Bartholomew County Watchman

The Government is Planning something Big; Top Secret

2012-01-18T16:52:00.004-05:00

I hope you read this before they find it, but the government is planning something big. here it is. alshaosdghalsdgoi golaijs olaijgliahsligjasldfiahlirngal;rig;loalshaosdghalsdgoi golaijs olaijgliahsligjasldfiahlirngal;rig;rwerwerwefgfegerfgertggolaijser werfwerwwsdfergrgrgrgrwedswwtrolaijgliahsligjasldfiahlirngal;rig;loalshaosdghalsdgoi golaijs aergaolaijgliahsligjasldfiahlirngal;rig;loalshaosdghalsdgoi golaijs swwtrolaijgliahsligjasldfiahlirngal;rig;loalshswwtrolaijgliahsligjasldfiahlirngal;rig;loalshaosdghalsdgoi golaijs aergaolaijgliahsligjasldfiahlirngal;rig;loalshaosdghalsdgoi golaijs gaergolaijgliahsligjasldfiahlirngal;rig;loalshaosdghalsdgoi golaijs olaijgliahsligjasldfiahlirngal;rig;lswwtrolaijgliahsligjasldfiahlirngal;rig;loalshaosdghalsdgoi golaijs aergaolaijgliahsligjasldfiahlirngal;rig;loalshaosdghalsdgoi golaijs gaergolaijgliahsligjasldfiahlirngal;rig;loalshaosdghalsdgoi golaijs olObama is trying toligjasldfiahlirngal;rig;loalshaosdghalsdgoi golaijs olaijgliahsligjasldfiahlirngal;rig;loalshaosdghalsdgoi golaijs

Harry Reid is trying to get this through Congress Under your nose!

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Here is how you can fight back!

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I hope you were able to read that. If not, then we are all doomed!

The Ayes Have It, Against Voters

2011-12-29T23:21:00.005-05:00

So what are elections anyway if the current administration and commissions act as though they never happened?

The Redevelopment Commission, Chaired by Jim Lienhoop whom the voters elected to City Council this year, by the way, voted to grant $865,000 to the shadow company CDI. Jim Lienhoop switched numerous times between calling CDI the City of Columbus and calling it a private or closed entity. As most of the public knows, CDI is a corporation created by the City according to state statues for the purpose of assisting in developing downtown Columbus by easing the bidding process. The difference between how CDI operates and how other development entities operate is secrecy. CDI is acting in secret.

CDI is closed to the public, but yet is the City of Columbus..... what?
As Mike Lovelace so eloquently submitted during the meeting, the financial books at CDI are bound in duct tape so as not to be accessible to the public. Obviously the books are not duct taped, but the effect is the same. The public is not welcome to see where their taxpayer dollars are going. We the people give CDI millions while they spend it on, literally, God (and possibly Ann DeVore, Valorie Chowning, etc), knows what. The State Board of Accounts even noted that CDI had broken 3 statues and standards when it comes to proper book keeping and accounting of their funds.

Now, let's look at the reality of why CDI even needs $865,000 48 hours before the change of power in City Hall.

A Little History
4 years ago, CDI accepted loans from various organizations, of which The Heritage Fund, where Commission member Matt Souza's wife Tracy Souza is currently Executive Director, was one. Apparently CDI has owed the money for quite some time, but the details of the loan state that it is to be paid back when the money is allocated to the by the City of Columbus.

It does not say the Redevelopment Commission. It says the City of Columbus. This, as Terry Coriden confirmed, could be done by the City Council.

Questions, and more questions
Several questions arise from this incident. Why did CDI take loans? They took loans to purchase the REMC property downtown and the Rhino Linings property for development reasons.

So why is this a liability of the Redevelopment Commission. If you ask Jim Lienhoop, he sees CDI as part of the City government. If you ask the people of Columbus, they see them as a secret corporation, a place for corruption. "Perception is reality" was a phrased used by many citizens and taxpayers at the meeting. If CDI were to go away, the City of Columbus would be forced to accept all assets and assume all liabilities. Apparently that extends to the present when CDI is not yet gone.

So why does the Redevelopment Commission not just pay off the debt? Why are they giving money to a closed book company in hopes they pay the debt? Lienhoop said they had considered that move, but had decided that they would not be able to get word from the loaners that the debt had been forgiven. Since the CDI is the one with the debt, could they not ask the Heritage Fund if the debt is forgiven?

Do they even have the power?
Could the City Council not give this money? Yes, they could. In fact, a question was raised about the legality and the authority behind the Redevelopment Commission appropriating funds without approval from City Council on amounts over $500,000

Any appropriation or expenditure of funds in excess of five hundred thousand dollars by the commission shall be subject to approval by the council..(Ord. 03-25 § 2, 2003)

Terry Coriden, Redevelopment Commission contracted counsel, said that he had not read the statue and ordinance in a while, but believes the commission has the power to do it since it is an obligation.The Ordinance clearly reads appropriation. This would seem to be an appropriation, therefore the approval would fall to the City Council.

Was this an official meeting?
This meeting was also not in compliance with Open Door policies as dictated by State Statute 5-14-1.5-5 which states that notice of public meetings must also be published on the internet gateway (website) in conjunction with the notice to newpapers as required by law. The meeting was not on the calendar, there was no agenda published, and neither the Mayor's office, Judy Johns-Jackson, nor City Clerk Treasurer Brenda Sullivan replied to a request for the location and time of the meeting.

Perception is often times reality.
This may have been merely about paying off creditors. Since CDI was involved, this meeting was seen as a secretive, shifty move by Jim Lienhoop and the Commission. Since this meeting was called for 48 hours before the change of power takes place, it seems corrupt. Since questions of legality went unsatisfactorily unanswered, it seems illegal.

Is it shifty, corrupt, and illegal? Maybe, but the Commission did not give the many people there a good reason to trust them. The constant double talk and interchanging the entities "Redevelopment Commission" and "CDI," The abruptness and unprecedented haste to push this through makes everything look underhanded. What does Jim Lienhoop expect?

The people elected this man!
Remember, ladies and gentlemen, you elected Jim Lienhoop to City Council at Large. I hope you realize what kind of decision that was. These are the types of decisions he makes. Hopefully the rest of the Council can work around him.

One Last Time

2011-12-14T00:03:00.005-05:00

One last time to lay a burden on the taxpayers on things it is not liable for.

A particular item on the agenda for the City Council meeting last night was quite confusing. Confusing because it seemed, as usual, that no one really knew what they were talking about. Recommendations which were questioned by the public when unexamined by the council which switched its split vote to unanimously supporting the measure to go into debt to clean up the old creosote factory site which is contaminated and cannot be developed (for the Indoor Sports Complex... more on that in a moment).

Contrary to a statement made by Alan Whitted, City Attorney, made during last Council meeting concerning the order in which these types of project must be bid, the Redevelopment Commission already accepted and publicized bids on the project before the financing was approved.

The first question one must ask is "Did Alan Whitted misinform the council during the last meeting, or did the Redevelopment Commission do something illegal" And if the answer to either of these is yes, why did Alan no clarify himself tonight and make it known he had made a grave error?

The next question, and one that was raised in the meeting by a member of the public, was "is this the liability of the City?" Columbus Downtown Incorporated owns the property. Not the City of Columbus. The Miller family owned it before that. Since when does it become the liability of the City to clean up other businesses messes for them? According to EPA and other environmental laws, any current or previous owner of the property is liable for the clean up of the site. Why demand that the Miller foundation pay for the clean up since they are the most recent previous owner. They owned that property for quite a long time. It is only now that we are worried about cleaning it up? Why not make them pay for it as they are legally liable for it.

Another good question is "why was this financing not advertised publicly, as it states in the law?" Apparently for the type of loans (0% interest) they are seeking from the State government, the City needed to have a 30 day notice of a meeting for such a measure and required ample time for public input along with recording this input and the response of the City into the site repository. To this date, there is no meeting recorded in the repository, the Republic does not record a public notice 30 Days prior to the December 12 meeting, the Columbus City website contained no notice until the meeting minutes from the Nov 7th meeting, detailing the notice, was released on December 12. So could the Council's decision be illegal or just null?

Let us also consider the way the narrative has changed. Ann DeVore herself remarked that she wanted to pass this at the last meeting because she wanted to give Columbus a parting gift (the Indoor Sports Complex) because she had worked too hard to just give it up. Now their narrative is that this is not about the Sports Complex, but it is about doing the "right" thing and cleaning up a contaminated piece of property. If the Council was interested in doing the right thing, they would compel the previous owners to do their duty and obligation by cleaning it up themselves or financing the City to clean it up. It has been 40 years since that place has been vacated. Why are we now running, rushing, misinforming, and bumbling around to clean it up?

Ed Curtin, executive director of the Columbus Redev Commission, would tell you that we need to do this so that it can be developed by whomever wants the property down the line, who ever that happens to be. What he is beating around is, "in order for us to go forward on the Indoor Sports Complex, we need to clean this up now."

It is pretty clear that the voters sent a clear mandate to the current City Council and Mayor by how they voted. STOP, CEASE AND DESIST! These funds are not going anywhere. These loans will still be available to the City for its use on this matter until the end of NEXT year.

So what is the rush? Why did the opinion of the Council in general change so quickly? The only thing that has changed is the Jim Lienhoop was actually there to vote. Maybe he said something to them that caused them all to unify on this matter? Probably not.

Or is there some other behind closed doors deal or power struggle taking place? This was their last meeting. What could have been so convincing to change an entire council's vote in a couple weeks?

We will probably never know. Let us hope that the new Mayor and Council can sift through some of the mess this Council and Administration has caused. Let us pray the muck is not too high to rake.

Where is the public notice?

Fred Armstrong: A Slow News Day

2011-11-20T00:10:00.003-05:00

So long before a candidate for Mayor was politely mentioning introduction of ethics rules and standards in City Hall, which it is a shock there is none, a certain City official has been acting unethically in the line of duty.

This was the result of a 3-month investigation be FOX 59 news out of Indianapolis.

A former employee of Columbus Transportation Department informed FOX of wrong-doing by department director Sue Chapple. FOX investigated.

According to the accusations made, Sue Chapple has denied disabled "call a bus" service to a disabled woman who needs the service to pick up perscriptions and groceries. This service is offered to people who are 60 and older, have a disability, and live in the City of Columbus. A certain lady fits those criteria, but recently has been dropped from the route. The reason, she is told, is that she does not live in Columbus. Truth be told, she does.

So if we are denying this service to people who are qualified to use it, are we allowing people to use it who are NOT qualified. Yes, Sue is.

A friend of Sue Chapple, who is not 60 or older, is not disabled apparently uses the service with Sue Chapple's blessing. Why does she need a bus service? Because she intoxicates herself at a local bar to the point she cannot drive herself home that evening.

Sue Chapple also, apparently, has used city vehicles, gas, and money to pick her up from the airport when she was on vacation, though she claims she only uses City vehicles for "City business."

So what does the Lame-Duck Mayor of Columbus have to say about this. On television and around the world, because it is on the internet, he told FOX 59 that it was "news" to him. He also said the one making the accusations is a "disgruntled employee" and that FOX must be having a slow news day.

Since when is unethical action by City officials non-news, Mr. Mayor?

This is the problem with our City government. Unethical actions by City officials have been documented and proven, yet when a polite conversation or point is made about the value of ethics rules to show the public government is serious about keeping their interests in mind, people, in City government, that is, become offended as if they were being accused.

If no one were guilty of ethic violations, then no one would be resistant to these rules being put in place. Ethics, it seems, are barriers to the current City government. A few more weeks, folks. The new attitude of City government will come in. Change will happen. Hopefully for the better. I am confident it will be for the better.

Change: the Unknown Future

2011-11-08T23:30:00.003-05:00

And now we say goodbye to a dark chapter of Columbus history of lies and scandals in an election for Mayor. But the people spoke loudly against those negative tactics meant to bolster a certain candidate. Now that it is over, Columbus can now look forward to a period of improved openness of government, transperancy, accountability, and a new attitude in general to City Hall.

This does not come without some fear. Fear of the unknown. Only Jim Lienhoop remains on the Council. Everyone else is a novice to the Council except for maybe Ryan Brand who has served on the Planning Commission. There is a new Clerk-Treasurer who will be in charge of monitoring cash flows, reporting finances, and documenting them properly and openly.

And there is a new Mayor. And while many will cheer in a new Mayor, it can be said with confidence that the Mayor-elect will have a lot on her plate. A city with crumbling infrastructure, a city fiscal status which is not the picture of perfection some like to paint in grand speeches to the people. A city up against its debt limit. A City Hall that has been looked upon with contempt and frustration for quite some time because of its inability to listen to the people it serves.

Columbus chose a Mayor. In the Watchman's opinion, the most qualified candidate to actually recognize the issues and have a plan to address it. Will this Mayor be the best there ever was. Maybe. Will this Mayor get everything done in year 1. Probably not. This Mayor has a lot to take care of, but Columbus residents must recognize the fact that not everything will be done, but the ball will hopefully be rolling.

This attitude change in City Hall will change the way business is done. It will address issues from a different angle. It will look at projects in a different light. This new council will probably take a while to feel the other members out and learn what decisions will go through and what will obviously fail. It is an all Republican team. So the caucus will consist of the entire council which basically means decisions can be made before a meeting is officially commenced.

It is strongly advised that the newly elected members not fall into that bad practice of making decisions before a vote has even occurred. Not that members should not have information. Not that member should not talk with other members to get different views and takes on an issue, but members ought not to get so comfortable with "behind the closed doors" meetings, should the ever occur. If that were to happen, another upsetting election is likely to follow.

The Mayor has the confidence of 2/3 voters. She must understand she represents all. I believe she does. Kristen Brown will look after all of Columbus and not just a few because she was not elected by a few, but by a lot of people.

The future of Columbus is a little more clear. An attitude of openness and community is hopefully to follow. An attitude of service is hopefully near. Let us give them a fair chance before the City shall erupt in anger, but elections shall most certainly be an indicator of favor-ability, the people have shown that.

Congratulations to all that have been elected.

Brown Vindicated; Scalf Publicly Convicted

2011-11-05T01:02:00.006-04:00

The Republic has an article in this Morning's paper about the behind scenes of the Scalf-libel scandal.

"On Friday, Rick Scalf III, son of the candidate and manager of her campaign, conceded that no one from the Scalf campaign attempted to verify the nature of Brown’s work for Oracle."

You see? Scalf's team does not even look into the matter. All they saw was a law suit on Oracle and they just ran with it with no foundation or base to their claims. Everything they had to support their claims was purely based on logical fallacy. Association fallacy states that A is C and A is B. Therefore all Bs are also Cs. this is not always correct.

Kristen worked for Oracle. Oracle had to pay a settlement for a lawsuit related to fraudulent practices in sales with the government. Rick Scalf III claims that Kristen therefore was a part of it because she worked for Oracle.

Ofcourse, Rick Scalf says he didn't look into any of it, so we can all just put anything from The Scalf campaign about this issue to rest as lies, bogus, and LIBEL.

"Rick Scalf III said the Scalf campaign never attempted to contact Oracle, opting instead to provide the information to The Republic and other news organizations to investigate Brown’s involvement."

Oh, so we don't need to wait for the facts to come in, we just need to request someone investigate while you go ahead and post wicked nasty lies about a candidate. I believe in the press world, someone would be fired for such things. Shoot answers, ask questions later, right? Wait, that's how current city government works. Let's do it now, and figure it out later. The Commons with the ventilation problem for the restaurants. The roundabout which has never worked.

Let's get things right the first time.

Apparently some of Brown's colleagues and former work partners have come out to set the truth out in plain sight too.

John Somorjai, a Democrat, by the way, described the separation in corporate structure and even geography of Kristen's departments she worked for and the government sales department (which is actually in Washington, NOT California!)

"'Kristen could not be a more honest and forthright individual,' said Somorjai... He is now a senior vice president for software firm Salesforce.com, where he handles corporate development."

And you know when you are truely a "nasty" campaign when you own party chairman, Jaime Johns, says he wishes Scalf's campaign had been more positive.

There you have it folks! This is all you need to know about Brown and Scalf.

Scalf represents a much nastier version of the current establishment which seeks to demonize anyone who wants to improve government efficiencies, ethics, and transparency.

Mayor Armstrong and Brenda Sulllivan both tried to criminalize Kristen Brown with a criminal complaint about documents that were accidentally removed from City Hall, unbeknownst to Brown. Of course a rational human being was given the task of prosecuting the complaint and said flat out that there was no intention.

Now we see Mayor Armstrong criminalizing an ordinary citizen doing what is lawfull and taking his toter away from the curb, yet the City kept giving him tickets because they held that anywhere in front of one's house is curbside. REally? Well tell that to the people who have to drive the truck. Can they pick up a toter across someone's yard? No. Then it is not curbside. Luckily the City backed off once again after the Mayor embarrased our City by saying on state television that the gentleman needed to be a "good neighbor" and follow the rules.

Now we have Scalf making libelous claims and asserting lies as fact after doing no research on the matter.

Is this what we have to expect from Scalf? No research? Lies? attacking the people with libel?

The choice is clear. Vote Kristen Brown. The Police, Firefighter, and EMS unions all endorse Kristen Brown for Mayor. Apparently they think she will do a good job. I trust those people with my life. We all do everyday. Let's trust their judgement on this matter.

Like Sheriff Mark Gorbett said: "Kristen is a candidate of character, passion, and capability." I agree.

Priscilla Scalf's Record: Lies, Deceit and More Lies

2011-11-02T18:09:00.005-04:00

In a recent circular sent by the Democratic Party of the State of Indiana on behalf of Priscilla Scalf for Mayor, Priscilla Scalf attempted to spread one of her recently favorite lies.

The circular is well crafted in its wording to show an association between Kristen Brown and Oracle (which has recently had to pay a settlement to the federal government because they did not inform the government properly of discounts given in its commercial sales department). Saying in one column "Brown worked for Oracle" and in the other column "Oracle defrauded the government."

It's always my favorite hobby to point out logical fallacies. The first is that just because A is true and B is true, it does not mean that A caused B or vice versa. Sure, Kristen worked for Oracle, but that in no way proves she was involved in any illegal activity.

They even get really cute and put a little quote in there from the Wall Street Journal, probably to build credibility, but yet again, we see it in no way relates to Brown. "Oracle pays $199.5Million to Settle U.S. Fraud Case." That's fine, but where is Kristen Brown in all of this?

Scalf's Libel

However, what is very VERY libelous, yes, libelous, not just nasty, libelous, is the front of the circular which reads

-Fraudulent Sales
-Taxpayer Ripoffs
-Corporate Coverups

That's Kristen Brown's "Business" Experience.

Not only is this just mean spirited, it's a lie, an absolute lie by the Democratic Party and Priscilla Scalf.

Not once in the DOJ document is Kristen Brown or her department she was Vice President of in 2004, Channel Sales & Alliances, mentioned in the document. This settlement was almost $200million. Surely if Kristen were a party to this defrauding, she would have been called to testify or be brought up in the case somewhere, right? No, that just makes too much sense.

Here is the truth.

Kristen Brown worked at Oracle as SR Director of Corporate Development from July 1993- July 1998. Guess when the case indicated the defrauding practices began? DECEMBER 1998. Again, Corporate Development is not government or commercial sales, which are the guilty parties in the case.

Then Kristen Brown came back to Oracle in January 2004 and finished that year as Vice President of Channel Sales & Alliances. Again, nothing NOTHING to do with government or commercial sales.

Priscilla's claims are based on nothing but lies based on association, thought the association is thin. Scalf has proved to be extemely nasty in this race. Not once has Kristen Brown attacked Priscilla Scalf, in fact, she had to defend herself at one time because of another of Scalf's lies. Since before and after those brief two or three days, Kristen Brown has always taken the high road. She talks about her platform, her thoughts, her qualifications, and her vision.

All Scalf talks about, it seems, is Kristen Brown, and when she does, it's a lie or deceitful statement about Brown's supposed platform.

Columbus deserves better than Scalf.

Remember that Priscilla Scalf is currently on the City Council. She is a part of the problem. If anything, this is only indicative of the current City Hall's sentiment to anyone who DARES to inquire, investigate, and suggest that government should operate in a transparent and open way.

I can just imagine a City Hall with Priscilla Scalf on her throne. Bully pulpit will have an entirely new meaning with her in it. If this kind of campaign is what she has to offer, Columbus is doomed. The fact she cannot stand on her own two feet without having to lie and mislead to get ahead shows she is not the proper person to be Mayor of our fine City.

Candidates and Their Crimes

2011-10-19T01:33:00.006-04:00

The following is a report on the Candidates for the 2011 General Election in the City of Columbus, Indiana. Information is open to the public at the Bartholomew County Courthouse. This post is only concerning candidates and their criminal records. Defendant court cases were looked at. Small claims, divorce, and such issues are not covered in this post, though some pertain to some of the candidates. Dismissed cases in which the defendant was found not guilty is also not published, but deferred prosecutions are.

The following is by office and in alphabetic order of the candidates' last name. Candidates' real names as they appear on the election roster were used to look up records.

MAYOR OF COLUMBUS
Kristen S. Brown (R)
- Speeding

Priscilla A. Scalf (D)
- Tax Warrant filed by the State of Indiana on 8/30/2011 for taxes owed totaling $596.00. Total to collect $737.89. Warrant currently pending.
- Check deception filed by the State of Indiana 7/15/1997. Scalf deferred prosecution. (In an article in The Republic, she detailed that she agreed to pay the damages to avoid prosecution, thus the deferred prosecution)

CLERK-TREASURER
(Martha) Sue Breeding (D)
-Check deception filed by the State of Indiana on 1/9/1996. Breeding, too, deferred prosecution.

Luann G. Welmer (R)
- No records.

City Council At-Large
Sondra K. Bolte (D)
- No records to show.

Aaron J. Hankins (R)
- Conversion (Class A Misdemeanor) filed by the State of Indiana on 5/31/2000. Hankins, through council, took a guilty plea and plead guilty to the crime of conversion, a form of theft. Sentenced to 1 year in Bartholomew County Jail, 100 hours restitution, and 1 year probation.

Jessie C. Hill (D)
- No records.

James D. Lienhoop (R)
-Ran a stop sign.

Joshua J. Sefchek (L)
- Speeding

City Council District 1

Dascal D. Bunch (R)
-Tax warrant issued by the State of Indiana on 6/1/2011. Amount of tax: $203.00. Total to collect: $259.94

Joseph M. Swaim (I)
-Speeding

Gwendolyn E. Wiggins (D)
- No records to show

City Council District 2
(John) Ryan Brand (R)
-Speeding

Max Lemley (D)
-No Records to show

City Council District 3
Frank J. Jerome (R)
-No records to show.

Gregory A. Noel (D)
- Speeding

City Council District 4

Frank P. Miller (R)
-Speeding

Patricia Wilson (D)
-Speeding

City Council District 5
Timothy D. Shuffett (R)
-Speeding

(James) Wayne Hanrattie (D)
-No records

City Council Meeting LIVE

2011-10-04T08:23:00.004-04:00

Tonight's city council meeting will be streamed LIVE through LIVE Stream. This meeting has to do with the budget, a tax abatement, and rezonning of The Ridge Church to P for Human Resources.

If you cannot make the meeting tonight at 6PM, please view it LIVE on this site. Just click on Ustream LIVE on the navigation bar above this post. Or view it below in this post. Feel free to chat any questions or comments as well so the Watchman can ask on your behalf.

If you can be there, please support the Brookes St neighborhood in opposition to the rezoning of the Ridge Church site. The Planning Commission sent an unfavorable recommendation to City Council, but the City Council still could allow this invasion of a commercial not-for-profit in a dense neighborhood. Hold your elected officials accountable, though it is a full lame-duck government (with the exception of Jim Lienhoop and Priscilla Scalf).

Free live streaming by Ustream

Scalf Campaigns on Lies, rather than Issues

2011-09-14T23:02:00.003-04:00

It was only a matter of time before the candidates started lying and mudslinging. Usually both sides do it, but in this Mayoral election, there is only one side who has taken a negative focus on their opponent.

Priscilla Scalf has released a few blog posts (aka press releases) which are specifically designed to target her opponent by actually just making stuff up.

Back in July 12, 2011 at 4:37PM, Scalf wrote

When her opponent made the suggestion that the city abandon this historic building and sell it to the highest bidder, however, it struck a nerve with Mayoral candidate Priscilla Scalf. ....

“The character of our City cannot be reduced down to a simple spreadsheet,” she stated, “and there is more to consider as Mayor than just the short-term bottom line.”

Included in this those consideration is a city's heritage, Scalf said, noting the role the City Power House has played in much of Columbus' History....
Scalf made the statement in response to a comment that appeared on her opponent’s Facebook page

What could her opponent have said on Facebook that was such a horrible thing?

