Voting Centers should be allowed

Porter County Clerk Pam Mishler-Fish:

The concept of vote centers has been a topic of discussion throughout Indiana for the past several years. Three counties -- Tippecanoe, Wayne and Cass -- have been pilot counties for this program. Implementing vote centers has proven successful in all three of these counties as well as in other areas of the country.

Not only can it provide substantial cost savings to taxpayers, it improves upon the efficiency of the election process as well. In some counties it has actually increased voter turnout by offering voters the option of selecting any county voting location they wish to vote at.

In 2009, the Porter County commissioners assigned a task force to study the feasibility of vote centers in Porter County. The members assigned to that committee were Jeff Chidester, Porter County Democratic Party Chairman; Chuck Williams, former Porter County Republican Party Chairman; and me, as Porter County Clerk. The committee did extensive research regarding vote centers with the three Indiana pilot counties, Secretary of State Todd Rokita's office and the county's election vendor who currently provides services for vote center counties through the nation.

At the March Porter County commissioner's meeting, the committee presented the results of their study and showed unanimous bipartisan support for vote centers in Porter County

The committee found the cost savings to taxpayers in our county could climb as high as $200,000 per year.

Another issue vote centers would alleviate is the problem of locating poll workers. Our county must find more than 640 poll workers for each county election. Vote centers would bring the number of poll workers down to about 120. Currently, the average age for those poll workers is 72. As time goes on, more of these individuals are no longer able to work, and it has become increasingly difficult to replace them.

We also would be able to dispose of two-thirds of our election equipment, on which we must pay maintenance on every year. The problem of having to close polling locations because of poll workers cancelling at the last minute would be eliminated as vote centers have multiple workers at each location.

Finally, the most important issue, vote centers give voters flexibility in voting. They can vote at any location they choose; near their work, by their children's school, close to their mother's home, next to their place of employment.

Vote centers is a concept practiced in other states and is long overdue in our state. All throughout the country and especially in Indiana, businesses have been forced to tighten their belts while still maintaining quality products and services for their clients. The public sector should follow suit.

Implementing vote centers, especially in the larger counties, could provide substantial cost savings to counties while improving the voting process. It is important for our senators and representatives to recognize these benefits and support the option for counties to choose vote centers.

I am in agreement, the days of hundreds of precincts and 600 or more workers are long gone, make it easier to vote for everyone not just the politically connected.

From the office of the Secretary of State:

Monday, The Times published a letter from Hammond Republican Party Chairman Rob Pastore in which Pastore incorrectly stated Indiana Secretary of State Todd Rokita suggests "satellite voting" as a way to save taxpayer money.

The actual election reform Rokita is supporting is vote centers -- not satellite absentee voting -- and there are important distinctions that need to be clarified.

Rokita has, for several years, championed vote centers as a reform that would move Indiana's elections light years ahead of where they are now and increase election security -- all while saving taxpayers across the state millions of dollars.

Earlier this month, the Indiana Fiscal Policy Institute released its study, "Vote Centers and Election Costs: A Study of the Fiscal Impact of Vote Centers in Indiana." Highlights of the study include:

* Vote centers will produce significant savings for all counties that implemented them.

* Vote centers give local election officials more flexibility.

* Vote centers produce immediate and long-term savings.

* Vote centers will significantly reduce the number of voting machines needed to conduct an efficient election.

Pastore is right to urge vigilance in the election process, and he should be pleased to know that vote centers add security on Election Day because it makes in-person voting easier and because each polling location is connected to the statewide voter registration database.

In response to Pastore's concerns about "satellite voting," Rokita does not recommend any changes to the current law that requires counties to offer in-person absentee voting in the weeks leading up to Election Day. In Lake County and many others, this option is offered at satellite clerk's offices.

Lastly, the vote centers section of our office's Web site -- Indiana Secretary of State -- offers a simple description of the differences between vote centers and satellite absentee voting. I encourage readers to review this information so they can have informed conversations with their state legislators about how vote centers can help local governments control spending.

- Scott Bowers, Deputy Secretary of State and Chief of Staff for Indiana Secretary of State Todd Rokita

Chuck Williams says Bayh was vulnerable

Former Porter County Republican Chair Chuck Williams interviewed in Washington Post:

Bayh said in his departure speech that his reelection was not in doubt, yet Chuck Williams, the Republican chairman in nearby Porter County (actually former), said the senator was probably vulnerable because of growing dissatisfaction with Obama and the Democratic-led Congress, particularly over federal spending and the faltering economy.

Bayh's departure "puts the seat in play," asserted Williams, who said internal GOP polling is showing "quite a bit of shift" toward Republicans in party identification after a steady slide toward the Democrats.

Jerry Davich asks a question

One of the region's favorite columnists, Jerry Davich from the Post Tribune, asks a key question in his column today: Are we more divided than ever? More than the 60's? Are we at war ... with ourselves?

In that he quotes me at the end of the article, I am happy to return the favor and ask that you read his column and comment here or there. Do you think we are more divided than ever as a nation?

My thoughts that he quoted:

This is the upside to the polarization process. At least people are sharing a dialogue, albeit one that is too often based on rumors and fiction, not research and facts.

"I think Americans are actually finding some common ground right now," said Steve Dalton, a Valparaiso businessman who writes a daily Porter County Politics blog.

"We need some new terms though. Americans don't want lefty liberalism and political correctness anymore than they want mean-spirited conservatism and big brother."

