- It would appear voters and citizens actually want divided government. In choosing mainly Republican Governors and then re-electing President Obama they seem to signal that gridlock and the checks and balances of our constitution feels safer.
- No one comes out of last night with a mandate. Not the President, not Congress, not any individual state leader. We are a nation that is split very close to 50/50 on the hard questions of policy ... but not necessarily vision. It feels like we agree on a vision of limited government, it's just that some want to use government to get us through the bumps and others want it out of the way.
- At the local level the Democrats basically ran the table in Porter County, even though the statewide trends went Republican and the legislators elected are for the most part Republican. Again voters seem to be signalling an interest in divided and balanced government. But something more, negative campaigning at the local level probably backfired. More on this in future posts about policy in NW Indiana, but negative campaigning doesn't work as well when we all know each other in a small community.
- We stand ready for a dramatic recovery, similar to Clinton second term and Bush Jr first term. Watch for deals to finally be cut that reduce deductions and regulations. Watch for education funding at the state level to be contentious as inner city schools get cut and closed. Watch for job creation to drive the middle class back into the arena of public thought, they weren't there this year, they were focused on paying bills.
- For me and my house, we're watching closely the real estate and construction markets now. Watch for a dramatic recovery in housing as rates are still low, taxes in Indiana are capped, home prices are almost too affordable, rents are too high, and it's been 5 years since this sleeping giant industry woke up and started hiring. When they do it will be big.
Wednesday, November 07, 2012
First post-election thoughts
In no particular order, and perhaps an edit will come later today when all the details become more clear.
Monday, November 05, 2012
Your Indiana Ballot 2012 and the Candidates for a Brighter Future!
This is the link to view your sample ballot
https://indianavoters.in.gov/PublicSite/Public/FT1/PublicOnBallotSearch.aspx
This election is too important to be fooled again. Four years of failed Statism in Washington DC should have taught us to toss out the President and all who agree with his disastrous economic and foreign policies, his dictatorship via regulatory agency fiat and his dangerous agreements and giveaways involving terrorists and drug gangs.
Mitt Romney is a serious man who has made helping people and building businesses, organizations and even the State of Massachusetts and making them work for 38 years. He's saved an Olympics, governed a Blue State as a Republican, pulled failing companies out of the red and into the black. He has given away multiple millions of dollars to help his fellow man. Mitt Romney is used to being the guy who has to make the tough decisions and lead from the front and not behind. Barack Obama proved that his lack of experience and horrific vision of what America should be made for a toxic concoction that has poisoned our economy and our position in the world as leaders. Mitt Romney can fix these mistakes and get us on the right path again.
Paul Ryan is a math whiz and a budgetary expert who will be a fantastic VP. He is absolutely driven to do the right thing for the sake of his country. Paul Ryan, like Mitt Romney, has character and a very strong desire to help people without forsaking his principles and to work with others to find concensus rather than compromise. His sincerity and lack of bluster will be a welcome change from the fellow filling the office at the moment.
A Romney/Ryan win benefits all Americans who believe in the American Dream and want a chance to succeed. Read up on the five point plan of Romney and Ryan to create more jobs and see their stands on the issues at this site. ISSUES!
Jay Leno will have to find a new source of punchlines when both Obama and Biden leave the White House. But we can live with that!
One of New York’s most influential and traditionally Democratic media
organizations pulled a stunner Sunday when it reversed its 2008
endorsement of Barack Obama to join the New York Post in endorsing Mitt
Romney.
“Four years ago, the Daily News endorsed Obama, seeing a historic figure whose intelligence, political skills and empathy with common folk positioned him to build on the small practical experience he would bring to the world’s toughest job,” the endorsement in part states. “We valued Obama’s pledge to govern with bold pragmatism and bipartisanship. The hopes of those days went unfulfilled.”
The endorsement also ticks off a list of reasons for why the daily tabloid is backing Romney in 2012 – including smaller paychecks, fewer jobs and higher subway fares and gasoline prices.
“America’s heart, soul, brains and muscle -- the middle- and working-class people who make this nation great -- have been beset for too long by sapping economic decline,” the editorial continues. “So, too, (have) New York breadwinners and families.”
