my issues with the management of Indianapolis Public Schools, I have been trying to give them the benefit of the doubt this school year. However that was shot down this morning when I read at Tuesday’s budget hearing, board member Kelly Bentley was denied an itemized copy of the District’s 2010 $448 [...
IPS/FOIA Update
Posted on August 30, 2009I e-mailed Dr. Eugene White this afternoon to let him know tomorrow I was dropping off my Freedom of Information request regarding the budget at the district office. Here is his response. Abdul, I will check with my budget developer and we will let you know how soon we can have the total budget information ready for you...
IP$
Posted on August 29, 2009I got a tip late Friday afternoon that dozens of IPS teachers and staff were at the main building downtown mad as all get out because they were not getting paid. When I got to the building they were waiting in the hall looking for their pay. None of them would speak on the record but [...
Polling for Mayors
Posted on August 28, 2009With Melina Kennedy announcing that she is forming an exploratory committee for Mayor today, IB figured the least it could do was put up a new poll. We’re asking which Democratic candidate would be the best to run in 2011. We list the six current possible contenders...
MCSD Money Problems
Posted on August 28, 2009I know all God’s City-County agencies have money problems, but I am seriously wondering what’s going on over at the Marion County Sheriff’s Department these days. At a Pension Board meeting Thursday it was revealed that due to the economy the pension fund for retired deputies is creating a more than $3 million shortfall...
Franklin Township Follies
Posted on August 27, 2009There’s nothing like taking taxpayer money, using it to sue taxpayers in order to get more of the taxpayers’ money. And then again there is nothing like the Franklin Township School District. It’s one thing to go to the taxpayers and ask them to give up some of their property tax relief so administrators can [...
Get on the Bus
Posted on August 25, 2009The nice thing about being back from vacation means you get to dive in all the issues that you missed while tanning on the beach with a cocktail and cigar. Ok, I’m just kidding about the cigar part. But seriously folks, one of the big issues right now involves school districts and theirtransportation programs...
Showdown in Carson City
Posted on August 25, 2009Normally Rotary Club meetings are pretty routine, but there was an interesting exchange between Indiana 7th District Congressman Andre Carson and local citizen Gerry Mann. Carson addressed the Rotarians on health care. Mann wanted to argue some of the stats regarding the uninsured and that led to the following… Carson-Mann Exchange Carson later answered questions for us guys [...
Twofer Tuesday
Posted on August 25, 2009It appears two local Democratic elected officials are running afoul of the law. First Indianapolis Metropolitan Police are investigating City-County Councilor Doris Minton-McNeil over a possible hit and run incident three days ago. Police were called Saturday to the 2000 block of Medford because a woman had called 9-1-1 saying McNeil was driving a green Trailblazer and [...
What Did I Miss?
Posted on August 23, 2009I got back this afternoon from my annual tri-state trip to the land where all the radio and TV stations start with the letter K. I didn’t get many text messages or phone calls while I was away, so I can assume there were no earth shattering events...
Call Him Crazy
Posted on August 21, 2009The following is a guest post from Robert Enlow. Enlow is the President and CEO of the Friedman Foundation which advocates education reform and school choice. Call me crazy, but I want to know why no one gets upset when the state doles out over $10,000 to Carmel millionaires so that they can send their [...
Talk Amongst Yourselves
Posted on August 20, 2009Hey guys, as I’m heading out of town today I figured now would be a good time for us at Indiana Barrister to unveil a new project we’ve been working on. It’s called Indiana Discussion. It’s a web site where you can talk about local, state and national issues whenever you want...
Casting Call
Posted on August 19, 2009I’m doing the morning show from the Indiana State Fairgrounds today and then I have some wedding things to work on shortly afterwards. So if there is a post today, it won’t be until later. In addition, with the wedding coming up, I’m soliciting some guest posts from different members of the community on issues ranging [...
Empty Chairs and Empty Tables
Posted on August 18, 2009Indianapolis Public Schools are missing a few thousand students. According to my friends over at RTV 6, IPS was scheduled to have between 33,000 and 34,000 students show up in its classrooms, however as of Friday, there were slightly more than 30,000 students in school...
Monday Morning Buzz
Posted on August 17, 2009There’s nothing like starting out the week with a good bunch of gossip, rumor and political innuendo. Most of it falls on the Democratic side today. And as always, take it for what it is worth… Marion County Sheriff Frank Anderson apparently has felt the need to justify some recent purchases in these tight budget times...
Plus ca Change, Plus C?est la Meme Chose
Posted on August 15, 2009The above is French for “the more things change, the more they stay the same.” That phrase has been on my mind a lot lately as I have monitored the health care reform debate. As an observer of political events, I tend to chuckle somewhat slightly as political roles tend to reverse over time...
In Case You Missed It?
Posted on August 14, 2009The Mayor made an appearance on C-SPAN yesterday. He was interviewed as part of a series on the economy’s impact on cities. My favorite caller was the Democrat from Indianapolis who said the Mayor was doing a good job.
School Daze
Posted on August 13, 2009As I was looking for something to talk about during the first hour of my morning radio show, I had a person call in who identified themselves as an IPS school teacher. He told me that during their first general meeting of the semester, Dr. Eugene White berated the teachers and told them the reason [...
At Least It Wasn?t a Panhandler
Posted on August 13, 2009RTV 6 is reporting this morning about a homeless advocate who was carjacked at 38th and MLK Drive. Andrea DeMink was carjacked at a convience store. DeMink runs Pourhouse, an agency that helps the homeless. Oh well, at least the guy wasn’t panhandling.
Consequences and Repercussions?
Posted on August 12, 2009Now that the Indianapolis City-County Council has passed the one-percent hotel tax increase, I’m in the process of gauging the fallout from the bi-partisan 15-14 vote. And I can report so far my political geiger counter is not picking up very much...
CIB Countdown
Posted on August 10, 2009There are two important events this afternoon with the Capital Improvement Board. First, the CIB meets this afternoon. If my memory serves me correct they will go over their budget. There has been some questions about how they have narrowed their funding gap down to $5 million...
Trading Places
Posted on August 10, 2009The one percent increase in the city;s hotel tax made it through tonight’s city-county council with just enough support to make it bi-partisan. All but one Republican voted “yes” and all but one Democrat voted “no.” Republican Christine Scales voted against the proposal, Jackie Nytes voted in favor...
The Mayor and the Angry Voter
Posted on August 10, 2009Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard had a short presser tonight after his budget address. An angry voter showed up and interrupted the event. You can hear the whole thing here. Mayor and angry voter I can understand voter frustration, but listening to him reminds me how little people understand about how government is financed and how projects [...
CIB Countdown II
Posted on August 10, 2009The Capital Improvement Board approved a budget resolution today that eliminates most of its budget deficit, grant funding for Black Expo, the Arts and the Sports Corporation and includes no money for taking over the operation of Conseco Field House from the Indiana Pacers...
Ballard?s Balanced Budget, Part II
Posted on August 09, 2009For the second year in a row, the Ballard administration says it will present the taxpayers with a budget Monday night that is balanced, increases funding for public safety, takes advantage of available federal stimulus dollars and leaves the city with a $50 million surplus in 2012...
Panhandling Problems
Posted on August 08, 2009For the people in denial that panhandling is not a problem in Indianapolis, I may want to point you to some recent data I’ve come across. According to IMPD, there were a total of 139 panhandling arrests in Indianapolis in 2008. So far, in 2009, that number is 124...
Friday Follies
Posted on August 07, 2009I get to spend today working on wedding stuff (less than 30 days away) as well as try to grade 300 pages worth of MBA Business Law final exams so I bring you another day of tidbits for you to discuss. Big Ten After spending a week or so making calls and doing some checking I’ve concluded [...
Open Forum
Posted on August 06, 2009I’m not really in a blogging mood today, but still feel a need to post. So I’ll just open it up to you guys today to chat about whatever is on your minds; the President’s visit to Indiana, the upcoming Council vote on the CIB, the Wishard referendum, the city’s response to flooding, etc...
Dem Spin
Posted on August 05, 2009Ever since being regulated to the minority, my Democratic friends on the City-County Council have been looking for an issue they think will resonate with voters and help put them back in the majority. One of those issues they’re latching onto is the Capital Improvement Board bailout...
Budget Preview
Posted on August 04, 2009Although it won’t be made public until next Monday, Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard says his administration expects to present a balanced budget. The city was facing a $20 million spending gap, which Ballard says his office has managed to close by doing “common sense business practices that should have been done a long time ago...
Sort of Black Like Me
Posted on August 03, 2009Last week on my morning radio show I put an offer on the table that not a lot of listeners took me up on, so I decided to see if I would have better luck here. In the wake of the “Beer Summit” between the President, Harvard Professor Henry Louis Gates and Cambridge Police Sergeant James [...
Afternoon Update
Posted on August 03, 2009Here are a few items of interest to tide you over this afternoon… If they’re going to be on the hook, some members of the City-County Council say they want more say in how the CIB negotiates its sports deals. Although details are not available at the moment, plans are being drawn which would give the [...
Back To School
Posted on August 02, 2009In my younger days, I wanted to be a teacher when I grew up. I had excellent teachers in elementary and high school who were challenging and fun at the same time. When I got to college with the idea of teaching high school math and science. I had an aptitude for [...
Somebody Else Gets It
Posted on July 31, 2009When it comes to the blogosphere there are a lot of days when I think I’m the only person who can grasp the obvious. Luckily, today is not one of them. Former WXNT-AM producer and now current Indiana Libertarian Party Executive Director Chris Spangle penned a blog post this week basically telling the Capitol [...
I Hate to Say I Told You So?
Posted on July 30, 2009But I told you so. 32-year old Shanisha Davis was atacked at the I-69 and Keystone off ramp by a panhandler while trying to give him some money. According to police reports, the woman saw the man with a sign that said will work for food, tried to give him $5, but but he [...
Wednesday Wire
Posted on July 29, 2009A few items of note to start out your morning. Take them for what they are worth and feel free to discuss any of them. Indiana Congressman Dan Burton has his name attached to two pieces of legislation regarding the President and that silly birth certificate issue...
Referendum Madness
Posted on July 28, 2009Another day, another Indiana School District referendum. This time it’s the Hamilton Southeastern School District. The HSE Board voted Monday night to ask the taxpayers for a $5.5 million tax increase to make up for a funding shortfall. In Marion County, Franklin and Perry Townships as well as Beech Grove are asking for more cash [...
Council Committee Holds Nose and Votes for Hotel Tax Increase
Posted on July 28, 2009It was a vote nobody wanted, but by 5-1, the City-County Council Rules and Policy Committee moved forward tonight with a plan that would increase the local hotel tax by one percent to help bail out the Capitol Improvement Board. Republicans dominated the committee but each one said they were not crazy about raising the [...
Some Parents Just Don?t Understand
Posted on July 27, 2009File this one under some people just don’t get it. An Indianapolis woman is upset that flyers have gone up in her neighborhood labelling her 17-year old son “dangerous.” Now at first glance you might think the woman had a point until you realize her sone has been arrested 22 times over the last three years [...
CCC May Delay CIB Vote
Posted on July 27, 2009Tomorrow’s scheduled committee vote on a hotel tax as part of the state-city plan to address the the Capitol Improvement Board $47 million deficit may not take place until next Tuesday. The measure is slated for a hearing by the Rules & Policy Committee, however Chairman Bob Lutz says some committee members may need more time [...
Talk is Cheap and Political Talk is Worthless
Posted on July 26, 2009When I twittered Friday night that two GOP Ward Chairman had been fired as Ward chairman (Liz Karlson and Chris Smith) I figured it would cause a tempest in a teacup type stir in the blogosphere even though most people in real life would care less because of the total inside baseball nature of the [...
Budgets & Birth Certificates
Posted on July 23, 2009A couple items popped up on my radar screen Wednesday that probably didn’t get much attention in the local media, so here they are now. Marion County Sheriff Frank Anderson is reportedly rebuilding his office’s gang unit and traffic branch...
Birth Pains
Posted on July 23, 2009I went to the post office today to pick up passport applications for my fiance and me; we honeymoon in St. Martin later this year. While there, I was reading through some paperwork and noticed something all the people who keep harping on this Barack Obama birth certificate nonsense, might want to check...
Schneider House Rules
Posted on July 22, 2009Okay, time for the analysis and breakdown of the Scott Schneider victory. There were a number of factors in play in addition to hard work and communicating with PCs. Here’s my interpretation of them. Time! Normally candidates have about 30 days to get organized...
SD 30 Rock
Posted on July 21, 2009Precint committeemen in Indiana State Senate District 30 will gather tonight to select a replacement for former State Senator Teresa Lubbers who went to chair the state’s higher Education Commission. The nominees for her spot are current City-County Councilor Ryan Vaughn, former City-County Councilor Scott Schneider, former State Representative John Ruckleshaus and attorney Chris Douglas...
Good-Bye, Newman!
Posted on July 21, 2009Public Safety Director Scott Newman officially resigned this afternoon. Mark Renner, Deputy Public Safety Director, will fill in the interim. Newman will head up a search committee to find his replacement. You can hear the audio below. mayor-ballard-newman
State Senator Schneider
Posted on July 21, 2009Scott Schneider is now the new State Senator for District 30. He won 61-38. Schneider
Jesus, Christ-Garcia
Posted on July 20, 2009I have to admit I was a bit surprised at the verdict Friday in the Doris Minton-McNeil trial. While I wasn’t sure if she would be convicted up felony battery, I thought she might get convicted on misdemeanor resisting arrest. But as you know all four charges were dismissed...
Cityscape
Posted on July 20, 2009Quite a few items from city hall tonight. Here they are… Public Safety Director Scott Newman reportedly is stepping down later this week. Sources say the reasons are health-related. Newman has Parkinson’s Disease. A measure that would have banned panhandling at city intersections will have to wait for another meeting to pass...
Sunday Stuff
Posted on July 19, 2009I had a busy Saturday so there’s not a whole lot to chat about this morning, but I can tell you the following. According to IMPD, arrests and curfew violations were somewhat up for the second Saturday of Indiana Black Expo. While more than 2008 there not as many as 2007...
See What I Have to Deal With
Posted on July 18, 2009I got this e-mail (unedited) the other day following a discussion on the morning show regarding race and America’s growing minority population. Yes it will be a great day when the minorities are in power. Let’s say that it’s 51% black and hispanic to 49% caucasian...
100 Years of the NAACP, and That?s More Than Enough
Posted on July 17, 2009When my great aunt turned 100 years old, I asked her how she managed to stay alive for so long. She said, “a cocktail everyday, a good attitude and never being afraid of change.” She passed away a few years ago, but she was a woman full of life who could inspire you to [...
Not So Bad Minton
Posted on July 17, 2009District 15 City-County Councilor Doris Minton Mcneil was acquitted this afternoon of four counts of resisting arrest and shoving a police officer following an incident when she was allegedly intoxicated at her home in June 2008. Judge Annie Christ-Garcia did not comment as to why Minton-McNeil was acquitted but it probably didn’t hurt that Christ-Garica is [...
Sex Offenders in the City
Posted on July 16, 2009Some days these blog posts just write themselves. The town of Lebanon is looking at passing a ban on sex offenders in the parks. While similar bans have withstood legal challenges (sex offenders are not a protected class), the people of Lebanon are lulling themselves into a false sense of security if they think this ban [...
Mitch et al.
Posted on July 15, 2009Governor Mitch Daniels and I chatted briefly Tuesday at the Governor’s Reception for Indiana Black Expo. I asked him about FSSA and the state halting the IBM contract, changes in Indiana prisons, local government cutbacks and the “Mitch for President” chatter...
Question of the Day
Posted on July 14, 2009I am feeling a bit philosophical today so I have to ask with all the recent financial news, “Has capitalism failed or did we fail capitalism?” I point to several financial stories in the news today. Goldman Sachs Executives sold $700 million following the collapse of Lehman Brothers with most of the sales coming from the [...
Ballard 2.0?
Posted on July 13, 2009There’s been quite a bit of speculation about the future of incumbent Mayor Greg Ballard. Although the Mayor still has 2 and 1/2 years left in his term, Democrats are already speculating about who will be their standard bearer. Not a day goes by when some blogger isn’t commenting about counting the days until Ballard [...
Act Your Age
Posted on July 12, 2009I played master of ceremonies last night to the National Federation of Young Republicans award ceremony here in Indianapolis. Overall, they were like a lot of young people in political parties; a lot of energy and a lot of ideas. And they approach politics with spark of wide-eyed optimism and a sprinkle of naivette that [...
The Government You Deserve
Posted on July 11, 2009I thought I’d put together a nice little list of the 60+ taxing districts in Marion County for your amusement, entertainment, and hopefully outrage. Enjoy. Indianapolis Center Beech Grove Center Decatur Outside Indianapolis Decatur Indpls Decatur Police & SSD Outside Sanitation IndplsDecatur Police &Fire SSD Inside Sanitation Franklin Outside Beech [...
Black, White and Not Read All Over
Posted on July 10, 2009If anyone doesn’t think life is tough in the newspaper world is tough, go talk to the more than three dozen people laid off this week at the Indianapolis Star. The Star is a victim of a number of factors, but I’ve always wondered in the 21st Century is there still a need for a daily [...
The Taxman Cometh
Posted on July 09, 2009Property taxes are due today. If you’re in Marion County you’re paying your 2008 reconciliation bill. Although 65% of property taxpayers saw either a decrease or no change in their property tax bills, 35% saw an increase. And while I don’t think repealing property taxes will work, I firmly believe that if you want [...
White Paper
Posted on July 09, 2009I promised on WXNT-AM the other day that if I found my copy of Dr. Eugene White’s contract I would post it. Here it is. eugene-white-ips-agreement
Don?t Blame the White Guy
Posted on July 08, 2009I hope you are sitting down for this blog post, but I am about to defend Indianapolis Public School Superintendent Eugene White. I know it surprised me too, especially since Dr. White has made some rather unflattering public remarks in the past regarding yours truly, but someone has to be the adult in the room...
Let He Who Is Without Sin?
Posted on July 07, 2009Michael Jackson is getting buried today and hopefully all the media hoopla will be put in the ground with him. It’s no big secret MJ had some “issues” at best, but some of the comments are just silly. The chatter class has been going on and on about Jackson, however if you look [...
The Not So Secret Service
Posted on July 07, 2009I’m getting the details right now, but apparently the U.S. Secret Service is paying a visit to a Plainfield man right now over an e-mail he forwarded saying someone needs to “take out” Barack Obama. I don’t have the e-mail yet or the name, but I’m understand the Secret Service was at the man’s house for [...
Palin-Tology
Posted on July 06, 2009To be honest, I never fully got Sarah Palin. Now all you anti-Obama people can go into your usual rants but I frankly could care less this morning. However, when she announced she getting out of politics, for now, I was scratching my head because her reasons weren’t adding up...
Sunday Morning Post
Posted on July 05, 2009I’ve been taking it easy this weekend, but still managed to pick up a few tidbits here and there. Personally, I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop regarding soon to be former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin. No one quits their job with more than 18 months left in their term on a holiday weekend [...
Pre-4th of July Follies
Posted on July 03, 2009I’m not going to spend too much time here today. I’ve got the day off and plan to spend it getting caught up on some much needed sleep. But as I was on the Interstate yesterday I heard numerous stories about how small towns were cancelling their 4th of July celebrations because they were short [...
Nobody Wants to CIB
Posted on July 02, 2009Mitch Daniels and Pat Bauer did not agree on much over the past six months, but one thing both men agree on is neither one of them wants to deal with Capital Improvement Board issue next session. I’m paraphrasing here, but Daniels said “as long as he’s Governor, he never wants to see another CIB bill...
Some Will Win, Some Will Lose?
Posted on July 01, 2009You know how the rest of the song goes. So now that the special session is over, we go down the list of the major players and figure who won and who will live to fight another day. So with all that said… Governor Mitch Daniels Big Winner! He got the budget he wanted and kept the [...
CIB F-up (That?s Follow Up)
Posted on June 30, 2009As lawmakers get ready to vote on a budget today, there’s some question over whether the plan to address to the Capital Improvement Board’s shortfall is actually legal. Under the plan the city would borrow $27 million from the state over the next three years to cover operating expenses, however that money would be paid back [...
Red-Letter Day
Posted on June 30, 2009Here’s the furlough letter… Dear Co-Worker: I apologize that I am only just now communicating with you, but I have held off at the request of state legislators who are working to reach a budget compromise before the fiscal year ends tonight...
Consider Yourself Warned
Posted on June 30, 2009An e-mail from the Governor’s Office warning of furloughs has just gone out to Indiana state employees. I am working to get a copy of it now. Lawmakers are still saying they will be able to get a budget passed but this is not a good sign. Stay tuned.
The Last Day
Posted on June 30, 2009I’m on the floor of the House of Representatives waiting for lawmakers to get started. They are milling around on the floor, but haven’t gotten started yet. My prediction is the budget will pass 65-35, with 45 Republicans voting “yes” and only 20 Democrats...
?Republican-Flavored? Budget Leaves Bad Taste in House Democrats Mouth
Posted on June 30, 2009Only a handful of Democrats joined almost all Republicans in the Indiana House of Representatives to pass a budget that was the center of a storm which nearly led to a government shutdown. The final vote was 62 to 37 . All 48 Republicans voted yes, joined by 14 Democrats...
Countdown to a Shutdown?
Posted on June 29, 2009Indiana lawmakers continue to work today in order to reach a budget agreement by tomorrow. Lawmakers have been at odds over school funding, charter schools, and the Capital Improvement Board. Both Republican and Democratic sources involved in the budget talks tell me progress is being made, however the question is whether they can make enough progress to [...
33 Hours and Counting
Posted on June 29, 2009The House has adjourned until 6 p.m., but not before Speaker Pat Bauer offered up a few thoughts on the last hour budget negotiations. He says they are making progress, but still won’t say whether lawmakers can meet tomorrow’s midnight deadline...
We Have a Deal, In Theory
Posted on June 29, 2009House Speaker Pat Bauer says there’s a budget deal, but he cautions, “it’s in theory.” The House will vote on the budget tomorrow. The Senate could take up the measure tonight. Bauer would not reveal a lot of details, however he says the budget funds education and avoids massive teacher layoffs...
Beat The Odds
Posted on June 28, 2009Here’s what I can tell you about the chances of a government shutdown from my sources close to the negotiations. Democrats think they have a 50-50 shot at getting a budget passed. Republicans think there’s an 80-20 chance the government shuts down on Tuesday...
50-50
Posted on June 27, 2009My very reliable sources are telling that as of this morning, there’s a 50/50 chance Indiana lawmakers can avoid a government shutdown next week. Some Indiana lawmakers are meeting this weekend in order to work out a budget deal. When asked on a scale of 1 to 10 the likelihood of avoiding a government shutdown, my source [...
Don?t Cry for Mark Argentina
Posted on June 25, 2009Here we go again! Conservative Politician A, with Presidential aspirations and who loves to preach family values, gets caught with his hands, or other parts of his anatomy, in somebody’s cookie jar. When will these people learn? Whether it’s South Carolina Governor Mark Sandford, John Ensign, John Edwards, Elliot Spitzer, the list goes on, it never changes...