Porter County - Who's running for what

I got this question emailed from a reader today, and so I'll give it a shot - and will try to update this post quite a bit over the next couple days as people tell me I'm missing information. My eventual goal is to have a post that will feature not only names but links to websites, facebook fan pages, and other contact info for everyone ... not only here in Porter County but for LaPorte and Lake as well.

United States Senator - incumbent Evan Bayh has announced his retirement, no Democrat was able to get enough signatures to reach the ballot so party committee members will choose the candidate for the ballot by June 30th. Republicans - John Hostettler, Marlin Stutzman, Don Bates Jr., Richard Behney, and Dan Coats all received the required signatures and filed to run.

United States Congress 1st District (all of Lake County and most of Porter) - incumbent Pete Visclosky (D) and Woodrow Wilcox (D), Adam A. Dombowski (R), Ric Holtz (R), Mark Leyva (R), Peter Lindemulder III (R), Eric L. Olson (R), Robert Pastore (R), Jayson Reeves (R)

United States Congress 2nd District (all of LaPorte County and far eastern Porter)- incumbent Joe Donnelly (D), Martin A. Dolan (R), Jack Edward Jordan (R), Jackie Walorski (R)

Secretary of State - Charlie White (R) ...commenter Rob below caught me up on these names: Vop Oslil (D) & Tom McKenna (D)

State Senator 4th District - Incumbent Karen Tallian (D) facing Shawn Olson (R)

State Rep. 3rd District: Incumbent Charlie Brown (D), Bryan Bullock (D)

State Rep. 4th District: Incumbent Ed Soliday (R), Thomas W. Webber, Sr. (D)

State Rep. 10th District: Incumbent Charles Chuck Moseley (D)

State Rep. 20th District: Todd Reinert (R), Incumbent Tom Dermody (R)

County Commissioner, Second District: Incumbent Robert Harper (D), Nancy Adams (R)

Porter Superior Court III: Incumbent Julia M. Jent (D)

County Prosecutor: Incumbent Brian Gensel (R)

County Clerk: Incumbent Pamela Mishler Fish (D), Karen Martin (R)

County Sheriff: Incumbent David Lain (D), W. “Chip” Yanta (D), Ralph Levi (R)

County Auditor: Incumbent James Kopp (D), Vicki Urbanik (D), Bob Wichlinski (R)

County Assessor: Maureen “Moe” Wendrickx (D), Jon Snyder (R), Gail Hudson (R)

County Coroner: J. Clinkenbeard (R); Chuck Harris (R); Billy J. Coker (D); Norm Hudson (D); Ronald A. Reed (D); Nancy Satterlee (D); Robert L. Schulte (D)

County Recorder: Debby Dean Malik (D); Jon Voelz (D); William A. LaFever (R); Jon Miller (R)

County Council, 1st District: Incumbent Robert Poparad (D); John Sullivan (D); Kevin Tracy (R); Jim Biggs (R)

County Council, 2nd District: Jeremy Rivas (D); Incumbent Rita Stevenson (D)

County Council, 3rd District: Incumbent Karen Conover (R)

County Council, 4th District: Incumbent Marylyn Johns (D); Jim Polarek (R)

Westchester Township Trustee: Incumbent Suzanne Phillbrick (D)
Westchester Township Board (three seats): William Cantrell (D); Robin Chubb (D); John Canright (R), Sue Huyser (R), Barbara Stroud (R)

Jackson Township Trustee: Incumbent Janice Meyers (D)
Jackson Township Board: Frank O’Reilly (D); Ronald A. Bishop (R); Judith Guernsey (R)

Liberty Township Trustee: Beth Underwood (R)
Liberty Township Board: Jacquelyn Sterling (R), Edward W. Seykowski (R); H. Glenn Wiles (R)

Pine Township Trustee: Andrew Himan (D); Eric Camel (R)
Pine Township Board: Dianna Himan (R); Tom Lipinski (R); Margaret Richardson (R); Daniel Timm (R)

Portage Township Assessor: Millie Arocho (D); Cary Hadfield (R)
Portage Township Trustee: Incumbent Joyce Webster (R); Brendan Clancy (D); Jack D. Jent (D)
Portage Township Board (three seats): Ed Carlisle (R), Harold Gresham (R), John Harrison (R), Joseph (Joe) Wszolek (R); Andy C. Maletta (D); Edward Momola (D); Ken Gillie (D); Terry L. Whitten (D); Larry Widener (D)

Center Township Trustee: Incumbent Chuck Conover (R); Michael Essany (D)
Center Township Board (three seats): Stephen Buck (R), Charles Chuck Hazlett (R), Doug Miller (R), Michael Simpson (R)

Washington Township Trustee: incumbent Lynn Ross (R)
Washington Township Board: Jean Martin (R), Fran Samuelson (R), Dennis Werner (R)

Morgan Township Trustee: incumbent Richard Schultz (R)
Morgan Township Board: Andy Blastick, Rodney King (R), Lee Kleist (R), Andy Vasquez (R)


Pleasant Township Trustee: Gail Goley (R); Incumbent Jean Oelhman (R)
Pleasant Township Board: David Overholt (R), Jeffrey Press (R), Joe Cooper (D)

Boone Township Trustee: Russell “Rusty” Franzman (R)
Boone Township Board: Jim Martin (R), Jeff Patz (R), Dean Roeske (R)
Metropolitan School Board of Boone Township 1st District: Jerry Fieser Jr.; Howard O'Connor
Metropolitan School Board of Boone Township 2nd District: Jeffery Barzycki
Metropolitan School Board of Boone Township 3rd District: Donald Fry

