Indiana

SUNDAY MORNING MUSINGS

By Abdul Hakim-Shabazz

There’s no one major story to write about this morning, but there are a few smaller items of interest.

FIRE, FIRE BURNING BRIGHT 

Expect an announcement tomorrow that IFD Chief James Greeson is leaving his post to take over as State Fire Marshall.   Sources say he will take the place of current fire marshal Roger Johnson who will go work on Governor Mitch Daniels re-election bid.   No word on who would be the interim chief, however Mayor Greg Ballard wants to do a nationwide search, but the law would have be changed as currently the city code says a Chief must come from within IFD.  I have never understood that rule.  The best person should be hired for the job, regardless of where they are from.

MORE INDECISION ‘08

If you thought some of Indiana’s Congressional super-delegates were in an odd position, imagine if you are Democratic candidate for Governor of 7th District Congressional candidate.  With Hillary and Barack virtually tied in the latest polls, no candidate can afford to alienate virtually half of his or her base.

HERE WE GO AGAIN

I am hearing a proposal is being introduced on the Indianapolis City-County Council to reduce the public safety tax since the state has now picked up the pre-1977 police pension.  By some estimates the tax would be cut by about 30-40 percent.  The problem with this is that although the state has picked up the tab, it is still unclear whether local lawmakers can reduce the tax, as the law only allows you to do so under certain circumstances.  I’m going through the 600+ page HB 1001 which would spell all this out, if it exists.  If you come across it before I do, please send me the citation.

AWARDS AWARDS

I attended the Associated Press awards dinner last night for Indiana News Broadcasters.  After being there, I can tell you that there a lot of people in this state who work really hard to bring you news and information concerning your community.  They all deserve a round of applause for their efforts.

Full post as published by Indiana Barrister on April 06, 2008 (boomark / email).