The movement toward government reform moved slowly today as the Indiana State Senate approved an amendment to a township government consolidation bill that would give county councils oversight over township budgets and eliminate their advisory boards. Marion County was excluded, but the bill also calls for full disclosure of township expenses, such as renting space […]

Throw another name into the ring of potential Democratic contenders for Mayor of Indianapolis.  The latest addition I hear wanting to run against incumbent Greg Ballard in 2011 is lobbyist and former Democratic State Party Chairman Kip Tew.    Tew was also a senior advisor for Barack Obama’s Presidential campaign in Indiana and was aide […]

While en route to Washington D.C. this morning, Governor Mitch Daniels’ plane had to be diverted to Columbus, OH.  Press Secretary Jane Jankowski said the plane had to land in Columbus after cracks had developed in the windsheild of the aircraft. The Governor is making his scheduled appearance on Face the Nation to talk about […]

Here’s some reaction from yesterday’s State of the City address… Democratic City-Councilor Mary Moriarty Adams Marion County GOP Chairman Tom John Marion County Democratic Party Executive Director Adam Kirsch Enjoy.  

One way I tend to gauge how well elected officials are doing is by listening to their critics.  If their critics have nothing good to say about them, then that probably means they’re doing ok.  Such is it with Greg Ballard and his critics. Now before we go any further, let me say this so […]

In his second State of the City address, Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard today said the city was strong, but not immune to the challenges and crisises hitting the rest of the nation. He reiterated his themes of a safe, livable city, that has a healthy economic climate, good schools, is environmentally sound and has efficient […]

In case any of you ever wondered what happened to the idea of a debate between Amos Brown and me over government consolidation and it’s impact on the African-American community, here’s the e-mail response my friend Amos recently gave tax activist Melyssa Donaghy… I’m in receipt of your e-mails concerning a recent op-ed in the […]

I’ve got some work to do today, so I’ll make this quick.  I’ll give you some topics to chat about.  Feel free to discuss… Should Indiana follow the lead of some other states and NOT take the economic stimulus money? Should the Indiana House pass a one-year budget or go back to a two-year? Is […]

The pro-township forces keep telling me that township government is important because it’s the government closest to the people.  Maybe someone should tell that to the Franklin Township Trustee Terry Royalty.   I’m told he’s been on vacation in Florida since October and apparently this tends to be an annual trip. Now I should be surprised, […]

Want to know what the city of Indianapolis would like to spend economic stimulus on?  Click here. The total cost, $268,323,010.