Porter Township Trustee: Edward Morales (R)
Porter Township Board: Keith F. Hall (R), Kathy Sherman (R); Daniel J. Tim (R), Brian Rosek (D)
Porter Township School Board At-Large Owen Brown; Johanna Williams
Porter Township School Board 1st District Greg Kochale; Nichole Kovacik
Porter Township School Board 3rd District Thomas Keevin

Union Township Trustee: Mike Herzog (R); Anthony D. Pampalone (filed as Republican but denies any association with party)
Union Township Board: George Topoll (R); Tim Vojslavek (R)
Union Township School Corp. At-Large: Eugene Guernsey; Michael Jessen
Union Township School Corp. 2nd District: William LaFever; Michael Simatovich
Union Township School Corp. 4th District: Julie Giorgi; Greg Schafer

Thought on Illiana

We haven't discussed the Illiana Expressway much here lately, so perhaps while the hearing is going on an open thread for readers to express their thoughts?

Wikipedia entry

Study from October 2007 on Illiana Expressway

Local blogger Chris Hedges' site on the Illiana with great links

I watched a bit online, first the sponsor Rep Pelath was patronizing in tone. Second, the public speakers I heard were for the most part against anything ever being built.

No time to get your own Party? Here is a way.

Ok at the last conventions the RLC had decided that they wanted to take over the party nationwide. So a movement went nationwide for the "Ron Paulers".
First let me explain what a Republican convention is: It is a convention for Republicans in good standing. A republican in good standing is someone that works, votes and stands for the republican party. After the last convention in Indiana a letter circulated from the RLC that said

"A) To those that had ran and didn't make it, try try again.B) To those that didn't run for whatever the case may be, we need the bodies, the experts within our movement will take care of the details and if you want to become an expert, well, we got two years to turn you into one and that equates to plenty of time.2. We must be vigilant and work our conservative views at party functions, activity will equate to better acceptance. 3. WE must vote Republican in the primaries.A) Push for only one candidate, vote for the entire slate, heck don't push for any just go in take the ballot push final vote and walk out with out pushing for a single candidate essentially saying I'm Republican but I'm abstaining and since it is all secret they won't be able to say a thing other than know you took the Republican ballot. In the generals, vote your conscious as I would never presume to attempt to ever tell any of you whom to vote for for as I explained to the rank and file, once you tell the Paulers that they have to do anything, you could bet the Federal Reserve bank they'll do just the opposite. Like anybody, true conservatives by what ever definition you wish to put on it earn your vote.4. We must consistently work on getting you all elected as precinct committee persons (PCP) down the road. For now, stay active, show active participation and repeatedly ask for an appointment every so often and politely. A) PCP elect Party leadership which gets elected bottom up meaning we elect the chairmen, the chairmen elects the district committee, district committee elects the State Committee and the State Committee is what caused our movement the major problem June 2, 2008 at the State Convention.B) We Watch the VOTE to ensure it is fair, what more reason do you need than that?5. We need to attempt, and sometimes it may seem stomach wrenching, help out in phone drives and literature drops for your Local GOP, one afternoon or day around election won't kill and would go to show the intentions of party unity. In all fairness, their should always be at least one candidate somewhere within the ranks that won't turn your stomach, at least completely, to help out a little with. It well help your image in the long run."

And now this....



"Fellow Patriots, We have shown our strength at rallies and giant protests in Washington, we have petitioned our government, we have sent e-mails, we have phoned our U.S. senators and representatives and for the most part they have ignored us. Now it is time to turn up the heat. The midterm elections are approaching, and time is growing short. We must file to be candidates in the upcoming primary election if we want to have an influence. There are several positions in which even politically inexperienced citizens can be effective. The one that usually goes begging is delegate to the Republican State Convention. Before you lose your cool over the suggestion that you declare for a political party, please hear me out. There is no chance that we can form a viable party of our own in time for this election. We need to resolve to make the best use of what we have. We have a Republican Party that will not be able to win a national election or even a state election without our votes. They need us, and we can become a major player in the scheme of things. Doing so will take more than one state convention, but we have to start sometime. Why not now? Imagine what might happen if we could capture the majority of seats in most of the state conventions this year! It has already happened in Nevada, where the Tea Party movement elected the majority of officers of the Republican Party and the "Old Guard" that remained promptly resigned. In the Michiana area, the two county chairmen are open to our efforts, and our people are getting on the ballot for the upcoming primary. The fact is that in both counties, they have always had a hard time filling the delegation and have often gone to the state convention short of delegates. I urge you to go to your county clerk's office before 12 noon on Friday, February 19 and file for the position of delegate to the Republican State Convention. To qualify, you must be a registered voter in your county and have voted in the Republican Primary the last time you voted in a primary. If you have never voted in a primary, you can declare as a Republican. Other important positions that are open in the primary are the (nonpartisan) seats on school boards. It would make an enormous difference in our communities, our states, and our nation if conservatives were to have a significant voice on our school boards. We might even get back to teaching students the REAL history of our nation. These are some of my concerns. I will give you some more challenges in further letters. Thank you for being such great patriots.

Russell Whisler Chairman, Committee on Local Elections Member, We the People Michiana 9/12 Project



Let me be clear I welcome all people that want to be part of the Republican Party this is how we have grown and learned over the years. My problem with these statements is that these groups are unable to be able to form their own party so they want to take over the Republican Party.

Thoughts?

Illiana Expressway Hearing tonite

After a series of odd circumstances and posturing by Rep. Teri Austin (D) over the last couple weeks tonite's hearing could be quite the adventure. The Times today gives the account of Rep Austin's antics just yesterday when her committee members moved for a vote and she got up and fled the room so the vote couldn't happen.

