Recently in Local Category

Oct. 15, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                           

                               

 

MySmartgov.org: Township employees must stop using taxpayer money, politicking on public time

 

Township employees have been politicking on public time, using official mailings paid for by taxpayers to politick and even wearing politically oriented T-shirts to work in their public offices. And that behavior has to stop, says MySmartgov.org Executive Director Marilyn Schultz.

 

"Township employees who are participating in political activity on public time are breaking the law, and they must stop immediately," Schultz said. "The irony of their improper activity is that it illustrates one of the reasons that their offices should be abolished: They apparently don't have enough official duties to keep them too busy to politick."

 

The township employees' politicking involves a question on the Nov. 4 ballot in 43 townships across Indiana that asks if property-assessing duties should from the township assessor to the county assessor. MySmartgov.org, which advocates for streamlined local government, calls on voters to vote "yes" so that property assessments are conducted uniformly and property owners are taxed fairly.

 

MySmartgov.org has learned recently that:

• Several township employees whose offices are housed in the Evansville Civic Center complex have been wearing t-shirts with the message "vote no in the referendum." This prompted the Vanderburgh County Commissioners to issue a memorandum to all elected official(s) and department heads Monday reminding them that "political attire worn by county employees while on shift and on county premises is classified as political activity."

 

The township assessor question will be on the ballot in Center, Knight and Pigeon townships - all of which have offices in the civic center.

 

• In envelopes postmarked Oct. 10 and informing the recipient that an "IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT NOTICE" was inside, Booker Blumenberg Jr., Calumet Township assessor in Lake County, sent letters to taxpayers ostensibly to notify them that they would receive a provisional tax bill. No date is given. The letter goes on to tell taxpayers that "Big Industry (sic), their well paid lobbyists, the Governor, and others seek to eliminate the Office of Township Assessor shifting his responsibilities to the County Assessor. . . . It is imperative that you make your voice heard."

 

Enclosed in the envelopes were a position paper about the issue and a chart with information about property tax deductions - both of which exhorted the recipient to keep the assessor's office in Gary.

·         A large sign was hung in the Washington Township assessor's office in Marion County. It read:

JUST VOTE NO
ON THE NOVEMBER 4TH REFERENDUM
"Should the assessing duties of the elected

township assessor in this township be

transferred to the county assessor?"

 

• The Indiana Township Association wants township trustees to pay a voluntary "special dues assessment," using taxpayers' money, to fight to keep their jobs.

 

In a Sept. 24 memorandum sent to ITA members, ITA President Mary Hart, the Pigeon Township trustee in Vanderburgh County, said the special dues, equal to the annual amount each township regularly pays, are needed so the association can hire lobbyists to fight the proposed elimination of township government.

 

The 2008 General Assembly abolished township assessors in 965 townships, but left it to voters in the 43 most populous townships to decide if they wanted to do the same. The 2009 legislature is expected to take up even more ways to streamline local government, including eliminating all of township government. That is one of 27 recommendations made in December 2007 by the Indiana Commission on Local Government Reform to modernize local government and make it more efficient, more responsive and more accountable.

 

"I understand when people are concerned about keeping their jobs, especially in these difficult economic times. But these times, more than ever, also point out the absolute need to spend taxpayers' money wisely," Schultz said. "It's not wise to waste taxpayers' money on redundant layers of government, and it's certainly not wise to politick on public time and in a public office."

 

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For Immediate Release
October 9, 2008
Contact:  Dan Tierney
317-635-8881
dtierney@indygop.com

VOTERS SHOULD BE VIGILANT IN CHECKING ABSENTEE BALLOTS   

GOP receiving widespread complaints from all over area

INDIANAPOLIS-Numerous Marion County voters have received absentee ballots for races outside their districts, possibly endangering the votes of countless Indianapolis residents.

Marion County Republicans released information regarding several reported instances of persons receiving the wrong absentee ballots. John held a press conference in front of the home of Eric Eichholtz, who lives next to Senator Teresa Lubbers, but received a ballot containing another State Senate District.

"I am very concerned that voters may not realize they are receiving the wrong ballots, and in turn will never have the chance to cast their intended vote for Congress or the State Legislature," said Senator Lubbers. "We need to bring attention to this so voters can check their ballots before they are returned."

John encouraged all voters voting absentee to double check their absentee ballots before returning them to the Marion County Clerk.

"It is of the upmost importance that voters be vigilant in protecting their rote to vote," said John. "Given these troubling errors, every voter voting absentee should double check which precinct and legislative districts they should vote in and make sure the ballot they were provided matches."