Solution: City should sell the former Pump House and control historic preservation through zoning. I support overall downtown development but the city should avoid being a landlord for restaurants and bars when it can.

Scalf clearly stated that Kristen Brown wanted to sell that building with no kind of control over the historic features of the pumphouse. That is a blatant lie. Not just misleading. A lie.

Next is when Priscilla created another blog post (aka press release) totally devoted to fabricating a conversation that never took place IN PUBLIC!

At the recent Land Lord's Association meeting, they held a candidate forum. Every candidate, except Jim Lienhoop and Dascal Bunsch, was adamant about the repealing of the tax for sure. Yet Priscilla Scalf fabricated a statement, including a dollar figure, supposedly given by her opponent, Kristen Brown.

Priscilla Scalf, Democratic candidate for Mayor of Columbus, today criticized her opponent, Kristen Brown, for proposing new trash fees of up to $30.00 or more. The new fees would cover bulky item pickups, a service that has always been provided to Columbus residents at no additional charge....

“So I was shocked to hear my opponent propose a totally new fee of up to $30 or more for the collection of bulky items that do not fit in the city-provided toters. Even when the City reduced the availability of bulky-item pickups to one week per month, the service was still provided to our city’s residents at no additional charge,”

Kristen Brown never said this. How do I know this? Not only I, but many other people attending that meeting have mentioned we never heard such a thing said by Kristen Brown especially at that meeting Scalf is referring to.

What Kristen Brown actually said that she would propose repealing the trash tax, keep the same level of service only shifting that to property taxes. That means that bulk item pick up and items that cannot be put in the toters will still be picked up one week per month as it is now (only under Brown's plan, it would be paid for by property taxes like they should be). So what is Priscilla talking about?

The $30 figure is also misleading. Kristen Brown threw an arbitrary fee around of $30 for on-demand pick up that is outside of the one week a month service (once again a free service that will be offered) as a solution to the need landlords have of on-demand pickup. The other solution was to see if there was a way to offer it free of charge with some restrictions on the pickup.

This, as Kristen explained, was because the old on demand pick up was abused by folks who would call the garage for every little thing. Well, under the current system, land lords actually have to call in service or do it themselves. It is very costly to call hauling companies to take things off to the landfill or other disposal facilities. So one could imagine the cost to the City, if this were once again abused.

So while Scalf is claiming her service is exactly what we got now, only no extra tax, Kristen Brown is actually solving the problem the Land Lords brought up about their need for on demand pickup by offering the service, even if a "nominal fee" is required.

So while Scalf is busy attacking her opponent, Kristen Brown actually attempts to solve the problem and answer the question asked by the land lords concerning on-demand pickup.

This is the kind of negativity people look down upon. This is the type of campaign people loath in the election cycles at each level. If Priscilla is going to lie and mud-sling in the election, how is she going to deal with people who raise questions when she is Mayor? Like the current Mayor, who does things similar to the Scalf camp, or like a servant of the people who welcomes questions, heated debate, and hears the voice of the people, answering and solving their problems instead of talking around them?

That's what you have to decide this election. Do you want someone who runs a clean campaign? Someone who paints a positive image of the city she grew up in? or do you want someone who only focuses on her opponents' supposed statements? Someone who lies to the people? The vote is yours!

Don Bates goes LIVE on the Watchman

2011-08-11T20:48:00.002-04:00

In case you missed it, this is my interview with Don Bates Jr.

Debt ceiling, credit ratings, and realism are key topics discussed.

Thanks again to Mr. Bates for being on the show!

Don Bates Jr. Townhall in Columbus

2011-08-11T01:25:00.006-04:00

6th Congressional Candidate Don Bates Jr. (R) will appear and be featured in a townhall at the Columbus Municipal Airport.

The Watchman will be there live, via Ustream, to bring you Live coverage of the event, if you are unable to attend. A one-on-one q&a will also take place and will be streamed live and recorded for future viewing.

Don Bates Jr. ran in 2010 for the Senate seat vacated by Evan Bayh. Don Bates proved to be a very good candidate in the race. So far, it is too hard to tell who will be the one to vote for in the race for the 6th Congressional District seat since so many people are expected to run. This is all the more reason to attend this meeting in person or on the Ustream tab above this post, or by clicking here.

You can learn more about Don Bates Jr by going to his website batesforcongress.com

Sefchek Releases Outline for Economic Development

2011-07-25T00:06:00.001-04:00

Columbus, IN - Over the weekend, At- Large City Council candidate Joshua Sefchek offered an outline of his plan for economic development, with the focus on job creation. With Columbus' unemployment rate over 7% and 3,600 jobs lost since 2008, Sefchek says new ideas are needed to meet this challenge.

"Increasing the standard of living and offering tax abatements are ok for attracting existing businesses. Honda might build a small factory, Lily might open a small book keeping office and maybe a bank or two will open a branch. However, in order to repeat the success of companies like Cummins, Columbus needs a culture which encourages innovation and entrepreneurship. If the next great idea or business is born in Columbus, jobs and prosperity will follow."

While much of the attention this election cycle has been focused on budget issues, Sefchek stressed the importance of keeping people the top priority.

"Columbus needs to have the ability to retain its smartest, brightest and most talented young people for the sake of the community and the employers here. Making Columbus attractive to them requires more than just bars and parks. Young professionals want to see growth opportunities, emerging markets and excitement in their careers. Young people thrive what's new and exciting and often their expectations for where they are going to begin their career is no different."

Sefchek stated economic development can't be purchase by the government. Innovative job growth has to be fostered and cultivated in the private sector through incubator programs, marketing strategies and private investors.

"The government's role in this process is to create an environment where idea people meet venture capitalists; where self-starters can find support; where risk takers find opportunities."

Columbus has the potential to set the example for the rest of the state in terms of innovation, success and job creation, explained Sefchek.

"Let Columbus lead the state when it comes to providing opportunities for people to implement their ideas. New business start-ups are the way to move the city forward and it should be known Columbus is the place to go to start a business. Every business and person in Columbus could benefit if the next great company was born in Columbus and it will be if the government supports innovation."

"Young people want to see energy and opportunity. When they land their first job, they want to be with company where they can go somewhere and make an impact. They want to be a part of something new and exciting. The downtown area provides a nice bonus, but it is the vibrancy in their careers that really attracts the young people. Some will come to start a business and others will come because they know Columbus is home to new and exciting opportunities. Make Columbus home of opportunity, reward and excitement, then the jobs and economic development will follow."

You can find out more about Josh Sefchek by visiting his Campaign Website http://www.joshuasefchek.com

Economic Development, FINALLY!

2011-06-12T21:10:00.002-04:00

Finally after misguided ideas of Ski Lakes, Sports Complexes, and other “economic development” projects, we finally see a good move of REAL economic development by the government we have entrusted to help create jobs.

The announcement by Cummins to bring 600 jobs to Columbus, Indiana ,after a super profitable year due to its strong growth in China, India, and Brazil, is nothing but great news for taxpayers in Columbus and even in the surrounding region. Who could argue against the incentives of aiding in the construction of a parking garage? There is only one problem to this scenario.

After misusing a “tool” for economic development, we now have a great reason cause to use the Economic Development Income Tax which the City made such a fuss about needing a couple years ago. These are the times we should use such funds. 600 high paying jobs will provide a bountiful stimulus to our economy, but is it because of the things our elected officials have done? No. Cummins has excelled in a poor global economy and is booming so much it needs more people in its headquarters location, Columbus.

So while some pat themselves on the back for a “job well done,” I say thanks to Cummins for choosing Columbus once again to bring jobs to. I also say thanks to those who are leading the way on working with Cummins to construct these things they need to bring the 600 jobs here. I say shame to those who have squandered our EDIT funds on unproven and unstudied ventures like sports complexes which, according to a study commissioned in part by Cummins, indicates it could cause a 36 inch effect on flooding because it is being built in the flood fringe, a part of land officials have assured residents, without any certainty, would not have much effect on flooding.

Cummins is adding 600 jobs to Columbus. A new facility to educate people of southern Indiana about advanced manufacturing has been completed. Citizens are gathering together to celebrate the summer and community. This all points to a very important quality of Columbus.

Columbus is great in spite of its government.

Election Results and Commentary

2011-05-03T23:39:00.005-04:00

So out of my endorsements and wishes for this election, a few things came true.

1. We got Kristen Brown for Mayor.
2. We got George Dutro OUT!
3. We have a clerk-treasurer who will know what she is doing.
4. We got Dick Gaynor out of the picture.
5. We have at least one Conservative running in the City Council at Large.
6. We have Frank Miller in.
7. More people voted for Jessie Hill's Co-Runner than Jessie Hill!

Some things that did not go my way.

1. Glen Petri did not win
2. Bob Sullivan did not win
3. Susan Thayer Fye did not win
4. David Jones did not win
5. Chris Rutan did not win.
6. Teresa Henderson did not win.

This is fine. Overall, I believe we are seeing a victory here with some of these candidates. Some endorsements are going to have to change, though.

Max Lemly -D for City Council District 2 will need to be given serious thought since Ryan Brand-R got elected.

No one is getting an endorsement for District 1 because no one seems competent on the issues and what really matters for this district and for this city.

Although David Jones lost the 5th District, Wayne Hanrattie-D cannot be allowed to win. He is an affront to anyone who demands responsible government. Tim Shuffett will have to do. I am interested in hearing what he has to offer in the general election.

Greg Noel-D still has my endorsement. He is a balanced candidate who educates himself well on the issues and takes a look at things with a common sense approach. Frank Jerome-R has many good points to make. He should not be totally discounted, but some of his ideas are far out there (privatization and ambulance services for instance).

Jim Lienhoop will be an odd one to guess. He has not been the best appointed City Councilman, having fabricated the necessity for a Trash Tax, and then championing lower taxes by saying he lowered the trash tax. Wow.

Aaron Hankins messed up again tonight. Many of the candidates who did not show up were ones who did not win, but Aaron won and did not even have the decency to show up at his own Republican Primary event to give a speech or recognize people until everyone was clearing out. He rushed in, said something, lingered a little, then walked. Sorry, I understand that the Hankins twins may not like establishment GOP, but there were a whole heck of a lot more than establishment there last night. Supporters, voters, and others were there. How rude and arrogant to waltz in and hope that everyone stops the whole show because he came in late LATE to make a small speech.

Nonetheless, I would rather have Aaron Hankins in that George Dutro. I definitely want Hankins in instead of Jessie Hill-D who will be running in the Fall. If Aaron can keep Jessie Hill and her Co-Runner out, this City will do just fine.

Joe Richardson was very cordial and very supportive with regards to Kristen Brown. He thanked the supporters and recognized that Republicans largely demanded Kristen Brown be Mayor and that he supports her candidacy. He wished her luck and complimented her on the kind of change she wants to bring to City Hall.

Greg Renner stepped up, thanked his supporters, talked about how great Columbus is, AGAIN, and then started to walk off and flinched back at Kristen and said "Good luck Kristen." Not that he had to bow down to her, but that is it? Good luck Kristen? No support for your Republican candidate? Now we see who is and who is NOT a Republican.

Mark White did not show.

Brown Vs Scalf

This is going to be interesting.

Let's make a projection without considering the independent voters who do not vote in the primary. Let's just focus on the parties.

The Republicans had 5179 voters turn out to vote for Mayor. The Democrats had 1587. Total 6766

Kristen Brown carried 3109 votes.
Scalf Carried 1054.

If Kristen Brown were to carry ALL Republican votes and Scalf were to carry ALL Democrat votes, then Kristen Brown would win 76%.

But that is not going to happen, at least probably not.

Let's say they carry the votes they got in their primaries.
Kristen Brown would have 45.9% of the vote in the bag.
Scalf would only have 15.6%.

Now let's say that those who did not vote for Kristen Brown and those who did not vote for Scalf, vote for their opponents (Nancy ann brown supports supporting Kristen and Richards/Renner/White supporting Scalf).

Kristen would have 3642 votes.
Scalf would have 3124 votes.

53.8% against 46.2%; a 7 point lead for Kristen.

This is not including independent voters.

Let's inject the independents.

Based on the difference between the primary and general of 2007, there is a potential of 4846 independent or extra voters. Let's add that to the 6766 amd we get 11612. That turn out is UNHEARD of for Municipal election in Columbus, but this race might prove to be powerful enough to get many more voters to the polls.

If Kristen were garanteed her votes, then she would have 26.8% of the vote tucked away. If she had TOTAL Republican Primary support, she would have 44.6% of the vote tucked away.

Priscilla would have 9% if she carried her votes to the independent voter injected General Election, and 13.7% with full primary support.

Inverted opponent support numbers would make Kristen Brown have 31.4% and Scalf to have 26.9%.

This means that Kristen Brown and Priscilla Scalf still have quite a bit of work ahead of them. Scalf will have far more work to do that Kristen, but Kristen needs to also work at least as hard to minimze the amount of votes Scalf gets.

I project Kristen Brown winning 56% to 44%. A 12 point lead. This is a poor to mediocre scenario projection. I think she is capable of a 20 point lead or even 25. It is far FAR too early to know, but it sure is fun trying to project, nonetheless.

A trend should be recognized here. People want someone like Kristen Brown. I do not think too many Republican voters will turn into Scalf-ers. I think there is more of a chance of people who voted for Nancy Ann Brown voting for Kristen Brown because of experience and knowledge of how government works, should work, and how to solve our problems.

This is not to say we should count the chickens before they hatch. There were plenty of people who came out for the 2007 general (21% turnout) to vote for Armstrong. Many Republicans voted for Armstrong, but that tide has turned, as made evident by the primary vote.

A MASSIVE amount of Republicans came out to vote for Kristen. Mark White in 2007 didn't even break 1000 votes, though he was the only one running. Fred did not break 500. He was the only one running. What has happened?

I believe people are fed up with government that will not listen to them. They are tired of being bullied around. Small business owners are ready for an ALL business friendly environment in Columbus. People are ready for someone to be in the Mayor's office who has not got their commission appointments, department heads, and cronies all picked out already. People are ready for another Bob Stewart era.

Bob Stewart brought in many of the Japanese companies we have in Columbus. Toyota, Enkei, NTN, and more. 1billion+dollars were invested in Columbus by business. We need leadership similar to that. We cannot expect Kristen to be Bob Stewart. We expect her to be herself. That is the way she will achieve results, but I believe we will see great results from her with a warm and friendly outreach to people to understand more what really matters to them.

76% of voters today expressed that they want a Republican as Mayor. 60% of that 76% (Republicans) affirmed Kristen's status as a Republican. 60% of Republicans said they want Kristen Brown to lead Columbus. That's not a landslide. That is blowing the competition out of the water, but Kristen did not do it. The people did.

Let's not get starry eyed at Kristen. Let us continue to think rationally about her and see exactly what her plans are as Mayor.

And to those Independents out there who might have been persuaded by a certain mayor and few double crossing Republicans to run if Kristen Brown is nominated for the purpose of siphoning votes, 60% of Republicans say they do not want an independent, they want Kristen Brown. Beware.

Thanks to those who voted, no matter whom you voted for. You have provided a great service to your community by expressing your voice and your wishes.

Watchman Endorsments 2011 Primary

2011-05-01T23:46:00.008-04:00

Okay folks, here are the candidates the Watchman has found to be good for your vote.

NOTE: after some new information from the Hankins campaign and related parties, a few editions have been made to the City Council at-large section.

Mayor

Kristen Brown -R

Listening to forums and Q&A sessions, Kristen is the clear winner. She is qualified, she is proven, and she has already served the citizens of Columbus by investigating City finances to understand why they needed to raise taxes and create taxes. Her conclusion, they didn't, unless they wanted to go on a spending spree! Greg Renner never really answered a question. His answers follow a template similar to this

"We are so blessed to live in Columbus [insert why we are blesses]. AS YOUR MAYOR [talk about how you will uphold the importance of this blessing]. Something Something MOVE COLUMBUS FORWARD!"

He's like a parody of a politician, really. If you also have not noticed, Renner Ford on US 31 and Central has Kristen Brown signs. No Renner signs. It's also ridiculous that he runs because he has not EVER been involved in politics. I have never NEVER seen him at a public meeting before this election. To run for the highest seat in the City and not have ever been involved? That's unacceptable when considering another candidate has.

What else is unacceptable is that Greg is everything that the current Mayor is in terms of being anti-critic. Renner said he will stand against the "naysayers" and people who " are not interested nor do the care to see Columbus be the best of the best. Nor are the concerned about the heritage of our great city..." Who are those people? I have never met someone like that, but you going around and insulting the people you want to serve is not the best thing to do in a campaign. I believe Renner gets his cues from current Mayor Armstrong Cortes who used similar language to build a false enemy to attack in his grossly historically innaccurate State of the City Address.

Joe Richardson is not liked by the establishment (as most of the "good ole boys" are backing Greg Renner) or the general people. It is going to suprise everyone if he wins this election. You might notice a LOT of his signs are on Tom Weatherald's properties. So subtract those and Richardson is almost as scarce as White.

I have nothing bad to say about Mark White. He is a good man with good intentions. He has common sense. He just does not have any experience. I hope to see Mark White get more involved, but not as Mayor.

Clerk-Treasurer

Teresa Henderson -R

Luann Welmer would be good, but there is still the matter of those checks she wrote for CDI which were not documented. It's her job to do what the Treasurer says, but there comes a time when right or wrong comes into play. Also, I think a fresh look at the City Clerk-Treasurer's office needs to take effect. Teresa Henderson is totally qualified and realizes the extent and importance of her duties and power should would have as Treasurer.

City Council At-Large

Glen Petri -R
Bob Sullivan -R

Leinhoop and Dutro are in City Hall. They are part of the problem. Aaron Hankins ~~has not been seen or heard from ANYWHERE for these forums or events~~has been seen at two events, that we have heard of. He did not attend his own Republican Ladies League forum (which is where he ought to be in the primary. Sure has a lot of signs out, but he doesn't seem to want to meet the people in mass, just one on one. That's not bad, but it's only part of the equation. And there are still concerns the Watchman has when back in the 2008 Election it was revealed he, his brother Travis, and Travis' Congressional Campaign manager Denny Smith ~~were doing some borderline legal stuff with their campaign finances (namely living off the fund!)~~ were involved in questionable campaign finance practices. Sorry, I do not trust this man, though out his mouth flows what we want to hear, that is probably more of what you will get from him in office.

City Council District 1

Chris Rutan - D

I chose him because he is the only candidate who has addressed the issues that face Columbus residents especially that of the 1st District. The Republican running for this district is not worth the vote. Dascal Bunch does not know the issues (having admitted this in public forum many times.

City Council District 2

Susan Thayer Fye - R

Ryan Brand - R is on the Planning Commission. He approved the sports complex site plan. He did not defend the City of Columbus. He already is serving against your interests. Susan is a landlord so she knows what development looks like. She runs a business so she knows how to actually be fiscally resonsible, like not piling on a 40million dollar debt for our children to pay off!

City Council District 3

Greg Noel -D

Again, the reason I picked Greg is because he has addressed the issues in a common sense way. Dan Spartz -R is not educated on what is going on, and has conflicts of interest (the hospital for one). Frank Jerome-R is most certainly active in City politics, but is a little far out there in left field when it comes to privatization and ambulance services.

City Council District 4

Frank Miller - R

Why not Walden? He seems a to not be informed on what is going on and seems to want to just halt everything because it costs something. This is gathered from different quotes from the paper and at forums. Frank Miller is going to question everything while in office, and I believe will actually communicate with the people instead of have them come to him.

City Council District 5

David Jones -R

Here's a man who is VERY well informed on the process of government and what is currently going on in City government. Here's a man who wants to develop, but do it in a smart and safe way, not like how the city is currently developing in the flood planes/ways and promoting the flooding of our city's residents and businesses!

RECAP!!

Kristen Brown - R Mayor
Teresa Henderson- R Clerk-Treasurer
Glen Petri - R CCAL
Bob Sullivan- R CCAL
Chris Rutan -D CCD1
Susan Fye -R CCD2
Greg Noel -D CCD3
Frank Miller - R CCD4
David Jones -R CCD5

This election is HUGE! it is going to turn out to be a VERY important one for the City of Columbus since the whole of City Hall is being changed out. Please go and vote! The City is counting on you!

Mayor Candidates Give Stump Speeches

2011-04-21T08:20:00.007-04:00

Here are the speeches from the Bartholomew County Republican Ladies League from the Mayoral Candidate. 5 mintues each.

Kristen Brown showed her experience in the corporate world and applied it to how she is capable and experienced in managing multi-faceted, billion dollar companies. She also has worked tirelessly at City Hall as a citizen activist, analysing financial records and getting to know the inner workings of City Government.

Greg Renner showed that he is like the current Mayor. If you were to bullet point Fred Armstrong's State of the City Address and compare it to Renner's, they would extremely similar. Talk about good things, talk about "move Columbus forward," and then attempt to publicly crucify the common person who would dare ask questions of his administration. Greg Renner would be more of the same closed government that we are experiencing today. Renner already seems to share City Hall's contempt or differing views from the citizens. How will he be in office?

During my campaign travels, I have found that there are some who are not interested nor do they care to see Columbus be the best of the best. Nor are they concerned about the heritage of our great city, or that so many before us have given of their time, their talent, and their treasures. My goal is to "Move Columbus
Forward." We have to much to offer the world. Ladies and Gentlemen, I will not yield to the "naysayers" because this race is about the heart and soul of
Columbus.

Who is Renner talking about? Who was Fred Armstrong talking about.

What more has to be said about Renner? He already has extreme contempt for the people. He just publicly attacked people who care deeply about this City. Who are concerned about decisions made over the past few years. Who want to see Columbus be the best it can be, and they want to help it along! Folks, Greg Renner is talking down caring citizens EXACTLY like this current Mayor did at the State of the City Address.

There is no greater foolish act in politics than for a candidate to insult the people he hopes will elect him. Renner has too many similarities with the local progressive/liberal sect of the Democratic party. Renner is far from being a Republican.

Joe Richardson once again, just like in the WTPI forum, does not see anything wrong with government or what it is or is not doing. Joe Richardson is a classic example of someone who just cannot see the problems people keep bringing up to him (especially about roads) going to the length of publicly denying the poor shape of many of Columbus' roads. Richardson wants to communicate with the people in a more modern way. Richardson has been a City Councilman for a while. Why is it only now he is concerned about communicating with the people in the 21st century? Joe Richardson has had time in office and on the trail to prove himself. He just has not risen to the high standards the people expect of the Mayor of Columbus.

Mark White is indeed a down to earth man. His speech is not eloquent, but it is very easy to understand and resonates also with what people are thinking. Though he is a good intentioned candidate, I do not think he has proper experience to attract businesses around the state, nation, and world like Kristen Brown or even the other two candidates.

Kristen Brown was a clear winner at this event. She was also the clear winner at the IUPUC forum last night, again, showing her experience in the corporate world in her thought processes with decision making concerning energy efficiency, police force numbers, and how to bring businesses to Columbus.

Vision 20/20 Changes over night

2011-04-20T09:55:00.004-04:00

So remember in the speech where Fred Armstrong said Ski-Lakes were never part of Vision 20/20?

You might also remember my recent post where I linked Vision 20/20 on the columbus.in.gov website where Ski Lakes are mentioned and outlined.

Well, certain people have gone to lengths to make changes over-night to the website. That's fine. There was a revision which took out ANY and all mentionings of Ski Lakes. Appareantly the "new" presentation was made January 28, 2011.

Also, they made sure the link was named the same as the old document, so the old presentation is not on there. That is fine. It's an old document. The new presentation is the current plan.

However, we cannot ignore that the Mayor insists and insisted that the Ski-Lakes were NEVER a part of Vision 20/20. That's wrong. It was until January 28 of this year.

Also, Vision 20/20 was and is still on a website. It is revised now, but it has been on the Columbus website and is still on the website.

However, to document that Ski-Lakes were in the plan, The Republic June 20,2009 Sports Page C4 Titled "Columbus: Water-skiing mecca?"

The Republic January 17 2010 Front Page Titled "City officials hope to build on potential"

Officials hope other construction will begin soon, including Candlewood Suites,
the Richard L. Johnson Conference and Education Center, an apartment complex
around one of the parking garages and an indoor sports complex next to the jail.

However, hotel developer Tim Dora said that due to economic conditions,
the project will begin no sooner than the second half of the year and could be
delayed further if the economy does not improve.

Other projects are
farther in the future, including an outdoor sports complex south of Second
Street (east of Lafayette Street) and competitive ski lakes
north of Indiana 46 (just west of downtown on 150 acres.)