The House Roads and Transportation Committee will hold a public hearing at 7 p.m. today in the auditorium at Crown Point High School, 1500 S. Main St.

People wishing to speak on the Illiana Expressway proposal will be allowed to address the committee for three minutes each. The committee

also will accept written testimony.

For those unable to attend, The Lakeshore radio station will broadcast the hearing live on 89.1 FM and thelakeshorefm.com.

The meeting also will be Webcast at asx.ihets.org/transitcomm/live.asx

More interesting though was a comment already posted this morning by Veritas in response to this piece:

What this episode clearly demonstrates is that this entire hearing process amounts to little more than an election year partisan political stunt staged to rally the troops and grab a few column inches in the local papers for Democrat candidates. A partisan political rally... just like the Illiana rally held in Porter County at the Expo Center a couple of years back. (I still have the copy of my invite mailed out and paid for by "The Committee to Elect Robert F. Harper".)

They stage it as a hearing, but it's really a political rally in disguise. And when it does not go their way, they storm out? What, too many in the audience in favor? Nobody brought their torches and pitch forks this time? No riot to get in front of this time?

PARTISAN POLITICAL CRAP. More evidence that Bauer, Austin & Company DON'T know how to governor, they only know how to campaign. A lot like the the Democrats ruling Lake & Porter Counties!!!

The campaign never ends and the governing never begins!

Wow - alot going on in politics

I won't even scratch the surface with this post, but here's an attempt:

• I was incorrect in my earlier reporting that Shawn Olson was going to run in the Republican primary against Ed Soliday, some kind of filing mix up, Shawn told me himself that he is running against Karen Tallian for State Senate.
  
• Nancy Adams' name has come up again for a run for Porter County Commissioner, I cannot confirm she is filing.
• Major anger in Lake County when Rep. Mara Reardon (D) introduced language to remove the exemption for debt from Lake County tax cap law. Only Lake and St. Joseph counties were offered this exemption when the caps were originally passed. See Times: Lake County officials against potential property tax cut.
  
• House District 19 getting complicated (via Times)
  

A specialist in food and agricultural industries and a former Crown Point mayor may face off for the Republican nomination for the Indiana House District 19 seat.

Fran Katz, 72, of Crown Point, the chief operating officer of the American Society of Agronomy, filed paperwork for the nomination Tuesday in Indianapolis.

Katz, a graduate of the University of Indianapolis and the University of Chicago, said after her boss heard her "gripe and moan" about politicians, she was asked when she was going to put her money where her mouth is and decided to run.

In a statement, Katz said she led an independent campaign to eliminate political corruption in Chicago's 43rd ward and wants to fight pay-to-play politics and bring economic development to the region. She said her name is on 13 U.S. patents and she has twice testified before congressional committees

John Moos, the Crown Point Republican chairman, said he was led to believe that former Mayor Dan Klein will file paperwork to run by Friday's deadline.

• Hammond Mayor McDermott is confirming that he will offer his name to the Democrat Central Committee for the United States Senate ballot. Although there are lots of other names being kicked around as well, the most prominent being Ellsworth from southern Indiana. It would help Mayor McDermott to raise his name to statewide level, in case Pete Visclosky were to be forced out of office, then McDermott would be the obvious replacement.
• Conservative blogger Kevin Tracy filed officially to face former Commissioner Jim Biggs in the Republican primary for District 1 Porter County Council. Both will be running to attempt and face Bob Poporad (D) in November.
• More updates later ...
  

Another Republican in the Senate Race

Thanks to all of you

WOW, yesterday was our highest level of traffic and readership since the day Sarah Palin was chosen as the Vice Presidential candidate during the 2008 election cycle. Thanks to everyone.

Sure we did have the amazing news that Senator Bayh was retiring, and the circus with another Democrat who might be able to scramble to get enough signatures by noon today to get on the ballot and foil his plans. Then locally Shawn Olson filing against Ed Soliday, Luke Abbott dropping out of the House race in the 19th ... with rumors that former mayor Dan Klein may run, and potentially others too. Still nothing exciting in the Chuck Mosely seat, oh well.

I'm sure today will be equally exciting as we get even more filings, Kevin Tracy (R) should file in Porter County Council Duneland district and Jon Snyder (R) for assessor. More news I'm sure from all the local races. What fun!

Olson to run against Soliday

At least that was the rumor late today, and I have not been able to reach Shawn to get a confirmation. When I do I will post an update. UPDATE: This information was in error, more updates coming today from Olson campaign, will post in new post.

Kevin Tracy did confirm his intentions officially to file to run for county council in the Duneland seat, held by Bob Poporad ... a seat that now features a primary opponent on the Republican side for Kevin in former County Commissioner Jim Biggs.

All the craziness today was Evan Bayh's announcement of his retirement, and of course the predictions about who this helps and who this hurts on the Republican side.

Evan Bayh will not seek re-election

Bayh chickens out, will not run for reelection

Chicken.

This just in...
Senator Evan Bayh will not run for re-election.

Being reported in the Star, in prepared remarks, Bayh cited excessive partisanship that makes progress on public policy difficult to achieve as the motivation for his decision.

“After all these years, my passion for service to my fellow citizens is undiminished, but my desire to do so in Congress has waned,” he said.

“My decision was not motivated by political concern,” he added. “Even in the current challenging environment, I am confident in my prospects for re-election.”

Door's open...

P.S. This is only better news for Marlin Stutzman and John Hostettler, since it was being said they couldn't raise enough money to beat Bayh ... well he's gone ... and Dan Coats still has the same baggage Bayh did.