Indiana Democrats Get Offensive
Posted on June 25, 2009In response to Governor Mitch Daniels statement yesterday that he will not be “blackmailed into bankruptcy” by House Democrats when it comes to the budget the State Democratic Party put out the following news release this afternoon. INDIANAPOLIS — This afternoon, Indiana Democratic Party Chair Dan Parker released the following statement in response to Governor Mitch [...
The King of Pop Is Dead
Posted on June 25, 2009I will freely admit to not being the biggest Michael Jackson fan in the world while he was alive, but I had a ton of respect for him as a performer. And his life story was tragic and you have wonder how it would have turned out if he was allowed to have a normal [...
Budget Talk
Posted on June 24, 2009I did a quick sprint through the Statehouse yesterday as lawmakers were about to enter into the home strech of the current budget phase. I spoke to several of them both on and off the record. The on the record interviews are below. Off the record many lawmakers think that this has gone beyond disagreements [...
Is IPS Worth Shutting Down State Government?
Posted on June 24, 2009Will someone please tell me if the Indianapolis Public School system worth shutting down the government of Indiana? At the end of the day, this is what this budget deadlock is coming down to. Some folks in the legislature want to protect the state’s largest school system; and I would argue to the detriment of everything [...
Return to Sender
Posted on June 23, 2009I will freely admit to not spending as much time at the Legislature during this special session as I thought I would have. I’ve still managed to keep tabs on everything via watching lawmakers on the Internet, a few phone calls and some text messaging...
When Bauer Speaks?
Posted on June 22, 2009House Democratic Leader Pat Bauer was one of the speakers at Saturday night’s Jefferson-Jackson Day Dinner in Indianapolis. The speaker went after the Governor on schools, the budget and accused him of engaging in a “hostile takeover” of state government during the special session...
Do 7,000 IPS Students Now Have a Choice?
Posted on June 22, 2009Although many legal scholars are paying attention to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision regarding the Voting Rights Act, there was another opinion today that could have a big impact on Indiana’s largest school district. From the SCOTUS blog… The U...
From the files of Politico?
Posted on June 22, 2009Rep. Dan Burton: trying to keep Congress safe? Rep. Dan Burton (R-Ind.) seems afraid of being on the House floor. Burton offered an amendment to H.R. 2918 that said the following: “Would require the Comptroller General to submit a report to the Committee on House Administration within 6 months of enactment analyzing the security arrangements of the [...
Follow Me
Posted on June 20, 2009In case you’re interested, there are some new ways to follow us on Facebook and Twitter. I’ve attached the links below. Become a Facebook friend and follow us on Twitter. What have you got to lose? Indiana Barrister on Facebook Indiana Barrister on Twitter Abdul’s Facebook Abdul’s Twitter
My Dinner with Democrats
Posted on June 20, 2009I’m at the Indiana Democratic Party’s Jefferson-Jackson Day Dinner. I’ll be live blogging tonight. You can see my remarks at my Twitter feed. Meanwhile, here’s some audio from a few lawmakers I’ve run into this evening...
The Next Few Days?
Posted on June 19, 2009Okay, for all of you who really care, here’s the rundown for the next few days at the Indiana Legislature. Today - Senate introduces its version of the budget. The appropriations committee will vote it out. Monday - Senate takes up budget for second reading amendments...
What?s the Damage?
Posted on June 18, 2009If you are in Marion County your property tax bills should be hitting your mailboxes. Assessor Greg Bowes says 65 percent of property taxpayers should see a decrease or no change in their tax bills. However Decatur Township residents should see the biggest increase in their bills...
Kenley to the Rescue?
Posted on June 18, 2009Although he didn’t say the House version of the budget will be dead on arrival, Republican State Senator Luke Kenley says his chamber will write its own version and it will be much closer to the Governor’s vision. Kenley says they’ve been writing their version and are building on the Governor’s plan...
Does The ?C? in C.I.B. Stand for ?Clusterf****??
Posted on June 17, 2009I spent a good chunk of yesterday watching the House Ways and Means Committee hearing on the Capital Improvement Board. As I Twittered the proceedings I was trying to imagine which was more painful? Watching the hearing or sliding down a long giant razor blade and into a pool of alcohol? Upon reflection, the alcohol [...
Not So Special Session
Posted on June 16, 2009I’m looking at the budget plan Indiana House Democrats will pass today on a party-line vote and trying to figure out what’s different than the last budget plan lawmakers couldn’t pass the last time around. It’s a one-year spending plan, which won’t pass the Senate...
When IPS Drops the Ball Bad Things Happen, Allegedly
Posted on June 16, 2009Marion County Prosecutor Carl Brizzi has filed formal charges against Lee Tibbets, who is accused of molesting a 13-year od John Marshall student. Although everyone is innocent until proven guilty, the affidavit is pretty harsh. And a lot of this could have probably been avoided had IPS administrators done their job...
By the Numbers
Posted on June 15, 2009Gallup polling has some new data out on America’s political landscape. 40 percent of Americans are identifying themselves as conservative. While 35% call themselves moderate and 21% liberal. When broken down in more detail, moderates are the largest group at 35%, conservatives - 31%, liberal - 16%, very conservative - 9%, very liberal - 5%...
Indiana Barrister Celebrates 20,000 Comments
Posted on June 14, 2009Indiana Barrister reached a nice milestone this week. Our little blog has received more than 20,000 comments from you faithful readers. With 1,841 posts, that averages to about ten comments per post. It?s hard to imagine that in only four years we?ve received over 20,000 comments about Indiana issues important to you...
It?s Deja Vu All Over Again
Posted on June 13, 2009Although it’s only been a few days since Indiana lawmakers came back in special session, I am already believing this is a big giant waste of time. Already, my very reliable sources are telling me that Black Democrats in the House are pretty much united that if there is no plan for a casino in Gary, they [...
Happy Early Baby?s Daddy Day
Posted on June 12, 2009Since Indiana lawmakers aren’t accomplishing anything and still costing you money, I thought I’d give you another story to express your shock and outrage. Enjoy!!! From The Huffington Post Desmond Hatchett, a 29 year old who lives in Knoxville, Tennessee, has fathered 20 (maybe 21) children with at least 11 different mothers...
Special Session = Special Questions
Posted on June 11, 2009As Indiana lawmakers convene for the first day of the special session, here are some questions I think are worth asking… With one side wanting a two-year budget and the other a one-year budget, how will lawmakers reach a compromise? When will they leave? Will lawmakers adopt a school funding formula that allots more money to schools per [...
Delay, Not Denial
Posted on June 10, 2009Before critics of Indiana State Treasurer Richard Mourdock get too excited over the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to not block the sale/merger of Chrysler with Fiat, it’s important to look at a couple of facts. This was not a decision based on the merits, this was based on procuedure...
Wanna C.I.B. Something?
Posted on June 10, 2009If you’re interested in reading the Governor’s anaylsis of the Capital Improvement Board and its operations. Feel free to download a copy. CIB Anaylsis #1 CIB Analysis #2
A Merger Moratorium
Posted on June 09, 2009I hope you’re sitting down because you are not about to believe what you are about to read. After January 1, the city of Indianapolis should cease all efforts to consolidate with anymore township fire departments. I’ll give you a moment to catch your breath...
Does the Anti-Charter Understand This?
Posted on June 09, 2009The following are the words of U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan… ?States that do not have public charter laws or put artificial caps on the growth of charter schools will jeopardize their applications under the Race to the Top Fund.? There are $4...
Look for the Union Label
Posted on June 08, 2009Higher union dues and a possible sale of their downtown headquarters are on the table in order to cover the costs of the Indiana State Teachers Association long-term disability obligations. ISTA says it will pay out benefits to more than 600 members enrolled in its now defunct long-term disability insurance fund...
Night of the Living Ed
Posted on June 08, 2009Although it may have seemed like a good idea when Bart Peterson was Mayor some City-County Council Democrats may not vote tonight for fire consolidation between IFD and Perry Township. Marion County Democratic Chairman Ed Treacy is apparently pressuring Council Democrats to vote “no” even though most of them voted for consolidation involving Washington and Warren [...
Muncie-mania
Posted on June 07, 2009Although I spend most of my time writing about Indianapolis-related issues, Munice has gotten my attention as of late, because it seems to be a test case for what could happen here in Indy next year. Due to property tax caps, Muncie faces a $3.8 million budget shortfall, and the city’s Mayor Sharon McShurley is laying [...
Quote of the Day
Posted on June 06, 2009“This is like a local union having financial issues and the national comes in and takes it over.” - City-County Councilor Duke Oliver in a radio interview complaining about the state plan to merge the Capital Improvement Board and the Marion County Building authority.
For a Few Dollars More
Posted on June 05, 2009As state and local lawmakers begin thumbing through the details of new Capital Improvement Board plan being pushed by Governor Mitch Daniels and Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard, I think this little friendly reminder is in order. Don’t forget to add $7-9 million into the equation! The $7-9 million is the amount of revenue generated by non-Pacer/Fever events [...
Dueling Budgets
Posted on June 05, 2009Indiana House Democrats today said they will present their own budget on June 11 when the special session begins because they don’t trust the Republicans’ numbers. In a media availability today, House Speaker Pat Bauer and Ways and Means Chairman Bill Crawford said they wanted to re-craft the budget so schools would be held as harmless as [...
Daniels, Ballard to Unveil CIB Plan at 3:30 p.m.
Posted on June 04, 2009Governor Mitch Daniels and Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard are expected to unveil their plan to solve the Capital Improvement Board’s $47 million shortfall this afternoon at 3:30 p.m. at the Statehouse. There are no new broad-based taxes and the plan relies heavily on cuts and “creative” revenue streams, but I am hearing the plan may not [...
A ?New? C.I.B.
Posted on June 04, 2009Governor Mitch Daniels and Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard are calling for a new Capital Improvement Board that would oversee Conseco Fieldhouse, Lucas Oil, the new Convention Center and the major City-County properties. The New CIB would combine the Marion County Building Authority and create the Facilities Management Board would be created...
Court Halts Chrysler Bankruptcy
Posted on June 03, 2009The 2nd Circuit Court appeals in New York has issued a stay in the Chrysler bankruptcy proceedings. The Court has agreed to hear arguments on behalf of Indiana Sate Police, Teacher’s Retirement Fund and the Major Moves Construction Fund. The hearing is set for Friday at noon...
No New (Broad-based) Taxes
Posted on June 03, 2009Although Governor Mitch Daniels and Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard won’t roll out a Capital Improvement Board funding shortfall solution until Thursday, reliable sources say the plan will not include any broad-based taxes; much to the dismay of the Mayor’s critics and political enemies...
More ISTA Issues
Posted on June 03, 2009The Indiana State Teachers Association, under the control of the National Education Association, put out a memo today saying they are going to cease all long-term disability payments after July. You can read the entire memo at the link below. ISTA Memo ISTA Trustee Ed Sullivan also said in the memo that ISTA will no longer accept contributions [...
The Loyal Opposition
Posted on June 02, 2009My friends over at the Indiana Democratic State Party are taking a few shots at Governor Mitch Daniels this morning. Daniels unveiled his budget outline Monday night, which dips into state reserves in order to provide more money for education, but also hold the line on spending in other areas...
When Less Really Is More
Posted on June 01, 2009Although Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels won’t unveil his Capital Improvement Board funding plan until later in the week, I have made an interesting discovery along the way. As you know the CIB has an estimated $47 million shortfall, $15 million of that comes from the Indiana Pacers asking the CIB to takeover the operational costs of Conseco Fieldhouse...
Daniels Outlines Budget Priorities
Posted on June 01, 2009Call it ironic, but just before Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels outlined his budget priorities to Hoosiers tonight, Central Indiana television stations were broadcasting severe weather alerts. Daniels said he is willing to dip into some of the state surplus to fund education, but there will be no increases anywhere else...
Governor to Unveil CIB Plan This Week
Posted on May 31, 2009Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels says he will unveil a plan this week to address the Capital Improvement Board’s financial situation. The CIB is running an estimated $47 million shortfall and lawmakers failed to come up with a funding solution during the closing days of the last session...
All In the Family
Posted on May 29, 2009If you’re an IPS teacher who is being let go because of budget cuts, you’re going to love this. My Indianapolis Star counterpart Andy Gammill is reporting on his web blog that IPS is changing its nepotism policy to hire Superintendent Eugene White’s son...
Early Weekend Update
Posted on May 29, 2009Since I start teaching Saturday class tomorrow for the University of Indianapolis’ MBA program, I figured I should post this now. I was out for most of the week taking care of my Dad so the gossip, rumor and innuendo is slim pickings. But for what it’s worth… Governor Mitch Daniels will unveil his budget plans [...
Obama in ?11?
Posted on May 28, 2009It’s nice to be back. I’m hearing some pretty interesting rumblings behind the scenes regarding the Mayor’s race in 2011. Although there is no nominee, I hear the Obama campaign has agreed to send staff and volunteers into Indianapolis to help the Democratic candidate win the race...
School Daze
Posted on May 27, 2009There may be a lot more to the story being reported by my colleagues over at RTV 6 than meets the eye, regarding an IPS teacher accused of “inappropriately touching a student” 6 News is reporting the John Marshall Community High School Math Teacher has been suspended and is being investigated for reportedly molesting a 7th [...
A, B, C.I.B.
Posted on May 27, 2009As Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels’ team gets ready to unveil a plan to address the Capital Improvement Board funding shortfall, one of the biggest challenges the administration will face is selling the plan to outstate lawmakers. Lawmakers argue that the people who benefit from the facilities, should help pay for them...
Out of Town, But Not Out of Touch
Posted on May 26, 2009I’m in Chicago today and tomorrow with my parents. Some of you may know my Dad had a minor stroke and he’s been diagnosed as a diabetic. I’m home getting him into his routing. I’m leaning more about diabetes than I ever thought I would...
Weekend Reading
Posted on May 24, 2009I hadn’t planned to post anything today, but when I saw Mitch Daniels on the cover of National Review, I couldn’t help myself. Enjoy your Memorial Day weekend.
Memorial Day Weekend Update
Posted on May 22, 2009Since it’s Memorial Day Weekend and the Abdul birthday is tomorrow, I’m doing my gossip, rumor and innuendo posts today. Enjoy the info and take it for it’s worth. I’ll be back in on Tuesday or Wednesday of next week. More ISTA Issues It looks like financial troubles over at the Indiana State Teachers Union had been [...
An Early Birthday Present
Posted on May 21, 2009Although I don’t turn another year older until Saturday, I got a really cool present early. It wasn’t cigars, really good scotch or even a ridiculous amount of iTunes cards. I got a healthy Dad. A few days ago my father was at his bank in Chicago and felt dizzy and blacked out...
Spin! Spin! Spin!
Posted on May 21, 2009Here is the e-mail that the Indiana State Teachers Association sent out to its members regarding the recent trouble with its health insurance and long-term disability fund. May 19, 2009 ISTA Members, As you may know, the ISTA Insurance Trust has recently experienced a number of severe difficulties...
I Can?t Drink to This
Posted on May 20, 2009In their quest for a solution to solve the Capital Improvement Board funding shortfall, my friends in the Mayor’s office are floating the idea of a regional alcohol tax. The tax would be raised one-percent in Marion and the surrounding counties...
NEA Takes Control of ISTA
Posted on May 20, 2009The AP is reporting what I heard earlier this week might happen, the National Education Association is taking over the Indiana State Teachers Association. This has serious political consequences as ISTA is one of the largest contributors to Indiana Democrats...
A Chicken In Every Pothole
Posted on May 19, 2009Could the answer to Indianapolis’ infrastructure problems lie in a two-piece value meal from KFC? Maybe. The Chicago Tribune this Spring reported that KFC has offered the city mayors across the country the chance to fill their potholes for free...
Assess This
Posted on May 18, 2009Marion County Assessor Greg Bowes says more than 60 percent of county property tax payers could see either a decrease or no change in the assessments this year. Bowes says the County is completing its latest assessments and taxpayers should get their bills by the first week in June...
Bennett on ISTA Investigation: ?Disappointing?
Posted on May 18, 2009Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Bennett called it “disappointing” that the FBI and the Indiana Secretary of State are investigating the Indiana State Teachers Association Health Insurance Trust Fund. State and federal authorities are investigating ISTA’s trust fund for making bad investments which have helped put the fund into the hole by more than $67 [...
The A-Word
Posted on May 17, 2009The President’s visit to Notre Dame today to be the commencement speaker has sparked a new debate over abortion. And anti-abortion advocates are touting a new Gallup poll that says more Americans identify themselves as “pro-life” than “pro-choice” by a margin of 51-42...
Weekend Update
Posted on May 16, 2009With a couple weeks of no session, there was still quite a bit of good gossip, rumor and plain old fashion political innuendo running around town this past week. So without further adieu… House Ways and Means Chairman Bill Crawford and Speaker Pat Bauer apparently aren’t on the best of speaking terms these days...
Read ?Em and Weep
Posted on May 14, 2009I put in a phone call to the Indiana State Teachers Association yesterday asking for a reaction to the state Department of Insurance order regarding the Union’s administration of its health insurance and long-term disability funds. Oddly enough, no one returned my phone calls...
ISTA Update
Posted on May 14, 2009I got a call this afternoon from the Indiana State Teachers Association’s lobbyist telling me there’s no investigation by the FBI into the Union’s finances and any claim of such is coming from a disgruntled former employee. I still haven’t heard from ISTA’s spokesperson...
ISTA: ?We Are Going to Put All the Cards On the Table?
Posted on May 14, 2009The chief lobbyist for the Indiana State Teachers Association says it will go public in the next few days and disclose all the facts regarding investments which led to a $67 million debt in its medical and long term disability insurance fund and an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Indiana Secretary [...
Is ISTA Indiana?s A.I.G.?
Posted on May 13, 2009Okay, I will freely admit using a little hyperbole with the title, but it may not be as off base as you think. An order filed by the Indiana Department of Insurance in Marion County Court regarding the Indiana State Teachers Association’s medical insurance program reveals some pretty questionable financial practices by the Union...
Smoke Free Is Good, But Compromise Is Better
Posted on May 12, 2009The good folks over at Smoke Free Indy have proved something I have maintained for quite a while, the current smoking ban, which was the result of a compromise, is working and smoking should still be allowed in bars and restaurants that don’t allow anyone under the age of 18...
An Agreement to Agree
Posted on May 12, 2009Indiana lawmakers took their first step toward dealing with a potential $1 billion budget shortfall. They agreed to work toward an agreement on how the process will work. In a two-hour budget committee meeting that got testy for a bit, lawmakers and representatives from the Governor’s Office agreed to have their budget sub-committee use figures from [...
Comedy Tonight
Posted on May 11, 2009Say what you will about the politics, but he does a pretty good job.
In Search of $17 Million
Posted on May 11, 2009With $30 million down, state and local officials are looking to close a $17 million funding source gap for the Capital Improvement Board. With things still fluid behind the scenes, no one was willing to go on the record, however talks have centered as of late on how to close $17 million of the $47 [...
Pacers to Vancouver???
Posted on May 11, 2009I had this e-mailed to me today. It’s from a website called Bleacher Report. It follows professional sports teams. It could be nothing, but with the way things are in Indianapolis, every little bit of information that’s out there couldn’t hurt, right? Rumors are starting to spread that Francesco Aquilini, owner of the NHL?s Vancouver Canucks, [...
Happy Mother?s Day
Posted on May 10, 2009This is a photo of my lovely mother. She rocks. One day my future wife’s picture will be up here as well. Spangle is there because I couldn’t phot shop him out of the picture. Happy Mother’s Day!
Weekend Update
Posted on May 09, 2009The political gossip and rumor mill was full blast this week, as well as some inside information on key events. So here we go. Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay can’t seem to figure out why he’s been getting a lot of bad PR lately. In a 90-minute meeting with city officials this past week, Irsay complained [...
Be Our Guest
Posted on May 08, 2009As you probably read Thursday, the blog post was not written by Indiana Barrister, but Indianapolis Public School Board member Kelly Bentley. The response was very good. I plan to ask for submissions from other news and policy makers and hopefully get something up here once a week or bi-weekly...
Help Wanted
Posted on May 08, 2009The national unemployment numbers are out. It?s at 8.9 percent. The figures aren?t out yet on Indiana, but I don?t expect them to be good. However, here is something to think about. I?m hearing from the business community that although the unemployment rate is high, there is a shortage of labor in skilled and highly technical [...
In Her Own Words
Posted on May 07, 2009Indiana Barrister is tied up today, so we asked for a guest editorial from IPS School Board member Kelly Bentley. The piece was not edited and appears just as she wrote it. ****** Abdul is experimenting with guest editorials for his blog and asked me to write one...
Morality Plays
Posted on May 06, 2009Got a busy next couple of days, so I will make this quick. If you ever decide to become a national spokesperson against gay marriage, make sure there are no half-naked pictures of you running around on the Internet. Carrie Prejean, Miss California, probably wishes she had.
Not By ?Choice?
Posted on May 06, 2009Parents at nearly a dozen Indianapolis Public Schools may actually get to exercise their school choice option. According to the Indiana State Department of Education, 10 IPS schools are on their fourth year of academic probation, which means under state law, parents can transfer their kids to another school in the district...
Bad Timing
Posted on May 06, 2009The Capital Improvement Board is defending raises for some of its employees. Under normal circumstances the raises make sense, but unfortunately, these aren’t normal times. The raises pretty much amount to cost of living and were done last year, but still perception eventually becomes reality...
Another C.I.B. Solution
Posted on May 05, 2009In my never ending effort to help alleviate the problems of this city and state, I’ve come up with another idea to help solve the Capital Improvement Board’s funding crisis. It not only solves the funding shortfall, but it also takes care of getting out-state Indiana to buy into the solution...
Budget Battle, Part II
Posted on May 05, 2009I spoke with Senator Luke Kenley today on the new budget numbers. Here are his thoughts… Sen. Luke Kenley
The Incredible Shrinking Party
Posted on May 04, 2009Normally this spaced is reserved for local and state matters, but every once in a while I get a bug in my craw to write about national matters. Today that bug is the national Republican Party. I recently looked at some polling data and found that 28-percent of the population identifies themselves as Republicans, but 34-percent believe [...
Budget Battle, Part I
Posted on May 04, 2009Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels says the budget will be more than $1 billion short based on new actual budget numbers. Daniels told reporters the state took in $255 million less than projected. He did not specify which budget cuts to make, but said he still wanted to give lawmakers flexibility to address the shortfall...
Weekend Update
Posted on May 02, 2009Although it was a busy week at the Legislature, here are few tidbits of things you might have missed. Former State Rep. Luke Messer pulled in $100,000 Thursday night at his first fund-raiser in the quest to win the primary in the 5th Congressional District...
Let?s Do It Again
Posted on May 01, 2009My apologies to Bill Cosby and Sydney Poitier for today’s blog title. Now that Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels is calling lawmakers back for a special session, they have a decond chance to get the Capital Improvement Board solution right. As much they can be criticized for what they failed to do, they now get a [...
Suddenly, Everybody Seems to C.I.B.
Posted on May 01, 2009The Indianapolis Colts could conceivably not get reimbursed for their game day expenses if the Capitol Improvement Board runs out of money later this year. CIB President Bob Grand says the Board cannot spend money it does not have and if doesn’t have the money to pay its expenses it won’t make them...