City officials
hope the developments attract businesses and people and generate excitement

DEVELOPING DOWNTOWN: Ski lakes, complexes eyed as sports draw
January 18, 2010

Outdoor sports complex tied to lakes
January 28, 2010

Construction of the outdoor sports complex south of City Hall by Lafayette Avenue and Water Street, could begin in the fall, said Ed Curtin, executive director of Columbus Redevelopment Commission.

However, the project is tied to the construction of three water ski lakes near downtown, north of Jonathan Moore Pike. Dirt removed to create the lakes would be used to build the baseball field above flood level.

ISMF’s $98K gift to fund ski lake plan
February 2, 2010

Water ski lakes perfect plan for land Harry McCawley
February 5, 2010

All of these are from the Republic from different journalists and even an editorial by the editor.

Though the March 10,2010 plan is no longer up, it is evident that Water Ski Lakes are not a rumor, but were at one time part of Vision 20/20. At least, for now, they are not.

The Mayor is Hernando Cortes?

2011-04-20T08:31:00.006-04:00

This was possibly the most hilarious part of the evening of the State of the City Address when the Mayor attempted to make strong allusions of himself to Hernando Cortes. The problem is, he needs to learn his history.

The Mayor leaves it to be thought that Cortes left Spain to conquer Mexico. He did not. He would actually leave Cuba 15 years later to conquer Mexico.

He actually left Spain to become a Colonist in Hisponola, where Nicolás de Ovando y Cáceres, a distant relative, was Governor. He then took part in another conquerors expedition of Hispanola and was rewarded with land and indian slaves.

Then, contrary to how Armstrong claimed Cortes dropped the "whiners and complainers" off at Cuba, Cortes actually aided, not led, but aided a conquest in Cuba. Mr. Velazquez, the conqueror of Cuba, was given Governorship. Cortes was given to be the Clerk to the Treasurer in Cuba. He rose through the ranks in Cuba to Magistrate of Santiago and had land, cattle, slaves, and mines in his accumulated wealth.

Then someone else, by the name of Juan de Grijalva, had colonized a portion of Mexico. Cortes was appointed Captain-General by Velazquez to help out Grijalva. Cortes was advised by someone to act quickly because Velazquez might change his mind, but, though Cortes ammassed a fine army to go to Mexico, he ,being a womanizer, chased after Velasquez's sister-in-law, Catalina, made eyes with her sister, then finally married Catalina because of pressure from Velazquez.

Though Cortes moved to conquer Mexico, after missing two expeditions already, even being under orders, Velazquez, the Governor and authority over Cortes, revoked the expedition's charter, but that did not stop Cortes. (I guess the Mayor means he is willing to even defy the people who give him authority and power, the people.)

Cortes committed mutiny.

The rest of what he said is true. To prevent any idea of retreat, Cortes scuttled the 11 ships they had sailed to Veracruz on.

So what have we learned from this history lesson? That Cortes was a womanizer (he contracted and recovered from syphilis and was involved with women in Spain and Cuba, having been injured in Spain running out of the bed chamber of a married woman. Cortes had political motives and was indeed power hungry. Cortes cared not for the people who gave him authority, and committed mutiny against his Governor of Cuba and killing the guy, Luis de Medina, who was supposed to replace him.

Where were the whiners and complainers in this? None, unless you count the person Cortes should have submitted to.

So if the Mayor is indeed Cortes, then how does that apply to Columbus? Well, he must be a mutinous, power hungry conqueror who has no concern for the voices of the people who put him in power, and is willing to kill people (politically) who might get in his way. Oh, and he is not above "burning the boats" or forcing people into something they might not want with no hope of changing course. You might say that issuing bonds before a project is even developed, and approved by commissions and state agencies is burning the boats, forcing thousands of Bartholomew County, COUNTY, citizens into a tax for the next 15 years. Though that was this City Council, it was the Mayor's appointed commissions who demanded it happen.

The Mayor needs to find better speech writers. Preferably one who gets his/her history straight, but since this is the Mayors last State of the City Address, it would be a waste of time. Hopefully the new administration will not make up their own version of well recorded history to suit their political and egotistical whims.

Did the Mayor Really Say That?

2011-04-19T22:44:00.006-04:00

Our department heads did an outstanding job cutting their budgets without a “real” noticeable cut in service and we continued working on a number of important economic development projects as well.

Still, we knew some people would make this a personal attack and they were quick to jump on that bandwagon.

As a Vietnam veteran, I fought to protect our First Amendment Rights including their right to speak freely. But to do or say whatever it takes, the truth or not, to destroy the record of public officials regardless of their actual service to our commUNITY is not in anyone‘s best interest.

The credit belongs to those who are actually in the arena. Those who strive valiantly, but sometimes error and come up short because there is never effort without error or shortcoming.

At best, WE know the triumph of high achievement. At worst, if we fail, at least we do so while daring greatly. OUR place shall never be with the “naysayers” who know neither victory nor defeat.

For the past year we have listened to critics attacked almost every good thing that has happened in Columbus. They have attacked every elected official, many appointed officials, and even our volunteers.

They certainly have attacked our city‘s leadership and the integrity of our leaders.

Although I have not been willing to engage in their attacks, having been Mayor 4-terms and spending more than 40-years as a public servant, I can tell you without hesitation: Moving this great city forward is ENTIRELY about leadership.

So, I hope you understand that it makes no sense to me when a group‘s sole purpose is to defeat those currently serving or to oppose every good thing that our commUNITY has worked hard to accomplish.

Their top priority is to unseat incumbents and to stop any kind of progress.

WE have taken responsibility and actions for what “the people” told us they valued so, it begs the question, why would they choose to reject upholding the values of our commUNITY and the wishes of our people? Now, if you can answer that one – you‘re smarter than I am.

It is not just what you see or don‘t see - it is recognizing that our Administration has listened to and learned from many diverse groups. We have been willing to compromise and build important alliances. We have seen first-hand the integrity and commitment of city employees, volunteers and residents.

I have been operating under the assumption that the reason these people have been devoting so much time and energy to tearing Columbus down is that they just don‘t get it.

Well, I was wrong. The problem isn‘t that they don‘t get it – the problem is WE are letting them sell it.

Earlier this year, my Pastor‘s sermon was about “fools”. He said “a fool is not an ignorant person - a fool is someone who actually has the ability to come to a logical conclusion but who refuses to accept the “evidence””.

These people are not ignorant – they just refuse to accept the ““evidence””.

We have important issues to address and we need people ready to address them. But I promise you – these people are not interested in solving problems.

They are interested in three things: bringing progress to a complete halt, blaming somebody else for doing it and smearing the names and reputations of public officials regardless of our records of service to this commUNITY.

They think this is how they can win elections. They gather a few like-minded people, who fire one another up with their rhetoric, they talk about what they believe to be the shortcomings of others, they talk about the things they think we have done wrong and they want to stop everything.

Stop creating jobs, stop creating educational opportunities, stop securing our neighborhoods, stop economic development, stop investing in Columbus.

Voters elected US so while “they” focused on politics of personal destruction, we ignored them.

We addressed important issues, adding to a strong record of momentum and we accomplished goals important to Columbus‘s future.

Proverbs 29:18 tells us: “Where there is no Vision, the people perish”.

They have offered not one piece of evidence that they can do better. They are interested in creating controversy and, as far as I am concerned, their 15 minutes ends tonight.

Who is he talking about? Surely no one I have seen. When asked who these "naysayers" are, the Mayor replied "Everyone knows who they are."

Well, I have heard this speech before. Let us disect it down and see if the Watchman agrees with anything he said.

Who has made this a personal attack? If the Watchman has EVER personally attacked anyone, the Watchman would like to apologize, just show us where we did, we will take down the post, we will publish a post of apology. There is no personal attacking going on here. It's not that people hate the Mayor. Absolutely not. Many people do not like the way things have gone from point A to point B. That's the issue, Mr. Mayor. Your person is of no insterest to this publication. It is what you do or do not do that is of interest.

The people indeed are not ignorant, but it is this current council and administration which refuses to see reason and evidence. An example is the Ski Lakes. The Mayor said it tonight

"Ski lakes are not part of nor have they ever been part of Vision 2020.

As long as I am Mayor, there will be no publically funded ski lakes anywhere in the City of Columbus.

This is a rumor – not an issue."

The Watchman presented the Mayor with a polite fact-check at the end of his speech. Maybe he does not know that Vision 20/20 is on the Columbus Website but after pointing out that the Vision 20/20 presentation as of March 12,2010 is on the site and includes Ski Lakes, he insisted it is not in the plan. After pursuing the matter insisting that it is on the website, the Mayor said he does not care what it says or who put it up there, but it is not the plan, paraphrasing.

Judy Johns-Jackson also confronted the Watchman saying that they are not in Vision 20/20. Her statement, which she repeated 5 or more times in a row, "Vision 20/20 is not on ANY website."

The truth is quite clear. The City of Columbus Government website indicates Ski Lakes. Ladies and Gentlemen, although the Mayor is right in saying that their will not be publicly funded Ski Lakes in his adminsitration, Ski Lakes ARE a part of Vision 20/20 and have been for a while (before 2010).

It would seem that the Mayor and his administration are guilty of denying the evidence. I digress.

They Mayor also paints the picture that all those who do not see things his way want to:

Stop creating jobs, stop creating educational opportunities, stop securing our neighborhoods, stop economic development, stop investing in Columbus.

Who, Mr. Mayor, has ever EVER said that? The Watchman will stand with the Mayor that if anyone is for those things above, then they are NOT what we need in this city, but the Watchman knows of no such person who has stood up to say these things.

And let it be known that no one is denying great things have happened in Columbus. The Commons, the airport, Ivy Tech, the Columbus Learning Center, IUPUC, Purdue College of Technology, the hospital, and many more things are absolutely GREAT for our city!

However, let us not disregard other things just because some great things have been done.

The argument that the Watchman makes is that it is the people, not the government, that has made Columbus great! The Mayor agrees with the Watchman.
"To “the people” of Columbus, thank you for entrusting us with our great city. You welcomed us into your homes and businesses, your schools and your churches. You inspired us with your resilience and creativity. I have no doubt why Columbus is in such a strong position today – YOU are the reason."

Exactly. The people, especially private enterprise, is the reason Columbus is so great. Irwin Miller had a great vision for Columbus. He believed in it so much that he gave Otter Creek Golf course and the old Commons to Columbus as a GIFT! He believed in it so greatly that he encouraged Cummins to invest in Columbus privately which set a high bar to other companies to give back to the people. To invest in Columbus. To make it great. Because Irwin Miller realized that government alone cannot fix all the problems and provide everything for nothing, but he had a vision that he believed in so much that he planned, and financed many operation which have given us MANY things in Columbus.

What did the City governmet do? Nothing really. They did the best thing they could have done. They worked to find good property, zone it, and stayed out of the way of private enterprize making Columbus great.

The people have made this City what it is. It seems, from what many people are saying, that the people are not comfortable with the way City Government is trying to pull itself up at great cost (not just a nickel or dime here and there) to the taxpayer.

The Mayor really said these hurtful things. I know of no one to whom any of these characterizations apply. It is apparent, though, that is how this Council and administration view the opinion, solutions, and ideas of the public concerning how to do something better; with contempt.

Bring a Broom and Sweep 'Em Out!

2011-04-18T22:39:00.008-04:00

The following was sent to us via email:

There will be a Rally Today at 5:30 p.m. on the Commons sidewalks immediately prior to and during the Mayor's final State of the City Address. This Rally is non-partisan, non-organization specific and is intended to juxtapose the rhetoric that the Mayor, no doubt, will be tauting during his speech. The organizers ask that you plan on a peaceful, yet poignant demonstration.

The overall theme will be "Sweep Em' Out" as such please bring a broom with you, any broom will do, so we can effectively demonstrate that our intentions are to clean up city government and "Sweep Em' Out" on May 3rd.

Please show your support for this Rally and your disdain for how the City has disregarded you, your property and your paycheck over the last 8 years!!!!

Signs showing factual information (spending, debt, flooding, Tax Abatement's, TIF, EDIT etc...) that the city has disregarded will be allowed, but PLEASE verify your information before creating your signs!

The Watchman asked David Jones, who is one of the people who is spreading the word about this meeting, if this is a Tea Party event. He said "it is absolutely not a Tea Party Event. It is however a public event, and anyone who wishes to attend may want to bring a broom." "This rally is being organized as a public event, anyone that would like to participate can. It isn't intended to disrupt the Mayor or his speech. It is also being organized by concerned citizens that want to expand on progress and make the city a more ideal place for families to live and be able to make a living," he said

When asked how this idea came about, Jones replied "Glenn Petri (Republican City Council at Large Candidate) and I began talking about this event last week. He brought up the idea of "Sweep Em' Out" as a theme to illustrate the point of the demonstration. We wanted to make it a point to let the public know that there are more things going on than the mayor will speak about during his address."

Oh, you mean like the $35 million in debt Armstrong has put us in over his tenure, but that's just in principle that's left! That's not including interest! We will still be trying to pay off this debt for decades!

"I personally hope that the general public will be aware thatthere are more issues affecting the city than what the Mayor is sure to be highlighting on Tuesday," Jones said.

David Jones denied the notion that this should be considered a complain rally "There are great things going on in Columbus, but I think it isn't because city government made it happen, that distinction belongs to the people of the city. This rally isn't designed to be a boisterous, loud or obnoxious demonstration. Our intention is solely awareness."

Spend the evening doing something simple, but then yet crucial. Show up at the rally. Meet people. See what they think about what is going on. See how great the Community of Columbus is and how it is endangered by the City government sworn to serve it. Then go down to a place like Zaharakos or one of the restaraunts downtown and grab some ice cream or something to eat. It is the people who make this City great! Not the government which spits in the people's face!

Planning Commission Video

2011-04-14T23:29:00.003-04:00

The following 5 Videos are of the Planning Commission's meeting on April 13, 2011 in Columbus City Council Chambers.

One thing to note is that Ball players from North were dragged in by their coaches, and apparently supported by Superintendent Dr. John Quick. Forgive me if I do not feel sorry for the ball players in that their own school corporation decided to destroy their ball fields. I personally voted no on that question during the election, by the way.

These kids do need a field, but they showed up to the wrong meeting. They need to yell at Dr. Quick and the School Board.

It is most fortunate that certain people diffused the situation that the school corporation seemed to try to create, and that is one of extreme tension. If you are against this project, then you must be against these kids who just want to play baseball.

It is sick that North's principle, the ball coaches and Dr. Quick would teach and encourage such actions to our young ones. It's just sick.

Sefchek Seeks Nomination at State Convention

2011-04-14T22:08:00.003-04:00

On April 29, Joshua Sefchek will travel to LaPorte, IN to seek the Libertarian Party's nomination to become the At-Large candidate for Columbus' Common Council. Libertarians do not hold primaries in Indiana, but rather choose candidates at conventions. Many counties hold local conventions to determine county candidates, however, Bartholomew County Libertarians are nominated and selected at the State convention.

While Sefchek has been the most active person seeking the nomination, the Party does not have official candidates until after the convention. In LaPorte, Sefchek will face off against other Libertarians seeking the Libertarian Party's nomination. After the nominees are presented, the convention delegates will then vote to determine who will be the party's candidate. The winner of the vote, the Chairman and Secretary of the State Party will then complete and file the CAN-22 and any other documents to notify the Indiana Election Division and the County Election Board that the winning nominee should be placed on the November ballot as a Libertarian Candidate.

Sefchek expressed confidence in his ability to secure the Party's nomination. "The people want to be served by a responsible, open, limited government and that is the choice I represent," said Joshua Sefchek. "I have a plan to reduce the burden the city government has become on the people of Columbus." "We're excited for Joshua Sefchek to put his name up for nomination as a Libertarian," said Chris Spangle, Executive Director of the Libertarian Party of Indiana. "It's important that cities like Columbus have real choices in local elections. The current group of councilors choose tax and spend as their economic development strategy, regardless of party affiliation. Libertarians like Joshua seek to put more money back in the pockets of Hoosiers by taking less of it."

Joshua Sefchek is a first-time candidate and full-time resident of Columbus. He currently works in Columbus as a software engineer and is a founder and owner of the Indiana Credit Establishment Foundation Inc, a small not-for-profit business.

Planning Commission Approves Half-Baked Idea

2011-04-13T23:18:00.006-04:00

Video will be up soon.

The planning Commission decided to approve the Sports Complex site plan (which apparently has changed even since the public open house. 5-6 new drawings were on the walls of the City Council Chambers. These drawings were not in the public open house, but Ed Curtin, Executive Director of the Redevelopment Commission, said that the four drawings that were present were sufficient.

Apparently not sufficient enough since audience members also claimed not seeing the drawings at the public open house which was supposed to inform the public as to the whole plan and its details.

Honestly, Mr. Curtin failed at the open house to even address public questions concerning the project. Many times were the phrases "I don't know that off the top of my head" or "ballpark figure" or "estimate(d)" offered as answers to questions not only by the Watchman, but to citizens as well.

When asked how the Redev Commission came to conclusion that the site downtown was the best site, Ed told of how they Redev Commission sat around on a computer and looked through the GIS system to view plots of land. From what he told me, they never visited these sites to see for themselves what the land was like, and this "study", which by the way is not recorded anywhere nor documented as ever happening.

When asked where the documentation on that meeting was or where a chart of possible sites, their advantages, disadvantages were, he stated there is no such document. When asked where the business plan for this project his, Ed Curtin said there is none. When asked about return on investment, he cited a number given by the Columbus Area Visitor's Center which stated and "estimated" 3million dollar economic impact, but the CAVC has no actual study either to back this claim up.

When asked about a hydrology study, he said one has not been done, though clearly it would be nice to do one since people are so worried about flooding.

Ed Curtin, along with governmental proponents of this project, cite a 2005 "study" where supposedly 4,000 citizens were asked various questions about what they wanted to see in Columbus. From that, they conceived Vision 20/20 or the "Strategic Plan." I have asked Judy Johns-Jackson about this "study," but once again, nothing was really recorded. There is no data for anyone to look at. For all the average citizen knows, the government asked no one and just made it up. I am not claiming that, but it cannot be proven true or false since no documentation exists to prove or deny it. So let us briefly cover what has just been said.

Ed Curtin's staff has no idea as to the hydrological effect on the area after this project, no business plan, no way to truly back up reasons why the site was chosen over other sites, no study to back up claims of Economic Development, and the whole premise of the project is to complete the "Strategic Plan" which was ill-conceived and has no proof that any conversation with the people ever took place.

I do not know of a single business owner or board, having talked to a few, who would approve ANY project under those circumstances.

To add insult to injury, Griffin Industries' own attorney came to present to the Commission the flaws and failures of the Redev plan to meet certain criteria of the Planning Commission. He did so very successfully. He also brought up Griffin's unsatisfied concerns about traffic through their private drive during games and tournaments. He asked the Commission to demand the Redev Commission include a fence and gate in front of the drive to prevent public transportation into the drive.

Also, the attorney brought up a concern over safety of children walking around mentioning that more than 30 trucks come in a day and that spells danger for kids who might be wandering around nearby. Ed Curtin before and after the presentation by Griffin stated that Griffin's concerns had been satisfied.

Griffin also stated that it might not be a good idea to put the sports complex there just for the fact that their business involves burning animal carcasses which gives off foul odors. So ball players, including the puppet North High School ball players who were dragged in by their coaches, would have to not only compete against the other team, but with their business as well.

Along these lines, two people gave very uncalled for remarks regarding the odor. Jessie Hill, Democratic Vice-Chairman of Bartholomew County, told Griffin that they are the cause and partly to blame why Columbus downtown is not developing referencing a supposed incident where a tourist told a police officer that he was in Columbus for the architecture, but the stench will keep him from ever coming back. She must not realize the Columbus Waste Water Treatment plant also smells pretty bad too and that Griffin's odor has died down due to change of how they render carcasses.

Ann Devore, City Councilwoman and a member of the Planning Commission also insulted Griffin on their business. It would seem that the progressives actually want to drive away business and industry from Columbus, rather than encourage it.

Is that what Vision 20/20 is?

Another citizen brought up the fact that the purpose of these fields has changed dramatically from its conception even over the past months up to this point. He asked Ed Curtin there are going to be league and tournaments there at the site for 9 months out of the year, then when can the public actually use this space.

That question was never answered by Ed or the Commission.

Sherry Stark, from the audience, stated that the project is a good one and that it has the backing of the community, and that the Commission should not focus on a few bad details when making the decision on such a great project. What world is she from?

The community made it quite clear in the Public Open House that they do NOT approve of this project. 34 negative comments were made in reference to the project while only 4 were made in favor of it. This is out of 100 people who attended the Open House. This means that more people thought it was so bad that they were moved to write something than those who thought it was great and were moved to write something. Sorry, Sherry, the community would disagree with you and how dare you invoke the name of a Community you are disconnected from!

Secondly, that is the whole reason the Planning Commission exists: to look at the details and decide if it passes their criteria, which this plan does not, as presented by Griffin Industries or even by Commissioner Dave Fisher's standards.

Dave Fisher, who voted no, stated that he voted no because a major provision of the "Strategic Plan" is to not develop in a flood way. He said that though this project is nice, it is a bad place since it is in the flood fringe, which he considers is a technicality. His view is that building in the flood fringe will affect the flood way so it should be avoided.

Ann Devore shot back that if people thought like that 70 years or 100 years ago, Columbus would be a small village. Just because people have overdeveloped certain parts of Columbus before, does not give us the excuse to do the same, knowing the effects on flooding, especially after the Lagoons.

Dave Bonnell and Robert Lang also voted against the project resulting in an 8-3 vote from the Commission in favor of the project.

Even Ryan Brand, who has given speeches about ROI in all Columbus projects, voted for this.(That is why I endorse Sue Fye for District 2 City Council!)

Some conclusions can be made from these proceedings. The current City Council and Redev Commission views the people's opinions and input with contempt, unless it is in agreement with their views. This can be evidenced with Priscilla Scalf's classic comment that the "people feel disconnected from their government." It's not the people who are disconnected. These people have been in too long. Many are leaving. Even attorneys are jumping ship. It's because the government has been disconnected from the people for too long, and the people are catching up to their misdeeds.

Again, this is not a project. It is not even a plan. It is not even an idea. It is a developed though, or a half-baked idea. When the executive director does not even know the status of the project, at a meeting specifically for the issuing of knowledge and information to the people, you know you don't have an actual plan together. This whole idea needs to be rethought from the ground up with full public knowledge and input from day 1! The sad thing about this whole debacle is that the 8.2 million dollar bonds are already issued.

Yes, issued. Issued before any approval of project by the Planning Commission, DNR, Army Corps of Engineers, INDOT, IDEM, Zoning, and other commissions both Municipal and State Affiliated. I do not know of any company that would take a liability of 8.2 million on a plan that has not passed approval by various agencies, has no business plan, has no hydrology study, has no purpose justification, and has little from the company (the community in this case).

Let's get some real change into our City government. Let's get the rats out and clean it all up.

Watchman Askes Clerk-Treasurers Question

2011-04-13T22:45:00.006-04:00

After the Forum held by We the People Indiana, the Watchman approached Luanne Welmer and Teresa Henderson (both Republicans running for Columbus City Clerk Treasurer) a very important question. Recently, the Clerk Treasurer's office wrote 5 checks totalling $400,000.00 to Columbus Downtown Inc. with no documentation to justify writing the check. What are your feelings on that, and what would you do differently in office, or would you?

Luanne Welmer said that she works in Accounts Payable at the Clerk-Treasurer's office and that she felt uneasy about writing the checks, citing that the documentation was not to SBOA's standards. She said she would demand proper documentation before writing checks, as Clerk Treasurer. Ms. Welmer also stated that she was told it was for Downtown Development, so no description was necessary.

Teresa Henderson immediately said that that would not happen in her office. She would not write the check until she had documentation that would satisfy SBOA when they do their audits. She also went on to recognize that it is part of the Clerk-Treasurer's office to perform checks on the Council and Mayor concerning finances. She cited SBOA as her authority for demanding from the Commissions or Council information concerning transactions or payments to be made.

There are two different answers here.

Luanne Welmer gives the obvious one. Of course no one would do something so outrageously irresponsible as to write a check without knowing what is being paid for, but she kind of did. Possibly knowing she was going to run for public office, she still wrote those checks. Now, she is an employee of the City, and not an official, but integrity would demand that she report it to SBOA or the newspaper, or some state agency. She did not indicate that she did that.

Teresa, though, recognizes the power of the office she is seeking. I believe she recognizes what a check and balance the Clerk-Treasurer's office really is on the other two branches (Council and Mayor). She realizes she holds the power and authority to hold things up if financial requirements are not met or if things are not documented properly. Ms. Henderson also mentioned that she wants to work on getting audio and possibly video recording started at the City Council and other commission meetings. She said the technology is available since the Planning Commission records audio of theirs (apparently they are the only ones who do that). She said that if someone makes a comment, it never makes the written minutes because the staff cannot transcribe what is not recorded.