A study on Dan Coats

Dan Coats: A Tale of Leadership, Courage, and Achievement from Lawyers Guns Money on Vimeo.

Open Thread - regional political gossip

Since the next couple days will feature lots of political rumors and yes some gossip, I think we'll keep this open thread rolling and you can put things in comments. I'll try to move solid information up to the main post, to start things off:

Update II: Jim Biggs announced today he will run against Bob Poporad for Porter County Council from Duneland area.

Update: Via the Building Indiana Blog - The La Porte County Convention and Visitors Bureau is suing the Blue Chip Casino in Michigan City after the Blue Chip stopped paying the innkeeper’s tax on rooms it gives away for free. (This one floors me, the Convention Bureau wants a tax on something that is being given away for free?)

Word this morning that Jon Snyder, of Shoreline Appraisal Services in Portage, has passed level 2 certification for property assessing and is looking to enter the race for County Assessor. I have that one confirmed from a source in Indy.

With no confirmation so far, there have been numerous rumors floating that former Rep. Ralph Ayres may be looking at a run for county office as well. I have not talked to Ralph.

Sources report that when the 2010 Budget Order came out, Democrat candidate for Auditor Vicki Urbanik found an error which would have been a pretty big deal, and the stateDLGF and local auditor are scrambling to fix it. I know the spin coming out of the county offices was picked up by the Times, namely that Porter County may just get out tax bills on time this year, but there still seem to be issues in that office.

Blogger and Republican candidate for County Council in Lake County reports on Lake County Democrats who are behind on their taxes.

Statewide tea party groups are mobilizing to campaign against Washington insider and former Senator Dan Coats who wants to run in the primary for United States Senate and try to face Senator Evan Bayh. Although the tea party groups can barely agree on anything else, including which of the other candidates they do like, they have agreed on this one position. Also, early word this morning that Coats does not have the signatures he needs in the 1st District and is trying to get party insiders to help out.

Some may have missed this, former Portage School Board member Thomas Pappas in the Times suggesting that the school system attempt to recover losses from kids who attend Portage schools and don't live in the district. One interesting side note, now that the state is paying almost all the costs of our schools, do we really have the right to throw a fit when a parent is willing to drive from Lake Station to Portage to drop off their kids at school? Hmmm.

Harper faces biggest critics

For the last 8 years the biggest critics of Commissioner Bob Harper's policies in running the county have been the dwindling numbers of home builders and developers in Porter County. In one election Harper featured photos of campaign signs at the Porter County Builder's Association for a Republican as proof that home builders were trying to subvert the anti-growth policies he was pushing through.

The Times article, and in full disclosure I was not there, suggests there was a bit of burying the hatchet. Current President Bryce Pickering is a democrat and labor union member and is working diligently to bring the warring parties together. All good to hear.

Now for some details:

• When Commissioner Harper was pushing to shake down developers for green space "donations" when they approve projects, there was a home builder on the committee. This builder has the gall to stand up for personal property rights, and was uninvited.
  
• As Plan Commission director agreed in the meeting, home builders have not been consulted since, and have been largely marginalized.
• In the county's defense, there are very few home builders remaining in Porter County. The recession of 2007-2009, bank and mortgage company failures, foreclosures, and very low demand for new housing has decimated this otherwise vibrant job creation niche. Only the very small builders remain, and they really don't have the political moxie to rise up against impact fees, green space shakedowns, or onerous plan commission requirements.

This may all sound like good news to those who decry all forms of growth as hurting the quality of life in Porter County. But I think this line of attack is starting to lose it's appeal when it becomes obvious that anything that can help increase construction activity will create jobs.

I have often said that religion is for rich people. Meaning of course that it easy to have a strong philosophy when things are going well. When home builders and developers were making money in 2000-2006, it was easy to consider a $2,500 impact fee no big deal. When developers were racing through neighborhoods, it made sense to the majority that they should do their community service and donate 10, 20, 0r even 30% of their ground to open space. Now, not so much.

I have called for an elimination of impact fees, an elimination of the open space ordinance, and at least one home builder on the plan commission here before. Perhaps this new open discussion between Commissioner Harper and the construction industry will yield some results.

Marlin Stutzman asks Dan Coats some questions

For Immediate Release

February 10, 2010

Marlin Stutzman Demands Answers from Dan Coats on his Current Job as a Lobbyist

Marlin Stutzman challenges Coats, “We want to see everything Dan Coats and his firms were involved with from a lobbying perspective. Hoosiers cannot afford a senator who has questionable ties to corporations, banks and anti-American governments.”

Howe, IN – State Senator Marlin Stutzman took a hard line today as he inquired about the judgment of former Indiana Sen. Dan Coats and his past and current lobbying activity in Washington, D.C. Coats, a former U.S. Senator who now lives in the D.C. Metro area and keeps a home in North Carolina, surprised many when he announced he may run for the US Senate in Indiana, where he has not lived in nearly 10 years.

“Dan, the ‘good folks’ in Indiana have some questions. How involved were you and your firm in securing billions of dollars in taxpayer money for the bailouts? What is your firm’s relationship with Harvest Natural Resources? Harvest is an oil company that partners with Dictator Hugo Chavez. Finally, and probably most concerning is your firm’s questionable ties to the terrorist breeding ground in Yemen. Although, I personally would like answers to these questions, Mr. Coats, I can tell you that I am not alone. There are countless people throughout the state that want to know the details on your career as a DC Lobbyist. We want to see everything Dan Coats and his firms were involved with from a lobbying perspective. Hoosiers cannot afford a senator who has questionable ties to corporations, banks and anti-American governments.”