Now What?
Posted on April 30, 2009I’m a little tired this morning, so I’ll try to keep this short and to the point. Now that Indiana lawmakers are coming back for a special session here are some questions to ponder. Can lawmakers work out a deal? Who is responsible for the meltdown, the Governor, House Democrats, Republicans? What does this do the [...
Budget Fails, 27-71! Special Session On the Way
Posted on April 30, 2009Indiana lawmakers will be back here sooner than they think. Lawmakers failed to pass a budget tonight, ensuring a special session will be called. The budget failed by a vote of 27-71. The budget plan would have spent $28 billion over the next two years with funds for K-12 education, higher education and higher ed capital [...
The Final Countdown
Posted on April 29, 2009We are now at what hopefully will be the last day of the Indiana General Assembly. Here are my thoughts on the three big remaining issues… The Budget Lawmakers are spending about the same amount of money and leaving about $1.3 billion in reserves...
Statehouse Update - 3:30 p.m.
Posted on April 29, 2009Indiana State Senators are waiting on a copy of the budget so they can vote. The House is still not in session Meanwhile, a new version of the unemployment insurance bill has been unveiled. The bill still raises taxes on employers, but the increases are phased in over a longer period...
Statehouse Update - 3:00 p.m.
Posted on April 29, 2009I spoke with House Ways & Means Chairman Bill Crawford this afternoon and got his reaction to the anticipated additional $200 million budget shortfall. Crawford says he doesn’t trust those numbers and thinks someone has been “cooking the books...
Statehouse Update - 2:00 p.m.
Posted on April 29, 2009I’m not totally sure what impact this little bit of news will have on today’s events at the Statehouse, but it can’t be a good one. I just got confirmed from the Governor’s office that Indiana’s actual revenue intake will fall in the ballpark of $200 million below the last forecast...
Halftime Report
Posted on April 29, 2009With 12 hours left to go, here’s what I know so far. Governor Mitch Daniels is saying he will veto the current budget unless lawmakers can find $100 million in cuts. House Speaker Pat Bauer says the Governor is moving the target because they are meeting his goal of having more than $1 billion in the [...
State House Update - 11:25 a.m.
Posted on April 29, 2009The House was supposed to convene nearly an hour ago, but nothing has happened and lawmakers are still milling around on the floor. Senate Republicans are still in caucus. I am hearing however that the Black Legislative Caucus may not sign onto the budget if the Capital Improvement Board and some Gary economic development matters are [...
State House Update - 10:25 a.m.
Posted on April 29, 2009I’ll be filing these updates over the course of the day as little tidbits of information come in. Please note everything is fluid and could change at a moments notice so take the information for what it is worth. I am hearing that the votes are not there in the House of Representatives to pass an [...
Now It Really Is Dead
Posted on April 29, 2009Just got word that the CIB bailout legislation really is dead. Supporters hoped they could have found a vehicle bill before midnight to put it in but they were unsuccessful. Now the city of Indianapolis is really on the hook for $47 million operational shortfall costs...
C.I.B. Bailout Legislation All But Dead
Posted on April 29, 2009Unless something happens in the next 90 minutes, legislaion that would have help bailout the Capital Improvement Board is dead. House-Senate Conference Chair Phil GiaQuinta said the legislation could not get the four signatures it needed to move forward...
Indiana House Passes Unemployment Insurance Bill, 52-47
Posted on April 29, 2009Indiana House members followed the lead of the Senate and passed an unemployment insurance bill. The vote was 52-47, along party lines. Democrats chided Republicans on their claim it would raise taxes, saying businesses that don’t use the system as much would enjoy a lower tax rate...
Senate Passes Unemployment Insurance Bill, 46-3
Posted on April 29, 2009The State Senate passed what some lawmakers called sweeping reform to solve the state’s unemployment insurance problem. The bill passed 46-3. It increases taxes on employers but over a longer period of time than earlier versions. It also provides more administrative tools for employers to challenge workers who file for unemployment...
Statehouse Update - 7:15 p.m.
Posted on April 29, 2009I’m back from the Club, only one martini though. The Democrats just got out of caucus. I hear everything is still up in the air so the next posts you get from me will be either the bills that passed or an analysis of what happened. I will say this, both the Speaker and Legislative Black Caucus [...
Statehouse Update - 6:15 p.m.
Posted on April 29, 2009The House is on a dinner break. The Senate is still in caucus. I’m going to the Columbia Club for a martini. Back at 7ish.
Statehouse Update - 5:45 p.m.
Posted on April 29, 2009The House is still working through bills. The Senate is still out. I’m going to go see if I can find a copy of the new budget. There are 6 hours and 15 minutes left until adjournment.
Statehouse Update - 4:30 p.m.
Posted on April 29, 2009The House is in session. They are going through committee reports. I am still waiting to get my hand on a copy of the budget lawmakers will work with tonight. I do feel a sense that they might actually get out of here on time, mainly because they don’t have a choice and either way the Governor [...
48 Hours
Posted on April 28, 2009With 48 hours to go here’s your latest statehouse update, more to follow later today so check back regularly. 2:35 p.m. This Can’t Be Good Just heard from a key lawmaker that things are spinning “wildly out of control” behind closed doors...
Ain?t Life Grand? Yeah, About 250 Grand!
Posted on April 28, 2009As Indiana lawmakers continue to work out a deal on solving the Capital Improvement Board $47 million operational shortfall, I thought I would take a few minutes to talk about Jim Irsay’s perpetual argument that he pays $250,000 in rent for Lucas Oil...
Budget Briefing
Posted on April 28, 2009In case you care, here are copies of both the House and Senate versions of the budget plans. Senate Version of 1001 House Bill 1001
30 Hours and Counting
Posted on April 28, 2009With about 30 hours to go before lawmakers adjourn (maybe), House Speaker Pat Bauer and Republican Brian Bosma both offered their thoughts on the final hours. Here they are. Draw your own conclusions. House Speaker Pat Bauer Republican Brian Bosma
Ticket Tax, Anyone?
Posted on April 27, 2009I just had another idea. Since the Indianapolis Colts are balking at contributing to close the Capital Improvement Board $47 million shortfall, I have another idea and Jim Irsay is the one who provided it. In an interview this weekend with the Indianapolis Star, Irsay said a deal was deal and he has no desire to renegotiate [...
Payback Is a You-Know-What
Posted on April 27, 2009Indiana lawmakers are scrambling behind the scenes this morning looking for a way to deal with the news that the Colts have no desire to contribute to the Capital Improvement Board shortfall. As one lawmaker put it, the Colts are dealing with us like they do players; driving a hard bargain...
Statehouse Update
Posted on April 27, 2009I’m at the Statehouse and will try to blog regularly throughout the day on what’s going on here. 1:30 p.m. I spoke the Speaker right before lawmakers went to lunch to get his thoughts on the final 72 hours of session (i.e. the Budget, Unemployment Insurance and the Caapital Improvement Board)...
Ain?t Life Grand? Yeah, About 250 Grand!
Posted on April 27, 2009Colts owner Jim Irsay is quick to point out these days that he pays $250,000 in rent for Lucas Oil Stadium. Well, he’s half right. He does pay $250,000 in annual rent, but has gotten back $5 million, most of which has nothing to do with the Colts...
My C.I.B. Solution
Posted on April 26, 2009Okay, everybody and his mom has offered up possible solutions to solve the Capital Improvement Board’s operational shortfall so it’s only fitting that Indiana Barrister (IB) gets into the act as well. And like any good comedian, I have no problem stealing ideas from others and improving on them...
Irsay: Colts Ain?t Givin? Up Jack!!!
Posted on April 26, 2009Pardon my bad grammar, but the Indianapolis Star this morning is reporting Colts owner Jim Irsay is saying the Colts have no intention of ponying up any cash to help cover the $47 million operational shortfall with the Capital Improvement Board. He repeated the line that the Colts have “contributed” $100,000,000 to the building of Lucas [...
In Their Own Words
Posted on April 25, 2009Indiana lawmakers are feeling more positive that a solution can be reached on the Capital Improvemerddnt Board, however they aren’t so sure if the Indianapolis Colts will contribute. I spoke to three lawmakers on the CIB conference committee as well as Mayor Greg Ballard...
Colts Fumble Getting Their Facts Straight
Posted on April 24, 2009Although, the Indianapolis Colts are saying they never asked for a new stadium as part of a deal to stay in the city, the facts seem to indicate otherwise. Here’s the excerpt from today’s post at the Colts website. The Colts never asked for a new stadium...
In His Own Words
Posted on April 24, 2009Governor Mitch Daniels today called the budget lawmakers are currently considering unacceptable, but denied he was using a veto as a threat. Daniels says the budget spends to much and leaves Indiana in a more vulnerable position down the road. He says he wants to give lawmakers flexibility, but they need to be aware of shrinking [...
Has the Tea Cup Dried Up?
Posted on April 23, 2009Indiana lawmakers are in a giant holding pattern on the budget, unemployment insurance and the CIB, so since there really isn’t anything to report right now, I figured I’d turn my attention to something else, last week’s tea parties...
Pony Up or Shut Up!
Posted on April 23, 2009Here is a statement put out today by the Indianapolis Colts. If these guys aren’t going to contribute to keep Lucas Oil open, the least they could do is STFU. Thursday,April 23 COLTS STATEMENT ON THE CIB By Colts.com Dear Colts Fans: Much has been reported and communicated about the Colts over the past several months, including several statements which [...
To Make a Long Story Short
Posted on April 23, 2009Senate Pro Tempore David Long seems to be getting impatient with Marion County when it comes to addressing the Capital Improvement Board shortfall. The City-County Council is on record as opposing any broad-based tax increase to cover the CIB shortfall, however Long says the shortfall is predominately a Marion County problem and Marion County should solve [...
Help Wanted
Posted on April 22, 2009As Indiana lawmakers look for ways to solve the state’s unemployment trust fund shortfall, I have a thought I’d like to share with them. Maybe the state should get out of the unemployment benefit business altogether. Before you call me crazy there are some benefits to such a move...
Get Bi(partisan) With a Little Help From Your Friends
Posted on April 21, 2009There must be something about a deadline that brings people together because there was a lot of bi-partisanship around the statehouse and city hall Monday. Lawmakers unveiled a starting plan to shore up Indiana’s unemployment insurance shortfall...
The Contenders
Posted on April 21, 2009The word on the street is that State Senator Theresa Lubbers will step down if she is appointed the State’s new Higher Education Commissioner. Should she step down the two front runners for her job, based on my numerous conversations at a legislative cookout at the State Fairgrounds tonight, are Ann Shane and City-County Councilor Ryan [...
10 Days of the Legislature
Posted on April 20, 2009We are now in the last full week of the Indiana General Assembly. This is where life gets interesting. This is where lawmakers (Senate Republicans and House Democrats) get together in a room and try to negotiate differences in legislation that has passed out of both chambers...
The Notorious C.I.B.
Posted on April 19, 2009I’ve been waiting all weekend to use that one. Once again, things are never as simple as they appear. Although there are numerous plans at the Statehouse to solve the Capitol Improvement Board operational shortfall, and whatever comes out of session will likely be a hybrid of them all, the news out of the Indianapolis [...
Pick Your Protest
Posted on April 18, 2009Ross Douthat of The Atlantic penned this really interesting article about this past week’s tea parties and how they resemble the Iraq War protests of a few years ago. It’s amazing how the more things change, the more they stay the same. Give it a read...
Pence 4 Prosecutor?
Posted on April 17, 2009Now this is interesting. The rumor mill in Marion County Democratic circles is that former Attorney General candidate Linda Pence is planning a run for Marion County Prosecutor next year. The story, which has apparently been circulating for weeks, is that Pence won’t be getting appointed to U...
Bauer: Colts and Pacers Need to Step Up
Posted on April 16, 2009House Speaker Pat Bauer says the Indianapolis Colts and Pacers need to contribute to reducing the operational shortfall at the Capital Improvement Board. He didn’t say there would be consequences if they didn’t, but he also did not totally rule it out altogether...
What Do You Do When The Tea Party Ends?
Posted on April 15, 2009You’ll be seeing and reading a lot about “tea parties” today across the country. Citizens who are mad about the stimulus package and everything else will show up and protest. Organizers says thousands of people will meet at the Capitol this afternoon, even though only about 660 have signed up on their website...
Marion County Fire Consolidation Passes, Then It Doesn?t
Posted on April 15, 2009There are always those moments in the Indiana General Assembly that make you wonder what the (fill in the blank) was that? Monday night was one of those moments. An amendment was offered to SB 173`which would have consolidated the Marion County Township Fire Departments with IFD...
Afternoon Statehouse Update
Posted on April 15, 2009The Indiana Senate approved the amended CIB funding plan, 33-17. The bill now goes to the conference committee to work out differences with the House version. Marion City-Council County Democrats unveiled their CIB funding proposal today, it included expanding the professional sports district and a casino...
Bennett: State Takeover of Failing Schools Possible
Posted on April 15, 2009Citing new data that shows half of Indiana’s students are in failing schools, Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Bennett said all options are on the table in order to fix the problem, including a state take over of some schools as prescribed by law...
Say You Want a Revolution
Posted on April 15, 2009Here is some audio from today’s rally. It speaks for itself. Rally Audio
In Their Own Words
Posted on April 14, 2009Here is audio from Monday’s news conference where the Mayor outlined his proposal to address the CIB shortfall. There is also react from the Council as well as industry spokespeople. This way you can hear first-hand what was said and draw your own conclusions about the best course of action...
Statehouse Update
Posted on April 14, 2009The Indiana State Senate, by a voice vote, amended the current CIB funding plan to adopt the Mayor’s finance proposal. A final vote could come later this week. Meanwhile, City-County Council Democratic Leader Joanne Sanders will have a news conference tomorrow to share her ideas on how to fung the CIB shortfall...
Is a Budget Veto Around the Corner?
Posted on April 14, 2009I’m at the Statehouse today and ran into a key lawmaker who says he would not be surprised if Governor Mitch Daniels vetoed whatever budget comes out of the General Assembly. The Governor has expressed concerns that the budget spends too much money and relies to heavily on federal stimulus dollars...
Monday Morning Musings
Posted on April 13, 2009Here are some things to munch on this morning… Will Ballard C.I.B.? Expect a plan to be unveiled today from Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard on eliminating the Capital Improvement Board’s $47 million shortfall. Details are unclear at this time but expect the Mayor to offer up a menu of options that gets him to that $47 million [...
Ballard Unveils C.I.B. Funding Proposal
Posted on April 13, 2009THIS IS THE FULL VERSION UPDATED AT 3:50 P.M. With a little more than two weeks to go in the Indiana General Assembly, Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard unveiled his plan to shore up the $47 million operational shortfall. The plan includes the following… Increasing the local alcohol tax and expanding the professional sports district ($20 million) Contributions from the [...
Time For Some Tough Love
Posted on April 12, 2009It?s no big secret that I like Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard. I knew him before he ran for Mayor and I think he is what this city needs at this moment in time. Instead of spelling out lofty visions full of empty platitudes, Indianapolis needs someone who gets down to brass tacks and deal with [...
White Fight
Posted on April 11, 2009The controversy continues in Indianapolis Public Schools. Indiana Barrister has obtained a copy of a recorded conversation between former IPS Principal Jeffrey White and his District supervisor Prudence Bridgewaters. In the conversation Bridgewaters tells White that he is not allowed to suspend students because of the school district will get sued, however the district’s public position that [...
Bet on the C.I.B.?
Posted on April 10, 2009What’s old is new again. The Indianapolis Star is reporting this morning that State Representative Bill Crawford is proposing a casino for downtown Indianapolis in order to help close the Capital Improvement Board’s $47 million operational deficit...
Bauer, Bosma, Budget, Bailout
Posted on April 10, 2009I spoke to House Speaker Pat Bauer and Republican Minority Leader Brian BosmThursday regarding the budget and the Capital Improvement Board. Both had interesting things to say. Here they are… House Speaker Pat Bauer Republican Leader Brian Bosma
Back to the Capital Improvement Drawing Board?
Posted on April 09, 2009A plan to use of combination of user fees and taxes to close the Capital Improvement Board’s $47 million operational deficit may have come to a halt even before it had a chance to really get out of the gate. Republican State Senator Luke Kenley tells me reaction to the plan unveiled last week has been [...
The ?Fix? Is In
Posted on April 09, 2009Allow me to be the last one to the party on this, but Indiana Barrister (IB) got some serious love from Chris Cillizza of the Washington Post. IB has been named one of the Best State Blogs in all 50 states. Also sharing that title were Frugal Hoosiers and Advance Indiana...
Subpoena This
Posted on April 09, 2009Indiana House Democrats are threatening to subpoena Daniels administration officials if they don’t the documents they say they need to pass a budget. House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Bill Crawford this morning said he’s frustrated that he’s gotten very little data he’s requested from various state agencies in order to craft a budget...
For Whom Conseco Tolls
Posted on April 08, 2009As lawmakers try to figure out a way to address the Capital Improvement Board funding shortfall, I have a suggestion to help them out, privatize Conseco Fieldhouse. We already know that it costs $15 million a year to run the Fieldhouse, at least that’s what the Pacers and the Capital Improvement Board are telling us...
Tuesday Tidbits
Posted on April 07, 2009It’s nice to be back after a few days of lawyer school. Here are my thoughts on few events that have, are happening or will happen soon… Legislative Meltdown? Don’t be surprised if there is a total meltdown at the Indiana General Assembly over the unemployment insurance fund and the fact that the budget forecast revenues are [...
Your Man Mitch
Posted on April 07, 2009If anyone thought a sagging economy and high unemployment might be hurting Indiana Governor Mitch Daniel’s approval ratings they might want to think again. According to a poll conducted last week by the Indiana Association of Realtors, Daniels has an approval rating of 69 percent...
If You Want Transparency, Open Your Eyes!
Posted on April 06, 2009I’m in Chicago today for a legal seminar and a couple other things, but I’ve noticed a repeated call for transparency for the Capitol Improvement Board. As much as some people would like to think that it is a mysterious cabal that operates in darkness with robes and a pentagram, it really isn’t...
If You Were Mayor?
Posted on April 05, 2009Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard has come under fire lately because of the way he has handled the Capital Improvement Board issue regarding Lucas Oil Stadium and Conseco Fieldhouse. Some criticism I think is well-place, some is just over the top and ridiculous...
$100 Million ?Contribution? My A$$
Posted on April 04, 2009I finally had some time to work on the Indianapolis Colts’ $100,000,000 “contribution” to Lucas Oil Stadium. The Indianapolis Colts say they contributed $100 million to building Lucas Oil Stadium. It all depends on how you define “contribute”...
Colts Care?
Posted on April 03, 2009I’m doing some legal education classes today and tomorrow to keep my Illinois law license current, however during breaks I check my email. Here’s what I got from the Indianapolis Colts. STATEMENT FROM THE INDIANAPOLIS COLTS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 4/2/09 The Indianapolis Colts understand and are concerned about the current CIB funding shortfall as well as the financial difficulties [...
Do You C.I.B. What I C.I.B.?
Posted on April 02, 2009Okay, here are the details on the state CIB funding proposals to close the $47 million budget hole which includes $20 million in operation costs for Lucas Oil, $15 million for Conseco, $5 million for the Convention Center and $3 million for marketing the Convention Center as they sit right now...
Does Bill Polian Get It?
Posted on April 02, 20091:30 P.M. update - The CIB bill passed out of committee 10-2, with a lot of lawmakers acknowledging that there will be changes before it is all said and done. ****************** Indianapolis Colts President Bill Polian testified today before the Senate Appropriations Committee over the the plan to address the $47 million operating deficit...
Tea Time or Talk Time?
Posted on April 01, 2009In 14 days, your taxes are due. If you’re like me you got them done early, broke even and called it a day. For some people, April 15 is a day of “Tea Parties” both locally and nationally where citizens will come together and express their grievances with their government...
Details. Details? Details!
Posted on April 01, 2009I’m hearing some more details out what Indiana lawmakers will propose tomorrow to deal with the Capital Improvement Board’s operational issues. Here’s what it looks like now, but please note, this could change. Pacers contribution decreases by $5 million...
Moving Day
Posted on March 31, 2009We are making some changes to Indiana Barrister. You guys have been so great about visiting that we’ve outgrown our current host. Tomorrow we will be transferring to a new server so we can have more bandwidth. This may cause some problems for you trying to read or post to the blog, but they [...
The More I C.I.B.
Posted on March 31, 2009Expect a comprehensive statewide proposal to be this Thursday regarding the Capital Improvement Board and its $35 million operational deficit. Lawmakers are being tight lipped, but the proposal will be included in HB 1604 which created a similar like Capital Improvement Board in Ft...
Suddenly, I C.I.B.
Posted on March 30, 2009I spent a good chunk of the day trying to get a feel on what Indiana lawmakers will unveil on Thursday with respect to the Capital Improvement Board and its multi-million dollar operations deficit. Here’s what I’ve been able to gather so far...
If You Can?t Beat Them?
Posted on March 30, 2009Advance Indiana is demanding I disclose the details of some annoying e-mail I received regarding how I should cover future taxpayer revolts. I took me about a micro-second to figure out how to deal with this. Ignore it. I mean if I’m a such a fraud and charlatan, then why would Advance Indiana spend so much [...
Was That a Threat or a Promise?
Posted on March 29, 2009There’s nothing like getting back into town after a weekend of comedy, cigars and good alcohol only to find threatening e-mail waiting for me. I won’t go into details, but needless to say the person told me that I am in the middle of the “Taxpayers’ Revolt” regarding the “elites vs the common people” and if [...
Friday Stuff
Posted on March 27, 2009We had some technical issues yesterday, but the blog is back up and running. Here’s the latest news. Indiana’s unemployment rate creeped up to 9.4 percent, up from 9.3 percent. The scary part of the figure is that 58 of 92 counties have unemployment rates of 10 percent or higher...
Pacers CEO: ?Everything Is on the Table?
Posted on March 26, 2009Indiana Pacers Chief Executive Office Jim Morris says that everything is on the table in order to reach a fair and equitable settlement with the city, state and Capital Improvement Board over the operational costs of Conseco Fieldhouse. Morris made his comments today at a news conference outlining a new health initiative in Indiana...
School Daze
Posted on March 25, 2009If you’ve ever wondered how your school district compares to others on ISTEP, graduation rates, attendance, etc click here. It’s a link to the Indiana Department of Education’s website. It has a lot of really good data attached with it on public, private and charter schools...
Did You Hear the People Sing?
Posted on March 25, 2009The Children of the Revolution had their Statehouse protest today. About 200-250 people showed up, but there were only about 100 or so left when it ended. They touched on everything from property taxes, to the CIB, to lobbying reform. At times it was hard to follow where it all was going...
Program Note
Posted on March 24, 2009FYI, Indianapolis Public School Superintendent Dr. Eugene White will be a guest tomorrow on my morning radio show. He’s scheduled to appear tomorrow from 7-8 a.m. You can hear the interview at 1430 AM or over the Internet at www.wxnt.com. We’ll talk about the 2008 State of the District report, budget cuts, ISTEP test scores, charter [...