John also expressed concern that Marion County election officials had not come forward with this information on their own accord.

"I am deeply disappointed and troubled by Beth White's silence to the voters," John said. "Voters have the right to know their votes may be jeopardized, and White has a duty to inform them that she may be disenfranchising them."

(Please contact Dan Tierney at dtierney@indygop.com for copies of the list provided by the Clerk's office office of persons given wrong ballots, or for sample copies of wrong ballots sent to voters).

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For Immediate Release
October 7, 2008
Contact:  Dan Tierney
317-635-8881
dtierney@indygop.com

GOP CHAIR: WHITE MISUSED OFFICE IN OBAMA VOTER APPEAL


  Marion County Clerk may have violated Indiana law

INDIANAPOLIS-Marion County Republican Party Chairman Tom John today called for an investigation into whether Marion County Clerk Beth White misused her office by encouraging voters to early vote for Barack Obama in exchange for  their receiving preferential seating at his campaign rally tomorrow.

"Beth White took an oath to uphold the laws of the State of Indiana.  Yet, Beth White went on television to promote efforts by Barack Obama that are legally questionable, if not downright illegal," said John. "Those in a position to do so, should immediately investigate whether Beth White and Barack Obama have broken the law."

John said his concerns arise out of an interview White gave to WRTV that was broadcast Sunday  wherein White told WRTV that, "The Obama campaign is having rallies with incentive if they come down to the rally and come here and vote early, you get preference for Barack Obama's appearance Wednesday at the Fairgrounds."

John expressed concerns that both the incentive offered by the Obama Campaign and Beth White's promotion of it on television violated Indiana Code 3-14-3-19, which prohibits exchange of items of value for votes.

"To his credit, whenever and wherever Senator Obama speaks, the event becomes one of the hottest tickets in town," John said. "By offering preferential seating to those who vote early, the Obama campaign is most certainly giving an item of value in exchange for early voting. The public should frown upon such activities, and they should be immediately investigated."

John also specifically criticized Clerk White's involvement.

"I am appalled that Beth White would use her position as Clerk and chief elections official for the county to promote Barack Obama's rally and  help pitch his "incentives " to vote," said John. "This was not some idle comment to a reporter. Beth White looked straight at the camera and the voters at home and told them they would get special seats to the Obama Rally if they voted early. That was wrong, and she should be ashamed of herself for misusing her office in such a blatantly partisan manner. "

Video of Marion County Clerk Beth White's comments on YouTube.

Statutes related to Voter Inducement

United States Code
       TITLE 18--CRIMES AND CRIMINAL PROCEDURE
                              PART I--CRIMES
              CHAPTER 29--ELECTIONS AND POLITICAL ACTIVITIES
 Sec. 597. Expenditures to influence voting
     Whoever makes or offers to make an expenditure to any person, either to vote or withhold his vote, or to vote for or against any candidate; and
    Whoever solicits, accepts, or receives any such expenditure in consideration of his vote or the withholding of his vote--
    Shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than one year, or both; and if the violation was willful, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than two years, or both.
 (June 25, 1948, ch. 645, 62 Stat. 721; Pub. L. 103-322, title XXXIII,  Sec. 330016(1)(H), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2147; Pub. L. 104-294, title VI, Sec. 601(a)(12), Oct. 11, 1996, 110 Stat. 3498.)
Indiana Code

IC 3-14-3
     Chapter 3. Interference With Free and Equal Elections

IC 3-14-3-19
Inducing votes by gift or offer to compensate
     Sec. 19. A person who, for the purpose of inducing or procuring another person to:
        (1) apply for or cast an absentee ballot; or
        (2) vote or refrain from voting for or against a candidate or for or against a public question at an election or political convention;
gives, offers, or promises to any person any money or other property commits a Class D felony.
As added by P.L.5-1986, SEC.10. Amended by P.L.3-1987, SEC.482; P.L.103-2005, SEC.37.

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For Immediate Release
September 25, 2008
Contact:  Dan Tierney
O: 317-635-8881
M: 317-605-1142
dtierney@indygop.com

MOSCRIP CALLS ON RODMAN TO STOP PLAYING POLITICS WITH TAX BILLS

Treasurer Candidate says comments shows Rodman puts his interests before taxpayers

INDIANAPOLIS-David Moscrip, Republican Candidate for Marion County Treasurer, called on incumbent Treasurer Mike Rodman to stop playing politics with property tax bills and pledge to send them out when they are ready.

"I am shocked and appalled that my opponent has admitted on the record that he will put politics above public service by withholding tax bills if they arrive around Election Day," said Moscrip. "It is unacceptable that our Treasurer put himself before taxpayers."