Beyond the rhetoric, the paper backs up its decision with a salvo of numbers after the 2008 financial crisis – including a 7.9 percent national jobless rate and nine million fewer jobs.
The paper also points out the hometown crowd, with some of the most well-educated and well-paid residents in the country not spared.
The median household income for a New York family dropped by $54 a week over that period, the paper also points out.
The Daily News joins nearly a dozen other major U.S. newspapers in switching endorsements from Obama to Romney, according to the University of California, Santa Barbara’s American Presidency Project.
Only one newspaper, The San Antonio Express-News, which endorsed the Republican presidential nominee in 2008, Arizona Sen. John McCain, has switched to endorsing Obama, according the survey.
The 11 papers, according the study, that also switched to Romney are:
The New York Daily News
Long Island Newsday
Houston Chronicle
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Orlando Sentinel
Ft. Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel
Nashville Tennessean
Des Moines Register
Illinois Daily Herald
Los Angeles Daily News
Los Angeles Press-Telegram
Richard Mourdock is a man of principle who has fought Barack Obama in court and won. He's dedicated to putting an end to that economy toxin known as Obamacare. His opponent, Joe Donnelly, has been Barack Obama's yes-man for the last four years. A vote for Donnelly is a vote for Obamacare, the HHS Mandate that is an attack on our 1st and 10th Amendment rights and likely a vote to eroder our 2nd Amendment rights as well. It is not surprising that the marathon-running Mourdock has the energy to take on the Beltway Boys. It will be surprising if we all fail to see what a statesman Richard Mourdock actually is...despite Obama's pilfering of Indiana Pension funds during the Chrysler Bailout scandal, Mourdock left the State of Indiana in great fiscal health, with a strong return on investments, a surplus in the State coffers and an office that worked together like clockwork with the rest of the Indiana leadership. Joe Donnelly? Other than vote for whatever Obama has approved, just what has he done for Indiana worth mentioning?
I have spent a good deal of time talking with Richard Mourdock and he is impressive! He knows the Constitution better than our President and he loves this State and Country with all of his heart!
Just take a look at all of his endorsements!!!
Here is his You Tube page
Mourdock, Pence and Romney/Ryan to keep Indiana on the right track and get America back on track!
Mike Pence will pick up where Mitch Daniels left off and keep moving Indiana forward to jobs and opportunites with a balanced budget and a AAA credit rating!
Mike Pence, Sue Ellspermann, Greg Zoeller and Tony Bennett. They will keep the Indiana momentum going with a balanced budget, job-friendly legislation, continued educational excellence and adherence to the State and US Constitution!
Joel Phelps is the last candidate I will mention today. He is the American Dream personified, a humble young man who has been dedicated to succeeding the right way, with the moral fibre of a young Abraham Lincoln or Daniel Webster and yet with a winning personality that makes you wish he and Jennifer and the boys lived next door. I do believe that Joel and his campaign manager, Steve Wolff, were taken aback in July when I asked them why people in Lake County were not hearing from him or about him. Now I understand.
Joel Phelps didn't have the money of a Pete Visclosky. No lobbyists to bankroll his campaign. No rich millionaire dumping in money from afar. So he had to marshal his forces and put in the full bore all out 120 days to victory tour. July, August, September and October. Joel Phelps has seemed to be EVERYWHERE since the beginning of July. Parades, rallies, meetings, fundraisers, fairs, exhibitions, meet-and-greets, dinners, luncheons, breakfasts...
But nationally, men like Matt Kibbe of FreedomWorks have recognized the potential in Joel Phelps, that he can be a statesman and not just a politician. I see it in him as well!
Meanwhile Pete Visclosky has been nowhere. He would not even have the decency to respond to an invitation by the Gary Pastors Ministerial Association to debate Joel Phelps!!! Visclosky claims to represent Gary and Northwest Indiana and he won't even show up?
Joel and Jennifer Phelps!
From the Joel Phelps for Congress Website
Industrial Engineering is the science of designing efficient processes, and eliminating waste from existing operations. Joel excelled at his craft and served as President of the Purdue Chapter of the Institute of Industrial Engineers. He earned a merit scholarship for his work in the field, and helped prepare coursework in MTM (motion time management). He accomplished all this, while working full time as a process engineer for Whiting Crane Company. There he developed new processes and designed the factory layout for a new 250,000 square foot manufacturing plant Whiting Crane built in Monee, Il.