Night Notes
Posted on March 24, 2009I’m preparing for my interview with Dr. Eugene White regarding IPS so I want to make this quick. The Indiana State Senate moved forward today with fixing the state’s unemployment insurance fund problems. The Indiana House moved forward today with property tax “reform” and giving Superintendent Tony Bennett unnecessary grief...
Blessed Are the Poor, For They Shall Have a Hell of a Lot of Nerve
Posted on March 23, 2009Although the title of this blog post may not seem very Christian, it’s okay because I am not. In fact, these days in a tough economy I’m feeling a lot less generous and a lot less giving. It’s been reported that the city is closing down some local pools in order to make some badly needed [...
Marion County Township Trustee Wants $1.7 Million Tax Increase
Posted on March 23, 2009The Wayne Township Trustee in Marion County wants to raise taxes nearly $1.7 million to pay for fire protection. David “King” Baird has filed notice in this past weekend’s Court and Commercial Record that the township will hold a meeting on April 9 to formally ask the Department of Local Government and Finance to increase the fire protection [...
The State of IPS
Posted on March 22, 2009Indianapolis Public School Superintendent Dr. Eugene White is unveiling the 2009 Indianapolis Public Schools “State of the District” this week. I got an early copy of the presentation, and while there is some good news, IPS is increasingly becoming a school district that is poor, black and academically challenged...
Get a Load of This?
Posted on March 21, 2009I got this e-mail from a friend yesterday. It make me think that maybe Indiana should seriously think about lowering unemployment benefits… Hey Abdul, You’ll love the irony in this. My assistant is going to have to have some surgery soon and be out for about a month...
Bauer v. Bosma
Posted on March 20, 2009With about 6 weeks left to go before the end of session, I spoke with House Speaker Pat Bauer and Minority Leader Brian Bosma to get their perspectives on the remaining days. Here are their interviews… House Speaker Pat Bauer Minority Leader Brian Bosma
The Children of the Revolution are Revolting
Posted on March 20, 2009In case you were wondering, the line-up has been unveiled for the March 25th “Revolt at the Statehouse.” Enjoy. “Increasing Debt: Mortgaging our Children?s Future” Lisa Kelly, former Libertarian candidate for Lt. Governor “The Colts, Pacers and the Capital Improvement Board” Gary Welsh, Attorney at Law and Publisher of Advance Indiana Blog ?Government Grants & Public Corruption? Rev...
FYI
Posted on March 20, 2009From Indiana House Democrats… The news conference scheduled at 1:15 p.m. today to announce the plans of State Reps. Ed DeLaney, John Barnes and Mary Ann Sullivan (all D-Indianapolis) for Marion County fire department consolidation has been postponed indefinitely...
Damage Control?
Posted on March 19, 2009Are Indianapolis Public Schools going to be doing some damage control this evening? Maybe. The IPS Parent’s Advisory Council, a group created by the Superintendent’s Office, is holding a meeting tonight from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m in the IPS Board room at 120 E...
What About Bob?
Posted on March 19, 2009State Democratic Party Chairman Dan Parker may have a contender for his job when party officials meet this weekend. Marion County Democrat and labor leader Bob Voorhies’ name is surfacing as a challenger. Voorhies reportedly sent out an e-mail to State Central Committee members expressing his intent to run for State Chairman, even though he [...
IPS, What a Mess!
Posted on March 18, 2009Indianapolis Public School teachers say it is virtually impossible for them to do their jobs because the district won’t discipline problem students. The complaint is part of a continuing fight between the teachers and the administration over wages and working conditions...
School Daze
Posted on March 17, 2009I recently got an e-mail from someone accusing me of hating public schools and doing nothing to promote the positive things that take place in them. My first instinct was to rip the writer a new one in my usual brilliant prose, however I decided to take a more thoughtful approach and further clarify my [...
Breaking News
Posted on March 17, 2009ATF officials say it was arson that destroyed the 218-unit apartment building at Senate and Michigan last week. Officials would not release any more details, only to say the fire last week was intentionally set. They have also posted a reward for any information leading to an arrest or conviction...
Monday Morning Musings
Posted on March 16, 2009Here are my thoughts for the morning… Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels was featured Friday night on 20/20 about the leasing of the Indiana Toll Road. It’s a pretty good interview. Opponents of privatization still don’t make a valid argument about why it was a bad idea...
Two Out of Three Ain?t Bad
Posted on March 16, 2009Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard today announced that the city approved two of the three charter schools up for a 7-year renewal. Flanner House and Christel House both either met or exceeded city standards. The third school, Fall Creek Academy did make improvements, however the Mayor’s office said Fall Creek’s improvement had not been consistent enough over [...
Money for Nothing, Pacers for Free
Posted on March 15, 2009When it comes to the problems surrounding the Indiana Pacers and their request the city take over $15 million in the operational expenses of Conseco Fieldhouse, I’m fully convinced that there is a workable solution to this problem. I will admit though, when I first got the news I was ticked off...
Saturday Morning Posts
Posted on March 14, 2009Here are a few morning tidbits for you to play with today… Although the transportation supervisor for Franklin Township schools resigned Friday in the wake of the arrest of a bus driver who police said was drunk as he ran his route last week, there’s more to the story...
Prom Night (Update)
Posted on March 13, 2009UPDATE: Lebanon School officials have released a statement saying they will allow the 17-year old lesbian student to wear a tuxedo to the prom. “School policy for this year’s prom will be that all attendees shall wear appropriate formal attire with no gender-based attire requirements imposed...
Smoke Em While You Got Em
Posted on March 12, 2009If you smoke, you’ve probably noticed the price of a pack of cigarettes is burning a bigger hole in your pocket. As of April 1, due to federal taxes, the price of a pack of cigarettes in Indiana is going up to about $5. The state already levies a 99...
Big Shocker!!!
Posted on March 12, 2009From Bonnie Erbe of U.S. News & World Report… So now it is written that Bristol Palin, unwed teenage daughter of former U.S. vice-presidential candidate and Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, has ended the relationship with the father of her baby. From where I sit, Bristol Palin displays a lot more personal maturity and decision-making ability than her [...
The Township Trustee Game
Posted on March 11, 2009Government closest to the people? Whatever. Abdul’s Township Trustee Game
Look for the Union Label
Posted on March 11, 2009Here’s a question. What do ISTEP, the Indiana Pacers and GM all have in common? Give up? Unions. Allow me to explain. As ISTEP was getting underway, the teacher’s unions started complaining the test was too hard and students were not going to perform well...
In Their Own Words
Posted on March 10, 2009Here are my interviews with CIB President Bob Grand and Vice-President Pat Early on the options to close the opertational deficit for Lucas Oil Stadium as well as the Pacers saying they can’t afford to play in Conseco Fieldhouse. Bob Grand Pat Early
Statehouse Stuff
Posted on March 10, 2009A couple big things at the statehouse this morning. A major setback for advocates of government reform, several Senate Bills died in House committee today with Republicans and Democrats accusing each other of playing politics. Democrats tried to amend several bills into one bill, however that failed...
Murder, He Wrote
Posted on March 09, 2009I’m doing some research on the city’s homicides. Right now Indianapolis is at 12, which is about one murder every six days. How does this compare to previous years at this time. Check this out… 2009 - 12 homicides; one murder every 6...
In Their Own Words
Posted on March 09, 2009Here is some audio I captured over the past few days. Marion County Democratic Chairman Ed Treacy. Congressman Andre Carson on the economic stimulus package. Franklin Township Board member Joe McCullough on fire consolidation. Feel free to give them a listen.
Pace Yourself
Posted on March 09, 2009Let me ask you a question. In this economic climate where average people are losing their homes and jobs at a rate not seen since the Great Depression, are you willing to fork over $15 million a year to operate Conseco Fieldhouse because the billionaire Simon family says it’s too expensive for them to operate? (Insert expletive [...
Stop the Bus
Posted on March 09, 2009My sources are telling me tonight that the Franklin Township School Board is recommending that Philip Leslie, the bus driver arrested for operating a bus with a blood alcohol content level of 0.22 be terminated. Leslie was charged with four counts, including felony neglect of a dependent and operating a vehicle with with a BAC of [...
Quote of the Century
Posted on March 08, 2009“You are entitled to all the lousy, crummy, graft-ridden government you want and are willing to pay for.” Governor Mitch Daniels last week on government reform to 450 Lake County Residents at a town hall meeting.
Party Time
Posted on March 08, 2009Although they were scheduled at about the same time, I managed to attend both the Democratic and Republican County re-organization meetings where both Ed Treacy and Tom John were re-elected as chairman of their respective parties. As the only media to show up at both events, here are some of my observations of the day...
Handicapping the Loyal Opposition
Posted on March 07, 2009Since Democrats and Republicans are doing their county re-organizations today and nothing major is expected to happen at either event, I thought I’d do a little handicapping of the 2011 Mayoral Race, since everyone and his mother is planning to run on the D side...
Guess Who?
Posted on March 07, 2009I attended today’s Marion county reorganizations for the Democrats and Republicans today. I’ll have some analysis tomorrow, but guess who was at the GOP re-organization, running for Sheriff and brought his IMPD vehicle with him? Not sure? Here are some photos I took to help you out...
The Madness of Mike Young
Posted on February 26, 2009It took a while, but I knew I would eventually figure out why a “conservative” Republican like State Senator Mike Young would oppose government reform. At first I thought it really was a tax issue, until I discovered that Wayne Township has the highest tax rate for fire service in Marion County and consolidation would only [...
Scrap That
Posted on February 26, 2009Indianapolis city officials are announcing two major changes to the police department’s part-time job policies following the employment of officers at a scrap metal yard accused of dealing in stolen material. Mayor Greg Ballard, Public Safety Director Scott Newman and Police Chief Mike Spears said they were ordering all command personnel in IMPD to quit their [...
Post Consolidation Mortem
Posted on February 25, 2009I spent some time on the phone last night talking to politicos about why Marion County Township Fire Consolidation failed by one vote. The vote was 24-26, had one vote changed the Lt. Governor could have passed the tie breaking vote. I asked my contacts a number of questions as to why the measure didn’t [...
I Need a Drink!
Posted on February 24, 2009Get a load of this! If you want to know why your water rates are going through the roof, it?s not just because the city financed a majority of the bonds to purchase the water company with adjustable rate loans that have gone through the roof, but there?s evidence that when the people who used [...
The Mortgage Crisis
Posted on February 24, 2009The following is a guest column by Indianapolis attorney Mike Norris. More consumers are losing their homes than ever before, and more lenders are foreclosing their mortgages than ever before. Both sides are losing faith in the American mortgage lending system, even though one wants payments; the other is willing to pay...
Death By Franklin Township
Posted on February 24, 2009That statement may seem a bit extreme or harsh, but it is fair. Because I called out Terry Royalty on his reported annual four-month stints in Florida, he’s apparently cancelling all mutual aid agreements with IFD, Beech Grove and Perry Township...
Kip, Too?
Posted on February 23, 2009Throw another name into the ring of potential Democratic contenders for Mayor of Indianapolis. The latest addition I hear wanting to run against incumbent Greg Ballard in 2011 is lobbyist and former Democratic State Party Chairman Kip Tew. Tew was also a senior advisor for Barack Obama’s Presidential campaign in Indiana and was aide [...
Slowly But Surely
Posted on February 23, 2009The movement toward government reform moved slowly today as the Indiana State Senate approved an amendment to a township government consolidation bill that would give county councils oversight over township budgets and eliminate their advisory boards...
State of the City Redux
Posted on February 22, 2009One way I tend to gauge how well elected officials are doing is by listening to their critics. If their critics have nothing good to say about them, then that probably means they’re doing ok. Such is it with Greg Ballard and his critics. Now before we go any further, let me say this so some [...
Daniels Plane Diverted
Posted on February 22, 2009While en route to Washington D.C., this morning Governor Mitch Daniels’ plane had to be diverted to Columbus, OH. Press Secretary Jane Jankowski said the plane had to land in Columbus after cracks had developed in the windsheild of the aircraft...
State of the City React
Posted on February 22, 2009Here’s some reaction from yesterday’s State of the City address… Democratic City-Councilor Mary Moriarty Adams Marion County GOP Chairman Tom John Marion County Democratic Party Executive Director Adam Kirsch Enjoy.
State of the City
Posted on February 21, 2009In his second State of the City address, Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard today said the city was strong, but not immune to the challenges and crisises hitting the rest of the nation. He reiterated his themes of a safe, livable city, that has a healthy economic climate, good schools, is environmentally sound and has efficient [...
Ask, But You May Not Receive
Posted on February 21, 2009In case any of you ever wondered what happened to the idea of a debate between Amos Brown and me over government consolidation and it’s impact on the African-American community, here’s the e-mail response my friend Amos recently gave tax activist Melyssa Donaghy… I?m in receipt of your e-mails concerning a recent op-ed in the Indianapolis [...
Open Forum
Posted on February 20, 2009I’ve got some work to do today, so I’ll make this quick. I’ll give you some topics to chat about. Feel free to discuss… Should Indiana follow the lead of some other states and NOT take the economic stimulus money? Should the Indiana House pass a one-year budget or go back to a two-year? Is government reform really [...
Stimulating Indy
Posted on February 19, 2009Want to know what the city of Indianapolis would like to spend economic stimulus on? Click here. The total cost, $268,323,010.
Breakin? The Law
Posted on February 19, 2009The Indiana Senate by a vote of 28-22 passed legislation that would allow cities and towns to install cameras at intersections to catch drivers who run red lights. The cameras would photograph rear plates and the tickets issued could not be more than $100...
Do These People Get It?
Posted on February 19, 2009Proponents of township government may be basking the glow of “victories” at the Statehouse Wednesday they can’t be so oblivious as to deny the inevitable? Can they deny property tax caps are coming? Can they deny declining property values that will negatively impact their tax base? Can they deny the bad economy will likely impact requests for poor [...
Treated Like Royalty
Posted on February 19, 2009The pro-township forces keep telling me that township government is important because it’s the government closest to the people. Maybe someone should tell that to the Franklin Township Trustee Terry Royalty. I’m told he’s been on vacation in Florida since October and apparently this tends to be an annual trip...
I Have Now Officially Seen It All
Posted on February 18, 2009There are a lot of things in this world which I never thought I would see. Barack Obama as President. O. J. Simpson in jail. And Republican State Senator Mike Young of Indianapolis vote to raise taxes on Marion County residents, but that’s pretty much what he did today in the Senate Local Government Committee...
Death or Taxes?
Posted on February 18, 2009The Marion County townships with fire departments and no plans to consolidate do have a plan to deal with the impending shortfall due to property tax caps, it’s called raise taxes. Pike, Wayne, Decatur, Franklin and Lawrence are facing millions in shortfalls when the property tax caps kick in fully in 2010...
Wednesday Wire
Posted on February 18, 2009Here are some little things to report this morning. I’ll be at the Statehouse later with more updates… City officials say they may be able to save a couple million in interest payments on Lucas Oil Stadium due to refinancing which can help them get a little closer to plugging the $43 million operational deficit...
Stacked and Packed
Posted on February 17, 2009Here are ten simple rules on how NOT to have a “informational” Town Hall meeting on the implications of a total ban on smoking in all workplaces in Marion County. Don’t have everyone on your “information” panel be associated with the anti-smoking group...
Budget?s First Step
Posted on February 17, 2009Indiana lawmakers took their first major step today toward passing a budget. By a vote of 14-9, the House Ways and Means Committee passed a one-year spending plan totaling $14.5 billion. The budget includes more than $308 million in new spending; most of which goes for education which was not included in Governor Daniels’ budget and $26 million [...
Suicide or Rebirth?
Posted on February 17, 2009In a room full of more Libertarians than media, At-large City-County Councilor Ed Coleman today officially cast aside his Republican label for a Libertarian one. Coleman says he left the GOP because the “party had changed” and was not “the same party he joined years ago...
Party of One?
Posted on February 16, 2009Expect an announcement tomorrow morning from the Marion County Libertarian Party that At-large City-County Councilor Ed Coleman is joining their ranks. Coleman would not comment on the move when I spoke to him tonight at an east side forum over a proposed city-wide smoking ban...
More Statehouse Stuff
Posted on February 16, 2009I’ll make this quick… SB 452 is the first local government reform bill to pass the State Senate. It gives counties the option to choose either a county-council form of government with a chief executive or a county board with a city manager...
Statehouse Stuff
Posted on February 16, 2009I’m at the Statehouse today keeping an eye on things. Here’s what I’ve seen or heard so far… Stadium Stuff As lawmakers are trying to find ways to plug a $43 million operating deficit, there is private praise for the Indianapolis Pacers and frustration with the Colts...
Pick Your President
Posted on February 16, 2009It’s President’s Day, so I’m off to go buy a mattress. In the meanwhile, C-SPAN has compiled a pretty interesting list of Presidential rankings; Lincoln came in first while James Buchanan came in last. Care to add your best and worst?
Ballard Endorses Tom John for County Chairman; Conspiracy Theorists and Political Wannabes Foam at the Mouth!!!
Posted on February 15, 2009Although this really shouldn’t surprise anyone, Republican Mayor Greg Ballard endorsed Republican County Chairman Tom John this week. Here’s the full text of the Mayor’s letter to precinct committeemen… Dear _________: Thank you for all you do for the City of Indianapolis and our Republican Party...
Sports Sunday
Posted on February 15, 2009The man who gave me my first news job back in 1993 once told me, “Abdul we’re all ignorant, just about different things.” For me that usually applies when talking about something sports-related. However, I honestly think my ignorance of sports just might be surpassed by the ignorance of the Indiana Pacers and Indianapolis Colts...
Fight! Fight! Fight!
Posted on February 14, 2009It’s not every day the director of mysmartgov.org gets into a heated exchange with a radio talk show host who accuses local government reform advocates of backhanded racism during a Friday morning news conference with the Governor standing by. But when it does happen, you have to put it out there so everyone can give it a listen...
Nice Work If You Can Get It
Posted on February 14, 2009My Dad always told me the best time to look for work is when you don?t need it. Between my broadcasting, legal, teaching, consulting and stand-up comedic obligations, I?m not hurting for employment so I figured now would be a good time. And after this past week at the Statehouse, I have found the perfect [...
Graduation Day III
Posted on February 13, 2009I got some of the charter school data for the Mayor Sponsored Charter Schools, here it is… Charles Tindley - 63.2 %. Indianapolis MET - 57.6 %. They do better than most IPS schools, but not as well as the township schools. But Tindley has the best college attendance rate out of all schools in Marion County and [...
Graduation Day II
Posted on February 13, 2009Here are some more stats on graduation rates. These are for the township schools and excluded cities. I’m expecting the Charter data later this morning. Just like last time, the first number is the graduation rate, the second number is the percent change from last year...
How To Launder Taxpayer Money Without Even Trying
Posted on February 13, 2009If you’ve ever wondered how township government stays in business at the General Assembly, here’s how… Join the Indiana Township Association. Payment of your ITA annual dues or your special assessments should all be made from “Other Services, & Charges, Dues and Subscriptions...
Smoke Em Out
Posted on February 12, 2009Are you for or against a total smoking ban in Marion County? We you’ve got a chance to voice your opinion. City-County Councilor Kent Smith is holding one of three town hall meetings a comprehensive smoking ban on next week. The meeting will be held Monday, February 16 from 5:30 p...
Graduation Day
Posted on February 12, 2009In case you missed it last month, the graduation rate and academic performance results are in for Indiana schools. Here they are for IPS. The first number is the rate. The number in parenthesis is the percentage change from last year… Arlington H...
Ponder This!
Posted on February 12, 2009The last time township government really mattered in Indiana, Abraham Lincoln was still alive.
Let Them Eat Caps!!!
Posted on February 12, 2009As I sat in the Senate Chambers for several hours listening to testimony from township officials trying to save their jobs all I could think of was how some good brie would go well with their whine. I will spare you the usual “we’re government closest to the people”, “we live in a rural area”, [...
Township Tales
Posted on February 11, 2009I’m in the Senate chamber watching a committee hearing on consolidating township government functions to the county level. It’s all testimony and there won’t be a vote today. But it’s easy to tell the pro-township crowd doesn’t like change, just look at how 90-percent of them came dressed today.
Wednesday Wire
Posted on February 11, 2009Here’s some news from the Statehouse this morning. A House Committee this morning approve a statewide smoking ban, with exemptions. If the bill passes the legislature smoking will still be allowed in bars, taverns, casinos and private clubs. The Colts and Pacers are reaching out to the state in an effort to look for ways to close [...
Thanks for the Memories
Posted on February 10, 2009The worst thing you can have in politics is a good memory. In late 2004 I remember watching then Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson announce to thousands of screaming football fans that the city and the Colts had reached a deal on a new stadium, even though no funding mechanism had been worked out to pay for [...
Out of Work, Out of Luck
Posted on February 10, 2009I’m not sure if this is a good idea, but I’m sure this is more than likely a starting point. The House Labor and Employment Committee today passed, 9-3, legislation that would have employers pay more to cover Indiana’s bankrupt unemployment insurance fund...
Pop a Cap In Them
Posted on February 10, 2009The Indiana State Senate Monday approved putting property tax cap into the state Constitution. It was basically a party-line vote, 34-16. The measure heads to the House where it failed earlier on a procedural test vote. House Democrats say they want more time to study the proposal...
City Stuff
Posted on February 09, 2009Here are some interesting tidbits and information regarding matters affecting Indianapolis and Marion County. Capital Improvement Board officials say they won’t use property taxes, and other taxes and fee increases are the last items on their list, as they try to plug a near $50 million operation deficit...
Nice To Be Back
Posted on February 09, 2009It’s nice to be back after a weekend of the old song and dance routing. Here’s what I’ll be paying attention to this week. What will the impact of the federal stimulus package be on Indiana now that the Senate has cut funding to state and local governments and to education; two areas Indiana lawmakers have [...
Sunday Funnies*
Posted on February 08, 2009Abdul’s Comedy Act *The above link may contain material considered unsuitable for people with no sense of humor or perspective.
Comedy Tonight
Posted on February 07, 2009I’m on the road in Illinois playing comedian this weekend. The show went very well and I will try to upload some of the audio when I get back to Indianapolis. I can tell you one the best lines of the night was when I told the audience that as I crossed the border back [...
Hello, I Must Be Going
Posted on February 06, 2009I’m heading out of town to go be a comedian, but here are a few things to ponder while I am away. State officials are privately saying Indiana’s unemployment rate could hit 10% before it’s all said and done. It looks like the Mayor cleared more than $200,000 at his latest fundraiser...
Indiana Unemployed
Posted on February 06, 2009I’m making a stop on the way back to Illinois and wanted to share these latest unemployment figures for Indiana by metropolitan area. The statewide average is 8.1%. It’s what you would think, the further north you go, the worse it gets. Indianapolis-Carmel - 6...
IPS Potential Scandal Grows
Posted on February 05, 2009I told you the other day about a possible scandal flying under the radar screen at Indianapolis Public Schools concerning Title I funds. Well there are a few more details starting to creep out. I’m hearing that apparently over the last few years Title I money has been used for staff lunches and junkets...
Ticket Tax, Anyone?