In an interview with Norman Cox that aired Friday, September 19, on WRTV, Rodman said that he would withhold sending out 2008 property tax bills if they were to arrive around Election Day because, said Rodman, "from a very personal standpoint, I'm not sure I want people getting a bill in their Monday night's mail and then they go vote on the next day." Rodman acknowledged when asked by Cox that Rodman's name appear on the tax bills as Treasurer.

"Property tax bills should be sent out when they are ready, not when it is politically expedient for the Treasurer," Moscrip said.

Moscrip was outraged by the statement because the bills are already months late and Marion County families need to know their tax bills to avoid financial hardship.

"Taxpayers have already waited months for their 2008 bills due to assessment issues," said Moscrip. "Families need to know how they will budget to pay for changes from last year bills, but Mike Rodman doesn't care. The public can wait so he won't suffer on Election Day."

Moscrip called on voters to hold Rodman accountable for his management of the Treasurer's office.

"There is no longer any doubt that the Treasurer's office is run to benefit Mike Rodman, not taxpayers," said Moscrip. "I believe voters will remind Mike Rodman on Election Day that he answers to the taxpayers."

WRTV Story on Rodman

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thurs., Sept. 25, 2008

Contact: Lauren Smith

(317) 231-7125

(317) 370-3321, cell

 

LOCAL LEADERS HOLD FORUM IN RESPONSE TO ECONOMIC CRISIS

 

Terre Haute, Ind. - In response to the growing upheaval in financial markets, Former County Chair Joe Anderson and Former Majority Leader Fred Bauer held a forum to discuss how Hoosier seniors could be affected by the Bush-McCain plan to privatize Social Security and de-regulate the health care industry.

 

"While honest Hoosiers are worried about their life savings going up in smoke and weathering the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression, the current leadership is turning a deaf ear to the very real concerns of our most valued citizens.  I believe that we have a duty to secure the future of our seniors, and find real solutions to leave behind a better Indiana for future generations," said Bauer.

 

Last week, as the financial sector was in turmoil and the stock market plummeted, John McCain and the Republican Party continued to insist that the "fundamentals of the economy are strong" and that the health care industry should be de-regulated in the same fashion that the banking industry has been.  This policy led to the disastrous financial meltdown that has left hardworking families struggling to pay for health care, medication, and their everyday needs.

 

"I constantly hear from Hoosiers that they are struggling in today's economy, making heartbreaking choices between health care and groceries; between medicine and a tank of gas.  If we followed John McCain's plan for our economy, what would we be telling our seniors?" said Anderson.

 

Today's forum focused on the issues that will directly affect Hoosier seniors.  With the plummeting stock market, the privatization of Social Security would leave those citizens in a dire financial position were there retirement holdings tied to the stock market. 

 

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For Immediate Release
September 22, 2008
Contact:  Dan Tierney
317-635-8881
dtierney@indygop.com

GOP CHAIR CALLS FOR BIPARTISAN PASSAGE OF BUDGET

    John asks Democrats to join Republicans in support of first "Honest Budget" in years

INDIANAPOLIS-Marion County Republican Central Committee Chairman Tom John today called for bipartisan passage of the 2009 Budgets for Indianapolis and Marion County. The City-County Council is scheduled to vote on the budget proposals at its meeting tonight.

"This city can be proud that it has elected a true leader in Mayor Greg Ballard who has put forth the first honest budget in years," said John. "This budget doesn't have empty pages or financial shell games, but rather will return Indianapolis to a sound fiscal ground. It is important for the future of this city that this budget is passed tonight."

John made his call in front of the Indianapolis Fire Department headquarters. IFD and its overtime budget have become often-cited examples of how the Peterson Administration left millions in unfunded obligations out of its budget.

"In committee meetings this week, Democrats admitted that past budgets had been dishonest or they had been duped by the past practice of leaving millions of known expenses out of the budget each year. This was irresponsible, and Mayor Ballard has put an end to it with this budget," John said.

John called on all Councilors, particularly the Democrats to put politics aside and to vote in favor of the Ballard Budget and continue the City's progress towards solidifying its financial footing.

"Mayor Greg Ballard's financial stewardship has already produced dividends; amidst a credit crunch, our city's credit rating has been raised," said John. "I call on the Council to put past practices aside and to make this a bipartisan vote, passing this budget to continue our financial progress that Mayor Ballard has begun."