It would seem that Ms. Henderson, though having no actual experience in the office, actually understands what the office is, seeing as she cited statute to the Watchman.

Teresa Henderson right now works for the Mayor as an assistant. Being outside of the office gives her a different outlook on the office of the Clerk-Treasurer since she has seen it from the outside, but inside the City portion of business.

It the belief of the Watchman that comparing Ms. Welmer to Ms. Henderson results in seeing more benefits or advantages to the people with having Teresa Henderson as the next Clerk-Treasurer of Columbus Indiana.

Commissioners Respond to Public Concerns About VIP

2011-03-28T18:40:00.005-04:00

i attended the County Commissioner's Meeting monday March 28th 2011. I wished to voice concern over a recent move by the VIP to stay inside the infrastructure of the Visitor's Center. I was not the only one there. Another gentleman also brought up his concern and asked the Commissioners to do something to separate the VIP from the Visitor's Center whether the VIP liked it or not.

My opposition was focused not on the visitor's center, but on the VIP. the problem really is not that I am concerned about the job the Visitor's Center is doing. I stated that they are doing a terrific service for tourism for Bartholomew County specifically Columbus. However, the oversight of public funds is what is really in question here.

In a

Brown and White Harmonize with People

2011-03-16T22:24:00.005-04:00

Kristen Brown and Mark White, Republican Mayoral Candidates, were the clear winners of Wednesday night's Meet the Candidate Forum.

Kristen Brown started by going over her history in Columbus. How she graduated from North, how she went to Brown and Harvard, how she pursued a career in the global corporate world. She also talked about her recent activism in local politics where she has revealed problems ahead concerning City finances. She champions the repeal of the trash tax and has been a proponent against raising taxes.

Mark White says he is down to earth. He promises to deduct $15,000 from his Mayoral salary, if elected, to show the citizens that he is going to cut the budget from the top down. He says that he wants to see projects go one at a time because the City cannot afford to spend millions on multiple projects and then see older buildings and roads be neglected. He also assured people that City vehicles would be used for City business and not personal business.

Greg Renner finally told people what his business experience is, not just being a car salesman. Apparently Renner has also run a business training firm. What all that entails, is not known. He claims there is a disconnect of the government from the people. He has previously proposed to create yet another committee to be transparent to the citizens. He believes the toter tax is inappropriate. He wants to move Columbus forward. This seems to be some kind of catch phrase for him as he used it through out the night. His principles, he claims, are: Create Jobs, Getting the most out of a City dollar, a business approach to government, embrace diversity (where this came from, I have no idea), and opening government. He also wants to be a "tireless ambassador for Columbus."

Joe Richardson says his experience comes from being a police officer, having critical thinking skills, having "been there" (what this means is still a mystery), and having customer service skills (more on this absurdity later). He claims the doors of government are wide open. He says there is just not enough time for people to get out and follow what is going on. He said that his "tough" decisions he has had to make has kept Columbus in the black. I suppose he means by unnecessarily taxing the City with Trash and hydrant taxes and the County with EDIT. He wants to set up a website, as mayor, to communicate to the people what is going on and even record and post video of city meetings.

That is fine and dandy Joe, but why have you not done something similar as a Councilman? You could have easily found someone to help you set up a blog, record the meetings, post them on youtube and post them on the blog and then you could even deliver information that way too.

Too little too late, I'm afraid.

Bringing Companies to Columbus
Brown said bringing jobs to Columbus is a "three-legged-stool" of making sure amenities and quality of life is kept up, there is skilled labor and workforce developed, and that the city officials hit the pavement hard to recruit business and encourage current business to expand.

Greg Renner stated he wanted to create a new committee called "Job's First." Is adding to the bureaucracy of Columbus really going to help anything?

Joe Richardson wants to continue doing what is already being done. Work with the Economic Development Board and talk to businesses. It's not working, but at least he wants to do something, I suppose.

Getting Back to Good Roads
Mark White stated that if projects were kept to a minimum, then maybe roads and sidewalks could actually be addressed.

Greg Renner gave a generic answer of creating efficiencies to save money and repair roads.

Joe Richardson denied in this question and another that roads are not a problem in Columbus. Apparently, if more than one person is asking about roads, then why do you still think it is not a problem?

Kristen Brown noted that there seems to be a competition between sports tourism and roads, safety, and other basic essential City services for funding. She said that the basics need to be covered before moving on to other things, though she did note that sports tourism is a good thing for Columbus.

Distinguished Administration
When asked how their administration would differ from Armstrongs,

Greg Renner stated Economic Development would be a priority as well as transparency.

Joe Richardson said he would be "new," and would help Columbus move forward with what is being done already. (basically, he says that he is going to be a Republican Fred Armstrong.)

Kristen Brown stated that selling Columbus to businesses as a good city to come to would be a priority as well as running a tighter financial ship. She pointed to accountability and reception to input from citizens as ways she would differ from Armstrong.

Mark White argued for a tighter government. He also proposed to tell owners of empty buildings to sell the buildings or tear them down for something new to be placed there.

Wheel Tax?
Kristen Brown supported her proposal of no new taxes, even for infrastructure, noting that the EDIT was supposed to be for infrastructure too. She brought up that property taxes have increased at 3x the rate of inflation in Columbus. She called for looking to the budget by cutting costs without cutting necessary resources.

Mark White replied no and said that he would look to the budget to find the funds for infrastructure.

Greg Renner said no and said he would create efficiencies to create the funds.

Joe Richardson denied the poor quality of roads and infrastructure. Obviously, he is disconnected from the people as a Councilman.
Helping Small Business
Kristen Brown said that after talking with small business owners, one major problem in creating a small business in Columbus is the zoning ordinance. She said she would work with small business to streamline the process of starting up. She noted that large businesses do indeed add a lot more than jobs to Columbus. They help support other businesses by their employees shopping and eating in town, but she stated that there should be a level playing field.

Mark White also noted the favoritism in City government. He also argued for creating incentives for small businesses to start up in Columbus.

Greg Renner once again pointed to his committee, Jobs First.

Joe Richardson basically said he would act as a complaint manager. "It's just opinions" he said. Apparently, he doesn't think there is anything wrong with the city government when his 3 opponents do and the rest of the near 100 citizens in that room do. Disconnection.

Verdict
Kristen Brown was an obvious winner of this forum. Even people in the audience commented on how she sounded like she was well educated on what is going on, especially finance. Many noted the standoffish nature of Joe Richardson. He says he has customer service skills, but his body language was very intimidating and very perplexed that anyone would criticize the decisions he makes as a Councilman.

Mark White came at a solid second. He indeed was very down to earth. He spoke in a way that was close to the people. He seems to have a common sense approach to management and government. He articulated problems and solutions very well, and it seemed to resonate with the people.

This may be just a curse of his trade, but Renner seemed very much like a car salesman. Nice words and smile, but something else might be up his sleeve. Audience members talked about how he wants to grow city government with more committees. He seemed to give very generic answers.

Joe Richardson was probably the only true loser of the forum. Joe Richardson rubbed against the people, seeming to contradict with will and thoughts of the people by denying what they were saying about roads and small businesses, though these people own those small businesses and travel on those roads. I am reminded of Baron Hill who claimed that death panels and other mandates were not in the Obamacare legislation, but it turns out he was wrong and was just denying the people as an argument for Obamacare.

Ironically enough, the candidates sat in order of winning and political spectrum with Kristen Brown on the right and Joe Richardson on the left.

The next Meet the Candidates session will be on March 31 a the Airport at 6:30. That will be the Republican Primary City Council Districts 1-3 forum.

Visitor's Center is NOT the Government!

2011-03-04T11:52:00.004-05:00

Recently, there have been concerns about the way the Inn Keeper's tax is dispersed to entities in the County it serves (promotional entities like Columbus Area Visitors Center, Hope Area Welcome Center, etc).

In order to fully understand this, it must be understood how this tax came about. During the late 80's the Commissioners at the time thought it would be a good idea to publicly fund the promotion of the County and its cities and towns. So they created the Inn Keeper's Tax in accordance with IC 6-9-18. They also had to create a specific fund and a County Commission to disperse the funds to the promotional entities.

So the Commissioners create the Bartholomew County Convention, Recreation and Visitor Promotion Commission.

Later, they changed their name to VIP (Visitor's Information and Promotion Commission) and also merged with the Columbus Visitors Center Board, a private entity open to the public. In this merge, the now VIP wrote all rights to funds to be dispersed to CVC automatically. That means that Lynn Lucas, the registered agent of VIP and Executive Director of CVC can go quarterly to County Auditor Barb Hackman and ask for a check for the Visitor's Center.

The VIP is made up of 6 appointed members by the County Commissioners and 5 appointed members by the Mayor of Columbus. These members, since they are also now merged with the Visitor's Center, are also automatically on the Visitor's Center Board of Directors.

Hope Area Welcome Center is asking for money from the VIP.

Lynn Lucas does not like this saying

“Across-the-board cuts in marketing and operational expenses would have to be made, [to the Visitor's Center Budget]” she said.

“The best way to market Hope is to include it in a comprehensive, countywide marketing strategy,” she said.

“A visitor is more likely to select and travel to this area knowing that there are many interesting things to do.”
Source:The Republic

Sounds to me like Lynn Lucas does not want Hope to have any of the money that they have a right to.

The HAWC is only wanting $100,000 of the funds from the tax. That's about the size of Lynn Lucas's yearly salary and benefits.

Another problem seems to be that the VIP does not really know what it is really there for. The past couple meetings of the VIP have been all about making sure the board members have their history straight on how the board was created. Also, the Visitor's Center, County Commissioners, and the City of Columbus attourneys all met to discuss the legality of the merger. They also discussed possible ways to move forward: whether to separate VIP from the Visitor's Center since there is a conflict of interest, keep the current system (making Hope have to go through the Visitor's Center to get funds), or something else.

The funny thing is, the VIP does not even know which attourney actually represents them! They do not know if it is the CVC, the County, or the City.

Also, the VIP has never even been organized officially! They recently decided to appoint officers for the FIRST TIME EVER!

Here is the huge problem I see.

We have no oversight of tax dollars because of this system. It is not the fault of the current Commissioners because they were not in office at the time of the merger.

The Columbus Area Visitor's Center gets to write itself a check every quarter, and its director does not seem keen on the idea of letting Hope have any.

The Board, VIP, that is appointed by Commissioners and the City, does not even know what their duty is, has never been organized, and is officially a part of the organization they fund.

This is a special and conflict of interest scheme. I do not blame current VIP members for the current system either; however, now that everyone knows the truth, the VIP must take responsibility, take back the rights of the Innkeepers tax, separate from the Columbus Area Visitor's Center, and disperse funds to all lawfully qualified agencies and organizations in the county who request such funds, as is their right.

It must be understood that the Columbus Area Visitors Center is NOT the government, NEVER has been the government, and should not, therefore, act as a government agency.

Let us restore accountability to VIP. The truth is the first step. The second is accepting the truth. The step after that is following through with what is right.

If the VIP does not separate, the members should be replaced or the VIP should be destroyed by the Commissioners, a new commission be set up to officially handle the funds, and new appointees be put in place who will do the job asked of them.

Scalf Admits to Desire to Tax Trash

2011-03-03T21:46:00.004-05:00

"Priscilla Scalf today continued her opposition to the trash fees sponsored by the Republican majority of the City Council.

At this evening’s (Tuesday March 1, 2011) council meeting, Scalf criticized the majority for using trash fees as a source of revenue rather than tying them to the cost of services.

“This is a simple issue,” said Scalf. “The cost of sanitation services in Columbus is $2 million. Now no one here is talking about the cost of this service, because they’re too busy talking about how much money we need to balance the general budget. The Republican council wants to raise and lower our water bills in order to cover our bottom line. That’s not a service fee, that’s a tax, plain and simple.

Throughout the country, cities are successfully running pay-as-you-throw services that place control of the costs in the hands of consumers instead of politicians. It’s past time for Columbus to join them"

She's quite clear that she wants to tax Columbus for trash services.

Whatever Priscilla is, she is definitely NOT an anti-Trash Tax candidate. She is using obviously trying to mislead voters into thinking she does not want to tax them, but then at the same time tells people how she is going to tax them.

Rick Scalf is again spinning her mother's message for her quite well, just as Obama's media and PR people did for him and continue to do for him. She, on one hand, trys to put on the hat of a champion of the people, but then she turns around and puts on the hat of oppressive taxation.

The truth is, we DO NOT NEED A TAX AT ALL!

She claims to put the cost of waste in the hands of people, not politicians. In fact, Scalf's idea would cause most citizens to be taxed MORE.

How much trash does a family of 4-5 put out a week? 8 bags average? Under a $2 tax, that's $16 a WEEK. The fee is only $14 a MONTH right now and even was reduced to $5 a MONTH. Priscilla's idea would be oppressive to the people of Columbus.

Supposing Columbus' average person puts out 2 bags a week, at $2 (this is taken from Bloomington's trash service that Scalf is wanting to model) a bag, that is $4 a week. $208 year per person. Now, multiply that by 40,308 (population recorded in 2009) and that is $8.3 million dollars a YEAR the city would be raking in from the people.

The system now, even before the revision to $5, was far cheaper because the fee was flat per toter.

So when Priscilla says that she is worried about covering the service, not getting revenue, she is not fooling anyone. The numbers show her tax is more cumbersome and that her taxtion is oppressive to the people in Columbus.

Though she does not clearly state it, I will venture to guess that Scalf's "pay-throw" proposition has more to do with the Environmental/Green movement than it does effective governing of the people.

We need people in office who are going to cut government encroachment upon the people's lives and pocket, who are going to manage finances in a way that keeps taxes low and attracts businesses, who are going to be representative of the people and not special interests, and who will do the business of the city in broad daylight, not in the secrecy of closed meetings or private entities (CDI).

Scalf is just as much a part of the problem we have in Columbus as the Republicans she so excoriates in public. She may say she votes against some of their measures, but her ideas are along the same lines as theirs.

We need a TOTAL refresh in our local government. The Mayor, Clerk-Treasurer, and all City Council seats are open with only two councilors running for another term. We have plenty of people running, about 27 candidates from three parties. Let's get new people in, not more of the same, which is what Priscilla Scalf keeps telling us she is, through her actions and her words.

David Jones to Hold Forums for District 5

2011-02-25T22:33:00.002-05:00

City Council 5th District Candidate David Jones plans community forums for 5th District residents.

Forums will be held in March and April at the Bartholomew County Library Red Room.

Columbus, IN, February 25, 2011: David Jones 5th District City Council Candidate announced today the start of what will be open dialog with the residents of the 5th district with a series of forums designed to allow the residents of that district to voice their concerns. David will be on hand and will meet with residents on the dates below:

Saturday March 12, 2011 – Red Room – Bartholomew County Library / Noon – 4pm
Saturday March 19, 2011 Red Room – Bartholomew County Library / Noon – 4pm Saturday April 2, 2011 Red Room – Bartholomew County Library / Noon – 4pm
Saturday April 23 Red Room – Bartholomew County Library / Noon – 4pm

David has voiced concerns that City spending is in need of more scrutiny and that multiple areas of City Government need to be overhauled before true progress can be made. He said his first priorities as council member would be to give his constituents the voice they have been denied in the past and work diligently to repeal the City’s monthly trash fee, and focus on the roles City officials play in securing a safe city to live, work and play in.

Dem State Chair Flees Indiana

2011-02-23T17:05:00.005-05:00

Or at least it would appear that way. I called Dan Parker's office at 317-231-7100 and no one, even an operator, answered. I called his personal office number 317-407-9718. So I left a message when he did not answer.

Hello Mr. chairman. I was wanting to talk a little bit with you about what’s going on with our Indiana House Democrats right now.

When the Health care bill was passed through the house and senate of the Congress, did the Republicans run away? No, they stood their ground. They debated and talked about the issue, but they did not flee the country to avoid voting on the bill. Our democrats need to stand for the people and fulfill the oaths they took when they were elected into office by coming back to the state house and asking the Speaker to call a quorum so the session can continue.

This issue (of our Party’s members running away) is not about unions or budgets or teachers or education. It is about representing the people. How will our children look up to these Democrats in the future? As men and women who stood their ground? Or as cowards who ran rather than fought? We can talk about the unions and budgets and teachers, but not until our party gets it together and comes back to work.

Scalf Supports Trash Tax, Brown Opposes it

2011-02-15T09:17:00.008-05:00

Recently, Priscilla Scalf (seen right), mayoral candidate, gave a press release wherein she described her views and stance on the issue of the Trash Tax.

“When the new Trash Fee was first proposed, I did two things. First, I looked around at what other communities were doing about trash. Then, I set up a website and asked the people of our community to join in the discussion. Both actions made me believe that – even though it meant standing alone against the Republican majority – I had to oppose the Trash Fee.

I still oppose it, and will take this opportunity to remove the Trash Fee from the politics of the General Fund budget and eliminate it entirely. I still feel that the Republican majority is out of step. They are out of step with the approach that a growing number of American communities are taking with sanitation policy. More important, their approach has consistently been met with the disapproval of our own residents.

Regarding the so-called $5.00 Trash Fee reduction, that is not what we will vote on. The actual vote asks me to support the same system I have already opposed, but at a lower rate. I will oppose anything short of eliminating the Trash Fee entirely.

I still support the approach a growing number of communities across Indiana and across America are taking, which is a Pay-As-You-Throw program coupled with no-cost curbside recycling service. It effortlessly couples city trash revenues to trash costs, while putting families back in control of their own costs. It is fair, it is self-sustaining, and it moves Columbus forward into a cleaner, healthier world.”

Kristen Brown, mayoral candidate, (seen left) last year released her statement about trash tax in a letter to the editor of the Republic, Columbus local newspaper.

Last year, city officials raised our taxes, including the new trash tax and cut city services. They blamed property tax caps.

But the tax caps merely flattened the growth in city property tax revenues, not decreased them. Also, city officials don’t account for the property taxes – over $2 million this year – siphoned off by the downtown redevelopment commission into a separate, off-the-books tax ‘kitty.’

The city doesn’t have a revenue problem. The city has a spending problem.

If next year’s budget started with actual spending levels, the city could still do everything in the proposed budget, including the employee pay raises the mayor wants but the council is rejecting. And, do it all without the trash and fire hydrant taxes on our already ballooning utility bills for water and sewer.

The city would still have money left over. And that’s before addressing the inefficiencies, decentralized purchasing, weak internal controls and obvious waste reflected in today’s actual spending.

The mayor and council should go back to the drawing board on next year’s budget. Minimally, give overdue pay raises to the employees in harm’s way, our firefighters and police officers, and give the people a break – repeal the trash tax.

In the midst of that letter, which I excerpted, she described by how much the City would come underbudget by $2.5 Million according to the City Clerk Treasurer's office. She went on to show that the revenue from the trash fees are definitely covered in that amount and then some.

Scalf entitled her release "Scalf Fights to Repeal Trash Tax." But is she really wanting to repeal Trash Tax?

Let's revisit her release. "I still support the approach a growing number of communities across Indiana and across America are taking, which is a Pay-As-You-Throw program coupled with no-cost curbside recycling service. It effortlessly couples city trash revenues to trash costs, while putting families back in control of their own costs. It is fair, it is self-sustaining, and it moves Columbus forward into a cleaner, healthier world."

So really, REALLY, she is not against making you pay for trash service that is more than covered in budget.

What she REALLY is trying to do is force green living on the citizens by fining them for throwing trash away. Not all families can afford to do that. We have enough trouble from our Federal government trying to force people to "Go Green" by punishing citizens with fines, we do not need a Barack Obama in this city too.

Kristen Brown, on the other hand, makes her position quite clear.

1. Trash Tax was said to be needed because of tax caps by the state; that turns out to be false.

2. Current and future revenues will cover trash collections service AND employee pay raises for this year and maintain the trash service for future budgets.

3. Since the Trash Tax is only padding our budgets, then we need to repeal it.

She says nothing about replacing the tax, she says to repeal it!

Now Scalf, having a good political spin artist, Rick Scalf, tries to identify the main problem of the Tax as being a Republican problem. True, the local Republican party is quite liberal when it comes to fiscal issues. But she is trying to distance herself away from the Trash Tax by claiming that Democrats do not support Trash Tax. Well, this Democrat, Scalf, does. She just supports a different form of tax.

So here's my verdict on this issue. We have Scalf who is misleading the public to make them believe that she is for elminating a tax when she REALLY just wants to replace it with a different form of tax.

Then we have Brown who clearly states she wants this tax GONE. She also makes it quite clear that the city never needed the money. She obviously has no intention of replacing the Trash Tax with another Trash Tax.

Kristen Brown has obviously won this issue. She speaks clearly, and without trying to mislead the public on her stance and her real intentions, unlike Scalf.

Scalf Supports the Trash Tax, Brown Opposes It!

Speeches at the HCS

2011-01-28T10:13:00.003-05:00

Continuing the coverage of the Hoosiers for a Conservative Senate Meeting in Sharpsville, Indiana. No one else is giving this kind of video coverage (not even the regualar news media!) Enjoy!

PART 1

Pat Miller :News Talk WOWO
Greg Fettig: America Refocused
Lisa Deaton: We the People Indiana
Mark Holwager: We the People Jennings County

PART 2

Monica Boyer: Silent No More

Sorry that Monica's speech is cut off and the lady after her is not in this. Technical difficulties prevented me from getting anywhere further. My deep apologies to Monica and the next speaker. My dearest apologies to my audience members who do not get to see those speeches.

Pat Miller Speaks at HCS Meeting

2011-01-26T22:24:00.002-05:00

PART 1

PART 2

Watchman Interviews Greg Fettig of HCS

2011-01-26T01:13:00.005-05:00

Here's is my interview with one of the organizers of Hoosiers for a Conservative Senate. Their hope is to replace the ex-conservative Richard Lugar. Though his service was noted throughout the meeting, the group, representing about 350,000 hoosiers from 80 TEA Party groups across the state are looking to replace the current Sr. Senator with a candidate of their choosing.

The fact that there is a statewide TEA Party alliance to focus on a single candidate is something that has not been done yet, and is why many of the Senate and other races in 2010 did not go in favor of the TEA Party. HCS was organized to keep another "Dan Coats" from being elected.

TEA Parties UNITE to Oust Lugar

2011-01-22T18:57:00.006-05:00

According to Greg Fettig, one of the organizers of Hoosiers for a Conservative Senate, almost 90% of known TEA Parties were represented in today's meeting in Sharpesville, Indiana. The goal of this meeting and the organization: To throw out ex-conservative Senator Dick Lugar (R) in the 2012 GOP primary.

Many TEA Partiers were discouraged and heartbroken when Dan Coats (R) won the Senate election to take over now former Senator Evan Bahy's (D) seat. But, according to many in the group that met today, the mistake last election was lack of unity of the TEA Party as a state to back ONE candidate rather than three (Don Bates, Richard Behney, Marlin Stutzman). This caused the primary to come to a very close match between GOP establishment candidates Coats, Hostettler, and TEA Party backed Stutzman. Had the TEA Party formed a more perfect union for a statewide race, just as the TEA Parties in the 9th banded together to throw out Baron Hill, then maybe Hostetler would have been less of a threat, Stutzman would have beat Coats with full TEA Party support, and it would have been established in all the nation that the TEA Party is a citizen force to be rekoned with, but that did not happen.

A common phrase was thrown around. "Let's not have another 2010 Senate race."

The HCS invited Pat Miller, who is a Talk Radio host up in Ft. Wayne, to sort of Emcee the event. Most events are kicked off with a great charismatic greeting or a funny story. Well, he started off with a story, but it wasn't funny. Pat jokingly said that a message from the Taliban leaders in Afghanistan came over the news wires. Paraphrasing: If America does not stop it's war on terror and its activities in Afghanistan, then the Taliban will have to cut off the supply of gas station owners to America."

Upon hearing this, many laughed. Shame on them. But shame on Pat who decided to even tell this "joke" at a TEA Party event. ESPECIALLY the kick off meeting of a new organization focused on uniting the TEA Party. Very bad move, and poor taste.

Unlike Abdul Shabazz, a blogger out of Chicago, I do not carry this ignorant and tasteless statement over to the rest of what was said today.

Pat made wonderful points about how HCS needs to focus on getting a few things right in their lives, in this order. Be a faithful to your god, be a good husband or wife, be a good father or mother, be a conservative, and maybe, just maybe, be a good Republican. He noted that if one is superceded over the other, then priorities are misplaced.

He also constantly mentioned the fact that signing the retirement letter to Dick Lugar is easy. Saying "I want to be a leader" is easy. The hard part is paying for it. Suffering for it. He made mention it is a thankless job and one full of criticizm and ridicule from all ends.