Posted on February 04, 2009One of the architects of the original Lucas Oil Stadium financing plan says a ticket tax or user fee might be the way to go to make for the stadium’s nearly $45 million operational shortfall. Capital Imporvement Board officials reported last week that Lucas Oil would run millions in operational deficits...
More On That Moratorium
Posted on February 04, 2009I told you yesterday about how the House Ways & Means Committee amended legislation to put a moratorium on charter schools in Indiana and cap their funding so they can’t grow. This is about two things. First, political posturing. Second, the argument that charter schools take money from traditional public schools (I will refer to them [...
Township Talk
Posted on February 04, 2009Are Marion County Democrats softening their opposition to consolidation of the township trustees? Maybe. From what I’ve been able to gather in conversations with Statehouse lawmakers, they agree there should be some system of poor relief in Marion County, but they are split on exactly how that relief should be delivered...
Bedtime Stories
Posted on February 04, 2009Here are a couple thoughts before I call it a day. Lawmakers passed government reform (creating county councils with a county executive or manager) out of committee, with exceptions for Lake County. Bill Crawford’s issues with Charter Schools have nothing to do with their performance, but how one of his constituents was treated...
I Want My DTV
Posted on February 04, 2009More people are waiting in the 7th Congressional District to get their free digital TV coupons than any other place in the continental United States. That number comes from PC Magazine, which reports more than 1.8 million households were not ready to make the switch...
Every Dog Should Have It?s Day
Posted on February 03, 2009The Indianapolis Animal Care and Control Center is adopting a new policy when it comes to pit bulls. Unless the dog has a history of violent behavior it will not be put down after four days. IACC Director Doug Rae says every dog should be given a chance to live...
Moratorium Movement
Posted on February 03, 2009By a party line vote today, the House Ways and Means Committee passed legislation that would not only put a moratorium on charter schools in Indiana but also cap their growth and force achieving students back into failing schools. If you at my last post regarding schools, I don’t think it’s the Charters that need the [...
School Daze
Posted on February 02, 2009As some people try to promote a moratorium on Charter Schools, try to guess the answer to these questions… Which school district is most likely to pay an employee $62,000 annually to answer e-mail? Which school district is most likely to refuse to expel students who stab teachers and staff with sharp pencils? Which school district is most [...
Greg Ballard: Year Two
Posted on February 01, 2009Sophomore years can really be tough. If you’re a student, you start thinking about the college application process, reduce your extra curricular activities and focus more. It’s also the year you assert your independence. If you’re a musician, you want to make sure the second album lives up to the first and you prove it’s not a [...
P.O.W. Parking
Posted on January 31, 2009Every so often legislation winds its way through the Indiana General Assembly that leaves me scratching my head. A House committee Thursday passed a bill that would give unlimited free parking at meters to former prisoners of war. HB 1258 would give anyone with a former P...
When Smoke Gets In Your Eyes, Make a Choice
Posted on January 30, 2009Smoke Free Indy, an organization dedicated to banning all smoking in Indianapolis, held an open house downtown Thursday a smoke free restaurant to extol the virtues of smoke-free work environment and to stress the point that employees should not have to choose between clean air and their job...
Man of Steele
Posted on January 30, 2009Former Maryland Lt. Governor Michael Steele has been elected the new Chairman of the Republican National Committee. It took several (six actually) ballots. Steele garnered major support when former Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell dropped out of the race and endorsed him...
Still Waiting
Posted on January 30, 2009A couple weeks ago, I wrote the following column which appeared in the Indianapolis Recorder. I issued a friendly challenge to AM 1310’s Amos Brown to debate the merits of Kernan-Shepard and township government and its impact on the African-American Community...
The Ghosts That Haunt Me
Posted on January 30, 2009A old friend sent me this video clip. It was a promotional video from our college in Europe from back in 1987. I show up about five minutes into it. I look like a Cosby kid. Enjoy.
Mike Young?s Act Is Still Old
Posted on January 29, 2009Back in 2007 I wrote a blog post about Republican State Senator Mike Young. Back then, as the Republicans were picking their new County Chairman, Young said current Chairman Tom John would get the job over his dead body. It’s 2009 and I’m still waiting for Young to keep his promise...
Do You Trust This Trustee?
Posted on January 29, 2009I scribbled yesterday how Center Township Trustee Carl Drummer is leaving, but some how I’m thinking the wrong Trustee is stepping down. I found out yesterday that Wayne Township Trustee David “King” Baird has had some “interesting” expenditures as of late...
Property Tax Cap ?Test? Fails
Posted on January 29, 2009If today was a test vote of property tax caps in the Indiana House of Representatives, it failed. Lawmakers, primarily along party line votes, turned back an amendment that would have put constitutional property tax caps on the November 2010 ballot. House Republicans tried to attach the measure to HJR 6, which would combine the State Auditor [...
Eight Is Enough
Posted on January 28, 2009As I watched the snow come down yesterday I had this thought come to mind. If you took 100 people and had them represent every unit of local government in the United States, 8 of them would be from Indiana. Think about that when you think about local government reform.
Is Drummer Jumping Sinking A Ship?
Posted on January 28, 2009Center Township Trustee Carl Drummer must see the handwriting on the wall. Rumor is Drummer announced this afternoon he is resigning his post to take a governmental affairs position with Ice Miller. Drummer has been township trustee since 1996. Carl is not the type of person to run from a fight, but to bail from [...
Snow Job
Posted on January 28, 2009Here are my questions regarding the worst snow storm to hit the area since the “Macarena” was a hit. How did your municipality do with snow removal? How were the side streets? How were the strip malls? I noticed parking lots would get plowed but not the entrances...
Tuesday?s Tidbits
Posted on January 27, 2009Here are a few items I didn?t get a chance to post about yesterday? I did some math on how much it cost to run the Solders and Sailors Children?s Home in Knightstown. At operational costs of $10 million per year for 114 children, that amounts to about $88,000 per child...
Quick Note?
Posted on January 27, 2009I’m in a hurry so I will make this quick. The Capital Improvement Board is projecting more than $110 million in deficits in short and long term operating expenses. The Mayor unveiled Uni Gov 2.0, calling for fire, poor relief, emergency services and property tax administration consolidation...
More Tuesday Tidbits
Posted on January 27, 2009Okay, where were we? Oh yeah, the CIB and Uni Gov 2.0. There was a moment of irony as we got the bad news at today’s Capital Improvement Board meeting, the bad weather hitting the area had really started to come down. Here’s a breakdown of the $115 million deficit officials announced...
Where K-S & AHS Split
Posted on January 26, 2009Anyone who reads this blog knows I am a big fan of the Kernan-Shepard Report. There’s a hearing this morning on some of its provisions. Indiana Government could use a major colon cleansing and a lot of layers should go away for more accountability and eventually more savings...
Place Your Bets
Posted on January 26, 2009Could gaming be the cure for Indianapolis’ financial needs? Maybe. There are a couple dynamics taking place. First, city officials have to plug a $30 million financial hole that will be here in 2010 when the final phase of the property tax caps kick in...
Indiana Consolidated, LLC (Round One)
Posted on January 26, 2009When I came to Indianapolis in 2004, I was very interested in government reform. And one thing I noticed was the only people who usually opposed government reform usually worked for the government. Nearly five years later, not much has changed. I sat in a State Senate Committee hearing this morning over several Kernan-Sherpard proposals, most focusing [...
Where?s the Beef?
Posted on January 26, 2009Here it is! I told you people this was coming. A Ball State University study shows more than $600 million in savings and efficiencies in government reform and consolidation. The Center for Business and Economic Research found that streamlining government as outlined in K-S (my new shorthand for Kernan-Shepard) would not only improve fire, police, sewer and [...
Sunday Stuff
Posted on January 25, 2009There’s nothing like some good old fashioned political gossip, rumor and blatant innuendo first thing on Sunday morning. So enjoy your coffee and the following… Kerry Forestall’s decision to pursue the U.S. Marshall’s post for the Southern District has made his fellow Democrats mad to no end...
The A-Word
Posted on January 24, 2009One subject I rarely blog or talk about on the air is abortion. I find these discussions usually to be counter-productive and all it does is inflame both sides of the issue and resolves nothing. However, with recent marking of the 36th anniversary of Roe v...
Can We Talk?
Posted on January 23, 2009If you are African-American and read this blog on a regular basis, we need to talk. If you’re white and reading this, just hang out for a moment. Like you, I’m still amazed at the events of this week and the swearing-in of Barack Obama as President...
Welcome to Disturbia
Posted on January 22, 2009There’s word on the street that some of the local activists folk may show up at the Mayor’s Community Luau this Saturday (1-4 p.m. at the IMS Pavilion ) and cause a stir. Apparently they have some issues with the administration and who it uses to lobby and they think the “People’s Mayor” has forgotten the [...
Three Weeks & Pie
Posted on January 22, 2009Three weeks into a legislative session full of some of the most important issues facing Indiana and you would have thought Indiana lawmakers would spend the day taking up the budget, property tax caps or the economy. You would think. Today lawmakers talked about Sugar Cream Pie and its Hoosier heritage...
Anderson in ?11?
Posted on January 21, 2009There’s more evidence that Marion County Sheriff Frank Anderson is planning a run for Mayor in 2011. Anderson’s political action committee, Citizens of Frank J. Anderson, had a political fundraiser last night at the Crowne Plaza in downtown Indianapolis...
?Charter? a New Course? Not So Fast!
Posted on January 21, 2009The new report is out on the Mayor-Sponsored Charter Schools in Indianapolis. Here are the findings… 94 percent of the 2007-2008 Mayor-sponsored Charter high schools are now enrolled in either two or 4-year colleges. Students who usually come to a Mayor-sponsored charter school are academically behind their traditional public school counterparts...
What Gives?
Posted on January 21, 2009I’ve been glancing through the Mayor’s campaign finance reports this evening. For the 2008 cycle, an off-season for municipal elections, incumbent Greg Ballard raised more than $835,000 and had more than $530,000 in the bank by the end of the year...
Inaugural Thoughts
Posted on January 20, 2009My thoughts on this Inauguration Day are real simple. For Black folks, there is now a new age of accountability! The last thing I want to hear is how some white person kept you down. For the young “brothas”, pull those pants up, turn that hat around and get a job or an education! For the national [...
MLK Day 2008
Posted on January 19, 2009It’s become a tradition for me to reprint this column I wrote back in 1996. And with the new age of accountability that’s coming, it seems to be even more relevant this year. Recently I had a conversation with a black friend of mine and she told me something I found was a bit disturbing...
Teaching A Lesson
Posted on January 18, 2009You guys know that in addition to the broadcasting and politics, I teach college part-time. I had something interesting happen this past week. While in class Thursday and going over the course schedule, I had one student (a young African-American male) ask me if we had class on Inauguration Day? I told him “yes, why wouldn’t [...
Saturday Morning Posts
Posted on January 17, 2009I’m planning to relax today with a couple good cigars, martinis and the future Mrs. Shabazz, so today’s gossip will be short and to the point. Marion County Democratic Party Executive Director Adam Kirsch has been making the rounds lately speaking to township organizations...
Major Mistake?
Posted on January 16, 2009Although I understand the need to create jobs in Indiana, I am totally confused at a move by Democratic State Representative Terri Austin to transfer hundreds of millions of dollars from the Department of Transportation to cities and towns to pay for local road projects...
?Stimulating? Conversation
Posted on January 16, 2009Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels says based on the figures he’s seen, the state could possibly receive up to $3 billion from the federal stimulus package so there’s no need to dip into the state’s reserves to pay for education or other programs...
To Die For
Posted on January 15, 2009Remember when I told you about how the Greater Clark County School Board gets taxpayer-funded health insurance and it only costs each board members a dollar? Well, get a load of this! If you’re a member of the Warren Township Advisory Board in Marion County, you can get free life insurance...
State of the State Redux
Posted on January 14, 2009Here’s some of the reaction from Tuesday night’s State of the State address… House Speaker Pat Bauer ?Creating jobs is more important than extended philosophical debates over taking local government control out of the hands of the public...
Indiana Consolidated, LLC (Part II)
Posted on January 14, 2009Here are the latest government consolidation bills introduced so far in the legislature. SB 184 - Consolidates Marion County Emergency dispatch functions. SB 379 - Creates a single county executive via local referendum. SB 444 - Consolidates Marion County Fire Departments...
Budget Battles
Posted on January 13, 2009If today’s budget hearing in the House Ways and means Committee is any indication, it’s going to be a somewhat testy legislative session. Democrats chastised and at time raised their voices at Daniels administration officials over their proposed budget...
Crime & Punishment
Posted on January 13, 2009They’re not out yet, but when they are the latest Indianapolis crime stats will show a modest decrease in crime, but city officials say burglaries are still a major problem. The city saw a decrease in aggravated assaults and murders stayed about the same, however there was a sharp increase in burglaries...
A ?Sober? State of the State
Posted on January 13, 2009Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels spelled out a State of the State tonight which he called sobering, but also held opportunities. In the 30-minute speech Daniels advocated education, a balanced budget and government reform. The speech did not directly refer to Indiana’s jobs situation, however in a pre-State of the State briefing, administration officials said the speech [...
Submit, Please?
Posted on January 12, 2009I’m compiling a list of local government entities across Indiana that provide health insurance or other benefits to their part-time board members. If you could be so kind as to let me know if your school district, township board, etc., offers its members taxpayer-funded health insurance that would be great...
Assess This
Posted on January 12, 2009Capping property assessments could become the big “sleeper” issue in this session of the Indiana General Assembly. Already there is Senate Bill 40, which would cap assessments at 5% of a home’s value over the previous year unless there was a sale or other improvements which clearly showed the home had increased in value...
News Day
Posted on January 12, 2009Okay folks, which deserves tomorrow’s top headline? A. Tony Dungy resigns. B. Mitch Daniels sworn in for second term. C. Bush holds last news conference. D. Bernie Madoff remains free on bail. E. Thursday’s high temp will be nine degrees...
Am I The Only Person Who Sees This?
Posted on January 11, 2009It’s no big secret that I’m a big fan of government consolidation and property tax caps. I think if done properly there is more efficiency, accountability and eventually savings. It’s good for political parties because there are now fewer offices to fight for and they can make better use of their resources...
Is This What You?re Defending?
Posted on January 10, 2009For the people who are opposed to government restructuring and reform, let me ask you three questions? Are you defending the school district in Southern Indiana where the school board voted to give itself the same taxpayer-funded health insurance its teachers and administrators have? Are you defending the Mayor of one of the largest cities in Northern [...
School Daze
Posted on January 09, 2009Legislation has been introduced in the Indiana Senate that would have school start after Labor Day and end by mid-June. I have never been a big fan of school starting before Labor Day and now with ISTEP taking place in the Spring I can’t think of any real, logical reason for school to start in mid-August...
Don?t Give, It Hurts
Posted on January 08, 2009I’ve known about this for a while and now it’s official, the City of Indianapolis is stepping up its efforts to crack down on panhandlers. It’s going to ask the Legislature to pass a law restricting where panhandlers can beg for change; including banning panhandling within 25 feet of any ATM or active parking meter...
Budget Battle Lines (Part Two)
Posted on January 07, 2009Indiana Lawmakers continue to chime in on the state’s current budget situation. Here are some of their positions.. Republican State Senator Luke Kenley While he opposes tapping into the state’s savings account, the real wild card in all this the federal economic stimulus package...
Local Government, Schmocal Government
Posted on January 06, 2009A new poll by Ball State University shows Hoosiers don’t have much faith in local government. The poll by the Bowen Center for Public Affairs shows 67 percent of Hoosiers want government to run more efficiently. In addition the poll showed Hoosiers were willing to pay more for services, but only if the money went [...
Bills, Bills, Bills
Posted on January 06, 2009In addition to the budget and government consolidation, there are a lot of other pieces of legislation that will try to work it’s way through the Indiana General Assembly. Here are a few that I’ll be paying attention to. Hat tip to Doug Masson, his web blog gives a pretty good summary of a lot [...
Put On Your Property Tax Caps
Posted on January 06, 2009For anyone who thinks tax caps are still a bad idea, allow me to share this bit of information with you. Monday was a meeting of the Indiana Distressed Unit Appeals Board, it’s the body that allows local governments to raise their property tax caps if they can prove a sufficient enough hardship case...
Budget Battle Lines (Part One)
Posted on January 06, 2009Although Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels and House Speaker Pat Bauer aren’t married, you would think the upcoming debate in the General Assembly over what to do with the state’s budget surplus sounded like a dispute married couples have during hard times...
Monday Morning Musings
Posted on January 05, 2009I’ll be spending my week focusing on the Indiana General Assembly as lawmakers are back Wednesday. In the interim though, here are a couple interesting tidbits of gossip and rumor that always make life more enjoyable. Sometimes a Cigar Really Is a Cigar The conspiracy theorists are having a field day over the recent City-County Council Committee [...
Diary of a Madman
Posted on January 05, 2009As I get ready to focus on substantive legislative issues, I figured I’d have some fun with some recent hate e-mail that was sent to me. This was posted on another blog and the person who wrote it did not sign their name, and frankly I don’t blame them after reading this...
The ?Vision? Thing
Posted on January 04, 2009“Where there is no vision, the people perish” - Proverbs 29:18. “Pay attention to what you’re doing dumb a**!” - My Grandfather. I cite those two quotes, one obviously more famous than the other, to address the criticism about Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard and his “vision” or lack thereof, his critics say, for the city...
Resolutions & Trusts
Posted on January 03, 2009I try not to do New Year’s resolutions, but instead set goals for the year ahead. That usually gives me plenty of time to meet them, drop the ball, and meet them again by the end of the year. So with that in mind, here’s my advice for some your favorite elected officials...
The Top 10 for 2008
Posted on December 31, 2008With today being the last day of 2008, it’s only fair we at Indiana Barrister note the top 10 most interesting news events of the year. I decided to mix local, state and national stories. As always, feel free to add your own suggestions. 10. Townships Assessors voted out and the IPS bond referendum is voted [...
Get Well Soon
Posted on December 30, 2008Best wishes for a speedy recovery to John Marshall Middle High School Principal Jeff White. White tells me he suffered serious stress-related chest pain, but not a heart attack, this week and had a defibrillator installed. He’s in good spirits and on medication and bed rest...
Greg Ballard Redux
Posted on December 30, 2008I sat down with the Mayor of Indianapolis this morning for the standard end of the year interview. Here are some of his thoughts local issues. Biggest Accomplishment: An honestly balanced budget and being a good steward of the taxpayers’ dollars and saving them close to $50 million in his first year...
Blagojevich?s Rush to Roland
Posted on December 30, 2008Just when I thought the situation in my home state could not get any more bizzare, it just did. Soon to be formally indicted Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich today appointed former state Attorney General Roland Burris to the seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama...
How I Spent My Winter Vacation
Posted on December 29, 2008Although vacations are notorious for accomplishing absolutely nothing, there were some things that I learned while being “gone” for the last week or so. Here they are. The people who are still trying to prove Barack Obama is not eligible to be President have way too much time on their hands...
Mitch Daniels Redux
Posted on December 29, 2008Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels plans to present the budget to lawmakers on Tuesday, January 6. He sat down with us media folks Monday morning and answered some of our questions on the budget, education, government reform and other issues. Here?s a summary of portions of that conversation...
Festivus For the Rest of Us
Posted on December 24, 2008Only in my home state of Illinois is something like this possible. A Christian group wanted to put a nativity scene in the Capitol, so the Secretary of State who oversees the facility, against his better judgement, put one up. Then the atheists got mad and then they got a display...
Merry Christmas!!!
Posted on December 24, 2008Hope you have a great Chirstmas! See you in a few days!
Vanishing Act
Posted on December 23, 2008As we get closer to 2009, I recently came across an on-line list of things that are “vanishing” and may not exist in a few years. I’ve listed some of them. What do you think should be included? The printed “Yellow Pages” Answering machines Handwritten letters Personal checks Drive-in theatres Honey bees News magazines Analog TV (this is going away in February 2009) Incandescent [...
Vacating Thoughts
Posted on December 22, 2008I’m technically on vacation this week. By “technically”, I mean I have days I have to use or lose. But since there are still interesting things to write and talk about I figured I’d keep our conversation going on the blog. Here are my thoughts on a few stories that have surfaced lately...
Sunday Morning Musings
Posted on December 21, 2008Before heading back to Indy after a weekend of telling jokes and having a lot of fun at the expense of the current Governor of Illinois, I thought I’d post a few items of note for you to munch on until tomorrow… Expect a new report on charter schools to come out soon counteracting the [...
Make Your Case
Posted on December 19, 2008If you are someone who is not an elected official, doesn’t work for local government or has a family member who works for local government, make your case against consolidation and Kernan-Shepard, which by the way according to a Ball State study would free up more than $600 million in taxpayer funds...
Is It My Imagination?
Posted on December 18, 2008A few days ago my fiance asked me to go to the grocery store and pick up a few things. I really didn’t feel like doing it, but like a good future husband I did what I was told and shut up about it. I got in the car and drove down to the grocery store...
Indiana Consolidated, LLC
Posted on December 18, 2008Of all the times to have to leave town and go be a comedian tomorrow. Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels will announce Friday plans to move forward with the Kernan-Shepard Government consolidation plan. I would expect him to use the state’s current economic climate as a backdrop, arguing if Hoosiers have to tighten their belts and [...
Don?t Look for the Union Label
Posted on December 17, 2008The same union mentality that helped caused the demise of the American auto industry is working its way into downtown Indianapolis. United Here, a hotel workers union, is holding a march this afternoon on Monument Circle in an effort to unionize workers at the Westin and Hyatt Regency in downtown and the Sheraton at Keystone [...
Time to Charter a New Course?
Posted on December 16, 2008Opponents of charter schools are using a new report out by the Indiana University to argue there is practically no difference between the academic performance of students in charter schools versus those in traditional public schools. The 180-page report evaluates charter school performance at the elementary level and has reached a number of conclusions, including the following… Charter [...
Bad News From Beech Grove
Posted on December 15, 2008This memo went out this weekend to Beech Grove city employees from Mayor Joe Wright. Everyone, As I discussed at the employee budget presentations in September and again in my State of the City address in October, 2009 will be a dramatic transition year for the City...
Electoral Day
Posted on December 15, 2008Although we voted on November 4, today the members of the Electoral College cast their votes. Indiana has 11 electoral votes and the ballots will be cast this morning at the Statehouse. Barack Obama won the election, 365-173 electoral votes over John McCain and all of Indiana’s 11 electoral votes...
Sunday Morning Musings
Posted on December 14, 2008You guys may recall an earlier post concerning the latest gossip and tidbits I was hearing from around town. I promised more, so here it is. Anderson for Mayor? The names of Democrats who want to be Mayor in 2011 is growing. I hear Marion County Sheriff Frank Anderson is forming an exploratory committee to run for the [...
Shameless Self-Promotion
Posted on December 13, 2008I was asked by the Indy Star to pen a guest column on Governor Rod Blagojevich to provide some perspective on his current troubles. Here’s the link. Hope you enjoy it.
So What?s Your Plan?
Posted on December 13, 2008My Democratic friends at Blue Indiana are taking the Governor to task over the latest state revenue forecast. Indiana will face a shortfall of more than $760 million. They are basically saying that under the current economic climate Indiana is anything but an “island of growth...