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For Immediate Release
September 19, 2008
Contact: Dan Tierney
M: 317-605-1142
dtierney@indygop.com

MARION COUNTY GOP STATEMENT ON
MARY CATHERINE BARTON

John says Barton was unqualified from the beginning

INDIANAPOLIS--Marion County Republican Party Chairman Tom John released the following statement this evening after Democrats called for the resignation of fellow Democrat Marion County Surveyor Mary Catherine Barton:

"It's about time that Ed Treacy finally called for the resignation of the unqualified Mary Catherine Barton as Surveyor. She was unqualified when Chairman Treacy and his party slated her four years ago. It's about time Democrats start to realize that voters will hold them accountable if they continue to put unqualified candidates on the ballot. I hope we see this trend continue. Perhaps next week, Ed Treacy will call for equally unqualified chiropractor, Ken Ackles, to resign as Coroner."

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 19, 2008
Contact: Terry Burns, 437-7867
 
Marion County Democratic Chairman calls for resignation of county surveyor
 
INDIANAPOLIS - Marion County Democratic Party Chairman Ed Treacy called today for the immediate resignation of Marion County Surveyor Mary Catherine Barton.
 
According to information received by the party, it appears that Ms. Barton has only shown up for work sporadically since January and rarely since June 1. The last time Ms. Barton was seen at the City-County Building was last month when she made a brief appearance before a City-County Council committee to make her office's budget presentation.
 
The party also has learned that Ms. Barton no longer is communicating directly with her staff, which is making the situation in her office even more difficult.
 
"While I'm deeply concerned about Ms. Barton's well-being, as party chairman I have a responsibility to make sure that elected officials from our party are carrying out their duties to the taxpayers of Marion County. In this case, that doesn't appear to be happening. This isn't about politics, it's about public service," Treacy said.
 
"We have tried on several occasions in the last few weeks to reach out to Ms. Barton to offer our help and support, but she has ignored all of our efforts. Others in the community have also tried to offer help, but have met the same reaction," Treacy said.
 
 "Unfortunately, given Ms. Barton's decision to refuse our offers of help, I had no choice but to ask her to resign as county surveyor," he said. "This was a difficult decision, but something that had to be done for the good of the people of Marion County and our party."
 
Barton was first elected county surveyor in 2004. She was defeated in her re-election bid in the May 2008 Democratic Primary.
 
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Editor's note: Marion County Democratic Party Chairman Ed Treacy will be available for comment today (Sept. 19) from 2:30 to 4 p.m. at county party headquarters, 603 E. Washington St., Suite 100.
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, Sept. 8, 2008
Contact: Terry Burns, 637-3366
 
Ricketts cries poor, wants 23 percent pay raise
Lawrence mayor wants more money after just nine months on the job
 
INDIANAPOLIS - Lawrence Mayor Paul Ricketts took office just nine month ago and he's already asking taxpayers to give him a $15,000 pay raise, which translates into a 23 percent increase.
Ricketts' self-serving demand for a higher paycheck comes at a time when Lawrence taxpayers already are being slammed by higher gas prices, soaring property tax bills and growing job insecurity.
 
Mayor Ricketts is asking the Lawrence City Council to approve a pay raise scheme that will hike his yearly salary to $80,000 from $65,000.
 
"When Paul Ricketts ran for mayor, he knew what the job paid. If it wasn't enough money to pay for the kind of lifestyle he's used to having, then he should have looked for another line of work," said Ed Treacy, Marion County Democratic Party chairman.
 
Treacy urged the Lawrence City Council to reject the mayor's ill-conceived request and also to vote against a similar pay hike being considered for council members.
 
"With working families finding it harder and harder to make ends meet because of the slumping economy, this isn't the time for any responsible elected official to go begging for a pay raise," Treacy said. "If Mayor Ricketts can't get by on his current salary, then maybe he should consider getting a part-time job."
The Lawrence City Council meets tonight to review the city's proposed budget and is likely to discuss the mayor's pay raise request at the hearing.
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For Immediate Release
August 21, 2008
Contact:  Dan Tierney
317-635-8881
dtierney@indygop.com

GOP CHAIR APPLAUDS SIGNING OF ETHICS REFORM ORDINANCE


INDIANAPOLIS-  Marion County Republican Party Chairman Tom John  released the following statement regarding today's signing of Indianapolis' ethics reform ordinance, spearheaded by Mayor Greg Ballard:

"I applaud Mayor Greg Ballard for keeping another important campaign promise by bringing long-overdue ethics laws to our city. The new laws will help continue efforts to make government more transparent and one the public can have confidence in. Combined with the openness of the budget process, today's signing reinforces Mayor Ballard's commitment to make city government open and accountable to the people of Indianapolis and Marion County."

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