I was out of town when the news broke that Dr. Frank Straub had turned in his resignation as Public Safety Director.  I was originally planning to scribble down a few thoughts, but I figured I’d voice them instead. Frank Straub Commentary    

It’s apparent that for some of you we are going to have to agree to disagree on whether Frank Straub should be reappointed as Public Safety Director, so let’s set that aside for a moment while I ask a simple hypothetical. You are now in charge of public safety in Indianapolis.  Your power is no […]

Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard, Public Safety Director Frank Straub and newly appointed acting IMPD Police Chief Rick Hite went before the media this afternoon to tell the public that the second vial of blood in the David Bisard drunk driving case had been mishandled and several IMPD staff were being put on administrative leave and […]

I learned a long time ago from a very wise man that the only problem with playing games in politics is sometimes you come across people who can play better than you.   I strongly suggest the Indianapolis City-County Council keep that in mind as it navigates the waters of Public Safety Director Frank Straub’s “confirmation” […]

With the start of the new year comes the new year’s resolutions.   We all have goals to lose weight, quit smoking, be better people, or in my case finish that novel that’s been sitting in my laptop for three years.   I’m not sure what resolutions some of my favorite politicos in Indiana made for the […]

Two big political news items Becky Skillman is getting out of the race for Governor and Public Safety Director Frank Straub was re-appointed with bi-partisan Council support.   So without further adieu let’s dive into some analysis shall we… Becky Bows Out Lt. Governor Becky Skillman this morning told me that it was unexpected surgery in […]

Today is going to be a composite post,  lots of interesting things but no overriding main theme, just my collective thoughts and impressions.  Enjoy. Let’s Be Frank Indianapolis Public Safety Director Frank Straub’s re-appointment is up for a vote tonight at the City-County Council.  From all the individuals I spoke to over the weekend, the […]

For the past few days I’ve been trying to get my arms around the decision by the Indianapolis Fraternal Order of Police to pay for the legal defense of David Bisard.    We all know the story, Bisard is accused of reckless homicide for killing one motorist and injuring two others back in August.   Although he […]

A report by the Indianapolis Department of Public Safety on the David Bisard crash that killed a motorcyclist this summer and injured two others shows a breakdown in police rules and  procedure but no conspiracy or intentional cover-up. The 47-page document is based on interviews with nearly 70 witnesses from all stages in the incident; […]

After spending a few days away for quality time with the lovely Mrs. Shabazz, we return to our regularly scheduled pontificating on local government.  And of course that means a look at what’s been going on with public safety.  Between news conferences, umpteen rallies, bugs that don’t work, internal tug-of-wars, we have to admit it’s […]