Heroes and Hypocrites
Posted on December 12, 2008Think about this. Nearly a year ago U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald was vilified by the hard core right (especially the national talk radio crowd) for his prosecution of Vice-Presidential Chief of Staff Scooter Libby on perjury charges. Today he’s a hero for filing criminal charges against Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich...
State Faces $763 Million Shortfall
Posted on December 11, 2008The nation’s economic slowdown is taking its toll on state coffers. Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels today announced a $763 million shortfall. The state had projected to spend $13.3 billion but will only take in $12.5 billion. The Governor says he is looking at 3-percent cuts across the board in state agencies on top of 7-percent cuts that [...
A Christmas Story
Posted on December 11, 2008Something weird is going on up in Lawrence Township Schools. I got several calls this morning that the school district issued a memo right before Thanksgiving banning all religious displays in classrooms and school buses this holiday season. That didn’t disturb me as much, but their defeinition of religious symbols, according to the callers, included Christmas [...
Constitutional Crisis Averted
Posted on December 04, 2008I’ve been involved in a discussion lately over whether Hillary Clinton can serve as Secretary of State because the Constitution forbids a sitting member of Congress from taking a cabinet post if that position saw an increase in pay. The guys over at Politico have written about too… Hillary Clinton’s nomination of Secretary of State has resurrected [...
Wednesday Wire
Posted on December 03, 2008There are a few interesting tidbits to report this morning. Stimulating Daniels Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels says he supports economic stimulus for the states as long as it is used to create jobs and strengthen the economy in the long term. The nation’s governors met yesterday with President-elect Barack Obama to talk about their economies...
Car Wars
Posted on December 02, 2008A local car dealer is formally protesting the city of Indianapolis’ decision to purchase 85 hybrid vehicles from a Japanese automaker. In an e-mail sent Monday to the Mayor and City-County Council, Mike Chaney of Penske Chevrolet said DPS awarding of $2 million contract to Andy Mohr Toyota for the hybrid vehicles was $184,000 more than [...
A Tale of Two Purchases
Posted on December 01, 2008Editor’s note: The following post has absolutely nothing to do with government or politics, but the next one will. I made the crucial mistake of going to the mall the day after Thanksgiving. It was not by choice. My lovely girlfriend wanted to and being the good boyfriend I did what I was told...
The China Syndrome
Posted on November 30, 2008Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard is leading a delegation to China and Japan in hopes to increase foreign investment in the city. While that’s nothing out of the ordinary, there’s a question as to whether the Mayor should be taking his wife along on the junket at the taxpayers’ expense, although he is reimbursing the taxpayers [...
Is this Xmas??
Posted on November 29, 2008As you guys know I’m Islamic and don’t really celebrate Christmas. Well actually Islamic-lite, I love bacon, drink Scotch and smoke cigars. But I really have to wonder what’s going through people’s heads when a Wal-Mart greeter is trampled to death and two people are shot dead at a mall on what’s supposed to be the [...
Be Thankful?
Posted on November 26, 2008Tomorrow is Turkey Day. I want to take this moment and thank all of you for reading this blog (as well as the other ones), listening to the radio show and watching me on television. I enjoy what I do and am very appreciative of the fact that you have a lot of options to get [...
FYI?
Posted on November 25, 2008Theoretically, I’m on “vacation” this week, but I’m still blogging. Here are a few things that I’ve been noticing since I have time to sit around and almost do nothing… Do You Trustee this Man? Have us media folks let Washington Township Trustee Frank Short off the hook? He’s the one who drafted the budget that included [...
Who You Callin? a N***a?!
Posted on November 23, 2008Sorry about the blunt headline, but I had something that I had to get off of my chest this morning. Now you might be thinking that I encountered racism this weekend and am writing about it. Not really. I’m going back, once again, to Thursday night’s Washington Township Board meeting...
Township Taxes
Posted on November 22, 2008If this week’s antics with the Washington Township Board weren’t enough to make you think that this form of government really needs to go away, think about this as your 2008 property tax bills hit the mail in the next few days. Although schools were responsible for 76% of the increase in your 2007 bill, township [...
Township Board Tells Voters Where To Go and What to Do With Themselves When They Get There!!!
Posted on November 20, 2008The Washington Township Board tonight told its citizens to go have sex with themselves and by a 4-3 vote gave itself a near 60 percent raise. The board took no public input and raised its pay from $2200 a year to more than $3600. Who still wants township government? I am now more than ever convinced that the [...
Make the Right Choice
Posted on November 20, 2008Although I am no fan of township government, I’ve been thinking lately about one way they could stay relevant. Take poor relief and turn it into school vouchers. If you think about it, the whole purpose of poor relief is to help people in need and one way to help people in need is to make sure [...
In Case You Were Wondering
Posted on November 17, 2008I’ve had quite a few e-mails and calls about when the Washington Township Board meets. The Board meets this Thursday at 6:15 p.m. at the Trustee’s Office at 1595 E. 86th Street to vote on its budget. That budget includes a nice big pay raise...
Sunday Morning Musings
Posted on November 16, 2008Once again we start the week with little things (or not so little in some cases) that are worth paying attention to… Township Tales In it’s never-ending to quest to justify consolidation, the Washington Township Board voted itself a 69-percent pay raise...
Let Me Try This Again
Posted on November 15, 2008Both friend and foe alike are talking about Mayor Greg Ballard’s proposed reduction in the County Option Income Tax from 1.65 to 1.62 percent; an $18 million savings for the taxpayers over the next three years. Friends say it is a misguided public relations stunt...
Words and Phrases from the 2008 Election That I Never Want to Hear Again
Posted on November 14, 2008Maverick Main Street Wall Street Change Hope Socialism My Friends Farm MBA and/or Ph D Joe the Plumber Joe Six-pack First Dude You Betcha’ Lipstick on Pig Throw ______ under the bus. Hockey Mom Real American ACORN Country First Four more years The Bradley Effect Rallying the Base Indiana’s Election Headquarters October Surprise Pallin’ around with Terrorists Feel free to add.
Mayor Calls For $18 Million Tax Cut
Posted on November 14, 2008Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard is calling for a nearly $18 million cut in the County Option Income Tax over the next three years. Accodring to a city spokesman the city no longer has to pay for police pensions and child welfare so it no longer has to levy taxes for those costs, thus the COIT reduction...
Capitol Watch: The Age of MoBoma
Posted on November 13, 2008Here is this week?s Capitol Watch, Jen and I discuss the future for Mitch Daniels, the Obama transition, the new White House pup, and Greg Ballard and Andre Carson, the new power couple? Enjoy and don’t forget to watch us Wednesdays and Fridays on RTV 6 News at 7...
Are You Pondering What I?m Pondering?
Posted on November 13, 2008U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson says because the banks aren’t lending he want to take your $700 billion bailout money and give it to credit card and other loan companies. Regardless of the fact that this is totally messed up on so many levels, think about this...
India, Oh India. Have You Been Treated In India?
Posted on November 12, 2008I knew this day would come. Wellpoint is joining the list of health insurance providers who are encouraging patients to go overseas in search of cheaper medical care. According to published reports, Wellpoint is providing coverage for patients to travel overseas for non-medical emergency procedures...
Bailout and Switch
Posted on November 12, 2008It looks like that $700 billion federal bailout that was supposed to buy troubled assets and bailout the banks and financial institutions won’t get used for its original purpose. Now it’s being used to bailout credit card companies because people ran up too much debt...
Tuesday?s Talking Points
Posted on November 11, 2008Here are a few things to ponder this Tuesday. Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard met yesterday with the Marion County Republican members of the General Assembly. No word yet on the topic of discussion, but odds are it had something to do with the Mayor’s objectives for the upcoming Legislative session...
Get Bi-Partisan With A Little Help From Your Friends
Posted on November 11, 2008Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard and 7th District Congressman Andre Carson tomorrow are announcing preliminary plans to spend a $29 million HUD grant to deal with the city’s abandoned housing and foreclosure problem. Might this be a new coalition between the Mayor and the Congressman? Maybe...
Resistance Is Futile
Posted on November 10, 2008Editor’s Note: I apologize for the title of this post, but I relaxed this weekend by watching a lot of Star Trek. In the wake of the consolidation vote this past week in Marion County regarding the township assessors, I have some news for the rest of township government, you will be assimilated...
The Emotional Ties That Bind
Posted on November 09, 2008I was on the phone this past week with a friend I used to work with when I was at the Illinois Attorney General’s Office. I worked in Springfield and he worked in Chicago. He told me two things. First, he couldn’t believe the State Senator he used to share an elevator with in 2002, [...
Your Chance To Make Some Change
Posted on November 08, 2008I’m finishing up my Election analysis and will have it posted tomorrow. In the meantime, here’s an opportunity for you to help someone in need. If you voted for Obama because you wanted change for the better, here’s your chance. If you voted for McCain because you believe the answer to problems lie in [...
Capitol Watch: The Election Edition
Posted on November 06, 2008Jen Wagner and I discuss this week’s election results . Enjoy!
Dissention in the Ranks?
Posted on November 06, 2008It really is amazing what goes on behind closed doors, luckily I have good ears. In the world of Marion County Democrats, Center Township Trustee Carl Drummer and Township Constable Tony Duncan literally got into a cursing match with County Chairman Ed Treacy over his refusal to get into the fight to save the Township Assessors...
The Democracy Will Survive
Posted on November 05, 2008I?m tired after runing on a few hours of sleep. When I get up later today I will do my post electoral piece, but in the interim, please remember this. The democracy will survive. It has for more than 220 years. Anybody who is freaking out right now needs to relax, regroup and focus on [...
Ta Ta Townships!
Posted on November 05, 2008Here’s an unofficial vote of the consolidation question on the township question. The first number is the percentage of yes votes. Center: 59 41% Franklin: 69 31% Lawrence: 67 33% Perry: 63 37% Pike: 58 42% Warren: 57 43% Washington: 70 30% Wayne: 61 39% I’m off to bed...
That Really Is All Folks!
Posted on November 04, 200810:00 p.m. Barack is President. Mitch is Governor. Abdul is right. 9:25 p.m. ABC News is calling Ohio for Barack Obama. If it holds this race is pretty much over! 8:38 p.m. Ponder this. In Marion County Democrats are out straight-ticket voting Republicans by 20,000 votes but Daniels is winning by 47,000 votes...
That?s All Folks!
Posted on November 04, 2008The polls are closed in most of Indiana. I’ll be live blogging all night from the RTV 6 studios. Feel free to post your post-electoral thoughts here. The first thing I can tell you is that the Daniels camp called 100,000 voters today. We’ll see how that impacted the results.
Try to Figure This Out
Posted on November 01, 2008The Republican candidate for President, in the last days of the campaign, is rallying the faithful in Indiana. The Democratic candidate for President, in the last days of the campaign, is running commercials in Arizona, Georgia and North Dakota. The polling data and anecdotal evidence shows a significant number of Hoosiers are going to vote for Barack [...
Tall Township Tales
Posted on October 31, 2008Marion County Assessor Greg Bowes is disputing claims by the township assessors that the property tax appeals are proving their initial assessments were more correct than the reassessed property values. The assessors, who are fighting a proposal to consolidate their office functions to the county level, say many of the residential appeals show homes were [...
Ballot Battle
Posted on October 31, 2008A Marion County Judge is ordering County Clerk Beth White to instruct all poll workers to treat any challenged mail-in absentee ballot like a provisional ballot. Marion County Republicans argued that the Clerk’s training manual was incorrect when it told poll workers to put all absentee ballots into voting machines...
Assessing The Assessors
Posted on October 30, 2008Current Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard and former Mayor Bart Peterson are having a news conference today to promote the consolidation of the township assessor functions into the county assessor. So in that spirit, I’m reprinting a letter a listener to my morning radio show sent me in support of consolidation...
Citizen Obama
Posted on October 30, 2008Much to the chagrin of conspiracy theorists and their ilk, Barack Obama is a U.S. Citizen. Now get out of your basement and off the Internet and try using a real issue, like taxes and fiscal policy.
It?s a C-o-n-spiracy!
Posted on October 30, 2008The guys at Politico have done a great piece on the most idiotic campaign rumors and why none of them are real stories. I suggest some of you read this and go relax for a while. Trust me, you’ll feel better.
Internally Yours
Posted on October 29, 2008One way to get a feel for how an Election will go is to look at internal polling done by campaigns. If the news is good, they usually leak the results. If the results aren?t all that great, they keep it under their hats. But sometimes, things leak out...
Another Day, Another Poll
Posted on October 28, 2008Another poll will be released this afteroon on the Presidential and Governor’s race in Indiana. Word is that it will be good news for Mitch Daniels and not so good news for Jill Long Thompson. I’ll be watching to see if there was any movement in the Presidential race...
Let Me Make One Thing Perfectly Clear
Posted on October 28, 2008Normally I use this space to express my thoughts on major issues and leave it at that. But today I have to use this space for a point of clarification. Lately I have been accused of being a shill for Barack Obama. What’s funny about that is that I’ve also been accused of being a shill [...
It?s The End of The World As We Know It
Posted on October 27, 2008Karl Rove has put Indiana in the Obama column. The Gary-Post Tribune has endorsed Mitch Daniels for Governor. Sarah Palin is making a third trip to Indiana in two weeks. And gas in my neighborhood was $2.36. I think I just saw my neighborhood cats and dogs dancing with each other.
Make It All Go Away
Posted on October 27, 2008I’m off tonight to the IU School of Law in Indianapolis for an event, but I wanted to pass this along. The new word on the street is the City-County Council Democrats are taking Paul Bateman off the ethics committee and replacing him with Joanne Sanders...
Sunday Morning Posts
Posted on October 26, 2008With a little more than a week to go before Election Day, here’s what I’m hearing out and about. John McCan’t 2008 More and more Republicans are expressing their frustrations with the John McCain campaign in Indiana. As one high level official put it, “They are disorganized!” He also added, “Luckily they are not so disorganized that [...
A Little Food For Thought
Posted on October 25, 2008I had dinner last night with some politicos from Hamilton County. Apparently earlier this month a poll was taken of more than 400 Hamilton County residents on the Presidential and Governor’s race. The results. President John McCain - 53%. Barack Obama - 47%...
IPS?d Off
Posted on October 23, 2008Indianapolis Public Schools have really stepped in it this time. Not only is it being reported that the school district admitted to hiding plans to close four of the schools with enrollment under 300 students listed on the November 4 referendum construction ballot which would spend $278,000,000 of your hard earned property tax dollars, but I [...
Another Day, Another Battleground Poll
Posted on October 23, 2008Zogby is reporting today that the race in Indiana has swung back into the McCain-Palin directions. A survey of 473 likely Indiana voters reveals… McCain - 52.8%. Obama - 42.3%. Undecided - 4.9%. The margin of error was 4.6% and was conducted October 17-20...
Foreclosed Is Forewarned
Posted on October 22, 2008Word is the local branch of the NAACP is filing a federal lawsuit against the Marion County Board of Elections seeking a declaratory judgment that no citizen will be denied the right to vote if their home has been foreclosed and they have been forced to move...
Oops!
Posted on October 22, 2008Here are examples of some those moments in politics when things don’t go quite the way they were planned. The Obama campaign wants to charge the press for access to its election night party in Chicago. The RNC apparently spent quite a few bucks on Sarah Palin’s wardrobe and hair...
Thompson Calls Tax Caps ?Gimmicks?
Posted on October 21, 2008Democratic Gubernatorial candidate Jill Long Thompson this week called the property tax caps passed by the Legislature ?gimmicks?. Thompson made the statement while participating in a candidate forum in Indianapolis on Sunday. She said she supports capping how much property taxes can increase, but she says the caps passed by the legislature were a bad idea...
Another Day, Another Poll
Posted on October 21, 2008A new poll is out by Public Policy Polling regading the major races here in Indiana. Here are the results. President Barack Obama - 48% John McCain - 46%. Governor Mitch Daniels - 57%. Jill Long Thompson - 36%. Attorney General Linda Pence - 42% Greg Zoeller - 39% Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Bennett - 38% Richard Wood - 36% The poll of 1,411 likely voters was [...
Was This Worth $25?
Posted on October 21, 2008Here is JLT’s new ad that’s going up on TV in some parts of Indiana. Her campaign offered supporters the chance to get a sneak preview for a $25 contribution. Would you have forked over the cash or have waited to have seen it somewhere on television?
?I?m Not Dead Yet!?
Posted on October 20, 2008I’m trying to decide who had a worse Sunday, Peyton Manning or John McCain. Between Barack Obama drawing a collective crowd of 170,000 during two campaign stops in the battleground state of Missouri, raising a record $150,000,000 for the month of September (more the George W...
Obama?s Back?
Posted on October 20, 2008Politico is reporting Barack Obama is coming to Indianapolis on Thursday. There are no details on the visit except it will happen in the morning and Obama will head to Hawaii to visit his 86-year old grandmother who is seriously ill.
NW Times Picks Daniels For Governor
Posted on October 19, 2008This cannot be good news for the Jill Long Thompson campaign. The NW Times of Indiana has endorsed Mitch Daniels for Governor over JLT. While I never think newspaper endorsements do much to move voters, it does show something when the premiere paper in an area where JLT should do well and Daniels not so well [...
Indiana. Indiana. Indiana.
Posted on October 19, 2008I spent some time yesterday looking at the Electoral Map and came to a startling, but obvious, conclusion. Come election night, Indiana could determine just show how soon the Presidential race ends. It requires a couple assumptions which I don’t think are too far off the plantation...
Palin? Around With Palin
Posted on October 17, 2008Republican VP nominee Sarah Palin is in town this afternoon. She’ll be speaking at the Verizon Music Center. As much as I love covering political events the thought of being anywhere near I-69 at four in the afternoon is enough to make my head explode...
Palin?s Pretty Standard Stump
Posted on October 17, 2008The only thing that wasn’t standard about Republican Vice-Presidential nominee’s speech this afternoon is that it was in Indiana with less than three weeks before the election. Thousands of people (about 15,000 according the fire marshall) jammed the Verizon Music Center in Noblesville to see Palin...
Mixed Signals
Posted on October 17, 2008I’m picking up some mixed signals on the Presidential race here in Indiana. Although Sarah Palin’s visit today shows the national party is finally taking this state seriously, earlier this week during a visit to the Hoosier state U.S. Senator Lindsay Graham reportedly told McCain supporters if they want to do some good they [...
20 Days Late and $700 Billion Short
Posted on October 16, 2008Jill Long Thompson and I need to sit down and have a real long talk. No, I take that back. With 19 days and change left until the election we need to have a really, really, really long talk. Although I have my opinions, I always tried to keep an open mind with her campaign and [...
Behind Closed Doors
Posted on October 15, 2008All due apologies to my friends at 300 N. Pennsylvannia. It’s amazing what people talk about behind closed doors when they think no one is listening. Strategy or Tragedy in the Making In a recent caucus meeting, City-County Council Democrats planned their next line of attack against Republican Mayor Greg Ballard...
And Now For Something Completely Different
Posted on October 15, 2008Okay, I finally watched the gubernatorial debate from last night, but I did something a little different this time. I did a shot of whiskey every time Andy Horning mentioned the Constitution. I did a shot a Jack Daniels everytime JLT talked about her MBA, PhD, growing up on a farm, or was cut off by the [...
The Final (Thank God) Presidential Debate
Posted on October 15, 2008Okay guys, I’m throwing this one up 20 minutes before the final Presidential debate ends… Who won? Who lost? Who’s Joe The Plumber? Did the race change? Knock yourselves out.
A Snapshot in Time
Posted on October 14, 2008A poll taken by Riggs Research of Indianapolis for ”The Dave Crooks Show; Indiana’s Weekly Political Talk Show” in Southern Indiana of voters is revealing some interesting results. Although the poll represents voters in Daviess and Knox County, it’s a nice glance at a microcosm of the electorate...
It?s Deja Vu All Over Again
Posted on October 14, 2008As we all freak out over the government takeover of some areas of the nation’s financial sector it’s important to remember that we have been down this road before and it is nothing new. In the 1930s, the Reconstruction Finance Corporation made $3 billion in loans ($400 - $500 billion in today’s dollars) to distressed [...
Order In the Small Claims Court
Posted on October 14, 2008Lawrence Township Trustee Mike Hobbs wants to privatize the township’s small claims courts. At the Lawrence Township Trustee’s office, we’ve carefully studied our options and evaluated various means to lower the cost of our services and make our level of government less affected by the whims of the governor...
The Great Debate (Part Trois)
Posted on October 14, 2008So here are my questions regarding tonight’s gubernatorial debate. Who won? Who lost? Who changed the dynamics of the race? Who watched? Who cares? Knock yourselves out. I’ll have a complete analysis in the morning.
How Would You Vote?
Posted on October 13, 2008There are two main referendum questions on the ballot for voters in Marion County. They basically are as follows… Should the assessing functions of the elected township assessor in the township be transferred to the county assessor? Should IPS float $278,000,000 in bonds for capital improvements for its schools? So let’s do an informal survey, how would you [...
Watch the Capitol Watch
Posted on October 13, 2008Here’s another episode of the Capital Watch, courtesy of RTV 6. Enjoy.
When Palin Came To Town
Posted on October 13, 2008Republican VP candidate Sarah Palin will be at the Verizon Center on Friday. The doors open at 3 and Palin is expected to speak at 4:30 p.m. It’s a ticketed event so you will have to go to the campaign’s website for tickets. It’s a first come first serve basis...
Sunday Morning Posts
Posted on October 12, 2008This is another one of those mornings where there is no real big news, but lots of little interesting tidbits. Get The Puck Out It looks like V.P. nominee Sarah Palin is coming to town next Friday. Hopefully she will get better treatment than last night’s hockey game in Philadelphia...
The Facts Were These
Posted on October 09, 2008(Apologies to Chris Spangle) There has been a lot of blog chatter lately over the number of registered voters in Marion County. Blogger Paul Ogden writes about how the number of registered voters is greater than the number of eligible voters. There are 679,745 registered voters in Marion County, although the population over 18 is 644,197...
When Barack Came To Town
Posted on October 08, 2008A word of advice to my Indiana GOP friends, you are going to have your work cut out for you in November. Fresh off his debate in Tennessee Democrat Barack Obama hit the Indiana State Fairgrounds and about 21,000 supporters. His speech was pretty much standard with a couple new lines...
The Great Debate (Part Deux)
Posted on October 07, 2008I’m about to watch the debate, but this space is for you. Was this a game changer or are we still where we started? What does this mean for the next debate or is this over? What would you have asked? Have at it.
The Monroe Doctrine
Posted on October 06, 2008A proposal is being introduced at tonight’s City-County Council meeting which would censure former Council President Monroe Gray for ethics violations. An ethics hearing found Gray failed to file proper disclosure forms regarding his business interests...
Living On a Prayer
Posted on October 06, 2008Tonight was one of those Council meetings that should have only lasted a couple minutes, but it didn’t! It wasn’t the ad nauseum debate over whether the city should spend up to $500,000 on crime prevention grant monitors, but actually it was the opening prayer that did it for me...