The Hill – Coats lobbied for India Firm and country of Yemen: Web Version | PDF Version

Politico – Coats lobbied for Chavez-connected oil company: Web Version | PDF Version

Washington Examiner – Coats lobbied for Bank of America: Web Version | PDF Version

Washington Examiner – Coats lobbied for ‘Fat Cats’: Web Version | PDF Version

Contact: media@gomarlin.com

PDF version of release can be found here.

McDermott wants Pabey to step down

from his role as a party leader in East Chicago: (via The NWI Times)

McDermott said Tuesday, "This is not about whether he is a good chairman, this has nothing to do about his job as mayor, this is about him having bigger things to worry about.

"Over the weekend, we were researching party rules to see if I had direct authority to remove a sitting chairman. I do not. But unless he voluntarily steps down, which is what we are asking, one third of the city's 36 precinct committeemen have to sign a petition calling for a hearing. We then have a hearing, and then two thirds of the organization has to vote to remove him," he said.

McDermott said that even if the current precinct organization stands behind Pabey, the E.C. mayor must face possible removal after the May 4 primary when a new slate of precinct committeemen is elected by the voters.

"If Pabey doesn't step aside by May, I will call for an election. I don't know if (Pabey) can make it through that."

If Pabey does step down temporarily, McDermott said he would run this city's organization in Pabey's absence. "I will fill vacancies and work with people to run fairly. If he clears his name, we will give it back to him a day later," McDermott said.

George W. Bush - Miss Me Yet?

The billboard in question. (via The Right Perspective)

A Wyoming, Minnesota billboard of former US President George W. Bush asking “Miss Me Yet?” has caused an Internet sensation, putting liberals on the hunt for whomever put it up.

Snapshots of the board swept through e-mail inboxes Monday morning, with some suspecting it was a clever GOP Photoshop. However, Wyoming resident and NPR contributor Bob Collins confirms the billboard is very real and can be found on the I-35 near Wrenshall.

I first heard about this on Fox News, and of course like many of the liberals who were scurrying to prove it was photoshopped, I had to check to make sure it was legit. And it is. The funny part is the manhunt which is on to figure out who paid to run the ad.

Thoughts on Dan Coats from Snyder

From James Snyder

There is much Hub Bub about former Senator Dan Coats being recruited to run for US Senate in North Carolina, oops I mean Virginia, oops again I mean INDIANA. We know that Indiana Senator Dick Lugar made a deal with the Devil in O8 leaving Indiana up for grabs and ultimately giving the state to Obama. So who got Coats into this race. Evan Bayh!

He saw that there were two candidates he could not beat Marlin Stutzman and former Congressman Hostettler. Both polled very well for not spending a dime in this race and it scared the living daylights our of Bayh. He had to find the one person who could not win. Of course the easiest place to look would be Washington DC.

Senator Bayh and his staff found a lobbyist who has lobbied for firms representing Hugo Chavez's interest. He also found a person who has also lobbied for the big banks who received bail out money. Better yet he has found someone who doesn't even want to live in Indiana. While the Indiana establishment has lost it way the Evan Bayh recruiting machine has not.

Indiana Republicans and even those astute as Mike Pence have taken the bait. Of course the Neo Cons in DC are excited because they don't understand Hoosiers. They believe we are like New Yorkians who don't mind carpetbagging. You would think someone like Mike Pence was still in touch with Hoosiers and would know this was not the case.

The only argument I have heard from those calling me and wanting to pay me to get petition signatures for Mr. Coats, is the other guys can't raise the money. I have two questions. Have any of you heard of Scott Brown? The money will come. Didn't Mr. Coats not run in 1998 because he could not raise the money to beat Bayh? What makes everyone think he can raise the money all of the sudden.

All I have to say is that Mr. Coats will not win in Lake and Porter Counties. I am sure of that. With respect for Mr. Coats former career I wish he would stay out and protect his good name.

Obamanomics, Keynesian Theory, Red is the New Green & How It All Ties Together, Part 2

You can find Part One here: Obamanics and Keynesian Theory

Obamanomics, Keynesian Theory, Red is the New Green & How It All Ties Together

Part 2/7: Where The Bust Came From

The number one culprit for the boom and bust without denial by both (most) Keynesian and (all) Austrian economic experts is the Federal Reserve or the Fed for short (Woods, 2009). The Fed, controls the money supply or the amount of money in circulation, sometimes referred to as the M1 measurement. The Fed controls the amount of money in circulation by lowering and raising the Federal Fund Rate. “The federal funds rate is the rate charged by one depository institution on an overnight sale of immediately available funds (balances at the Federal Reserve) to another depository institution “ (Federalreserve.gov, 2010). Simplified, this is the rate that sets all interest rates. By raising this rate, the Fed can contract the supply of money and adversely, by lowering this rate, the Fed increases the money supply or creates new money. Following the years after the vicious 9/11 attacks the Fed began to lower their rates, creating new money and by doing so artificially manipulated/stimulated the economy. This cheap money overwhelmingly went into the housing market which inflated prices to unheard of levels. When this was occurring, Keynesians insisted or conventional wisdom there of believed that this was a sustainable phenomenon that would persist instead of an artificially induced bubble that had to burst. The so called Keynesian experts insisted/told Americas that their homes had to appreciate, that property was the best investment and that house flipping was a sure fire way to make a barrel full of money. Of Course, they ignored the warning cries from all Austrian economist.