Lisa Deaton, a founder of We the People Indiana and HCS Board member, talked about her Texan heritage having lived there quite some time before coming to Indiana in 1999 to live closer to her family. She noted that "Texas, if you have ever had the pleasure of staying there for sometime, is an attitude." She brought up a piece of history all Texan students learn. The Alamo.

Now, Abdul Shabazz makes a very ignorant statement about this.

“One of the speakers equated their fight to the Texans at the Alamo. I'm not sure that's the best reference to use. Didn't they all get killed?”

I am thinking that Abdul has never lived in Texas. He doesn't understand what it really means when people say "Remember the Alamo." It means remember the resolve of those men who fought to their death for one thing and on thing alone. Freedom, Country, Liberty, Independence, Brotherhood. They fought bravely against a very well seasoned general and army. Not bad, though they did fall, but we remember the Alamo not because they lost that battle, but because no one ran away. Every man fought to the very end, unwilling to give up their country. That's what it means.

So Lisa's comparison is most certainly correct and well placed. We need to fight to the end against this formidable foe. We must not forget how well trained and armed he is. We must not allow each other to lose hope. We must fight for our State. We must fight for our Country!

The Watchman will be networking with other newsources to gather all we can on the Lugar 2012 race and the HCS counter-candidate.

In talking with Greg Fettig, he made it very clear that this united effort is specifically being organized for the 2012 senate election. After Lugar is defeated, he said that Hoosiers for a Conservative Senate will disban. Why? Because the TEA Party is an independent and autonomous organizm, and everyone, including those at that meeting, want to keep it that way.

Watchman on Scalf Announcement

2011-01-15T19:47:00.001-05:00

Priscilla Scalf recently made a public announcement and meet/greet at YES Cinema about her Mayoral aspirations for this 2011 election. She is a Democrat. She serves currently as a City Councilwoman from the 1st District of Columbus.

This makes her bid more easily criticized because the people have a voting record they can look at. Ms. Scalf has made quite a few remarks recently, and in this speech as well, that seem to discount public opinion, input, and the will of the taxpayers. She has recently touted that she walked door to door during the Baron Hill campaign talking with people about decisions to be made in Columbus. She uses this to say that she has walked her district and the city and claims that she has heard nothing but support from her district about some of the issues she has voted on, though there are many from her district who oppose her.

It would seem that Priscilla's conception of the taxpayer's voice is coming through the filter of liberal progressivism. During campaign walks with national politicians, they target only their base to knock on doors. Generally, liberals do not knock on the doors of conservatives, if they can help it. So the message she has recieved, I submit, has come from only one portion of her potential electorate.

It is my sincere hope that Ms. Scalf will learn to really open up her eyes and ears and listen to the people she currently represents and those she hopes to represent as Mayor instead of striking them down in public speech like she did in the cuts used to make this video.

Enjoy and be mindful.

Kingdom of Columbus Expands

2011-01-12T23:54:00.004-05:00

Tuesday morning, this week, the Commons Board decided to not enter into a contract with Redevelop Columbus Inc. for the leasing management of the Commons. Instead, they chose to continue with CDI.

Mayor Armstrong allowed RCI president Kristen Brown to speak on something the Board did not have time to hear in the last hearing. Brown inquired as to why the Board needs an "intermediary" to run the Commons leases. She pointed out that all CDI or RCI plans on doing is hiring a real estate manager for the purpose of seeking businesses to fill the leased spaces. The intermediary would then choose businesses from that list and then pass it back to the Board for approval.

My question, and in step with what Brown's point was, why are we having a middle man for the middle man? Why even bother with a CDI or RCI? Can the Board not hire a Sharon Renfro (the lady CDI has decided to contract with to run the garage leases. She is also the one who managed the leases of the Commons before it failed. Take note of that, in particular!) and make the choices themselves?

THe Mayor and a couple of the board members cited they do not have time to look through leases. So not only does CDI get to controll who goes into the Commons, but the Commons Board has no plans at looking at these leases? Just rubber stamp?

One member of the Board told Brown that what she and her corporation were tring to do is commendable. She was impressed that someone from the public is stepping up to try and do something, it seemed, was her point. That apparently was not enough to change her vote.

Let's drop the charade, ladies and gentlemen. We all knew that CDI was going to be picked. The Board did not even discuss the matter in the meeting. They just voted all in favor of CDI. Why? Why are they doing this?

Well, it's interesting one should ask that.

CDI is a private entity created by the City of Columbus because they complained no one was bidding to manage leases for these new structures (ie the garage). So, citing this, the Redevelopment Commission created CDI. CDI has three board members. One is chosen by the Mayor, one by the City Council, and one by the Redev Commission. Since the mayor basically controlls who is on the Redev Commission, the Mayor could be seen as having his hand in deciding two spots to be filled.

So why was no one bidding to manage the leases? Well, let's take a look at the bidding requirements set down by the Redevelopment Commission. The organization has to be a non-profit, must be Columbus based, and its mission must be specifically to develop downtown Colubmus and surrounding area. Wow. No company in the STATE or in the WORLD has those qualifications!

If you wanted to have an excuse to create a private, closed to the public, entity, you would create a need that is not being served by the community. The only way to do that is to rig the bidding requirements so that no one can bid. So the City created CDI and thought they were going to have smooth sailing in creating their little Kingdom.

So why is this CDI so evil? It seems like a good idea. City decisions are now stream lined. Infact, CDI can manage these buildings without votes from the commissions and boards, to a degree. Leasing is the only thing that gets passed back to commissions and boards. The rest is up to CDI directly. Want to know the price for this expansion of government control? You have to keep your nose out of it.

That's right! CDI and their attourney, Terry Coriden, purport that their entity is private and no questions from the public have to be taken or answered, no one can have any access to documents belonging to CDI (even when the City is paying for the transactions and such that the documents itemize), and CDI only answers to itself.

Who is on the board of CDI? Ann Devore, a City Councilor. So we have a private entity, receiving public funds to manage a public building, is chaired by a City Councilor, but we are not allowed to see records? Well, the State of Indiana has stated otherwise.

Turns out that Kristen Brown also sent an inquiry to the State about public access laws to public documents and asked if CDI was public enough for citizens to demand documents from them with their City dealings? They said yes, but Terry Coriden still says no.

So what is there to worry about? Well, Columbus is writing checks to CDI in the order of thousands of dollars at a time, but no itemization of services or goods bought are recorded or documented. That's interesting. Now what will happen when SBOA comes to Columbus and audits them? Will they ask "What happened here with these checks?"

I would love to see Terry Coriden say to the SBOA, "You can't have those documents, we are a private entity." The State has already identified CDI as being subject to State audits. I highly doubt CDI will be able to keep up the curtains to for much longer. When the curtains finally fall, we'll see who has their hand cookie jar and what the current City officials have REALLY been up to.

We'll keep this audience posted on the developments of CDI.

Mayor's Race Already Hot!

2011-01-09T21:47:00.004-05:00

Four people have so far announced their desire to be the next mayor of the City of Columbus, Indiana.

On the Democrat side:
Nancy Ann Brown - Former Mayor of Columbus
Priscilla Scalf - City Councilor

On the Repubican Side:
Greg Renner - Part Owner of Renner Motors
Joe Richardson - City Councilman and Police Lieutenant

Nancy Ann Brown was mayor of Columbus from 1980-1983. She is quite active in the city community and has experience in different sectors of business and management since her last term. She has served on a few Boards, assistant VP of Indiana Bank and Trust to name a couple. Being a former mayor definitely gives her some edge on the competition. She has actually been in that seat before.

My reservation is, quite a bit has changed, and though she has served on Boards and interacted with the city in the meantime, she still is not current with what is going on, admitting herself that she is still learning the functions of some new departments since she has left the office.

Another reservation I have is towards people who "love city government." Nancy Brown seems to love it a lot.

Priscilla Scalf is representative, along with Joe Richardson, of the current economically failed and destructive City Council. Not only this, but she seems to already have an elitist attitude with regards to taxpayers' dissatisfaction with city politics lately. She said “I believe much of this sentiment comes from our taxpayers feeling disconnected from the government they are paying for,”

Pardon me, Ms. Scalf, but the government is disconnected from the taxpayers. Not the other way around. We have been trying to be connected and give input, but the government keeps striking down and spitting upon public sentiment over very expensive issues.

Here is a prime example of spin for you. She said “as I talk to folks across this city, what I hear is not a desire to bring an end to the progress that has begun in Columbus, but to be a partner in it.” Wow. She's right. We want to be a partner in the development of Columbus, but not HER progress and development.

What kind of progress is she for? Development at any cost. Taxing an entire county for about 15 years to pay for a baseball field for North High school and supposedly the public in downtown Columbus, quite a ways from North High School. Allowing organizations like CDI to continue to go unchecked and in violation of public access laws. That's the kind of progress she is for. Progress BACKWARDS!

The Republicans don't get much better.

Greg Renner is a part owner of Renner Motors. He graduated from Columbus North High School. That's it. Oh, and apparently, according to him, people have been telling him to run for a long time. Though his announcement was very skimpy on platform ideals, I must stand in support of his thoughts on open government, but I am not impressed with his proposed solution. He wants to create a committee of people who will go and basically do polling research to gather opinion from the people. As we have seen with the other committees in Columbus, they become very corrupt and misleading very quickly. I doubt that this committee would be an exception to the rule.

I do like his comment, though about openess of government not being only about public document requests and meetings. At least he realizes the difficulty of getting information from the city government, he just needs to come up with better solutions.

He claims he wants to attract more businesses to Columbus, but what is his experience in business? Partly owning a dealership and selling cars. While this is a valuable service and business to Columbus, as it provides us with cars and automobiles to drive, it is hardly a solid qualification to demonstrate experience and knowledge in attracting corporations and other businesses to Columbus. I could be wrong. We'll keep our eye on this one.

Then there is Joe Richardson. Police Lieutenant and City Councilman. Wants to run for mayor. Sounds like the mayor we have now. Armstrong came from the Police Department to be in the Mayor's seat, then more of his police buddies got in government. I say let's end cronyism and let's prevent passing the progressive liberal torch from one police officer to another.

Also, you might as well throw Richardson, a Republican, in with Scalf, a Democrat, when it comes to the way the city will be run. Spend spend spend, Tax tax tax, and fingers in ears with regards to the people's voice.

There's your Mayoral candidates so far. Not very impressive. Let's not be of the heart that says to itself "poor quality is better than nothing." If you know someone who would make a good mayor, email them, phone them, or drop by to say hello and ask them to run. Good people will not run unless you tell them to!

County Raises salaries for two, but not others.

2010-12-14T18:52:00.004-05:00

Tuesday night, the County Council voted to raise Sheriff Mark Gorbett's salary by $4,000 making his salary $108,000.00 for the next 4 years. Also, a youth services employee received over $4,000.00 in raises, $1,500.00 of which was not mandated by the State.

The question I ask is why are we raising salaries when 1) the County Council decided NOT to raise employee wages/salaries and also decided to not raise their own salaries and 2) the state only mandated 3127.00 of the Youth Services employee's raises were state mandated?

I asked Evelyn Pence and Sue Paris if the $1,500.00 was a County Tradition or if it was part of the mandate. Sue Paris, in the meeting, claimed that she was forced to vote yes on the measure because the state mandated it, but when I spoke to her and other members, they agreed that the $1,500.00 was NOT a part of the mandate. An auditor office employee claimed that the Youth Services representative who spoke could have placed this employee in a different position and that would have constituted a much higher raise mandated by the state.

To argue the it could have been worse is irresponsible of government and irresponsible if used in making a decision like this one. I asked if the $1,500.00 could have been set aside. I was answered in the affirmative, but it was mentioned that the County tradition was instituted 3 years ago.

Obviously, there was nothing wrong with the raise that was mandated, or atleast you cannot blame the County Council for that, but the $1,500.00 in unnecessary funds was wasteful and a raise that other employees did not receive. The County Council did not make very good on their agreement that no employee wages/salaries nor their salaries would be increased back in the budgeting proceadures. I think that was a dishonest move by the County Council to raise that position's salary beyond what was mandated just because of a "County tradition."

I like the Sheriff. I think he does a wonderful job protecting the County, but he is doing a major diservice to his electorate by demanding he get a pay increase in a horrible recession, quite frankly a depression! While there are people who don't even know how long their job will last, Sheriff Gorbett is assured 4 years with a $108,000.00 salary. How detached is he from his constituents?

The Republic Tuesday reported that this contract with the Sheriff is a "savings" for the County because he could have demanded $110,000.00. First, it's not a savings, we are still out $4,000 each year for the next 4 years. That's a loss, last time I counted. Secondly, Gorbett is a PUBLIC official. Not a public employee. He is elected by the PEOPLE, not hired by the County like other salaried positions like Danny Hollander, County Engineer. If Gorbett wanted to show the people that he feels the bite of the economy, then he would refuse a raise. Maybe he should have had a pay cut?

Granted, Gorbett oversees law enforcement, crime prevention, detention facilities, and wears all other kinds of dangerous hats, but if he wanted to make good to the people like the City Council did, he would have not included a raise in his contract.

One question I have for Mark Gorbett, "Did you run for office just for the money?"

Wikileaks: A Friend and Foe

2010-11-30T18:13:00.003-05:00

Many people, including government leaders around the world, have come out in heated anger towards Julian Assange and his website Wikileaks which has recently released its newest leak called "Cable Gate". Wikileaks has received over 250,000 reports and documents from an anonymous source, some theorize that it is an insider in the US government. These documents cover what has been going on in US Embassies around the world since 1966 and the relations between America and those countries.

Some documents even have very pointed reports from ambassadors and diplomats reporting back to the State Department concerning North Korea, Iran, China, Afghanistan, and more. The interesting thing about this is that what you read in these documents is not what is being said to the American people or the world, for that matter.

This has caused some Congressmen, like Republican from New York Peter King, to call Wikileaks a "terrorist organization." However, many people welcome the information, even Fox News.

Fox News talking heads have been excoriating Assange and Wikileaks and have questioned if the actions of the site and its organization should be seen as espionage. Humorous that Fox News then goes on to this website and begins to develope new based on Wikileaks as a source. That's like eating a sandwich that you say looks, smells and tastes gross, but you still eat it after grimacing between bites. If you don't like the sandwich, don't eat it!

Conservatives and Fox News have double standard on this issue. Rightly so, too. Wikileaks has done a great service to the world by revealing what is REALLY happening between countries. The people we thought were enemies, might just turn out to be friends. The people we thought we were friends with, we may only be a few words from war with them. According to the 200+ documents released so far, North Korea gave Iran nukes, Afghanistan seems to be putting money in a Saudi Arabian bank, Saudi Arabia has been encouraging the bombing of Iran's nuclear facilities, the Chinese government has attacked the United States' computers and network infrastructure many times and has been responsible for many instances of attacks on Google, the list goes on and will probably continue to grow as we see more from this site.

On the other hand, who leaked this information? Only someone with a security clearance could have obtained these files. So that means an insider. That means one of our own, who has probably sworn to protect from this kind of thing from happening, has leaked. This, as some, like Former Govenor and Fox News Host Mike Huchabee, comment, could be considered treason and have called for the perpetrator's execution!

I tend to agree. The person who has done this does need to be dealt with. We cannot have people who have taken oaths or who have it in their job description to protect and keep these documents secret making them public. I, however, do not condemn Wikileaks for acting upon this submission. If I were to have received something like this, I might have reported some of it too. The reason being that there is a lot of content in these documents which do not harm troops or innocent people, the just talk about relations diplomatically with our allies and enemies. Again, the government seems to be painting a fun colourful story about their relations with some of our allies and some of the more nuetral countries, but, in reality, there is not much good to say about what is going on.

These documents will end up showing how corrupt the world's governments really are, especially our own.

Or, you could take Iran President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's stance and say that America coordinated this leak to cause mischief in the Middle East. Yes, and the Holocaust was a Jewish lie to promote their Zionist efforts. I think not. It is also interesting to see that Russia is called a "virtual Mafia State ruled by Prime Minister Vladmir Putin and not the President." The Russians seem to be unaffected by this statement.

So there are two conclusions, or more, possibly. Either the Russians already knew that this was being said about them and they are not suprised, or they were suprised, but don't want to let the rest of the world know that they are affected by it.

Between Iran, America, and Russia, it seems government leaders are trying to discredit the reports but at the same time are calling for the hanging or prosecution of Jullian Assange.

Wikileaks is a Friend and a Foe, in this case. They are a friend to the American people in that it is letting us know how honest our government is being to its people, what the government's true intentions are in the world, and how many enemies or friends we really have. They are our foe in that they could be undermining a lot of work that has been done in the past 40 years to work with other countries. Which might beg the question, if the American government is so worried about how other countries might view these leaks, what is it hiding? Why were these harmful reports written in the first place, if they might be contrary to our goals?

If Americans can be scanned and searched at airports, have their phones tapped, and have their email exported for examination without warrant, then why can the American people not do the same to the government? Privacy is a two way street, Uncle Sam.

How the new GOP should govern

2010-11-18T17:28:00.003-05:00

I am excited to see what the Republican majority in Washington accomplishes during their leadership of the 112th Congress, however we will be watching them closely to make sure they are good stewards to the new power and money which we have given them. I know that many of you, fellow readers are anxious to see what they will do as well. I know that Democrats will still control the US Senate and White House (at least for another 2 years). I have some advice for the new Republican led House (and enlarged minority in the Senate).

First let me give you some philosophical background on myself: I am a full “three-legged-stool” conservative. I believe that a government governs best when it governs least. I believe that the more freedom individuals are given in the marketplace and more personal liberty retained by the people, the more prosperous and free we will all be. I also believe in an American centric (Washingtonian-Monroevian) foreign policy, with acknowledgements of Reagan. I do believe in a strong national defense, but I don’t believe in the Clinton-Bush-Obama doctrine of undeclared wars, and nation building for our national defense forces. My Christian faith also inculcates in me a traditional view where American culture, values and social issues are concerned. I believe the courts have overreached in their duties by creating policy rather than strictly interpreting the law, especially on issues better suited to be debated in a legislature.

That said: I DO BELIEVE THE BIG-GOVERNMENT/NANNY STATE MUST BE ABOLISHED, however as much as I would like to end ‘big-government’, I know this will not happen overnight, nor should it all at once, the goal is admirable, but the result would be disastrous.
The TRUTH of the current state of affairs is that it has taken us almost 100+ years of non-stop (federal) government growth to get us as a nation to this point. This growth has been interrupted by only a few brief interludes of limiting government (or having government grow at a slower rate). This is NOT AN IDICTMENT OF THE DEMOCRAT PARTY; let me make be clear. BOTH POLITICAL PARTIES ARE RESPONSIBLE. Both are guilty of spending our way into debt and growing the welfare nanny state into unsustainable proportions. Of which is the primary cause of the growth of the tea party movement.

Which I am proudly a part of!

Now let me give my opinion on how Republicans should govern when they are sworn in, in the 112rh Congress.

First I don’t think it’s realistic or feasible to immediately cut whole government departments or entitlement programs without expecting drastic and negative reactions. Instead they should seek to govern with wisdom. They should study the welfare state. I.E.: learn earn how it came into being, how it works, what sustains it, and finally what affects it has on real people’s lives??
I believe we should eventually privatize many, if not all but a tiny portions of the welfare state (except for a few on the margins who really need them). I also believe we should greatly reduce economic regulations back to an almost laissez faire atmosphere in the marketplace. You cannot (privatize) eliminate the welfare state in one swift act. It must be studied. We must know it affects real people’s lives? How the programs which make the welfare state were created, amended, regulated?

It would be better, in my opinion, to reform these programs in a way that helps to (once we have knowledge on how the welfare state works, and its effects on real people) that causes minimal disruptions in people’s lives. We need to “pull-the-right-pieces” so that this system can be privatized/dismantled, but one that will cause minimal disruptions to people’s lives. I even believe we can and will through this method help them reassert both liberty and prosperity.
Only then will Republicans (as well as any Democrats or Independents that take up these reforms) gain electorally for the long term as well as help their constituents in improving their own lives.

IN CONCLUSTION: YES WE CAN cut big-government down to mouse size proportions.

REPUBLICAN LED CONGRESS; just be wise about it!

Thanks for reading this long post!
-Jeremy J. Sallee

Jeremy J. Sallee is a guest contributor to the Watchman.

Citizen Recalls Council Meeting

2010-11-07T13:36:00.005-05:00

City Votes to Tax County

2010-11-03T23:42:00.008-04:00

Note to readers. Our dear friends at the City Government have changed the file, but not the original URL of the Vision 20/20 plan. The currently listed plan, dated January 28, 2011, does not include Ski Lakes. However ,Vision 20/20 presentation this plan dated March 12,2010 does include ski Lakes. Please also visit the post "Vision 20/20 Changes Over Night for more insightful information concerning this.
It was a pointless night. It needs to be recognized, first, that City Council meetings are pretty much unnecessary. The Redevelopment Commission, a city progressive commission, basically tells the City Council what will happen. The sad thing is, the City Councilors go along with this.

The City Council meetings are merely a formality.

Recently, the City has been pushing a project, which they say has been part of the Vision 20/20 plan since 2005, which would call for almost $10 million to build a Baseball complex in downtown Columbus. Much of the cost of the project goes to moving dirt from along SR 46, conveniently the same location the Redevelopment Commission and the City has said they want to build a Water Ski lake park, and move it to the sports location to build up the ground because it is located in a flood plain.

That's not the real issue of the meeting. The meeting tonight was to merely authorize the use of EDIT, a County tax, to back the construction bonds. Again, this is the CITY authorizing a tie-up of the EDIT, a COUNTY tax.

Plainly said, the City is now taxing the County!

There were the usual "powers that be" types who spoke. Ed Curtin, Executive Director of the Redevelopment Commission, never returned the Watchman's questions about this project.

He said, at the meeting, that the project was meant to bring larger tournaments to the area. We already host a number of softball and baseball tournaments. He also said it was a relief valve for local players so people can use the current ball fields more often.

If we are looking for MORE tournaments, and building just one more complex, then how is that much of a relief valve?

He also said that it was meant to be a place where local Schools could play. (That was not in the original 20/20 plan) So I guess we get to kind of make it up on the spot, eh?

My reaction to that is, why not have BCSC take care of their own needs? Is the city responsible for covering up what a mess the BCSC makes of their renovation and expansion projects? Certainly not!

Nevertheless, North High School Principal, brought along the baseball coach and dragged in the students, in their school shirts, to show support. The Principal talked about how he enjoys "joining hands with the community" in this project.

The Coach said the players and parents need a place they can call home. He said their current facilities they are using are not sufficient.

A couple students talked about how they need the fields. They both drew on morale of the team as their base reasoning. They basically said they go to other places to play other teams and are disappointed by their own fields they use now because of the types of fields they visit.

So let's go ahead and give the kids a field! SURE! Sounds good!

This is sick. What kind of principal and coach drag their team into a City Meeting which is not deciding whether or not to do this project, but rather whether or not to use EDIT? It's low and immoral. Really, who could possibly be against the kids? Trying to fight the school board on wasteful spending is hard enough when the parents will lash out at the whim of Superintendent John Quick to any naysayer calling them children-haters. It's just as hard to fight City Corruption when principals drag their students into a meeting and turn it into a pro or anti-kid decision. Again, that's low.

There were more people who spoke against using EDIT than spoke for it. Actually, hardly anyone spoke for it. The only people who urged for a vote, pointed to the economic development. They totally ignore the fact that the city would be tying up a County tax.

People who spoke against EDIT being used for this project were Lisa Deaton, President of Tea Party organization We the People Indiana, Ryan Lauer, County Councilman-elect, Evelyn Pence, County Council At-Large, various citizens, and Phil Swaim with the Bartholomew County Watchman.

Ryan pointed to the fact that most of the project seems to be digging for dirt, moving it, and preparing for a water ski lake park on 46. He also criticized the city for not knowing the full cost breakdown of the project. He said that he doesn't know anyone who would take out this much money without knowing the cost. He called this project an idea, not a plan, due to the lack of planning and details given by the Redevelopment Commission.

Evelyn Pence said she was unaware of this project when the City presented their EDIT plan to the County. Fred Armstrong, Mayor, assured her it was in there, but she continued to insist she did not know.

It would seem to me that Councilwoman Pence, who was on the Council when EDIT was passed, though she voted against it, is showing some disapporval of the use of EDIT since the County was not informed. This is why we need to support her. She is a defender of the county!

Another citizen said that the City is not transperant and is not willing to give public information to the public, noting that he and others have had to file complaints and get lawyers involved to force information from the City.

Another citizen, a former union leader elitist, told the people that if they feel they are uninformed, then they are at fault because the city posts when they have meetings.

