I stopped by the Community Values Summit this weekend at Charles Tinley Charter School on the east side. I was looking for an elected official to do a quick interview on something I was working on. I couldn’t find the official, but I did find something that I thought was [...]
My Capitol Watchblog colleague, Mike O’Brien, penned a pretty good post this week on the Democrats’ recent attack on financier Tim Durham and his funding of Republican candidates. Mike, reminds our Democratic friends that before they go too far off on the plantation after Durham, they may want to [...]
A new survey says Indianapolis residents feel more safe and better about the city than they have in years.
The IUPUI Department of Tourism, Conventions and Event Management sampled nearly 600 people over three weeks at City Market.
Nearly 55-percent of respondents said they felt either safe or very safe in the [...]
I’ve got some legal and teaching responsibilities to take care of, so today will pretty much be an open forum for you to discuss whatever is on your mind. Here are a few topics to start.
The President’s plan for Afghanistan. Good or bad? State Senate hears property tax caps. Speaker Pat [...]Now that the Indianapolis City-County Council has sent the proposed tougher smoking ban back to committee, there’s an opportunity for Councilors to work out a reasonable compromise that can address secondhand smoke without implementing a draconian ban.
Don’t think it’s possible, of course it is. Here’s how you do it.
Exempt [...]I know we’re just a couple days into the holiday season, but it’s never too late to start talking about the “War on Christmas”. You know the time when people get upset because someone wished them “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas”. They then go on ad nauseum [...]
I want to take a few moments to wish all the readers of Indiana Barrister a Happy Thanksgiving.
This will be a special one for me for a couple of reasons. This will be the first one with my lovely wife and as some of you may be aware, my Dad [...]
There’s a story about a guy who works on a sheep ranch. That day his wife tells him they have a dinner party to attend that evening, but he has to work later than usual, so he takes his suit with him. After spending the day working, the man gathers [...]
As Indianapolis Public Schools look to cut $12 million from their budget, I decided to take a look at the salaries of the district’s more than 5400 employees. The highest paid salary was Dr. Eugene White who makes $240,640 in salary and benefits. The lowest paid employee is Devonna [...]
Although 2010 is a few days away, it never hurts to take a sneak peak at 2011 and the Indianapolis Mayor’s race. Here’s what I’ve heard so far.
Brian Williams has put together what could be considered the first political ad of the season.
Although I’ve been in the “opinion” business for six years now, it still amazes me sometimes at the reaction I get from people. I criticize Sarah Palin, I’m a liberal Democrat. I agree with one of Mitch Daniels’ policies, I’m a Republican shrill.
I get e-mails all the time from [...]
I 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 [...]
The 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 [...]
I 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.
Sites that promote [...]
As 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 [...]
The 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 [...]
Indiana’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 [...]
I 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 [...]
“Walking into a bar and complaining about the cigarette smoke is like walking onto the Interstate and complaining about the speeding traffic.”
[...]Unless 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 [...]
Terry 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.
I reported back in April that Pence’s [...]
Today 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 [...]
As 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 [...]
Anyone 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 [...]
My 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. With the problems regarding FSSA and [...]It’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.
Daniels say revenue collections have been off by more [...]
Indiana 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 [...]
My 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. I too was somewhat puzzled at the results until I spent some time visiting [...]
I 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 [...]
The 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.
The Wishard referendum is [...]
Wishard referendum proponents declare victory. Franklin Township is losing badly.
[...]Still waiting for official results but Wishard winning 8-1. Beech Grove winning 2-1, Franklin is losing 5-1, Perry too close to call.
Franklin – 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: [...]
The polls are officially closed.
You can view the results here.
I’ll have analysis at the end of the evening.
[...]I’ll be doing updates over the course of the day so check back here periodically.
At 5:00 p.m.
There’s one hour to go before the polls close. 140 of the 590 precincts absentee ballots have been counted. The election board approved five more teams to come in and help count ballots. There has been high [...]Today 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 [...]
I 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 [...]
For 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 [...]
The 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 [...]
I’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 [...]
Here’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. Governor Mitch Daniels’ office says they [...]
Matt 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. I [...]
Delay, 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. Because the measure was tabled, it [...]
Indiana 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 [...]
Monday 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 [...]
I 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. McNeil’s [...]
It 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 [...]
It was the best of Maherns. It was the worst of Maherns. Okay, that’s probably a bit much.
You probably read my 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 [...]
Another 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. That would be consistent [...]
There 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 [...]
Hey 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 [...]
I’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 [...]
Allow 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 [...]
You 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 [...]
The 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. Louis Rams and this is NOT a publicity stunt…Let’s just [...]
A 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 [...]
My 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.
According to a review at Amazon.com, the book stresses four [...]
There’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. Why do we celebrate this day again?
The 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 [...]
Although 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. My [...]
As both sides gear up for the next big anti-smoking battle down at the City-County building, I thought I would share this little thought. The public-smoking ban proponents have shifted the debate to argue that Indianapolis should be smoke free because it helps economic development. If that’s true then why [...]
Indiana tax collections are worse than expected. Governor Mitch Daniels reported today the state is taking in $254 million less than projected. Most of the decrease is attributed to a drop in sales and income taxes. Daniels says he will use just about every means possible to address the funding [...]
For some strange reason, I picked up quite a few tidbits of interesting gossip, rumor and blatant innuendo Wednesday. So instead of keeping it all to myself, I decided to share. It must be the socialist in me who creeps out every once in a while. So without further adieu…
The [...]
I will freely admit that when it comes to most things sports-related, I am an illiterate. However what I do know is that unless you’re the Chicago Cubs, the biggest cure all for whatever ails your professional sports team is winning, and the Indiana Fever are doing it.
If Monday is any indication a handful of people, literally, will decide the fate of Wishard Hospital and several school districts in Marion County. Monday was the first day of early voting and out of 590,000 registered voters only 86 people showed up to cast a vote. And 50 of [...]
By Evan Matthews, a Hoosier Libertarian. Originally posted at LPIN.org.
Smoking bans are onerous, misguided and dangerous. As Indianapolis lawmakers debate whether the Circle City requires more stringent smoking legislation, they should stop to consider the economic and realistic implications.
The owner of a private establishment, be it bar, bowling alley or barber [...]
I’m taking the morning off. Today marks one month of being married to the lovely Mrs. Shabazz. I’ll throw something up either later today or tomorrow but for now the morning is hers.
[...]The following is a guest post by Dave Bego. Bego is the President and CEO of Executive Management Services, a nationwide cleaning company based in Indianapolis. He recently wrote a book entitled, “The Devil at My Doorstep” chronicling his company’s struggles with the Service Employees International Union as [...]
“Of all tyrannies a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron’s cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our [...]
Yesterday’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 [...]One 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 [...]
I 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. It’s [...]
Democrat 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 [...]Just 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. It’s a concern I [...]
Terry 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 [...]
I 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 [...]
My 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 [...]
I 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. As the City puts together its [...]I 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 [...]
We’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.
At Indiana Barrister we pride ourselves on promoting free speech [...]
A 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. Democrats voting [...]By 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.
However one point of contention Monday [...]
Indiana’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 [...]
On 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. Here is a breakdown.
Administration & Finance – [...]Unless 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.
Greenwood and White River [...]
Okay 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. Have at it.
[...]The Indiana Attorney General’s Office says the recent decision by the Indiana Court of Appeals that the state’s voter ID law is unconstitutional should 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 [...]
A 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 [...]
Indiana 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 [...]
Indiana 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 [...]
I 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 [...]
If 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.
CIB Vice-President [...]
As 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 [...]
Now 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 [...]
Today 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 [...]
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