The Dallas Observer, a newspaper located in Dallas, Texas, wrote an article that best exemplifies what lose monetary policies of the Federal Reserve encourages. In this article titled 'Better Off Deadbeat', does show how an individual used the low loan rates to take out loans to invest in the market. This investment, like many others as this individual was not the only one doing it, is what created the boom and the bust of the housing market. This is easy money created by the Fed that creates mal-investment that leads to the boom and the bust. I encourage everyone to read this article in conjunction with this part of the seven part series.

Article Link

The article mentioned above is a good example of how stock portfolios in connection with home prices razed in tandem during the forming of the bubble, making Americans feel more wealthy than they actually were. Americans during this time made consumption decisions on the basis of the so called experts statements, stating the economy was sound, that are decisions that Americans have now come to regret. Some businesses that began or expanded under the boom conditions could only continue profitably only if the boom condition and the artificial spending continued. Now with reality setting in and the easy credit no longer available, the market is trying to clear away these bubble activities, so that market resources can be used and made available for use by the real wealth and job creators of the economy.

The market, in short, is attempting to move consumers away from personal finance models based on indebtedness and too much consumption to a more sustainable level of consumption in conjunction with real saving. To accommodate this shift, labor and capitol will need to be reallocated out of some sectors and into other ones. “Stimulus” spending only corrupts and confuses this purgative process, by misdirecting resources into arbitrary projects and artificially stimulating politically favored industries at the expense of the economy's healthy and productive sectors. Obama's program for recovery, such as it is, looks instead to re-inflate the bubble, keep the spending spree going and give still more artificial stimulus to debt while providing disincentive to save. It refuses to allow the market to correct the unsustainable excesses in the economy. “No scheme which has ever been devised by them has ever made a collapse boom go up again,” said William Graham Sumner in 1896. Nothing in the historical record since then has altered that verdict.

The Federal Reserve, acting in true Keynesian fashion, is likewise trying to repair the economy by engaging in more of what caused the problem in the first place. On March 18, 2009, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) announced it would purchase up to $300 Billion in long-term government bonds, with the intent of lowering mortgage rates and other rates on consumer debt. It also declared its intention to purchase up to $750 Billion in mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Instead of allowing the market to restructure along a sustainable path, the Fed instead seeks to keep home prices inflated, prop up the securitization model and encourage more borrowing and debt.

Part Three, Stimulus Spending Doesn't Work or Make Sense, will be release Next Friday, on schedule. Once again, thanks for reading.

National Indiana Day - Colts in Super Bowl

We have holidays for everything else, so I'm proposing that today be named National Indiana Day since our Colts are playing in the Super Bowl. We're all about economic development, and winning the Super Bowl is a key component of that effort in 2010.

Now some political stories worth keeping an eye on until the game starts:

Crown Point's mayor raised just shy of $100,000 and spent roughly the same amount in 2009.

In what can only be called a Northwest Indiana oddity, politicians in Lake County are giving themselves "bonuses" on the sly. Seriously?

East Chicago continues to rush to catch up with Gary on the corruption index, with this week's indictment of the Mayor on charges of using city employees and funds to remodel a home ... in Gary!

Lots of political announcements, people running for office, we'll be trying to update our Porter County, Lake County and Laporte County lists of candidates this week. And of course keeping an eye on the United States Senator race, with former Senator and Lobbyist Dan Coats rushing in at the last minute to get signatures. Reports are that state GOP officials are pressuring local GOP officials to get those signatures and getting little assistance from local officials.

Part 2 of 7 will be delayed till Sunday.

I know some people from my facebook account read part one and were looking forward to part 2, however due to time constraints outside of my control, I will not be able to deliver till Sunday.

2nd and lastly, I am also beginning to research Autism and the Vaccine correlation since the debunking of the 1998 study. Once solidly on the side of the anti-vaccinationist, I now find myself on the fence. I am seeking help in any research information into the field and will put together a blog report of my findings. Essentially, if readers have info, credible info as in something from a .edu or .org, please give me a link by commenting here.

Thanks and have a great weekend.

Will Rivas v. Stevenson feature RDA fight?

The Times takes the reports showing that Democrat challenger Jeremy Rivas, running for county council against Rita Stevenson, received quite a bit of money from labor unions to suggest that possibly Jeremy is being funded to help overturn the Porter County Council's effort to leave the RDA.

Now first I don't think the Times came up with this on their own. I think Commissioner Harper is worried that this council seat may go to a young democrat who isn't in the fold. Second, it is very interesting that a young non-incumbent can raise so much money .... $14,443 ... and the incumbent has raised so little.

Let's be honest, there will be change on the Porter County Council this year. It may not change the party affiliations, but some amount of change is needed. Will the RDA continue to be the most pressing political issue? What about the proceeds from the hospital sale? What about economic development? What about squeezing the Auditor and Assessor so they are forced to do their jobs?

Rep Dobis helping Republicans?

This has been an interesting story to follow this last week. In essence Rep Chet Dobis stood up to the Democrat leadership in an attempt to move the Illiana forward. In doing so he was removed from his leadership post in the House by Speaker Bauer. (quotes from Times)

"Come November, the speaker may not be the speaker anymore, I'm not sure, but I know the governor will be governor," Dobis said.

Democrats hold a 52-48 majority in the House, including Dobis' vote. The governor and House Republican leader Brian Bosma, R-Indianapolis, have been recruiting candidates and raising money to try to take back the House for the GOP in the November general election. Republicans control the Indiana Senate.

Dobis said Bauer's tenuous hold on his position as speaker of a Democratic majority in the House is making him "paranoid" about the governor.