It?s Obama?s To Lose, For Now
Posted on October 05, 2008That is my prediction of the Presidential race with 30 days to go. Feel free to cheer, scream, whatever. I’ll still be here to explain my analysis. Welcome back. Okay, here’s my rationale. Although the national polls have Obama with a 5-7 point lead, it’s state polls that matter because of the Electoral College...
Give Me Libertarian?
Posted on October 04, 2008I’m working on a project this weekend, but I wanted to let you all my producer at WXNT, Chris Spangle, will be leaving the morning show. Chris has taken a position at the new Executive Director of the Indiana Libertarian Party. Chris is bright and has a lot of ideas and will bring some new blood to [...
Q & A Time
Posted on October 03, 2008Okay folks, it’s question and answer time? Who won the vice-presidential debate? Does it change the fundamentals of the presidential race? How much more important are the second and third Presidential debates? Have at it.
Political Potpourri
Posted on October 02, 2008There are lots of little things to mention this morning, so here they are. Bob Barr, the Libertarian candidate for President will be in Northern Indiana speaking in Valparaiso. Jill Long Thompson is getting a little bit of traction in her campaign. A new poll shows JLT and Mitch statistically tied...
ECON 101 (Redux)
Posted on October 02, 2008I wrote this post back in January. In the wake of today?s financial meltdown and subsequent baliout/rescue, I thought it was worth re-posting. ECONOMICS 101 With a recession breathing down America?s economic neck, the politicians and bureaucrats in Washington are scrambling to do something...
Councilmember Charged
Posted on October 01, 2008Indianapolis City-County Council Member Doris Minton McNeill has been charged with felony battery and resisting arrest for her alleged altercation with a police officer this past summer. Special Prosecutor Jim Oliver charged McNeill with D felony battery and three county of resisting law enforcement, a class a misdemeanor...
Who?s Representing Whom?
Posted on October 01, 2008Here’s an interesting question in the wake the financial bailout/rescue plan. When you send someone to public office, are you asking them to represent you or use their best judgment? Remember a pure democracy is four wolves and a lamb deciding what to have for lunch? In a republic, the lamb has a shotgun...
Will JLT Take FLight?
Posted on September 30, 2008I need to make a point of clarification in yesterday?s post. I talked about Jill Long Thompson?s campaign?s criticism of Governor Mitch Daniels? travel on the day the stock market lost nearly 800 points. First, I think her staff should have waited to make a big deal out of this on another news day...
Everything I Ever Needed to Know About Financial Markets I Learned In Kindergarten
Posted on September 30, 2008Any of this sound familiar? Share everything. Play fair. Don’t hit people. Put things back where you found them. Clean up your own mess. Don’t take things that aren’t yours. Say you’re sorry when you hurt somebody. Wash your hands before you eat...
Another Day, Another Poll
Posted on September 30, 2008Survey USA is reporting Governor Mitch Daniels with a 16-point lead over Democratic challenger Jill Long Thompson. The survey of 687 likely voters showed Daniels leading 53-37. The poll was taken Sunday and Monday of this week. What’s interesting about this poll is that Daniels is leading in all areas of the state...
It?s A Dirty Job?
Posted on September 29, 2008Okay, let’s all be honest, no one is crazy about writing a check for $700 billion to bailout a bunch of people who made bad decisions. However, the problem is what would happen if we did nothing. As much as I would love to see a lot of people get their up-comings, someone has to [...
Biggest Disaster?
Posted on September 29, 2008Okay, it’s quiz time! Which was the bigger political train wreck today? The stock market losing nearly 700 points because of no financial bailout? John McCain taking credit for the bailout coalition right before it fell apart? Jill Long Thompson’s campaign talking about the Governor’s travel using incomplete records and an incomplete statute on the day stocks fell [...
What?s $700,000,000,000 Between Friends?
Posted on September 29, 2008In case you were wondering what you could do with the $700 Billion that’s going to bailout the nation’s financial industry, here are a few thoughts courtesy of Time magazine. You could give every poerson in the United States $2,300 or give every household $6,300...
We?re Back
Posted on September 28, 2008Your favorite political pundit is back after spending several days in Montana. Believe it or not I actually rode a horse up a mountain. I was there as part of a conference sponsored by the Liberty Fund. I got some interesting ideas which I will scribble down over the next couple of days...
Try Montana
Posted on September 25, 2008I’m getting on a plane this morning to spend a few days in Montana for a conference. You may now dispense with the Blazing Saddles and “Brokeblack” Mountain jokes. I don’t know if I’ll have Internet access yet. If I do, I will try to post from afar...
Quick Draw
Posted on September 24, 2008I had some problems with my DVR last night so trying to watch the second Gubernatorial debate was a little difficult, but it really didn’t matter because nothing changed all that much. Both Mitch Daniels and Jill Long Thompson were a little more aggressive and Andy Horning was still Andy Horning...
Ballard?s Balanced Budget (Part 3)
Posted on September 23, 2008Sixteen Republicans and one Democrat helped give Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard his first budget. The Mayor says the $1.1 Billion spending plans provides more dollars for public safety and closes a $26 million shortfall and still spends less than last year...
The Great Debate, Part Deux
Posted on September 23, 2008I’m teaching class tonight so I won’t be watching the gubernatorial debate as it happens, but luckily God invented the DVR so Mitch, Jill and Andy will be sandwiched somewhere between my Justice League Unlimited and Reno 911. As far as the candidates go, here’s what I’ll be looking for...
WWJD
Posted on September 23, 2008That stands for “What Would Julia Do?” I recently ran into Sam Carson, the son of the late Julia Carson, and asked him about his support for Governor Mitch Daniels. He said he’s known the Governor for a while and thinks he’s good for Indiana...
Stupid Joke of the Day
Posted on September 22, 2008How do you start a small business in the 21st Century? Start a big business and then you wait.* *Of course you could always get a government bailout and then go back and continue the bad behavior that got you in the financial mess in the first place.
Them Dems
Posted on September 22, 2008I wish City-County Council Democrats would get their act together and start acting like the loyal opposition as opposed to the Keystone Cops of the Council. With tonight’s budget vote pending, Democrats held a news conference complaining, once again, about the Ballard administration failing to hire 100 police officers and wondering where the money went...
Sunday Morning Posts
Posted on September 21, 2008I have some follow-up to a few items from yesterday. I hope you find them interesting… Local Stadium Bailout? If anyone is looking for the state to help bailout the new Lucas Oil Stadium and its operation costs, forget about it for now. Governor Mitch Daniels says it unlikely the state will get involved...
Saturday Morning Posts
Posted on September 20, 2008Apparently there were quite a few things that happened since yesterday. Here they are. The Marion County Property Tax Board of Appeals will vote Friday on approving about $63 million worth of tax appeals. One property owner say a $9 million decrease in his original assessment...
Gotta Bail
Posted on September 19, 2008I have a major project to work on today, so there won’t be much blogging. In the meantime, share your thoughts on the massive government bailout and take over of just about every bad mortgage and loan in America. I really wish my parents hadn’t taught me to be so responsible...
?Tied? In Knots
Posted on September 18, 2008Just to keep everyone on the same page, here are the latest polls (all out in the last 48 hours) regarding the Presidential race and the State of Indiana. McCain - 47, Obama - 43. (MoE - 4%) Big Ten Battleground Poll Obama - 47, McCain - 44. ( MoE - 4%), Indy Star...
Bond Bank On It
Posted on September 18, 2008Marion County taxpayers will save more than a million dollars due to a reduction of fees over at the Indianapolis Public Bond Bank. Bond Bank Executive Director Kevin Taylor says the agency has been charging excess fees to local governments for floating bonds and it was time to lower them...
The Great Debators
Posted on September 17, 2008I watched the gubernatorial debate three times in the last few hours to try to do a thoughtful analysis. To do this right, I graded the candidates the way I do my students in my speech classes. They get grades for style, content and delivery. Mitch Daniels Content - A...
And the Winner Is?
Posted on September 16, 2008I’m working on some post-gubernatorial debate analysis. In the meanwhile, in your opinion, who won the night? Why? And what do the losers have to do for next time?
Campo Kicked Out?
Posted on September 15, 20087th District Republican congressional candidate Gabrielle Campo says she was kicked out of an eastside community event by a supporter of Democrat Andre Carson. Campo says she was at the Far Eastside Family Fun Day at 36th and Mitthoeffer. The event is sponsored by the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service...
Ballard?s Balanced Budget (Part 2)
Posted on September 15, 2008Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard and Marion County Sheriff Frank Anderson have reached a budget agreement that both sides say will fund public safety and allow the city to live within its means. The Sheriff originally asked for $111 million, but later reduced that request to $92 million...
Opportunity Missed
Posted on September 15, 2008With my very busy schedule, I always try to make the most of my time by doing two or three things at once. I did it again today. I did laundry and covered a news conference by Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jill Long Thompson. After separating my whites from my colors I walked around the corner [...
Food for Thought
Posted on September 15, 2008Check this out. Off all the IMPD Officers who’ve been getting in trouble lately, it looks like half of them are from the Marion County Sheriff’s Department, eventhough former Sheriff’s law enforcement officers only make up about 20 percent of the entire force...
Ballard?s Balancing Budget Act
Posted on September 13, 2008The Ballard administration says it will pass a budget on September 22 that forces the city to live within its means, even though the budget may not quite look the way it was introduced. Nearly $2.6 million was added for the township assessors. Originally, funding was going to eliminated based on a November referendum, however Councilors [...
It Ain?t Over Until?
Posted on September 12, 2008To put it mildly, Democratic Gubernatorial candidate Jill Long Thompson has not had the best of weeks. As a matter of fact when you really put the rubber to the road, her biggest moment has been winning the May primary and you could argue it’s been all downhill from there...
My 9-11 Questions
Posted on September 11, 2008Here are my 9-11 questions of the day. Are we safer? Is 9-11 becoming a distant memory, as opposed to a real event? How do you think it will impact George W.’s legacy as President? What’s the best way to win the war on terror? Feel free to pontificate after taking a moment to reflect on those who lost their [...
A Few Questions for Frank
Posted on September 10, 2008Marion County Sheriff Frank Anderson takes his budget before the City-Council Public safety Committee. Anderson will likely argue against proposed cuts today, saying they will harm public safety and result in early releases from the jail. Of course this is also the same Sheriff whose original budget request was $111 million...
Anderson Cuts $19 Million From Budget Request
Posted on September 10, 2008Saying he wanted to “trim the fat and cut to the bone,” Marion County Sheriff Frank Anderson tonight submitted a new budget request to the City-County Council, $19 million smaller than his original. Anderson’s original budget request was more than $111 million...
The Art of the Matter
Posted on September 09, 2008After sitting for an hour and listening to the arts community cry bloody murder about proposed cuts in funding, I decided to go check and see how much they actually get from the taxpayers. Back in May the City-County Council passed an ordinance giving the arts groups more than $1...
Assess This
Posted on September 09, 2008It looks like the Marion County Township Assessors will get a few more months to hold on to their jobs. City-Council President Bob Cockrum told me tonight that funding for the township assessors will be restored. Mayor Greg Ballard had hoped to save $3 million by eliminating the funding to the offices, however Cockrum said many [...
McCain v. ???
Posted on September 09, 2008Here’s one of the latest ads from the McCain campaign. It’s not bad, but I have to wonder if they are running against Democrats or Republicans? Enjoy.
Return of the Living Ed
Posted on September 09, 2008As I sit here with martini in hand and cigar in mouth I am wondering what was going through the heads of my Democratic City-County Council friends during last night’s meeting. Reportedly they met with County Chairman Ed Treacy prior to the Council meeting...
Strolling Towards Socialism
Posted on September 08, 2008Some food for thought… The federal government is bailing out Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. The federal government may bail out the Big Three automakers next year. The federal government already bailed out Bear Stearns. There’s a good chance the airlines will ask for a bail out...
JLT?s Cam-Pain
Posted on September 08, 2008Democratic Gubernatorial candidate Jill Long Thompson says contrary to some Internet and broadcast reports, rumors of her campaign’s demise in Southern Indiana are grossly exaggerated. JLT was responding to Internet news stories and plain old fashion rumor-mongering that her campaign is cutting back and has no real presence in Southern Indiana, a crucial part of the state [...
Where Did Your Public Safety Tax Money Go?
Posted on September 08, 2008Since the city won’t be hiring 100 new police officers anytime soon, you might be wondering where your public safety tax money went that was supposed to hire them? $38 million of the tax increase went to IMPD, $10 million of that was supposed to hire new cops...
Budget Preview
Posted on September 08, 2008If Monday night’s Indianapolis City-County Council meeting was any indication, this going to be a long two weeks toward getting a budget done. Monday was the public hearing so the public got to speak. Most of them complained about cuts to arts programs...
Back to Reality
Posted on September 07, 2008For the past couple of weeks I’ve been consumed with focusing on the Presidential race , my teaching duties, and progressive movement in my domestic situation, unfortunately to the detriment of keeping an eye on city hall. No longer. When I saw the news reports about Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard not being able to hire 100 more [...
Stop Governing Like This
Posted on September 07, 2008The following is a guest blog posting by Mark Miles, President of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership. This morning I had the chance to chat with Abdul about a critical issue ? how do we make local government cost less and work better? The Kernan-Shepard Commission has given us a blueprint: Eliminate township government, wiping away [...
Candidate Calender
Posted on September 06, 2008In our never ending quest to provide you with information this election season, each Saturday we will list where the candidates for office will be for the following week. If your candidate has an event you want us to list, just send it to us via the “Submit A Story” link under the main menu [...
Four More Years
Posted on September 05, 2008No I’m not talking presidential politics or gubernatorial politics for that matter. I’m talking about the dorky morning show that I weekdays from 6-10 on WXNT. When I first got here I was only expecting to be here a couple years. I had no idea I’d see another Presidential cycle...
Why Can?t We All Just Get Along?
Posted on September 04, 2008Democratic Presidential candidate Barack Obama is going on the O’Reilly Factor tonight on Fox News. I think it will make for interesting watching. Now only if I could get Marion County Democratic Chairman Ed Treacy to do the same and come on my morning radio show...
The Times They Are a Changing
Posted on September 04, 2008John McCain laid out his case to be President. He worked to re-brand the Republican image by telling the American people they can trust them again to lead on energy and the economy. He gave more details in his speech than Barack Obama did in his last week...
Is It Over Or Has Just Begun?
Posted on September 04, 2008If you are a member of Jill Long Thompson’s campaign staff, you have my deepest sympathies. A new Howey-Gauge poll of 600 likely registered voters shows Republican Mitch Daniels with an 18-point lead with 60 days to go in the Governor’s race...
Oh Goy!!!
Posted on September 03, 2008The GOP may have finally started to turn a corner last night at the Republican National Convention. Joe Lieberman’s appeal to independent voters may just be what the Republicans need to stay competitive. Lieberman’s speech came on the heels of some badly needed good news...
JLT?s 5-Year Plan
Posted on September 03, 2008Democratic Gubernatorial candidate Jill Long Thompson says some students should spend five years in high school as a way to reduce Indiana’s drop out rate. Excuse me?! She says some students can’t finish school in four years and need more time to graduate...
Palin on Parade
Posted on September 03, 2008Like most of you I watched Sarah Palin tonight accept her party’s nomination for Vice-President of the United States. Overall, you take away from the speech what you brought. If you like her, she hit a home run. If you don’t like her she took cheap shots...
Pregnant Pause
Posted on September 02, 2008Now that we all know that Vice-Presidential pick Sarah Palin’s daughter got pregnant by her hockey player boyfriend we can take a step back and have an adult conversation. Now for those of you who think this is a private matter and nobody’s business, I think you’re right, to a point...
With Friends Like These
Posted on September 02, 2008A little piece of advice for the Mayor of Richmond, don’t use government stationary to promote a political event. On August 26, Mayor Sally L. Hutton put out a news release saying the Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jill Long Thompson was coming to town to talk with Master Brand Employees, 275 of which are losing their jobs [...
Ten Rules For My Dating Daughter
Posted on September 02, 2008A friend of mine who is a single mom and I were chatting last night about the Palin family pregnancy situation. She shared with me the ten life lessons she wanted her daughter to know. She gave them to her daughter at 16. She is now a senior in college...
It?s A Wash
Posted on September 01, 2008After a few days of pondering the nomination of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin for vice-president, that is my conclusion. She brings some big pluses to John McCain’s campaign, but she also brings some baggage as well. As a woman, she continues to add to the history making moments of this campaign, but I also don’t think [...
Every Democrat Has His Day
Posted on August 29, 2008Give it to the Democrats. They got their act together. They went into a convention with questions and issues about unity, broadening their appeal, the possibility of a floor fight and whether their nominee could hit one out of the park. Give them credit, they pulled it off...
?Her?story in the Making
Posted on August 29, 2008John McCain has picked Alaska Governor Sarah Palin to be his running mate. She brings a number of pluses to the table. She has a reputation for being a reformer in Alaska politics. Alaska is the part of the debate on energy. She would be the first female to run for Vice-President on the Republican [...
History in the Making
Posted on August 28, 2008I’m sitting down watching Barack Obama accept his party’s nomination for the Presidency of the United States. I don’t necessarily agree with all his positions, but I am taken back by the history of the moment. If you can’t appreciate the history in the making, it’s probably because you have never had a reason to.
Act Like a Man
Posted on August 27, 2008As I said in my previous, I will give Hillary Clinton credit where credit is due and gave a great political speech last night, but the true test will be whether her supporters get on board. The problem with most of them, usually the middle-aged women who came of age in the feminist movement, is [...
500,000 and Counting?
Posted on August 27, 2008Indiana Secretary of State Todd Rokita says there are 500,000 new and updated voter registrations in Indiana. Rokita says that brings the number of voters in the state to 4.4 million and there are still six weeks to go before voter registration ends...
Is There Big A Pea Shake-Up Coming?
Posted on August 26, 2008Remember back in February 2007 I wrote about a possible federal investigation of the city’s pea shake houses? Fast forward 18 months. My sources are telling me that a reported grand jury probe of some IMPD officers may involve Indianapolis’ pea shake houses...
School Daze
Posted on August 26, 2008I’m taking a few seconds today to write about something other than politics. I’m actually writing about college. At one the schools I teach at they’ve instituted a new policy; the instructors are now required to take attendance at the beginning and end of each class...
I?m Not a Hillary Fan, But?
Posted on August 26, 2008She gave a great political speech tonight at the Democratic National Convention and told her supporters to get over themselves. If these guys actually follow through the GOP is in trouble nationally.
Pre-Conventional Wisdom
Posted on August 25, 2008As the Democratic National Committee gets underway, I had a few thoughts I thought I would share. Despite Evan Bayh not being on the ticket, Indiana is still in play and will come down to a good old-fashioned ground war. The GOP has one of the best get-out-the-vote operations in the nation, but the Obama people [...
Required Reading
Posted on August 25, 2008If you get a chance, read this piece by Politico’s Roger Simon. It’s a great analysis on how the Clintons lost to the Obama camp. I especially loved reading the part where Hilary tells an aide who brought her bad news to “Shut the f*** up!” So all the [...
What a Difference 510 Days Make
Posted on August 23, 2008When Barack Obama announced his candidacy for the Presidency in February of last year on the steps of the Old Illinois State Capitol, I was the last person who thought he would be back today as the presumptive nominee and Delaware Senator Joe Biden at his side as a Vice-Presidential pick...
Lugar on Biden
Posted on August 23, 2008Barack Obama has picked Delaware Senator Joe Biden to be his running mate. Here’s U.S. senator Dick lugar’s reaction, “I congratulate Senator Barack Obama on his selection of my friend, Senator Joe Biden, to be his vice-presidential running mate...
The Art of Noise
Posted on August 22, 2008When I was in college my art friends had a saying, “we came to study the Renaissance while our parents go baroque.” That was the only thing I could think of when I saw the City-County Council chambers packed with people from the arts community...
Is Obama Biden his Time?
Posted on August 22, 2008I am in my other home of Springfield, IL tonight getting ready to attend the Obama event tomorrow. MSNBC is reporting that Evan Bayh and Tim Kaine have been notified that they are off the list for VP and the text message announcing the candidate won’t go out until 10 am tomorrow...
Good Cop, Bad Cop
Posted on August 21, 2008More cops keep getting in trouble. Two more IMPD officers are being investigated for alleged wrongdoing. 34-year old Christopher Poindexter is in trouble for reportedly filing a false police report to cover up an accident involving his fiancee sideswiping another vehicle while in his department issued car...
Bayh, Bayh Indiana?
Posted on August 21, 2008The Obama campaign has just released their weekend travel schedule. They’re hitting Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Missouri, Montana and Colorado. No Indiana, so maybe, no Evan Bayh for Vice-President?
Parks & Recs
Posted on August 20, 2008I’m hearing this morning that Stuart Lowry will be named this morning as the new hed of Indy Parks. Lowry, I’m told, has expierience at White River Park as Director of Family Programs. An official announcement is expected this afternoon.
Baywatch or Biden Time
Posted on August 20, 2008I?m keeping an eye on the Barack Obama campaign today. They?re expected to announce Barack?s VP in the next couple of days. They’ve rented space at the Old State Capitol in my other home of Springfield for a Saturday announcement. John McCain reportedly will announce his VP on Aug...
JLT, ?Let?s Make a Deal?
Posted on August 20, 2008Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jill Long Thompson says she won’t break the $3.8 billion lease of the Indiana Toll Road, but she says she will try to renegotiate it if she can. Thompson made her comments by announcing she would take a second look at all of the state’s privatization contracts...
New Edition
Posted on August 19, 2008Just so you folks know, we’ve added a couple new links to Indiana Barrister. There’s now a link on the left side of your screen so you can go through the city’s budget yourself. We’ve also added a calender feature on the right side of the screen...
Lucious Newsom, R.I.P.
Posted on August 19, 2008One of the kindest people I’ve met during my time in Indianapolis has died. Lucuious Newsom died Monday at St. Francis Hospital in Beech Grove. If you didn’t know him it was your loss. He was someone who spent time helping those in need...
Park It!
Posted on August 18, 2008Some local activists are furious over the thought that Mayor Greg Ballard is considering selling some of the city’s smaller parks (2 acres or less) to developers. Despite the fact this is part of an effort for the city to get its arms around the more than 6,000 parcels of land it owns, and the facts [...
$upport Your Local $heriff
Posted on August 18, 2008Marion County Sheriff Frank Anderson may be crying poverty, but from an intial look at his budget someone at the Sheriff’s department likes to spend money like a drunken sailor in a Vietnamese brothel. As I told you earlier Anderson, requested a $26 million increase over last year’s budget...
Budget Blues & Reds
Posted on August 18, 2008For those of you who are total geeks and want to go through the Mayor’s budget line by line, there is a copy on the city’s website. Here you go. Happy reading.
Pol Watching, Part II
Posted on August 17, 2008Last month I did a state-by-state analysis of the Presidential race using data gathered from Pollster.com. Since we’re expecting Vice-Presidential picks this week, including keeping an eye on Evan Bayh, here’s a breakdown on where the candidates are...
Help Wanted
Posted on August 16, 2008More Hoosiers were out of work in July as the state’s unemployment rate went from 5.9 to 6.3 percent. And while higher than the national average of 5.7 percent, Indiana is still doing better than it’s neighbors; Illinois - 7.3 percent, Kentucky - 6...