Someone asked for a definitive answer as to if the water ski lakes are a part of Vision 20/20. The Mayor said NO. He is WRONG!

It is plain on the Redevelopment Commission's 20/20 plan on their website that the water ski lakes have always been a part of the plan. The Mayor lied to the faces of the people of Columbus.

I gave the Council a lecture on responsible government, because they need it.

Responsible government does not enter into a project without knowing the costs in full. Responsible government does not tax people outside their jurisdiction. That's tyranny and imperialism on a City scale. Responsible government informs the citizens of what is going on before votes take place. They publish information and compile and create digests of the information they have seen. Responsible government is accountable to the people and does not rely on non-elected officials to run the government.

I told them that they are the elected. So the vote they cast will affect their elections.

Bartholomew County is now being taxed by the City of Columbus for 20 years. That's pretty much $130 average from each county citizen's paycheck for the next 20 years. That's wrong. We need to defeat this. We need to challenge this in court, if necessary. The County has the right to control taxes it creates and administers. The City has no right to take that control from the County!

The elitists in Columbus need to be stopped. The non-elected officials, the City Council, and the Mayor need to be taught a lesson in responsible government. The Republicans in there need to take a lesson from this election. People are fed up with tax and spend liberals like them who think you need to pass something to know what is in it.

And to remove doubt that tying up the EDIT was the full intention of the City Council tonight, let's look at what City Councilor Jim Lienhoop said "I dont see why we would want to be put in a position for the County Council to pull a 2 million dollar rug from under us."

It's clear. The City WANTS to tax the County. Progress for the sake of progress. The ends justify the means, even if the little people called taxpayers get trampled over by tyrannical government and imperialist cities.

Are you going to let them?

Todd SLAYS Comrade Baron Hill!

2010-11-02T19:57:00.005-04:00

I seem to remember a certain letter I sent to Baron Hill at the beginning of this race.

Let me share some of that with you again.

"You vote for socialism at every corner. You fall for the Neo-Marxist theory of Global Warming or Climate Change and act accordingly. You have recently voted in favor of a bill which regulate how much CO2 companies emit. Are you even aware that CO2 is not a pollutant? Do you not follow scientific logic and look at all evidence? Do you not know that so called Global Warming is just a theory like evolution and the big bang? Why are we acting on things which will change our lives for the worst when there is nothing to fear? Cap and Trade, servant Hill, will be your undoing.

It is now my honour and privilege to inform you that I hereby strip you of all my powers endowed to you. I formally denounce my constituency of you, and condemn your action in the Congress. Let it be known that you do not represent me. Let it be known that you soon will not represent my fellow citizens.

I will see to it that you are removed from office. That you will be destroyed politically and you will not have any honour or glory to claim. When I am done with you, when WE are done with you, you will not be hailed and regarded as a former representative; you will be called a Failed Servant of the People, a coward, a reckless spender, a quibbler, a fat white pink boy, the OLD Washington politics of the liberals and fiscally irresponsible nuts who got us into this hell hole of a mess of socialism.

You do not realize that the seat of power you occupy is not an occupation. It is a burden. It is a duty. It is a service. You have failed in your feeble attempts to bear the burden, execute your duty, and serve my people.

We are now at war. You will no longer be comforted in knowing the next election will be yours. You will fall, and we shall bury you in your shame.

You should have listened to my plea for logic and reason, but like all of the rest of your fellow trogladytes, you were too absent minded to recognize the power of one voter. Prepare yourself, for this is your last term in Congress!

Your former constituent,

Phillip Swaim
Bartholomew County Watchman"

Did I say it ladies and gentlemen? Or did I say it?

Todd Young sweeped this race by around 12 POINTS! That is burying Hill is shame. The people have spoken out because of Baron arrogance in episodes such as we saw in his townhalls.

Todd Young Campaign Manager Ryan Burchfield (or "The Burch") says that voters chose Todd because of the issues. They didn't like Baron Hill's votes on Cap and Trade, Stimulus, Obamacare, and all the other liberal Obama agenda items. He said that Democrats also had a hand in winning by the margin Young won. Both Young and Burchfield noted that they encountered many conservative Democrats and Democrats who were fed up with Hill and decided to cross over to get rid of him.

In short.... DEMOCRATS AGAINST HILL WAS A SUCCESS!!!

While we were waiting for Baron Hill to call to concede, there was another call, which was unexpected. George W. Bush, or at least someone who sounded like him, called Todd Young. Young noted the voice was the best impression, if it was an impression, he ever heard, of the former president. Young did not divuldge what was said, possibly ensuring no one is quoted without being verified.

Finally the moment came and Todd received a phone call and said the words "Hello Congressman Hill." The conversation, at least on Young's end, seemed to outline that Hill acknowledged the tough race and that Todd was clearly the winner and that he would be working with Young in the coming weeks and months to prepare him for the position and for a smooth transition.

The room was silent until Todd took a quick look around and said in his normal talking voice "we won." From silence to uncontrolable joy, people gave high fives, hugged each other, pumped their fists in the air, and called for a speech.

Todd Young emphasized that it was because of the people that he had won. He gave Baron credit for his love of country and for his competitiveness.

Todd went on to talk about the "naysayers" to conservatism. To that, Young pointed out that "we have been proving the pessimists wrong for over 200 years. I see no reason to stop now."

It's been a long campaign, but we finally won! The WATCHMAN WON THE WAR WITH THE BARON! The people won the war! Let's make sure our new Congressman keeps his conservatism.

I do give one bit of advice, to Mr. Young. Do NOT let the GOP establishment staff you in Congress. Choose your own staff and demand they be yours in Congress. We need to send a clear message that times have changed. No more R's vs D's. No more party politics. This is the American people. We have hired Todd to do a job, and Mr. Boehenor nor anyone else is going to stop us!

Young Has 68% Chance of Winning, Says NY Times

2010-10-28T18:14:00.000-04:00

Amongst the lastest polls from The Hill and Public Opinion, there is a new shocker from the New York times which considers all the polling, demographic data, and past trends in the 9th District concerning Congressional, Senatorial, and Presidential elections to make their "538 Forecast" on the current race in the 9th.

According to the New York Times, Todd Young has a 68.8% chance of winning against his Democrat opponent Baron Hill who is projected to only have a 31.4% chance of winning on Nov. 2nd.

The actual projected results favor Todd Young with a 50.6% vote versus Baron Hill having a 47.3% share of the vote. It must be remembered that Greg Knott, Libertarian, and Jerry Lucas, write-in candidate, are also running for the 9th District Congressional seat.

It appears that it was Mid-July that Todd Young was tied 48.7% with Baron Hill. From then on, Todd has been on top of this poll's forecasts, but it must also be noted that since the beginning of September, when Todd held a 50.8% forcasted share of the vote, he has been slowly dwindling until recently (around Oct 15th)

It would seem that the negative ad campaign by Baron Hill's team had an affect in dragging Todd's image and vote down in the polls. Notice, however that Todd's polls started rising back up right around the debates in Jasper and Bloomington, Ind.

The Hill also recently came out with a poll putting Baron Hill ahead by 2 point with an MoE of 5 points. Some have criticized the poll for the types of questions which were asked favoring Baron Hill as a "fiscal hawk" when his opponents have been on the offensive about his voting record which they believe represents liberal values and lack of fiscal responsibility.

The New York Times poll, however, also has a Margin of Error of 8% with regards to the Oct. 28th forcast result of 50.6% for Young and 47.3% for Hill.

This is also why the New York Times calls this election a "toss-up," though they still insist Young having a 2:1 probability of winning.

City's Decision to Use EDIT NOT a County concern?

2010-10-28T02:49:00.004-04:00

Jorge Morales was recently in The Republic commenting on the City's first hearing decision to tie-up EDIT for 20 years to back the bonds to build the new Sports Complex downtown.

"The city has to do what the city has to do. It’s not my business to make a public comment about something that is the city’s responsibility.”

Jorge Morales, County Council District 4 Candidate, is either ignorant of the fact that EDIT was created and is a tax BY the COUNTY, he is trying to skirt the issues, or he truly believes that what the City does with their EDIT is no concern of the County's, even if it means taxing ALL of Bartholomew County for the next 20 years when his opponent and others want to repeal or readdress the EDIT.

If this is to go through on the final hearing, the County Council can say goodbye to trying to repeal the irresponsible tax.

If I am not mistaken, I told the Council something like this would happen. Though I addressed the council with different language, it went along the same lines that this EDIT will just end up being tied to a bond for 10-20 years and you will not be able to rescind it because of that fact. I called it irresponsible because the County has no control over the tax and will be unable to repeal it.

We see how that turned out. Sue Paris? GONE! Phyllis Apple? GONE! Judith Meyer? GONE! Next is Larry Fisher.

So to those who think Columbus has to do what it has to do, your election is in less than 6 days. Words like these have the ability to generate results like those you replaced. GONE!

Zack Ellison, Jorge's opponent and the man the Watchman endorses, had this to say about the decision:

“I think one of the other funding mechanisms would be more appropriate and maybe provide the same development advantage, without tying up EDIT for 20 years.”

Zack Ellison was most likely hinting at TIF, which this area is a TIF district. Why not use that money? Are they trying to save that for another purpose? What purpose is noble and high enough to use TIF money for development (TIF money is supposed to be used for development)?

Zack Ellison seems to be on the right track and has proven to be a conservative. I encourage all County Council District 4 members, regardless of party, to vote for Zack Ellison or at least AGAINST Jorge Morales.

Mr. Morales just no longer represents the conservative values he stood on in the primaries (repeal EDIT, cut the healthcare benefits to part time elected officials, etc). That is why the Watchman has pulled endorsement from Jorge and has given it to Zack Ellison!

Which poll is right?

2010-10-27T18:03:00.004-04:00

Interesting the polls which are opposed in their results. Todd Young has a healthy lead, Baron is nosing ahead. Which poll is right?

Here are the results from a Public Opinion Strategies Poll.

A poll just released by Public Opinion Strategies reveals that Todd has a strong lead over Hill, 49%-37%.

Todd also leads among Republicans (80%-5%) and Independents (48%-35%).

Hill’s personal image is inverted, 37% favorable – 50% unfavorable, and a majority of voters (57%) would prefer a new person to re-electing Hill (33%).

Now The Hill has released that Baron is nosing ahead of Todd by 2 points with a margin of error to be 5%.

What makes the difference between the polls? The questions that get asked.

Take this excerpt from The Hill's results:
"Hill gets good marks from his constituents, with 49 percent rating him favorably. The Blue Dog Democrat could also be benefiting from his reputation as a fiscal hawk. When asked if they’d rather have a member of Congress who’d cut spending or one who would bring benefits to the district, 52 percent said they’d prefer a lawmaker who cut spending while 39 percent held the opposing view."

The Hill is fooling itself if they hold Baron as a "fiscal hawk." The question asked actually favors Todd Young. I cannot imagine where they get the idea that Baron has cut spending. He has only increased spending. If this was Hill vs Sodrel, this question would make more sense.

I believe that if The Hill's questions follow roughly the same pattern (of claiming Baron to be a fiscal hawk and protector of senior citizens etc.) then I would say The Hill shows favor for Todd Young because those questions are representative of conservative values which Baron Hill has yet to represent in the 9th District.

Enough, Baron Hill!

2010-10-26T23:40:00.001-04:00

Enough is Enough

Last Monday Baron Hill loudly lamented the influence of outside money in elections. “There’s too much money in politics, way too much,” he said.

A day later, the Service Employees International Union – one of the most powerful public employee unions in the country -- donated $180,000.00 to his campaign. According to spokesperson Daniel Altman, Hill “welcomed the new dollars…”

One day Baron Hill warns us against nefarious outside entities spending money in politics, then a day and a $180,000.00 ad buy later, he’s singing a different tune.

Apparently a $180,000.00 donation is all it takes to change Baron Hill’s mind. And let’s not forget, he never returned the tainted $26,000 contribution from his ethically-challenged colleague Charles Rangel.

Hill can’t have it both ways. He can’t huff and puff about outside money and then welcome it when it benefits his campaign. And he can’t claim to truly represent the people of southern Indiana when he votes for the government takeover of health care, the $1 trillion stimulus, the cap and trade energy tax, and every other piece of the Obama/Pelosi agenda.

Enough is enough. Southern Indiana can't afford two more years of Baron Hill.

The Angry Baron Loses It!

2010-10-19T17:57:00.006-04:00

Once upon a debate, there was an Angry Baron, a Whimsical Knott, and a Soft Young.

The debate all together was laughable. All questions were soft balled in what seemed to be Baron Hill's favor.

Contrary to what the Republic printed, a main issue was not Afghanistan. The war was very quickly discussed.

The main points of the debate were Social Security, Health care, Cap and Trade, and taxes/spending. Taxes and spending was constantly repeated.

It might be worthwhile to note that Greg Knott, though he calls himself a Libertarian, does not really seem to stand for personal liberty. Greg also was very whimsical. He referred to his NO BULL talking points nearly every question. As an observation, every time he mentioned NO BULL, the audience broke into laughter.

Baron really tried to hammer Todd on Todd's pro-senior citizen stance on Social Security by mischaracterizing and lying about Todd's stance. Baron said (also said it in the Jasper debate) that Todd wants to privatize Social Security. Todd called Baron Hill on his campaign Ads' lies about Todd's Social Security stance.

Citing FactCheck.org, Todd concluded that Baron's claims were without any evidence. Todd set the record straight by saying that he wants to make sure Social Security is going to be around for Seniors, and people his age for when they retire (by the way, Todd is middle aged). He said he wants to keep Social Security in it's form but make it to where Congressmen like Baron can raid that fund to pay for other projects. Not only this, but get spending and the budget under control so Social Security actually has money in it.

Todd claimed that Baron wants to privatize Social Security based on Hill's comments about wanting to invest Social Security. Hill assured that he does not want to privatize it by putting it in the stock market, but wants to get high yield out of the fund.

There was an interesting exchange which was inspired by Greg Knott's asking Baron and Todd to sign various pledges. Baron boasted that he has signed a pledge to not privatize Social Security and encouraged Todd to sign the pledge. This triggered Todd to call the silliness of throwing pledges around and asked Baron "Let's have a meeting where we trade pledges of various matters, Mr. Hill?" Obviously, Mr. Young was making fun at the whole idea of parading pledges around.

Hill took it as an opportunity to demand Young sign the pledge. Young discarded the pledge to the floor and rebuked Hill in a rebuttal claiming Hill has betrayed that pledge.

On the subject of Cap and Trade, Baron appealed to emotion stating that "this is God's green earth" and "we ought to protect it." Hill also sided up with leftist environmentalists who claim Global Warming is real without debate!

Todd Young mentioned that the debate is still going on, but if Global Warming were real, the legislation that Baron passed is not going to do a thing to stop it or address the matter of emissions. Todd Young said it would rather increase the cost of energy production and, in Indiana where coal is the main energy source for electricity (95%), that will hurt Hoosiers. "It will cause an "increase of 26% for gasoline, 60% for electric power, 79% for natural gas and kill over 43,000 jobs here in the state of Indiana.... and Baron Hill voted for it."

Hill shot back that "the science is overwhelming." This drew laughter from the audience.

Baron also brought up his PAYGO legislation he championed. He claims that it is a budget rule which requires Congress to pay for additional spending. Baron then went on to claim that Bush caused record deficits by giving tax cuts without paying for them. Mr. Hill is actually mistaken and is blatantly lying. Go here to find out why.

Todd Young was quick to call out Baron Hill's PAYGO rules as a "ruse for spend thrift politicians" and that Baron Hill has voted to suspend the Paygo rules 85% of the time. As if trying to mince words, Baron said he has not voted to suspend 85 times. Baron seems to only be able to say "that's not true" and other derivatives to defend his accusers (who are telling the truth according to public record!)

When confronted with the the Supreme Court decision to allow companies to fund campaigns, Baron Hill said "they got it wrong this time." "There's too much money in politics" Hill also stated. He went on to ask the audience if corporations should be able to control the message on television?

"Congressman Hill has never spoken out about this issue in the past. He's received $1.8million from union bosses, over the years." Todd Young rebutted concerning Baron Hill's campaign financing. Todd went on to boast that 95% of his campaign is funded through private citizens. Young pointed out the GE own NBC.

Baron Hill was offered rebuttal on this and he only mentioned that he was delighted to hear that Young agrees about stockholders being offered a vote before candidates are financed by a corporate entity. The fact he did not address his financing strikes me as agreeing with the claim.

Over all, Todd was on the offense and Hill was defending himself with "that's not true." Baron was full of logical fallacies, appeals to emotion, and false accusations concerning Young's campaign and his views.

Todd was the clear winner, though he was soft. I believe that is in part due to the liberal nature of the questions asked. This was, after all, IU.

Many Candidates Should be Disqualified

2010-10-11T22:02:00.005-04:00

There are many candidates in local and state races who should be disqualified or considered disqualified from running or entering office.

First we go to the race for Secretary of State.

Charlie White (R) is being accused of voter fraud. This is a very big accusation. It's firstly a disgrace to ask for votes when you yourself have committed voter fraud, but when the office for which you are running governs elections for the state, that would be like voting tax-cheat Timothy Geithner for Secretary of Treasury of the US. What has he done to commit voter fraud? He deeded his home to his ex-wife and moved to an apartment. He also registered under that address.

But when it came time for election time, two years later, he verbally noted to the election attendant that he moved back in with his ex-wife, but did not change his registration. They allowed this because it is part of an Indiana fail safe that people can still vote as their previously registered address if the address is still within the same Congressional District, which it is, one last time.

He does this another time as well.

But the real offense comes when he moved to a condominium 5 miles outside of his Town Council District (where he serves as town councilor). His sale documents record this place as his homestead and primary residence.

But then he affirms his ex-wife's address again as his primary address at the election (his ex-wife's address is within his town council district)

Then when he filed to run for Secretary, he filed under his condo's address while his registered address is at his ex-wife's house. Funny thing? That was his mailing address he put down. So where does Charlie live? With his ex-wife? Or his current wife?

For more info on this, read: Charlie's "White" Lies
He cheated an election! He committed voter fraud!

Charlie White is also the GOP Chairman in his county. He above all should know how to register and the rules and laws regarding voter registration and candidate filing. There is no excuse for his "mistake" (his word not mine). Now, whether he meant to or not, that is left to be determined. There is an investigation underway. So if he does get into office, he could be immediately removed and the position be appointed until a special election or next election occurs (which ever the law states).

So vote for Vop Osili for Secretary of State votevop.com

County Council District 2

Jim Clouse (D) vs Rob Kittle (R)

Both are actually ineligible under the Hatch Act to run for office. The Hatch Act basically prevents any Federal employee from (amoung other things) running for office. This also has been expanded to State and Municipal government who enjoy Federal funding. So in order to not be eligible, the employee in the State or Municipality would have to come in contact with Federal funds. This can be because their salary is in part paid for by the Federal government. Also, if the job of the employee comes in contact with Federal funds in the line of duty. This could be through applying for grants, collaborating or helping with Federally funded projects, or actually carrying out some Federal project.

Jim Clouse is a Columbus City employee who helps oversee planning. He even admits to filling out grants for Federal funds, but claims that it does not disqualify him. The website of the Office of Special Counsel (body who oversees the Hatch Act and enforcing it) OSC.gov/hatchact.htm states quite clearly that filling out grant forms for State or Municpal government to receive funds from the Federal government. Jim does that, so he is automatically disqualified.

That leaves wealth redistributor Rob Kittle (R). But he happens to also be a Lieutenant in the Sheriff's Department. The Sheriff's department has to work with ICE and other Federal law enforcement agencies in apprehending criminals and processing illegal aliens. Rob Kittle is slightly less suspicious of being disqualified, but I believe it is enough to make a complaint, which has already been made (not by me, however).

Race for Recorder

Anita Hole (R) is running for County Recorder. She also might be in violation of Hatch act because she works for the County Recorder's office. The Recorder's office deals some with Federal liens. This might be considered coming in contact with federal funds. She is also under investigation along with Rob Kittle and Jim Clouse.

I would say Vote for Vop! No need in electing someone who violates the very laws he will be sworn to uphold. Do not vote for Charlie White!

I would say write someone in for County Council district 2 or vote for Jim Clouse seeing as they are both ineligible, but Jim would still be better that Rob.

Anita Hole is a very vague case. It is worth investigating however, but I cannot give a voting preference based on the Hatch Act. I would say vote for Anita Hole for County Recorder unless more is found out about it.

Hill votes to Hike Taxes, Run away from responsibility

2010-10-07T22:53:00.005-04:00

Readers of The Watchman,

Firstly, I would like to thank Phil for giving me a forum to publish this opinion piece.

This is a follow-up to my previous post on Obama and tax cuts. I would like to state that if there IS one crucial issue this election season it is the expiration of the 2003 “Bush tax cuts”.

First a little history:

The Bush Tax Cuts were first passed by Congress and then signed into law By President George W. Bush in 2001, extended in 2003 and 2006, and if not extended (or made permanent) will expire on Dec. 31st, 2010.

The so called “tax cuts” of 2010 would actually be a ‘tax extension’ in the strictest sense, or more precisely IF NOTHING IS DONE by Congress either before or after the November 2010 elections, it WILL be a TAX (Increase) HIKE~ Literally!

It could aptly be named the “Obama-Reid-Pelosi” Tax Increase!

Any and ALL Congressmen who vote against extension of the Bush era tax cuts will rightly be named and seen by the American people as tax raisers and irresponsible legislators, and they deserve defeat.

Well, that is exactly what Congress voted to do on Wednesday of last week: They actually voted to INCREASE TAXES by leaving town to save their own rather than doing what is responsible by voting on a bill to extend the tax cuts into 2011 and beyond.

By a vote of 210-209 almost by a party line vote (39 Democrats voted with the Republican Party in doing a truly bi-partisan and responsible thing by voting against adjourning Congress, and then hoping to force Speaker Pelosi to take up the tax-cuts issue); I would like to congratulate these Democrats and stand with them and their Republican friends in trying to do the right thing.

Nancy Pelosi was the deciding vote, by the way, to adjourn, and no surprise here...Baron Hill voted to adjourn as well.

Baron Hill I will forever label you as a tax-hiker and someone that the 9th Congressional District can no longer afford! You are bad for Hoosiers and I cannot wait till I can call you “former Congressman”.

-Jeremy J. Sallee, Tax Payer

Sources:

New York Times

Spectator

Wikipedia (For historical purposes. Proper sources are also cited here.)

Yes, indeed there were a few good Democrats who decided, whether they are liberal or conservative, that their place is in Washington. That they needed to stay and decide a few more things, such as this tax cut extension. And Lord Almighty forbid it if we were to make these policies permanent!

The funny thing is, those cuts helped get us out of the recession back in the beginning of Bush's first term. Obama and Hill seem to want to go in an opposite direction than what works. In fact, Obama and Hill want to resurrect failed economic policies of the past. NEW DEAL.

Quite honestly, I believe that if they were to take the rest of the TARP and Porkulus funds that are unspent and not garaunteed, they could give that to every American who paid taxes this year and give them an equal check. That will stimulate the economy! Either that, or just give that money back to pay off the defecit (which is in the trillions, thanks to this administration and Baron Hill's Congress!)

Greg Walker Comes on the Watchman!

2010-10-01T22:46:00.003-04:00

Greg Walker is the Indiana State Senator from District 41. Bartholomew and Southern Johnson County. Greg Walker met with me outside Starbucks this morning. We sat down with coffee in our hands and discussed some issues. Greg insists on representing the people by principle which sometimes means voting against his own party.

Consider Greg Walker in your votes this election. If you would like to see how you can make a difference in his campaign, go to

VoteGregWalker.com
Facebook

We are the Campaign! No good candidate can get in office unless the people do something!

Mike Delph speaks on Illegal Immigration!

2010-09-29T22:12:00.004-04:00

Mike Delph is a Republican State Senator serving the 29th District. This January (2011), he will be introducing a new piece of legislation dealing with Immigration Reform. He says he is looking at Arizona and other states which deal with immigration similarly to shape and direct the language and the functions of the law itself.

He admits this is a State right as granted under the 10th amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America.

You can catch Mike Delph on
Facebook
Twitter
MikeDelph.com

Even if you don't live in his district, consider helping him getting re-elected if you agree with his positions, remember. YOU ARE THE CAMPAIGN!

Bob Freeman for Columbus Township Trustee

2010-09-25T22:29:00.004-04:00

Meet Bob Freeman (D) running for Columbus Township Trustee, an office currently held by Fred Barkes (R)

Bob is concerned that the current Trustee is focusing entirely on the Fire Deptarment, which is a service the firemen provide quite well, while neglecting poor and homeless people at the same time. The duties of the Trustee include social services to those in your township.