"I think he must see him in his dreams because he's always lurking in the shadows even when he's not even around," Dobis said. "You don't get positive things done that way."

But the paranoia is only part of the problem, Dobis said. The way Bauer runs the House chamber, as if he were in Washington, D.C., is not an effective way to solve Indiana's problems, he said.

"I think the speaker is trying to imitate (U.S. House) Speaker Nancy Pelosi. She tries to control her caucus, and she's lost control," Dobis said. "The chemistry is not good in here."

"We've got to get civil again. We've got to take politics off the table on important projects."

The most telling quote was "... he may not be the speaker anymore ..." Is he the first to predict that November will be a landslide for Republicans in the House and a return to Republican control?

East Chicago Mayor Indicted

The Feds have moved on Mayor Pabey:

The indictment of East Chicago Mayor George Pabey and city supervisor Jose Camacho is amazing in the blatant arrogance of the offense. You can read the story here, and the full indictment here.

Prosecutors say that an engineering department account was used for a shopping spree at various home improvement stores for the Miller Beach home purchased in 2007 by Pabey and his daughter. (from the Times Northwest Indiana and Beyond Blog)

Some reports suggest that a City engineering acount was used as a slush fund to process payments for the spending spree on this house in Gary. Do any of our readers have additional information besides what's being reported by the newspapers and stated in the indictment?

News around the political scene

Well maybe rumors is a better term for this post:

• Dan Coats may toss his hat in the ring for United States Senate = Why? Who knows and why the late start after Mike Pence and Todd Rokita both looked elsewhere. Frugal Hoosiers post here.
  
• There is word that Porter County Republicans will have another assessor challenger, an auditor announcement and two more county council announcements tomorrow or Thursday.
  
• Heard rumors of a Valparaiso business entrepreneur looking to challenge Chuck Moseley for Indiana House.
  

Sorry, I don't usually do the rumor thing, but this is kinda the rumor week in politics for Indiana. More updates in the morning as we get confirmations.

Arrogance of the Democratic Party in lake County?

While Democratic Mayor Uran is vacationing in beautiful Hawaii, his campaign is getting into trouble with using NFL logos and gambling without a license. But is that the end of the story today? Perhaps the real story is how connected is Bo Jackson to getting those "pro athletes" to come to his fundraiser to raise thousands of dollars. Was there perhaps a deal for Bo to get his friends to attend the Mayor's fundraiser in return for Mayor Uran putting the heat on city officials and others to get his Sportplex approved? We may never know unless someone comes forward.

Just another example of arrogance in the democratic party right here in Lake County! Had enough? VOTE REPUBLICAN!

Taking Aim At Kevin Tracy

Taking Aim At Kevin Tracy
This is a Ron Paulite response to a recent K.T. Blog.

Kevin, we have yet to ever officially meet as far as I know. Your comments show your utter lack of understanding of conservatism via the Goldwater/Taft (Traditional Conservatism) form of it. Your comments could be construed to the fact that you may perhaps be a Closet Progressive? And, if that weren't enough, you lower yourself to the point of name calling and middle school minded taunting. If one is too ridicule this no vote then one must assume that you are in favor of:

Government interventionism and that Reagan was wrong when he said that Government doesn't solve the problem, that Government is the problem.

You are in favor of spending other peoples money, even if they disagree with it. More commonly referred to as wealth redistribution.

You are in favor of propping up Government as the answer to all social problems of the world (making world problems our problem) rather than allowing the free market and good old fashion charity to do their own job.

For the same reason it was wrong for the Mayor of Valpo to give taxpayer money to charity, it would be wrong for the Government to take on the Responsibility in the task of Nation Building the Nation of Haiti. I believe George Will, a renowned conservative columnist, put it best this past summer in one of his columns, “Nation Building is an insane concept, even if we knew how to do it.” Of course, he was ridiculed by the progressives within the party.

Taking on a comments within the comment section.

The issue of Slavery, all Ron Paul has ever advocated is that their was peaceful options to consider rather than the course this nation chose to take. If it is fantastical or wishful thinking, then how come Nations of Europe were able to deal with the issue of slavery in a peaceful, humane manner without the need for a bloody civil war? In fact, Ron Paul usually sites how Britain chose to deal with the issue as an example of what he means when confronted by childish ridicule and laughter such as yours. Personally, I don't think that childish laughter is the way to respect an opposing opinion to the atrocities of the Civil war. Do you?

Earmarks for his district. So all Republicans that are opposed to pork should also turn down their own pork packages allowing their districts to suffer the penalties of grotesque spending while reaping none of the benefits? Bull and child like to say the least. There is nothing wrong with accepting pork, or ensuring your district gets their fair share while standing firmly against it. He is, like all other Representatives, beholden to his district and thus should deliver their share of the bacon. If he didn't, who would be hypocritical then? Think a McCain comes to mind as someone who stand firm against pork but then gladly accepts it for his district.

Mr. Tracy, it is one thing to disagree and I am always willing to have civil discourse with any of my friends, but it is another thing entirely when a person of your stature chooses to resort to child like, tongue out behavior to get his point across and in some respect shows the weakness of your argument. Essentially, your only defense is that you don't respect principled individuals.

I'm posting this on here instead of on your blog as a comment for I feel you neither deserve or are wanting of the traffic.

I have heard that you may be considering a run for office currently or somewhere in the near future. I wish you good luck. Maybe then you will come to understand why it is so hard to be a principled individual and be a member of congress. Will you buy the Bacon while standing firmly against it? Not so easy is it now?