Night of the Living Ed
Posted on August 15, 2008I ran into Marion County Democratic County Chairman Ed Treacy this week. I would like to say it was a pleasant, cordial yet somewhat lively meeting. I would like to say that. I had invited Ed on my radio program to debate GOP County Chairman Tom John on the Mayor’s budget...
Capitol Watch; Season 1, Episode 3
Posted on August 14, 2008Here’s this week’s edition of Capitol Watch. We are working the bugs out. Enjoy.
Wynns of Change
Posted on August 14, 2008Indianapolis Parks Director Joe Wynns is stepping down. Wynns tended his resignation yesterday and his last day will be September 12. In an interview Wynns said it was time to move on and had nothing to do with his public criticism of park budget cuts...
Indianapolis -> Indiana -> India
Posted on August 13, 2008If you’ve tried to get a hold of someone at the Mayor’s Action Center, you probably have had an issue or two. Wait times have been ridiculously long, if you get to someone at all. The Ballard administration is looking at privatizing the MAC line...
Whose Budget Is It Anyway?
Posted on August 12, 2008Reaction to the Mayor’s budget address was predictable. Republicans called it turning around the ship of state and putting things in the right direction. Democrats called it voodoo economics that short changes public safety. Neighborhood groups like the Marion County Neighborhood Association took a wait and see approach...
Indiana Swings
Posted on August 12, 2008For anyone who still doubts Indiana is a swing state in the November election, check this out. John McCain surrogate and possible VP candidate Rob Portman is Indianapolis today for an economic summit, State Fair visit and evening rally in Fishers. DNC Chairman Howard Dean is Indianapolis tomorrow for a voter registration drive...
Mayor Admitted to Hospital
Posted on August 12, 2008From the Office of Mayor Greg Ballard: At approximately 1:30 p.m. yesterday (Monday) Mayor Greg Ballard was admitted to Community East Hospital with chest pains and shortness of breath. Doctors ran an EKG and the Mayor underwent a stress test, the results of both tests were normal...
Ballard?s Balanced Budget
Posted on August 11, 2008Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard will announce tonight that the city?s budget is balanced. The Ballard administration announced earlier this year that the city faced a $26 million shortfall. In a Sunday afternoon briefing, City Comptroller Dave Reynolds said they closed the shortfall and managed to have $4...
GOP: ?Daniels Still Beats JLT?
Posted on August 11, 2008Indiana Republicans are touting an internal poll showing incumbent Mitch Daniels with an 18-point lead over Democratic challenger Jill Long Thompson. A survey of 500 likely voters shows Daniels leading JLT 53-35, with a margin of error of +/- 4.3%. Republicans also say Daniels’ approval rating is 60-30 favorable/unfavorable...
Sheriff Demands More Cheese to Go With His Whine
Posted on August 11, 2008Marion County Sheriff Frank Anderson this afternoon complained about the more than $5 million in budget cuts his office is facing in this budget. In a broadcast interview this afternoon, Anderson said he first learned about the proposed budget cuts this morning...
Double Your Pleasure, Double Your Standard
Posted on August 10, 2008As I sat watching some of the news coverage of former Vice-Presidential candidate John Edwards and his affair, I tend to take a different approach than most. My conservative friends are already yelling about a double standard of media coverage and if John Edwards were a Republican or a Christian Minister, [...
Nice Work If You Can Get It
Posted on August 10, 2008I’m doing some research this morning in preparation for tomorrow night’s Mayoral Budget address. I’ve already gone over some arts funding figures, parks department numbers, and the possible privatization of the Mayor’s Action Center...
JLT; In Living Color
Posted on August 09, 2008Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jill Long Thompson made the rounds this morning talking jobs and reform to three Indianapolis African-American organizations. Thompson addressed the Concerned Clergy, 100 Black Men and the Indiana Democratic African-American Caucus...
Pre-Weekend Update
Posted on August 08, 2008Here are some things I’ll be paying attention to this weekend. Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard and his staff are putting the final touches on his budget presentation for Monday night. I’m told to look for changes in cash management practices...
Mac Attack
Posted on August 07, 2008The John McCain campaign says it is not taking Indiana for granted and is stepping up its effort to compete in the state. Speaking to a group of Indianapolis Republicans Wednesday, McCain Regional Coordinator Jennifer Hallowell says McCain will carry the state despite Barack Obama?s efforts here...
Ethics Anyone?
Posted on August 07, 2008The city of Indianapolis is closer to having a new code of ethics for public employees. The City-County Council?s Rules and Public Policy Committee unanimously passed an ethics reform package that had been pushed by the Mayor since this past Spring. The proposal now goes to the full Council and a vote is expected on [...
You?re Kidding, Right?
Posted on August 07, 2008More details are coming to light regarding last month’s break-in at Don?s Guns involving two teenage twins with prior records. According to Marion County Juvenile Judge Marilyn Moores the teens did have previous criminal records, but between the two of them had only been arrested five times this year, as opposed to 14...
No Limits, Just Full Disclosure
Posted on August 06, 2008There is an editorial in the Indianapolis Star today advocating limits on campaign contributions. The argument is that limits, along with full disclosure, with even the playing field and financially-disadvantaged candidates a better shot at competing...
Fishburn Update
Posted on August 06, 2008Courtsey IMPD: The following was received from Dennis Fishburn, Jason’s dad: Jason is progressing well at rehab. He’s getting stronger and is able to sit up on his own. He’s graduated from pureed foods to the fine grounded foods. He’s receiving daily workout routines from speech, occupational, physical, and recreational therapist...
Capitol Watch; Season 1, Episode 2
Posted on August 06, 2008Here’s the second edition of the Capitol Watch. Jen and I discuss Monroe Gray, Mike Pence and FSSA Privatization/Modernization. We also give our “thumbs up” and “thumbs down” for the week.
Notes from the Road
Posted on August 06, 2008Well I’m not actually on the road but I was on the street this afternoon. Here are a few tidbits to tide you over. Republican Presidential contender John McCain has a new support group. They call themselves Indiana Veterans for John McCain. They say McCain will do a better job fighting the war [...
Sex In the Subdivision
Posted on August 05, 2008A Greenwood homeowner’s association has voted to keep sex offenders out of their sub-divison. They passed a ban on sex offenders taking up residence in the sub-division as well as anyone who is convicted of a crime that would qualify them as a sex offender would have to move...
Tax Cuts, Anyone?
Posted on August 05, 2008Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels this afternoon called for the state to return money to the taxpayers as long as certain conditions were met. Speaking to the Downtown Rotary Club of Indianapolis, Daniels said when state revenues exceed a certain amount needed to fund government and maintain a necessary fund balance, then the rest should be given [...
Hilton v. McCain???
Posted on August 05, 2008See <a href=”http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/64ad536a6d” mce_href=”http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/64ad536a6d”>Paris Hilton Responds to McCain Ad</a> and more <a href=”http://www.funnyordie...
Jailhouse Rocks
Posted on August 04, 2008I’m putting a call into the Marion County Juvenile Justice to try to get some answers as to how two 14-year old twins managed to be arrested 14 times and still end up back on the streets to commit another crime. In the meanwhile, State Representative Phil Hinkle is proposing stepping up the punishment for parents whose children violate the [...
Brother, Can You Spare a Dime, or $26 Million?
Posted on August 03, 2008By now everybody knows Indianapolis is going through some pretty tough financial times right now, or do they? You would think with the city facing a $26 million shortfall and potential $200 million deficit in 2012, every elected official would want to do their part to keep costs down...
Look Out?
Posted on August 01, 2008I’m heading out of town today, but there are a few items to look out for next week. Look out for some potentially embarrassing information to come out regarding the Marion County Sheriff’s Department. Look out for the Marion County Juvenile Justice system to explain how two 14-year old twins involved in the robbery of DOn’s Guns got arrested [...
Meet the New Chairman, Same As the Old Chairman
Posted on July 31, 2008Former Marion County Democratic Party Chairman Ed Treacy is now the new Marion County Democratic Party Chairman. Treacy ran unopposed and takes over from Mike O’Connor. During his fiery speech to his fellow Democrats, Treacy did not refer to incumbent Mayor Greg Ballard by name, instead he called Ballard ”The Accidental Mayor...
Shameless Self-Promotion Alert!!!
Posted on July 31, 2008If you haven’t seen RTV 6’s “Capital Watch” yet, here it is. More to come.
Raiders of the Lost Art
Posted on July 30, 2008Public funding for the arts will be the first casualty of tough financial times in Indianapolis. City-County Council President Bob Cockrum told me Tuesday that the current funding for the art $1.5 million will be phased out by $500,000 a year over the next three years...
Capitol Watch
Posted on July 30, 2008We’re starting a new project over at RTV 6. It’s called the “Capitol Watch.” If all goes right it will be a weekly public affairs feature on the Internet. It’s a local program focusing on local issues. It’s hosted by me and Jennifer Wagner...
The Great Debate
Posted on July 30, 2008Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels re-election campaign put out the following statement today regarding debates with Jill Long Thompson. Two weeks ago we met with members of the Indiana Debate Commission and Governor Daniels agreed to participate in three debates to be held in three different regions of the state...
WWYGU
Posted on July 29, 2008What would you give up? That is my question as the City of Indianapolis gets ready to deal with a $26 million buidget shortfall. Mayor Greg Ballard says he can restructure some of the shortfall, however there will have to be some cuts. And while it’s real easy to say what other people should give up [...
Get a Load of This!
Posted on July 29, 2008My RTV 6 colleague Jack Rinehart is reporting this evening that the teenage twins allegedly involved in the robbery at Don’s Guns have had more than one run-in with the law. According to Jack, the two 14-year olds have been arrested 12 times this year for auto theft, one time for burglary and one for armed [...
Three Things I?m Watching
Posted on July 28, 2008I’m keeping an eye on three things this morning; one federal, one state and one local issue. Here they are for your political consumption. I’ve been checking some more poll data and the trends are not favoring presumptive Republican Presidential nominee John McCain...
JLTV
Posted on July 28, 2008Here’s Jill Long Thompson’s first general election television ad. I’m interested in your thoughts. And yes, she does mention growing up on a farm.
I Told You So?
Posted on July 28, 2008Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard gave a first look today at the 2009 budget and the challenges the city is going to face and it’s not pretty. The city will have to borrow more than $100 million to make through the rest of the fiscal year. That amount is a result of delayed payments due to [...
Concerned Clergy F-Up
Posted on July 27, 2008Here’s a quick follow-up (what did you think I was talking about in the title?) to the blog posting about me getting kicked out of yesterday’s Concerned Clergy meeting. It turns out they weren’t discussing some major public policy issue but how they are going to do their next round of elections...
That Wasn?t Very Christian
Posted on July 26, 2008Here’s something that doesn’t happen everyday. I got kicked out of a meeting of the Indianapolis-based Concerned Clergy this morning. I’m shaking my head too. It would have been one thing if I was a money changer, but I’m just a guy with an opinion and humble radio talk show...
Now That?s What I Call Stupid!
Posted on July 26, 2008As annoyed as I am with crime in Indianapolis, I am actually more astounded by the blatant stupidity of some criminals. As a famous caped crusader once said, “criminals are a cowardly lot” but the guys who reportedly broke into Don’s Gun Shop at 38th and Lafayette just take the cake...
It?s a Crying Shame
Posted on July 25, 2008You would think with major issues facing the city like crime and serious financial issues, some people still find time for foolishness. No, I’m not talking about the City-County Council and the Ethics panel which Councilor Paul Bateman stepped down and Bill Oliver never showed concerning the not so bright actions of Monroe Gray...
On the Road Again
Posted on July 24, 2008I’m heading down to Southern Indiana to give a speech and be part of a panel discussion this morning. So today’s entry is pretty much open to whatever is on your minds. I’ll be back this afternoon and if you’re up for it, join me tonight for WXNT’s Cocktails and Conversation at McCormick and Schmik’s [...
This Is Why We Have a Crime Problem
Posted on July 23, 2008This week marked the first week of school for students at IPS’ John Marshall Middle School on the city’s east side. Unfortunately some parents forgot; about half of them. Out of about 800 students, nearly half of them have not shown up for class...
Crime Beat
Posted on July 22, 2008Marion County Public Safety Director tells me the city does have a comprehensive plan to fighting crime and it is showing results, despite the sharp increase in homicides. Scott Newman made his comments this morning as law enforcement officials were dealing with a murder-suicide that began in the 5700 block of Georgetown and ended following a [...
In Case You Were Wondering
Posted on July 21, 2008Although the headlines have been pretty full lately, there are some things that have been under the surface that I think are worth mentioning. If you were wondering how a prominent pastor’s daughter ended up being a victim of violent crime, my police sources say her husband was allegedly mixed up with some bad actors and [...
Saturday Night Special
Posted on July 20, 2008I now have a new tradition. The second Saturday night of Indiana Black Expo, I work the door at Nicki Blaine’s Cigar and Martini bar. I do it to get a feel for the atmosphere and to see what problems occur when thousands of teenagers are unleashed on downtown Indianapolis and what the impact would [...
Fixing Frank?s Follies
Posted on July 18, 2008Marion County Public Safety Director Scott Newman has unveiled a plan to clean up IMPD. Those measures include… More intensive supervision of officers in the field Tighter accounting and inventory controls of search warrants and seizures of drugs and money Bringing back the previous practice of polygraph tests for officers assigned to narcotics enforcement, vice, intelligence and property [...
This Can?t Be Good
Posted on July 17, 2008According to my colleague Jack Rinehart at RTV 6, City-County Councilor Paul Bateman is under investigation for his role in a charitable foundation that is missing more than $1.5 million. Marion County Grand Jurors served a search warrant last week on the headquarters of the Russel Foundation seizing computers, IRS records and other documents...
Brace Yourself!!!
Posted on July 17, 2008I’ve gotten a preview of the next budget for Indianapolis, I’ll have more details as they become available, but from what I can gather, things are not as bad we thought they were, they are much worse! So brace yourself for the disaster of almost Biblical proportions that is coming.
Pol Watching
Posted on July 16, 2008Barack Obama is Indiana today talking National Security at Purdue University. That motivated me to look at some polling data between Barack and John McCain. Although the national polls show a virtual tie, when you look at the state polling data (which I argue is a more accurate measure) you get somewhat of a different [...
Just Thinking
Posted on July 15, 2008I woke up this morning with a few thoughts on my mind, most of them were random but there was one that stuck out with me. I was thinking how nice it would be if as many people in this town got as worked up over the murder rate as they do free tickets to tour [...
Mo Money, Mo Money, Mo Money
Posted on July 15, 2008The numbers are in for Mitch Daniels and Jill Long Thompson. In the interest of trying to keep this as consistent as possible I’m including what they started with, raised this year, spent and how much is in the bank. That way you can draw your own conclusions...
JLT Plays Offense
Posted on July 14, 2008Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jill Long Thompson had some strong words for incumbent Governor Mitch Daniels and his fellow Republicans. Shortly after speaking to a Veterans group on Saturday, Thompson said Indiana needs to do more for veterans in the areas of education and health care...
Barack Again
Posted on July 14, 2008Barack Obama will be back in Indiana on Wednesday. The Senator and presumptive Democratic nominee for president will be at Purdue University in West Lafayette He will be holding a summit on national security with Evan Bayh and former U.S. Senator Sam Nunn...
Medical Update
Posted on July 13, 2008Here is an update from IMPD on the condition of Officer Jason Fishburn. Officer Jason Fishburn is showing definite signs of improvement. We are coming close to the end of those initial critical 72 hours and Jason has not shown any signs of getting worse...
Missing In Action
Posted on July 13, 2008As I observed yesterday’s prayer vigil for IMPD Officer Jason Fishburn, I noticed the elected officials. I saw the Mayor, City-County Council members Paul Bateman, Susie Day and Ben Hunter. I even saw State Representative David Orentlichter. I will admit that in the crowd of hundreds I might have missed a few...
Survey Said
Posted on July 13, 2008We’re doing an experiment here at Indiana Barrister. We get about a couple thousand unique visits a day so we decided to gauge the political disposition of the readers. So go to our survey located on the left side of the page and let us know which category best fits your politics...
The Community That Prays Together?
Posted on July 12, 2008Several hundred residents gathered today in a prayer vigil for IMPD Officer Jason Fishburn, who was shot while trying to apprehend a suspect wanted for murder. A number of pastors, police and local officials offered up words of support for officer Fishburn and other victims of violence...
IMPD Officer Clings to Life
Posted on July 11, 2008IMPD Officer Jason Fishburn is fighting for his life today after being shot in the head. Fishburn was shot on the Eastiside in the 800 block of Euclid. He and several other officers were serving a warrant on a man wanted in the murder of 69-year old Clifford Haddox...
Two Questions
Posted on July 11, 2008I have two questions for you as Indianapolis deals with a sharp increase in violence and homicides. Have you had enough? What are you going to do to make a difference? Feel free to elaborate on your answers.
Open Mouth, Insert Foot!
Posted on July 10, 2008Jesse Jackson has done it again. While waiting to be interviewed on the Fox News’ “Fox & Friends” Jackson said made some rather derogatory remarks about Democratic Presidential nominee Barack Obama. On Sunday, Jackson accused Obama of “talkng down to Black people” and said (watch out for tough language here) “I want to cut his nuts off...
Officer Shot!
Posted on July 10, 2008An IMPD police officer was shot tonight on Indianapolis’ east side. No word yet on his condition, but he was part of a team serving a warrant on a suspect. I’ve been worried about this for a while. If these idiots will shoot each other with no regard it was a matter of time before a [...
Location, Location, Location
Posted on July 09, 2008With the recent rash of murders in this town (a dozen or so in the past two weeks), I’m somewhat surprised there isn’t a bigger public outcry. There were 50 people who protested property taxes on the 4th of July, but I have yet to see one rally on homicides and murder...
Happy Birthday, Bilerico
Posted on July 09, 2008Our friends at The Bilerico Project are celebrating their first birthday! While we take a more right-of-center approach to issues, the blogosphere is a much better place with them. And we both agree that people should be judged as individuals and what they do not who they do...
Waterman Sinks
Posted on July 08, 2008It looks like Taxpayer’s Party Gubernatorial candidate John Waterman is out before he was ever really in. My good friend Brian Howey is reporting that Waterman was far from the 33,000 signatures he needed to get on the ballot. Waterman ran on a platform of repealing property taxes...
Next Time, Try Google
Posted on July 08, 2008My Democratic friends are throwing some criticism at Indianapolis Greg Ballard saying he has failed to speak out on the problems facing IMPD. In a news release put out today Marion County Democrats stated… “Since the arrests of nine public safety employees including police officers the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department is in turmoil and Mayor [...
Breaking the Law, Breaking the Law
Posted on July 08, 2008Has the Center Township Assessor been listening to Judas Priest lately? You could make the argument that Eugene Akers has. As citizens have been going in to appeal their property tax assessments, Akers’ office has been handing out political literature telling them to vote against transferring the Township Assessor’s duties to the County Assessor...
Is the Revolution Over?
Posted on July 07, 2008Last year more than 400 people showed up to protest their property taxes in front of the Governor’s residence on north Meridian. This year it was 50. Some of the organizers blame the weather. I think the climate had something to do with it, but not the one outside...
Property Tax Tales
Posted on July 07, 2008As Marion County residents line up this week to pay their property tax reconciliation bills , I spoke to some area officials to get their take on the subject… Governor Mitch Daniels The reassessment was more fair than what homeowners were paying before...
Licensed to Ill
Posted on July 07, 2008Indiana Secretary of State Todd Rokita says nearly two-thirds of the state’s mortgage brokers didn’t bother to take a standardized license exam as required by law. The General Assembly passed the law last year to toughen requirement for brokers...
Just the Facts
Posted on July 07, 2008We’ve added a new link here at Indiana Barrister to help you guys and gals make more informed decisions in this year’s Presidential election. In the links column we’ve added the website FactCheck.Org. FactCheck.Org does a very good job at keeping everyone honest at the national level...
New Jacked Up City
Posted on July 06, 2008Another day, another murder. This one was last night at 40th and Keystone. A 24-year old man was found dead from gunshot wounds. To date there have been about 60 homicides in Indianapolis, and while overall crime is down, particularly aggravated assault, it doesn’t help when the public picks up a newspaper or turns on [...
Happy 4th of July
Posted on July 04, 2008Have a good 4th of July. Remember as we celebrate America’s birthday that it’s alright to disagree, just try not to be too disagreeable in the process.
No Response Required
Posted on July 03, 2008My recent post on crime in this town has apparently caused quite a little stir. Some friends have asked me if I’m going to respond to what’s been written in the blogosphere? Not really. The way I figure it, if someone doesn’t have enough synaptic activity to understand sarcasm and satire when they read it, then what would be [...
G.O.P. In G.O.O.D. Mood
Posted on July 03, 2008Indiana Republicans are hailing a new poll of 1,000 likely voters showing incumbent Governor Mitch Daniels with a 14-point lead over Democratic challenger Jill Long Thompson. Here are some of the highlights… Daniels leads JLT 50-36 percent. Daniels’ approval rating is 55-33 percent...
Frank?s Follies
Posted on July 03, 2008There is another story of another IMPD officer getting in trouble. This story is on the heals of another IMPD officer who got in trouble and three other IMPD officers who got in trouble. And they are not to be confused with the former Public Safety Advisor turned Marion County Sheriff employee who is also [...
Now This Is a Good Idea
Posted on July 02, 2008Everyone who knows me knows I have no use for township government, however today the Marion County Township Trustees get a major thumbs up from me. I hear there’s a plan being circulated amongst the Trustees that would put people who repeatedly get poor relief to do mandatory work for either the township or the County [...
Time to Take the Kids Gloves Off
Posted on July 01, 2008There are two more stories of violence in Indianapolis this morning. One involved the shooting of a man at 38th Moeller Road, the second was a shooting last night outside the Walker Theatre. Frankly, I’m getting a little tired of reading or watching another story about violence in this community...
When McCain Speaks?
Posted on July 01, 2008John McCain will be speaking at 11a.m. in Indianapolis today. You can watch it here courtesy of my friends at WRTV.
JLT Gas Tax Redux
Posted on July 01, 2008Democratic Gubernatorial candidate Jill Long Thompson is expected to continue her call to suspend the sales tax on gasoline at a news conference in Indianapolis today. If you’re interested in what she has to say you can find an extensive interview here done back in May 2007 by my good friend Thomas Cook over at [...
Good Riddance to Bad Law
Posted on July 01, 2008The only thing better than when a bad law is tossed out from the courts as unconstitutional is when a stupid law is thrown out. U.S. District Judge Sarah Evans Barker said a state law that would have forced stores and retailers to pay $250 to register if they sold sexually explicit material was vague and [...
Watered Down
Posted on June 30, 2008The word is in on the number of signatures collected by Taxpayer Party candidate John Waterman. So far Waterman has 128 reported signatures that means he has to collect 32, 872 by the end of today. Do you believe in miracles?
My Brother From Another Mother
Posted on June 29, 2008I’m wrapping up my business trip to St. Louis this morning, but I had to share this story from dinner last night. My old law school friends and I got together and started talking about the Presidential race. One of my good friends who is a true-hearted conservative from Kansas asked me w