Fence disputes, rent, groceries, homelessness, and other social services are rendered through the office of the Trustee.

Listen to Mr. Freeman. He has done his homework on some of the mishaps in this office. Listen to his solutions and decide for yourself if you want to back him or not.

Bob Freeman is Editor of Columbuzz.net

You can reach Bob Freeman at

robertfreeman@yahoo.com
Phone: 317-402-2244

Call him anytime, he says.

Chris Ogle: Bartholomew County is Spoiled

2010-09-25T00:37:00.005-04:00

Seriously, ladies and gentlemen. That is the County Council District 1 Candidate, Chris Ogle (R), really said in the last We the People Indiana "Meet the Candidates" Series.

We really found out who these guys are today.

Here's the County Council race breakdown

District 1
Richard Bonnell (D)
Chris Ogle (R)

District 2
Jim Clouse (D)
Bob Kittle (R)

District 3
Ryan Lauer (R) - Unopposed

District 4
Zack Ellison (D)
Jorge Morales (R)

Richard Bonnell, due to farming issues, could not be out, but was tending to his crops.

The meeting was set up very directly. Each person would be asked the same 3 hot issue questions. EDIT, County Officials Raises, and County Council/Commissioner Health care Benefits (That's right, we pay for their benefits and they are part timers! Part timers don't get health insurance in the County, so why should the elected official?

Chris Ogle was first up.

Mr. Ogle gave the same cookie cutter response to every question. "I'd have to weigh the pros and cons." He said that "it was not the proper time" for the EDIT. He called it a "Catch 22." He is all in favor of the tax itself, but might not be for that specific time. Basically, he never really showed where he stood. If I had to guess, he would have taxed us.

He went on to try and justify the EDIT by saying that "Bartholomew County is spoiled." His words, not mine. He says that we expect all these services without having to pay for them. He was called on, by an audience member, for calling the audience spoiled. Chris claimed he did not intend that to be the meaning of his statement, but that he chose the wrong phrasing. Still, someone who thinks that way really quickly, that the people are the problem, is just no good.

County Official Raises or Raises Across the Board. Chris said that if the economy is good, he would have voted for them, but he said priorities need to be weighed. He also answered a question directed at another candidate that performance based raises are difficult to administer. I suppose that if they are hard to administer, they just ought not to be instituted. You know, kinda like laws that are difficult to enforce just ought to be ignored.

Health care for County Officials. Basically, Chris thinks he deserves it. "I don't want to be a County Councilman as a volunteer." "If I wanted that, I would have volunteered at a church."He said that he would not want to bring up repeal of the benefits because he thinks you should "choose your battles" and that in County Government "you work as a team" and that he would also not want to penalize those who currently hold the office by taking benefits they already have because they expected those when they came in office. BOO HOO! Then why are you running, Mr. Ogle? You are not supposed to just work as a team. That's part of the problem! The Auditor, Council, and Commissioners are mostly Republican and have no checks on each other. So they form their own stream-lined process of getting things done.

Are you expecting some kind of pension, Chris? Well, not really. He says he doesn't understand how the pension works. In fact, he was asked many individual question which he said he could not answer because he did not have information in front of him. He refused to give his real opinion or position on anything, honestly.

Verdict

So Chris ogle SUPPORTS EDIT, SUPPORTS the RAISES, and SUPPORTS the HEALTH CARE FOR PART-TIME OFFICIALS. I have not heard, Mr. Bonnell, but I would think he has a better stance than Mr. Ogle.

Zack Ellison and Jorge Morales were called up next. This is where it gets very interesting.

I shall start with Jorge Morales

On EDIT, Jorge reverses what we once thought he stood for. He used to stand against EDIT 100%, but now he has flipped to saying that it was "just bad timing." Similar to Chris. However, Jorge realizes that EDIT is misused, but he never specifies how (though he also says that roads and operational budget items are okay to use EDIT on. He basically believes what the mayor believes. "Anything you can think of is Economic Development." He does point out though that there has been no economic development and no jobs because of the spending. Even though this is the case, he insists NOT repealing it and rather keep it for 2-3 years to see how it does.

Wishy washy and not really consistent, eh?

Raises. Jorge claims they aren't appropriate, again, it's poor timing. What is not realised is that these raises are not just for employees who work hard, but for elected officials. I have no problem with employees getting raises, but elected officials? NO. Jorge seems to think differently.

Health care. He said he will not accept the health care benefits offered to his seat, because he has good private care he is happy with. He thinks it might need to be repealed, but needs researched (that's a political "Chris Ogle" way of saying he won't repeal it once he gets in office). He also is of the same mind that it is not fair to fellow council and commissioners to yank health care from under them.

Verdict

EDIT:SUPPORTS RAISES:SUPPORTS HEALTH CARE:SUPPORTS

Zack Ellison was kinda the same, but was an ocean apart from ANY of the candidates there tonight.

EDIT. Zack is okay with the EDIT, but is interested in making sure it is being spent on ED. He admits that the current spending policies has yielded not ED. He opposes Jorge by saying that EDIT "should not be used for items covered by operating expenses." He does not want to repeal it. He also realizes that it really does steal money and available spending money for small business proprietors and citizens.

They were both asked about TIF and they both support TIF districts, and Zack already is looking at a few spots. TIF, as we know, does the county no good, in the end, because for 20 years, the money is tied up in that area for development. So no money is going to services and schools except for the initial property tax. Any increase goes to the TIF commission. BAH.

RAISES He does not think 3% was a good number, but believes the EMPLOYEES should get some kind of raise. When asked about performance based pay, he supports it, but it might be difficult to do if the pay is scheduled on grades not individual rates. He, however, said that a balanced budget would need to be in order before giving raises.

HEALTH CARE NO! for part time elected officials.

While every candidate said they basically want those benefits, Zack is the only person who vocally and solidly opposes this benefit. In what might seem to be a response to Chris Ogle's "volunteer" speech, Zack mentions that he volunteers for the county by being on a few commissions or councils. He says he "will NOT accept health benefits," supports repeal of those benefits to ALL part-time elected officials, and claims that "you run for this office to make this county a better place" not for the benefits and pay. AMEN!

Verdict

EDIT: SUPPORTS,but has the right idea in its implementation (this current Council never did!). TIFF: Supports. RAISES: YES, but with the condition of a balanced budget and probably not 3% in this economy, and only to employees, not elected officials. HEALTH CARE: NO, REPEAL!

I am backing Zack Ellison pretty firm from here on out!

This next match up is the most difficult because neither are good candidates.

Both Rob Kittle and Jim Clouse support the EDIT.

Both support raises, but Jim Clouse would like to see merit based pay increases, rather.

Health Care

Kittle says councilors and commissioners should not get them, but they should not be yanked away from current officials. Again, missing the whole point of public service. Kittle kinda supports it.

Jim Clouse flat out said he does not support them.

Some things that Kittle said were disturbing (more so than the Chris Ogle "Bartholomew County is spoiled" comment.)

Rob Kittle admitted that he would compromise his principles in voting. So that immediately throws out any credibility he has as a candidate. When called on this, he exploded at the gentlemen who asked and pressed him about that statement saying "You don't know my philosophies!" even though he clearly revealed them a couple seconds prior. Already changing positions, eh?

Rob Kittle also believes that government has the right to redistribute wealth. That IMMEDIATELY discredits him and marks him off in my book. The EDIT was brought up again under that banner of wealth redistribution and both Jim and Rob smacked that claim down that it is redistribution of wealth rather echoing what Chris Ogle said in the audience "It's an investment." Good thing someone quickly caught them and immediately educated them that EDIT is a tax on income which is a form of wealth redistribution rather than a tax which is voluntary consumption based which is a voluntary tax (so long as a you spend, you are taxed).

Endorsements and support

So, from this encounter with the candidates, I have chosen to

ENDORSE ZACK ELLISON (D) for DISTRICT 4

BACK JIM CLOUSE (D) for DISTRICT 2

and possibly ENDORSE RICHARD BONNELL (D) for DISTRICT 1 once I get a chance to talk with him about these same issues.

I really like Zack. I don't mind Jim so much, but he is far better than someone we cannot trust to stand on principle (Rob Kittle).

I absolutely cannot endorse Chris Ogle or back him up. I OPPOSE Chris Ogle. Similarly to how I oppose Rob Kittle. They are the bad Republicans who are trying to resurrect this old liberalised approach to government that failed.

A few comments which stood out today.

"Bartholomew County is spoiled." -Chris Ogle (R) District 1

"You run for this office because you want to make the County a better place." -Zack Ellison (D) District 4

Paraphrase "Government has the right to redistribute wealth." (Actual quote was that someone asked "what gives you the right to redistribute our wealth." Kittle replied "I don't, yet.") - Rob Kittle (R) District 2

Honestly? Vote Democrat, this County Council election. You'll get more moderate to conservative guys who don't loathe their electorate, change their positions, or will compromise their principles. (still cannot believe he said that, out loud.)

9/11:Memorilize, don't politicize!

2010-09-11T15:51:00.001-04:00

Good day, ladies and gentlemen. Today is a solemn day. It is a day of memorial. Today, we are not going to be talking about some idiot burning a book of text sacred to some nor will we be talking about a building and what it does and does not represent in the place it is going to be built. We have 364 days to talk about this stuff.

We remember soldiers who sacrifice their lives. Sacrifices are voluntary. Sacrifices serve a purpose and have a goal or principle behind them, especially sacrifices of the ultimate price. But what about paying the ultimate price for no purpose? Dying for no reason. Being killed without a purpose. That is not sacrifice. That is murder. These murders must be remembered. Today, we remember. Tomorrow we may argue and politic with each other, but today we dare not rape the memory of the men and woman of ALL faiths, of ALL colours, of ALL nationalities, of ALL races, of ALL beliefs as a means to satisfy our political ends. If you hear people doing that today be it Sean Hannity, Keith Olberman, Rachael Maddows, Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, or anyone, know that they are raping the memory of the fallen and the murdered.

Enough of that.

I was not there. I was not on the airplane when men jumped up and violently usurped control of the craft. I was not on the plane looking down through my window knowing that I was getting closer to the ground, closer to the city knowing what was about to happen, but being powerless to stop it.

I was not there.

I was not in that building finishing reports or tracking numbers as I would have done everyday. I was not there as I looked out and saw what I would not have believed but only had a few seconds to pray before my soul was called.

I was not there.

I was not under my desk crying to my God to deliver me and bring me back home to my wife and children as the planes destruction trapped me in my office.

I was not there.

I was not numbered among those whose souls sought heaven but whose bodies rather fell to the ground.

I was not there looking in the sky horror struck as ash poured out into the streets and as I saw people jumping from the buildings. I was not there to run away from it all racing against cars and people to dodge the debris and the smoke.

I was not there covered in soot like the rest of my fellow citizens as we went back to that place to look for survivors. I was not there calling my wife and children to see if they were okay and to tell them I loved them.

I was not in that firetruck going to try to save whomever I could before the building collapsed. I was not in that lobby as the building gave way giving me a pile of rubble as a grave.

I was not there as we looked for suvivors. Hearing the screams both strong and faint of those who were hanging onto their lives by a thread.

I was not in that classroom as news of the event came to my nation's leader seeing his pained face knowing he could do nothing, but not alarming me so I could enjoy my class.

I was not there.

But America was.

And we all know where we were when pearl harbor was attacked. We all know where we were when JFK was shot. We all know where we were when we were attacked in New York City.

Most of us were not there. Many of us do not know anyone who was there. But as we saw the video, we were there. I remember coming home from school that day where I had already heard and seen the attack. I looked in the sky and saw a plane and was afraid. For the next week or so, I was afraid of the planes which I had seen in the air my whole life until then. All I could think of was seeing my house in flames or my city damaged. I thought of myself dying at any given moment. If even the Pentagon was not secure, then I must not be.

It is written in the Bible book of Ecclesiastes “It is better to be in a house of mourning than a house of mirth.”

Going to a funeral service, we realize that death can happen at any time. We realize that our souls can be called upon at anytime. The good, the bad, we all will die at sometime. We don't know when. We put our boots on in the morning not knowing who will take them off at night.

These people did not choose to die. They did not ask for this. They were not prepared to die. Yet they did.

This nation came together that day. This nation put aside the differences politically, and they focused on helping the victims and their families. It was even reported that in the few months after that day, Bibles and other books of faith skyrocketed in sales.

The nation came together and immediately wanted to know who was resposible and they found out. We have made them our enemies and we are searching for them. We killed quite a few of them, but they are still out there. While they live, they are victorious in their murder. Let us not forget what they have done. Let us not forget who died. Not soldiers. Not people who had pledged and prepared their life to be taken at any moment. People died. Regular people who were going about their regular day. Those were the casualties of this first attack.

People who would have been your neighbors, you friends, your brothers, mothers, sister, fathers, uncles, grandparents, your cousins. That's whose lives were targeted.

Let us not forget those who pay a price without purpose. Let us put purpose in that price. Let us purpose that price to demand that same price of those theives who stole lives. AMERICAN lives. All lives.

Remember, my fellow Americans. We must never forget it. We are already forgetting Pearl Harbor as that generation is coming to an end. Will we forget 9/11 before our generation is over? I hope not.

Thank you for listening. God Bless you. Good day.

President Obama: Wrong on Tax Cuts, a Hypocrite on Spending..

2010-09-11T13:58:00.003-04:00

Dear readers of the Bartholomew County Watchman.

I know that many if not most you have been paying attention to President Obama’s
argument with Republicans in Congress over Tax Cuts (specifically the “Bush Tax Cuts”
and his new “Small Business Tax Incentives”.

While I agree with President Obama that we need tax cuts for economic growth heading
into 2011, (the Republicans have consistently been saying the same thing).

It is a proven fact throughout our history that as tax cuts are enacted, they are a catalyst
for economic growth. What a novel fact that businesses and individuals know what to
spend money on (as investment or savings, or even private spending) that will create real
wealth better than government bureaucrats!

President Obama recently came out against extending the Bush era tax cuts for “the
wealthy” (those making over 250K a year), yet keeping Bush’s cuts for everyone else.
He cited the “deficit” as the reason why we cannot afford these.

According to Fox News:

Everyone under 250K would cost around 3 Trillion,

While extending those for the “wealthy” would cost 750 Billion.

But the President also wants congress to enact another 50 Billion or so in
additional “stimulus spending” as well as a new proposal to allow small businesses to
write off (on 2011 federal taxes) all their research and development funds.

Well I am here to say that President Obama is a hypocrite: because the he can’t claim on the one hand that tax cuts for those under 250K are ok (which would add 3 Trillion to
the deficit), and on the other then to claim that tax cuts for those making over 250K per
year “we cannot afford”.

Added to this hypocrisy is the spending of an additional 50K for infrastructure (see
unions) which are not tax cuts and do not spur economic growth.

The business tax write offs (by most claims) would be good for businesses in the short
term because they would invest in these technologies in 2011, but by not making them
permanent as well, it would only cause investments in that may been used in the future to
become used next year by these businesses.

Congressman Mike Pence stated “It is imperative that we preserve the tax relief
(including those making over 250K)”, and by most estimates a large portion of
those making over 250K include the very same small businesses that President
Obama is supposedly targeting with this small business tax write off on R&D!

It is like he is saying in one hand: No we won’t let you keep more of your own money,
except for this “pittance” that I allow you have back! It’s ludicrous..

And of course the dead dog that no one talks about in this situation (which I wish
somebody would) is that we need to cut federal spending AND lower taxes. To the
great surprise of many of those in the Washington Beltway, and New York corridors’ we
the American people can make due just fine with a few less bureaucratic agencies and
federal workers.

I just wish someone on the side of smaller-government would make these points to in
the media to the American public…Mike Pence (Congressional leadership) are you
listening?

Thank you, Jeremy, again for contributing the Watchman. We need to watch out for hypocrisy where ever it exists. Republican and Democrat.

Pence, Mourdock, White, Young Take Stage

2010-08-28T21:50:00.003-04:00

A packed night it was. Not just the 110+ people who were at this last We the People Indiana Meet the Candidate session, but the line up.

Mike Pence (R-IN-6) kicked off with a speech with spirited support of State Treasurer Richard Mourdock, Indiana Secretary of State candidate Charlie White, We the People Indiana co-founder Lisa Deaton, and State Senator Greg Walker of District 41. In addition to personal recognition, he also greatly impressed upon the group that the TEA Party will win this election saying that "Everytime people have taken ownership of American principles, they have benefited."

Pence stated his mental goals he would like to see accomplished through this election. A conservative majority in the house. Mr. Pence chose very careful words to make sure that he did not say a Republican majority. He expanded upon that idea by referencing the past administration and how the GOP Congress ran away with the taxpayer's money. He also referenced today's Congress and White House under the Agrarian (my word) Democrats and called for the people to look for conservatism, not just a party, though he was a little quick to say that the GOP is vessel for conservatism. He evidences this by citing the GOP votes on Porkulous, the Budget, and Obamacare where not a single Republican voted for those measures, though I would be quick to cite that 65 Republicans (not including Pence) voted for the first stimulus under Bush.

His agenda in Congress is to repeal Obamacare "lock, stock, and barrel" and the GOP is not going to stop until it is gone.

These kind words were predictable and Pence is showing off his wonderful orator skills. He knows he is speaking to a group of people that are looking for conservatism and fiscal sanity.

Though it may not be the intention of Mr. Pence, it is my observation that the GOP (especially the local GOP) is specifically invested in trying to "own" the TEA Party movement. Ted Ogle, who has never been to a TEA Party meeting that I can vouch for, was present that evening. Sue Paris and Phyllis Apple, who were defeated by the TEA Party, insisted on attending meetings. This is a good thing, that anyone would attend a meeting, but they clearly did not realize, until it was their turn to be at the candidate table, how much the people (especially fiscal conservatives like the TEA Party folks) did not like their policies of taxing the people whom they serve during a tough economy, but they insisted on showing up as if they belonged and were loved by the people.

I tell you, ladies and gentlemen, watch out for the GOP! ESPECIALLY the local GOP. I will talk about party politics in the next post.

Richard Mourdock was a refreshing change for the meetings because we have not seen too many state-wide players at the table. Richard Mourdock began by talking about the state of the state's finances and programs in his control. According to MorningStar, Indiana is 1 of 5 states with the best college savings plans in America and enrollment, I believe he said, has increased 400%. Richard made some contrasts between the way he runs state investing and the way Timothy Geithner runs the national investments. He recalled the occassion where Secretary Geithner travelled to a Chinese university to give a lecture and told the students that American bonds are good and guaranteed because "America follows the rules" (though at the same time back home, the GM bond fiasco and take over by the president ignored the rights and guarantees of the bond holders.) The students erupted with laughter.

This led to mentioning his fund-raising with Sheriff Joe Arpaio of Arizona. People had asked him how he has any similarity in duty or politics as Sheriff Arpaio. He said simply, "This is what the Sheriff and I have in common. We both believe the rule of law should be obeyed by everyone PERIOD!"

He waxed historical about something that President Abraham Lincoln once said about a Mobocracy where "we know what the law says, but it is not convenient." He claimed that expedient application of the law is wrong.

He tied this all back to how Obama illegally stole a company, stole the bonds from the bond holders, and used expediency, regardless of what the law stated, and still claims that they follow the rules.

"Either we have a Constitution,.... or we have a Mobocracy."

Charlie White has the unfortunate and not envied position of running for an office that many people do not understand. When asked the question "What can you do to shield Hoosiers from some of the things that Washington is passing our way." His reply did not come quickly, though he did state that he is unsure how his office can actually help Hoosiers in that way. He was not quick to state that he would assert Indiana's sovereignty. That bothers me.

One thing I will say about Charlie White that I like, he recognized the advances in internet application that Todd Rokita has begun to implement to make it easier to get information and for businesses and citizens to submit the forms they need to submit. He said he wants to continue this and implement even more ways the internet can become a portal directly to his desk from any computer in Indiana.

He also strongly supports the voter ID laws that allow our elections to be further secured from illegal aliens and anyone else who is not permitted to vote. This is to secure elections for the voters and get an accurate, legal count.

Then Todd Young came in. He started off calling Congress along with Nancy Pelosi and Baron Hill alcoholics. Saying "I know I should stop, but I just need one more evening of binge drinking." He called the TEA Party the "intervention" of Congress.

Young referenced Hill's vote for Cap and Trade which, according to a report from the Heritage Foundation, would hit Indiana, specifically, the worst of all the states when it comes to the increase in energy costs and the increase in cost to produce energy. Young alluded that Hill voted AGAINST the people of Indiana by voting on a bill that would specifically and directly hurt Indiana jobs, families, and businesses.

Todd divulged that 60% of Baron Hill's funding is coming from special interests, but 95% of Todd's funding comes from private citizens. A person asked about the use of TARP monies for the National Democratic campaign. Apparently, this report is true. The Democrats have been appropriating what is left of TARP to certain groups which then use that money to pay special interests who in turn finance the campaign of politicians who voted their way. Baron Hill is one of these people.

Todd, though I still endorse him, lacked his usually umph in talking about the border and about his party allegiance. Remember, Ted Ogle and prominent party members were present that evening. He really did not say what he usually says. He usually says that the people are who he is called to represent, so that's who he will serve. I have asked him if he would vote against the will of the GOP if they start going away from their current conservative promises. He has told me he will.

I do not know what his hesitation was that night. Whether it was just being faced by the GOP establishment in the room or whether it was just fatigue from a lot of campaigning. I do not know. I just know that he needs to recover what he has said in the past to ensure people that he is not two faced. I do not think he is.

All in all a good meeting. The Republic misreported, as usual, the number to be 75. THe number was about 110 to 130. That is a sad thing for a "reputable" newspaper to misprint the attendance of the meeting. It only took me one minute to count.

I will say this again. Watch the GOP just like we should watch the Agrarian Dems right now. The GOP ESPECIALLY the local GOP is trying to ride this wave to get more seats. Throw them off and let them know that they are not the masters of this movement. THE PEOPLE ARE!

Tea Party is For Everyone; Regular Protests Begin

2010-08-08T13:31:00.005-04:00

Readers of the Watchman,

This is my first post on Mr. Swaim’s blog, so let me introduce myself.

My name is Jeremy. I am a resident of Columbus, Indiana, and a member of the We The
People Indiana, a Tea Party group. I have lived in Columbus for about 10 years, and am
sick and tired of corruptocrats (of either party) in all levels of Government.

Phil has asked me to contribute to the Watchman as a guest writer from time to time.

Today, Phil, myself, and my mother held what I hope to become a bi-weekly or monthly
event of “Tea Party Protesting” sign waving/protesting @ the Bartholomew County
Courthouse!

Not so many protestors our first event, only we three, however we are hoping to grow as
word spreads that this will be a bi-weekly (or monthly event).

The thing that I think really kept (or keeps) me coming back to is the thumbs-up, and
horn honks in support that we receive while protesting! I think Americans “Get it” and
are sick and tired of the way our politicians have been selling out America for decades.

We intend to keep this up until we get real change back to our Founding Principles.

I hope to see you @ the next protest.

THE SECOND event that (only Phil and I) attended today was a Summertime Festival
in North Vernon, Indiana. We had heard that incumbent Congressman Baron Hill (IN-
09) would be in attendance to meet & greet the people (lie to them) and to “kiss babies”.

He showed up around 1:00PM, but before he came, we had a few good interviews with
volunteers from both the Republican and Democratic parties @ the summer festival.

I met up with a few grass-roots Tea Party members from Jennings County (We the
People Jennings Co), there were about 10-12 members in all (including a very adorable
little girl), and when The Congressman arrived, we followed him down the street with
Tea Party Signs like “Taxed Enough Already”, The Gadsden Flag, The American Flag,
and “Defeat Pelosi, Hill, Obama” signs. It was great, we were cheered on observers
honking and waving. Congressman Hill only got one block down the street when he
retreated from his constituents (apparently too afraid to talk to them) and got back in his
car and left to go somewhere else.

I think the thing that left the biggest impression on me was not this protest though, but a
woman by the name of Mary Hendricks ,a registered Democrat, working at the Democrat booth, and also running for Jennings Co. Recorder in November.

She stated that she actually kind of sympathized with the Tea Parties, and was sick and

tired of the spending as well! Democrats as well as Independents and Republicans are
sick of the out of control spending and big-government nanny state programs as well.
I cannot stress enough: It is not about Parties, it is about Principle! We both told her
that if she feels that way “get involved” we would be glad to have her support. I do not
consider the Tea Party an exclusive tool against or for any party, I consider it average
Americans basically saying: ENOUGH, We want our country back from the Elites in
both parties.

Give me liberty,

-Jeremy Sallee

Thank you, Jeremy! It is always a pleasure to meet up with you at various events. It is going to be and even bigger pleasure having you as a guest writer!

Baron Hill at North Vernon

2010-08-07T21:37:00.000-04:00

Baron Hill (D-IN 9) walks through North Vernon and people's questions. So I went ahead and took the questions for him and for you. Okay, mostly for you.

Sorry the video is out of sync, I am working on getting the video corrected.

My Views About the NY Mosque

2010-08-05T23:42:00.004-04:00

Above is a new podcast where I expand upon my previous post about the mosque in NY.

I talk about the mosque, their Constitutional rights to build it, who our enemy really is, religious vs political issues, the history of the Pledge of Allegiance and the Declaration of Independence, and I talk about the Korean War Memorial in Washington DC.

It all ties together, folks, just take a listen.

I have a new introduction to my podcast with Baron Hill, Peter Stark, and Sue Paris spewing some infamous liberal lines!

Enjoy and be sure to comment and email this around!

House Dem, Hill, Will Not Practice What He Preaches

2010-08-04T21:43:00.004-04:00

Currently there is an investigation and 13 charges have been brought up against House Democrat Charlie Rangel. Mostly the way he solicited funds for his campaign and funelled them through one of his organizations, and failure to report tax information correctly (tax fraud, basically).

How does Mr. Baron Hill fit into all of this? It seems that Mr. Hill received a total of $26,000 from Mr. Rangel. Some, such as Republican candidate for Congress Todd Young, believe that that money was dirty money and he ought to give that back. "These are very serious violations of the public trust, during a time when trust in Washington is already at a historic low." Young said. "If Mr. Hill is not going to return this money, he owes an explanation to his constituents. Short of this, Hoosiers can only assume he is complicit in Rangel's corruption."

I contacted Baron Hill's campaign office as well. I inquired as to if these numbers were correct. Hill's office confirmed something that seemed a little different than the story Todd Young's campaign has been saying. They report that the last time Mr. Rangel gave to the campaign was back in 2007, obviously for the 2008 election campaign. The office claimed the money has already been spent.

So why is Todd Young's campaign making a big deal out of this? Did Baron know that Charlie was corrupt at the time of the donation? I would be willing to give Mr. Hill a benefit of the doubt. But here is the interesting part, watch this video from the 2006 Election campaign with Baron Hill's camp bashing Mike Sodrels donors.

Did Mr. Sodrel know that these men were crooked at the time? I would be willing to give Mr. Sodrel the benefit of the doubt as well. Here's the point. Mr. Hill was absolutely disgusted with Sodrel not giving money back after he realized these men were dirty, making the money dirty as well.

However, note that Sodrel DID give money to charity because he later found his donors to be dirty.

"In 2004, then candidate Mike Sodrel accepted a $2,000 campaign contribution from Cunningham, before he had been accused of wrongdoing. When Cunningham pleaded guilty, Sodrel donated the $2,000 to charity; $1,000 to the Maple Manor Children's Home in Sellersburg and $1,000 to Martha's House in Bloomington." (Source: Courier Journal ,Louisville, KY Oct 10, 2006)

Here's the question I leave to you, the voter....... Just because this is an election later, is Hill exempt from this taking of dirty money for campaign funds? Should he give $26,000 to a charity in Southern Indiana as a sign of severing ties with Charlie Rangel? He already spent the money, but so did Sodrel. So is it okay for Hill to follow one standard and preach another?

That's up to you, folks! That's what elections are for!

Mosque in NY a Matter of Property Rights

2010-08-03T21:44:00.003-04:00

Many of my viewers and listeners will not agree with me, but allow me your full attention.

The builders of this hated NY mosque has every right to build it. No matter how close to an attack by terrorists it is! It comes down to a simple property rights issue. The group that is tearing down this building and building the mosque OWNS that property. Sure, they have to go through a approval process to tear down a big building and build another big building, but do you not have to go and get permits if you wish to add on to your house? What would you say if someone said "Your building onto your house is an offense to me and I will fight the approval of that expansion?" You would tell them to shut up that it's your property and you have every right to build what you want.

I would like to focus on the opponents of this mosque. If you read most of the signs, they are filled with bigotry and prejudice. "You can build a mosque at Ground Zero when we can build a synagogue in Mecca." Firstly, that country, where Mecca is located, is a sovereign nation and the Muslims in this nation cannot control the policies of that country. Secondly, it is , again, against the spirit of America to deny someone their rights to their property.

Many other signs talk about dishonoring "my son's grave" or "spitting in the face of the 9/11 victims." It sounds an awful lot like those signs are implying that ALL Muslims attacked America on that day of September 11, 2001. I remember a few extreme crazy terrorists flew planes into the World Trade Center Towers in the name of a god. To my mind, that was an insult their god, if anything.

I believe that these Muslims building the mosque are not terrorists. Many Muslim leaders have come onto shows like Bill O'reilly, Sean Hannity, and the other Republican talking heads to denounce those acts. This feeling is shared by the future patrons of the mosque. This mosque is not dedicated in anyway shape or form to murderers or terrorists. This mosque is dedicated (as many Muslims in NY have said) to the memory of those (including Muslims, mind you) who were killed in the attacks.

If a crazy extreme Christian decided to go and blow up a building in the name of Jehovah, one of the first things I would want to do is to immediately denounce the attacks and condemn them ESPECIALLY because they were done in God's name. Secondly, I would acquire land near that area so I might build a monument or even a building of true worship to God. That way everyone knows what Christians really believe in. Peace, gentleness, kindness, joy.

I do not know why Mr. Hannity believes this, but he thinks that it should be halted because of the imam's views. Firstly, Hannity is referring to the former imam's views. I say former because there is a new imam and he is starkly different and preaches peace, not violence. He denounces the 9/11 attacks. Besides, should a person's beliefs (even as radical as some may be) keep them from building a prayer and community center? Sorry, but all of these so called Conservatives are really looking pretty liberal right now. That's because they are Republicans.

I do not believe in the Muslim faith. I do not worship God in the way they do. I would never attend a mosque. However, I cannot deny these people their Constitutional right to build a mosque. To deny it would be a breach of the 1st Amendment and to an owner's property rights. In this country, we do not respect one religion over another. We see each other as Americans.

Now, here's something you might like to hear me say. If and when plans to bomb or otherwise undermine American security does begin to leak out from this place, then we can start looking into arrests and charges of sedition and conspiracy. But let us not just look at someone and try to make this into "He's a Muslim! He attacked our country!"

One more sign caught my eye. "Stop the Islamization of our country!" Well, what about the Christification (a word I made up for this purpose) of this country. What about the Judaizing of this country? In each other's eyes, they look evil. People, this is again what I call a religious issue and not a political one. The Constitution protects your religion as it does theirs, unless it calls for the death of citizens or war with this country. Then there's a Constitutional problem.

Obama said it right. "Whatever we once were, we are no longer a Christian nation - at least not just. We are also a Jewish nation, a Muslim nation, a Buddhist nation, a Hindu nation, and a nation of non-believers." That's pretty much the Constitution's 1st Amendment regarding religion, in a nutshell.

Wake-up people! Keep the religious bigotry where it belongs. With the Nazis, the Communists, the Socialists, and the Liberals.

Baron Hill Invited on the Watchman

2010-08-03T01:25:00.003-04:00

I recently sent a message to our servant Baron Hill regarding a few issues. I will post about those answers in 10 days.

I also invited Mr. Hill to be on the Bartholomew County Watchman. Why? Why would I, the Watchman who is at war with Mr. Hill, want to invite him on the show? Because it is fair.

I am not the type of journalist, columnist, or commentator who will listen to one side. I consider both sides. I watch MSNBC, FOX, CNN, CBS, ABC. I listen to talk radio. I listen to Michael Savage, Glenn Beck, Rachael Maddows, Lou Dobbs, Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh, Wolf Blitzer. When you listen to all of these talking heads, you actually end up seeing where all the spin intersects. That, usually, is where reality is. That's what I bring to you, my audience: reality.

I have already endorsed Todd Young for CD 9, but that does not mean that I cannot have Baron Hill on my show to share his views and make himself as clear as he can so that you will know where he stands (for the best or the worst).

I will be extending this same invitation to Todd Young. I look forward to any and all questions or comments you may have for Mr. Hill or Mr. Young.

You can go to our Facebook page (see the badge to the right) and post your comment or question, or you can go to the contact me page to send me an email with the same.

Thank you for your listenership and readership and look forward to hearing these gentlemen on this site soon!

Watchman In Washington DC!

2010-07-15T19:44:00.008-04:00

The Watchman has been in DC today. I went to the capitol where I was greeted by the Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. I also saw very prominent Democrats and Republicans voting on the House floor on a Jeff Flake Amendment (Bi-partisanly, mind you).

The big news on the Hill today was that the Senate passed the Financial DE-form bill. Now the President will sign this bill into passage.

Now what does this bill do? I'll tell you.

1) It sets up a new Commission to oversee Wall street (isn't that the SEC?) but to monitor the banks (isn't that the FDIC and NCUA?) and makes sure that banks do not fall. If a bank does look like it's about to fall, then this new commission steps in to cut the company up and sell it off (Again, isn't that the FDIC and NCUA?). Proponents of this commission say that this will make sure that major "too big to fail" banks will not collapse and cause a financial crisis. I say this just adds more bureaucracy to an already overcomplicated mess of regulations and red tape.

Let us not forget that it was Dodd and Frank's Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and their other ideas which caused this last recession! Adding to the regulation and giving the government more of an arm in the actual business of banking and finance is a very scary thing when it comes to the liberties of the consumer, the business, and the finance industries.

This sets a new precedent. If banks and GM are too big to fail, then is anything to important to immediate communities to fail? What if Cummins closed up out of nowhere? What if some other local industry were to close up? Thousands here and abroad would be unemployed and local industry would be upset. Then what would happen? Well, in thinking like a socialist, which this legislation sets the ground work for, nothing would ever happen and no one would step up to fill the gap or expand. This is wrong. The correct way of thinking would say that business around would expand. There are now plenty of people looking for a job, in this hypothetical I have created, so that means a business could expand operation or manufacturing capacity by setting up shop in Bartholomew County. OR! Someone could start a few NEW businesses to absorb these workers and to fill in the gap.

That's the way logic tells us to work. It is called the market. It is called Capitalism.

2) This bill would eliminate or force credit card companies to lower their "swipe fees." Whether you know it already or not, everytime you swipe your credit card through the Wal-Mart check-out, Wal-Mart is charged x amount of dollars per swipe. American Express is the worst at this. This is why there are quite a few places that do not take American Express. Some people have complained that credit card companies are double charging the consumer. The credit card company has charged a per swipe fee to the business for using that service of accepting the credit card. The consumer also pays an interest rate for using the card. The business passes the cost of the swipe fees off to the customer in the form of price markup. Therefore, the customer has paid twice for the swipe of the credit card.

So lets expand this socialist thinking. Blizzard makes the popular MMORPG known as World of Warcraft. You pay around $80 to buy the game and the expansions. You don't pay this to Blizzard, you pay this to Wal-Mart or Best Buy or Target. But Wal-Mart and the rest got it from Blizzard for x*3 when it really only costs Blizzard x to create it. Then Wal-Mart and the others sell it to you for x*6. Not only this, but you have to pay a MONTHLY fee to Blizzard to use World of Warcraft. You have paid TWICE for the product.

This is applying the same principle to a different industry. So should the cost of providing the product to Best Buy and Wal-Mart be removed so you are not paying Blizzard twice? That's the wrong question though. It should be: Does Blizzard have a right to sell their product to a company and offer services related to that product to the consumer? YOU BET!

Offering credit card payment capability is not something that falls out of the sky. There is an entire infrastructure of secure lines and checks to make sure and monitor you card swipe. Where it was used, when and for how much. That kind of monitoring does not come cheap. The interest rate that you pay on your card is there because the credit card company has paid for your purchase. You must pay it, what really amounts to a loan, back. Not only for the amount borrowed, but a little interest for the service offered. The same thing applies to companies. The companies purchase that service of credit card usage at their stores.

So what is a better solution? Do what Sam's Club and a few other major businesses did. They do not accept certain credit cards. The result? Savings passed on to you, the consumer. What will happen? Well, the credit card companies will either make a special rate for that company or other companies will also drop the expensive credit card to ensure good prices for their consumers. This will cause less people to choose that market black-listed card and then the card companies will have to make some hard decisions as to how to offer credit services and swipe services.

The solution which was passed does NOT solve the problem, it only socializes the problem. Again, Capitalist solutions are best here.

3) All financial products (loans and other) will be monitored by that same commission in number 1.

4.) That same commission will also break up companies who threaten the economy. And in breaking those companies up, the cost will be assessed on the surviving companies of that industry. If that is not socialism, I do not what is.

It gets down to this concept: Let the market work! When government puts its hand in the pot, the whole stew gets spoiled. If the government would just make sure everyone falls correctly and fairly (bankruptcy courts) then the economy would take care of itself.

Instead, this will add around 5000 pages in revision and new regulation to an already uncertain financial industry. It will take years for the financial industry to even understand the limitations and boundaries and what the regulations mean for their operations.

We cannot expect our economy to recover if Congress and the President keep changing the rules by further restricting and regulating the industries which are trying to recover. The result? I believe a double dip recession. This might even go into a panic or a depression. A depression is generally a 2 year recession. I think this bill will cause a 2 year recession (a depression).

Let's stop doing the OPPOSITE of what Ronald Reagan did when he got us out of the recession in his first term. We are narrowing the tax base, over-regulating the financial industries, and we are not cutting spending in anything but defense.

We need to broaden the tax base or lower taxes, de-regulate, and cut spending in everything except defense. Obviously some common-sense fits in there.

Wake up America! And wake up Bartholomew County! Your local governments are doing some very similar things. Spend spend spend and tax tax tax. Throw them out of office NOW!

"Tools" for Corrupt Politicians

2010-07-01T22:48:00.005-04:00

Recently, there was a forum on Economic Devolopment “Tools” at the YES Cinema. The topics or “tools” of discussion were TIF, Tax Abatements, and EDIT. I have a summary of each “tool” and the pitfalls and misuses of each.

TIF Districts are used to take the tax of the increased property value away from the public funds and into that districts funds to pay for the project’s bonds. This is an interesting idea, but not one without major disadvantages to the taxpayers.

The money does not go to the taxing body. It goes to that district. Which means that the schools, city, or county never see that money. Although generally sold to legislatures as a “tool” to redevelop blighted areas, some districts are drawn up where development would happen anyway such as prime areas at the edges of cities. California has had to pass legislation designed to curb this abuse. Also, capturing the full tax increment and directing it to repay the development bonds ignores the fact that the incremental increase in property value likely requires an increase in the provision of public services, which will now have to be funded from elsewhere (often from subsides from less economically thriving areas). For example, the use of tax increment financing to create a large residential development means that public services from schools to public safety will need to be expanded, yet if the full tax increment is captured to repay the development bonds, the taxing body, the area around the taxing body, and other bodies will have to find more money to cover the new cost since the TIF money goes nowhere near the tax bodies.
Basically, the extra revenue generated is not regulated or administered by the elected officials. The board gets to decided to do what they want with it. It is a scary thing when we allow non-elected officials to play with money without it being budgeted to them. I would not mind this so much if the boards had to report their spending or budget to the City Council before they actually spend the money. That way, this money is under more oversight of elected officials who are held accountable by the voters.

Tax Abatements are a good incentive for a new business to come into an area to open a store, build a plant, and introduce business and create jobs for the community. NEW business. However, tax abatements have been used to give already existing and well established companies abatements. Though it is good to encourage companies to make an investment risk and expand, this can go too far when the abatement granting body accepts and grants any abatement that comes by their table and for unreasonably long timeframes. This activity is banking that the company is going to be successful in their efforts and at the same time keeps property taxes on citizens high since the abatement keeps the tax base narrower than it would be. Essentially, when an abatement is granted for a company, property taxes have a tendancy to go up.

EDIT is a tax, not a tool. It is a shame that we would call a tax a tool to do something when all it really does is tax the citizens of a county more of their income. It has been said that the revenue goes to economic development, but even the Mayor has continuously said “anything you can think of can be considered economic development.” It is with this mentality this tax, which has been mislabeled as a “tool,” has gone to fund things that ae already the responsibility of the budgets of the city and county. Roads and bridges. Not to mention that this tax is not even necessary. From what we have learned from articles in the Republic, revenues from property taxes have not, contrary to city and county officials, decreased. They have increased. So taxes are being raised on the citizens from all sides for no purpose but to ratchet up spending in the present and in the future.
What this all really comes down to is economic development. City progressives would say that economic development is anything you can think of, but that is further from the truth. Economic development would be things such as: providing infrastructure or developing property for prospective NEW businesses, paving roads to these new infrastructures for businesses, offering a tax abatement to a NEW business which will bring forth many jobs to our community.
Economic development does not mean: repairing sidewalks, repaving existing roads, repairing bridges. Basically, not EVERYTHING is economic development in its own right. This City and County has proven incapable of using these “tools” properly. Their use should be discontinued until a time comes when officials can tell the difference between the regular and intended use of the budget and economic development.

Who is pushing all this “Economic Development?” NON ELECTED OFFICIALS as I stated in the TIF section of this post. The likes of Ed Curtin and the Redevelopment Commission get to play with this money and make decisions and plans with this money through TIF boards which are out of the public eye, essentially.

Another question is “Where is the transparency?”

Where is the transparency? Officials think that it is too inconvenient for them to tell you what is going on. Quite frankly, there is too much going on in this city for any one person to investigate it and know everything that is going on. So begins the shell game. Each Board and official points to each other for the responsibility so the citizen really never knows who does what and what that person’s job really is.

Maybe these officials are not incompetent. Maybe they know exactly what they are doing. Maybe they are wanting to tax you and call it a “tool” for economic development. Maybe they are wanting to move tax money away from public oversight and into the hands of self appointed “officials” to play with. Maybe they are wanting to keep you out of the loop.

Maybe they think that you are too stupid to find a misplaced decimal in an expense report for the 911 Call Center in Auditor Barb Hackman’s office. Not even Fred Armstrong can figure out why the City had a deficit in 2007-2008. I can tell you why. They spent more than they had! It’s really not hard to figure out!

Wake up, Bartholomew County! Let's arm ourselves and try to learn as much as we can so we can throw these guys out of office!

Obama's First Presidential Speech

2010-06-24T16:56:00.008-04:00

Well finally, ladies and gentlemen, we havc heard the first presidential speech made by President Barack Hussein Obama! I thought the campaign of change and hope would never end, but this might mark the beginning of some actual speeches from the President.

"War is bigger than any one man or woman whether a private, a general, or a president."

He acknowledge that we are actually in a war. Obama declared that he is commander in chief of the men and women in uniform and that this decision was made in their interest. He said that the article and the Rolling Stone article comments made by the General's aides in the General's office we not according to a standard that is acceptable for the military.

"I have a responsibility to do whatever is necessary to suceed in Afghanistan, and in our broader effort to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat Al-Qaeda......We need to remember what this is all about. OUR NATION IS AT WAR." (I capitalized this quote for effect)

Oh my goodness! We have an enemy? I want to shake the hand of the gentleman who informed the President that we are at war.

From here on out, I will make paraphrases. The President Obama actually says it better than I can.

This is a tremendously amazing speech. Obama actually gave clear, detailed results he wants to achieve. He told America that we don't flinch during difficult times. That's almost a kind of phrase you might hear from General George S. Patton! This President has performed an a-bout-face (pun intended) on his actions concerning the war effort with this speech.

Let's thank Obama for his strength and for his Presidential words in rallying America behind General Petraeus in the war effort. Obama has done his country some good, morale-wise, with his speech.

Now, let's not get starry eyed with the president. Obama still has a long long track record of speaking out one side of his mouth and then acting completely oppositely. Healthcare, Cap and Trade, Financial Reform, Stimulus Bill, and so many other efforts and bills he has advocated are the reason I say this. Obama, during his campaign said he would accept public funds for his presidential campaign and nothing more. Then, realizing he has more funds with private finances, he opts out of public financing.

Obama told us that the healthcare he will sign into law will lower costs, allow for transference, and will ensure every American gets healthcare. He signed a law that spits in the face of those promises.

I could go on and on about all the promises and all of the goals Obama has made known to the American people. In all of them, he has failed. I hope... I REALLY hope that he suceeds in the goals he addressed yesterday. Disrupt, dismantle, and defeat Al-Qaeda (he really expands that to terrorism in general later in the speech).

It seems though, that Obama really does not know either A) who would be a good General to replace McChrystal or B) does not think General Petraeus is doing a good job at CENTCOM because this move by the president is a demotion for the latter.

Obama actually originally General Petraeus from command of the Iraqi efforts and placed him at the CENTCOM in Tampa, Florida where he commanded efforts in more than 20 countries (including Iraq). Now Obama has placed him in Afghanistan and left his CENTCOM position unfilled.

Obama still has in place the plan to get all troops out of Afghanistan by July 2011. It's condition-based, but Obama did not give any specifics on what condition-based means. We already are beginning to pull out of Iraq, and by July, we will be out of Iraq. THERE IS STILL WORK TO DO THERE!

Obama gave me some hope (pun unintended) concerning the Afghan War. It sounded like he knew there was a war, he knew there was an enemy, and that he had a goal of defeating this enemy because America does not flinch during tough times and in the face of battle, essentially.

Someone gave Obama some "Patton" leather shoes to wear yesterday instead of his usual "patent" leather shoed approach to the war.

Thank you President Obama, but I hope you will apply what you said and carry through this effort to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat terrorism!

Visiting Other TEA Parties A Good Idea!

2010-06-17T19:09:00.003-04:00

I have had the pleasure of attending some TEA Party events at different locations and even speaking at a couple. I always enjoy when I get to leave Bartholomew County to go see other patriots stand up for our freedoms and our Constitution.

This past Tuesday I went down all the way to Corydon Indiana, the former state capitol, mind you, to listen to Todd Young do a Q&A session with the TEA Party there. He answered questions for probably an hour and a half. Many people had great questions about what his thoughts on the Second Amendment were, what he thought of the Constitutionality of the Health care DE-form bill, his stance on illegal immigration, his thoughts on how to get our economy back and running, and even some asked what he thought of Baron Hill's most recent mailing about Hill's "Fiscal Conservatism."

Todd, unlike Baron Hill at the Bloomington "Townhall," answered these questions forthrightly and did not mind being interrupted a few times by a few people. Todd was very cordial. A class act as always. There were a few questions he did not wish to address. The only reason why he did not address them is because he admitted he has not researched or educated himself enough about that particular topic. Interposition was one of them.

That evening was the first time I had heard of interposition. Appearently, interposition goes back all the way to the Fugitive Slave Act of the Civil War. Kentucky and a few states did not wish to be bound by that federal law. So as a state, Kentucky declared that it was not constitutional for the federal government to bind them with this law citing state's rights.

The theory today is that the Healthcare DEform Bill CAN be beaten by each state claiming interposition and shielding their citizens from that law if they should deem it unconstitutional and an invasion of state's rights.

I do not know interposition case studies well enough to say there is precedence. Todd knew some information about its application in law, but he said he did not want to give his "legal opinion" , him being an attorney and all, about the topic.

That comforts me that he listens to his supporters and people of whom he is hoping to represent in the future. I believe that if Todd should be asked that question later, he will have an answer because I know he is going to do a little study on that. That's who we are getting, ladies and gentleman! A man who does what he says, tells you what he thinks, and doesn't try to act like he knows what he is talking about, but admits his lack knowledge on the topic.

In the Columbus Tea Party, We the People Indiana, their structure is more of a traditional organization with a president and treasurer and a board. The structure of this TEA Party in Corydon is unique. It is a purely Democratic system. They divide themselves into committees to work on things, they come together and choose a MODERATOR to run the meeting for that day. I say moderator because they have no leader. They are a big round robin, essentially.

It struck me very hard but pleasantly to know that they are truly faithful to the belief that this is the PEOPLE's government. This is the PEOPLE's movement. Now I am not saying that any TEA Party that does not organize in this fashion is not really grassroots or not faithful to the PEOPLE. I am just applauding them for their hard work.

I do see somewhere down the road that the Corydon group might end up getting too big and they have to become more of a Republic (President, board, officers, etc), but not for now.

There are many TEA Party groups in the Bartholomew County area. Here is a website listing of them.

We the People Indiana - Bartholomew County
Bloomington TEA Party - Monroe County
Freedom Group of Brown County - Brown County
We the People of Jennings County - Jennings County
The Seymour TEA Party - Jackson County

And thanks again to the Corydon TEA Party Group. You can visit them at
www.corydonteaparty.org

I encourage everyone to see that this TEA movement is truly grassroots and that each group is different than the last, and some may even have different beliefs than other groups, but that is what it is about. The PEOPLE!