Over the years, Joel has continued to apply his talents and tireless work ethic in managing multiple projects and ventures. He has owned and managed small businesses. He has been successful in a commercial glazing firm for the last 6 years managing multiple monumental project sites simultaneously. Including the construction of hospitals, corporate headquarters, and many high-rise construction ventures in Chicago.
Joel resides in Portage, Indiana, in a home he built for with his wife Jennifer, and three boys Jordan (14), Joshua (10) and Jakob (5). Jennifer is a beautiful, sharp, talented woman who is a success in her own right. Prior to meeting Joel in 2004, she earned a bachelors degree in nursung and her RN license from Indiana University while raising two baby boys as single mom. Joel was blessed with the opportunity four years ago to adopt Joshua and Jordan, making the Phelps family official.
https://indianavoters.in.gov/PublicSite/Public/FT1/PublicOnBallotSearch.aspx
This election is too important to be fooled again. Four years of failed Statism in Washington DC should have taught us to toss out the President and all who agree with his disastrous economic and foreign policies, his dictatorship via regulatory agency fiat and his dangerous agreements and giveaways involving terrorists and drug gangs.
Mitt Romney is a serious man who has made helping people and building businesses, organizations and even the State of Massachusetts and making them work for 38 years. He's saved an Olympics, governed a Blue State as a Republican, pulled failing companies out of the red and into the black. He has given away multiple millions of dollars to help his fellow man. Mitt Romney is used to being the guy who has to make the tough decisions and lead from the front and not behind. Barack Obama proved that his lack of experience and horrific vision of what America should be made for a toxic concoction that has poisoned our economy and our position in the world as leaders. Mitt Romney can fix these mistakes and get us on the right path again.
Paul Ryan is a math whiz and a budgetary expert who will be a fantastic VP. He is absolutely driven to do the right thing for the sake of his country. Paul Ryan, like Mitt Romney, has character and a very strong desire to help people without forsaking his principles and to work with others to find concensus rather than compromise. His sincerity and lack of bluster will be a welcome change from the fellow filling the office at the moment.
A Romney/Ryan win benefits all Americans who believe in the American Dream and want a chance to succeed. Read up on the five point plan of Romney and Ryan to create more jobs and see their stands on the issues at this site. ISSUES!
Jay Leno will have to find a new source of punchlines when both Obama and Biden leave the White House. But we can live with that!
New York Daily News joins growing number of newspapers switching endorsement to Romney
Published November 04, 2012
FoxNews.com
“Four years ago, the Daily News endorsed Obama, seeing a historic figure whose intelligence, political skills and empathy with common folk positioned him to build on the small practical experience he would bring to the world’s toughest job,” the endorsement in part states. “We valued Obama’s pledge to govern with bold pragmatism and bipartisanship. The hopes of those days went unfulfilled.”
The endorsement also ticks off a list of reasons for why the daily tabloid is backing Romney in 2012 – including smaller paychecks, fewer jobs and higher subway fares and gasoline prices.
“America’s heart, soul, brains and muscle -- the middle- and working-class people who make this nation great -- have been beset for too long by sapping economic decline,” the editorial continues. “So, too, (have) New York breadwinners and families.”
Beyond the rhetoric, the paper backs up its decision with a salvo of numbers after the 2008 financial crisis – including a 7.9 percent national jobless rate and nine million fewer jobs.
The paper also points out the hometown crowd, with some of the most well-educated and well-paid residents in the country not spared.
The median household income for a New York family dropped by $54 a week over that period, the paper also points out.
The Daily News joins nearly a dozen other major U.S. newspapers in switching endorsements from Obama to Romney, according to the University of California, Santa Barbara’s American Presidency Project.
Only one newspaper, The San Antonio Express-News, which endorsed the Republican presidential nominee in 2008, Arizona Sen. John McCain, has switched to endorsing Obama, according the survey.
The 11 papers, according the study, that also switched to Romney are:
The New York Daily News
Long Island Newsday
Houston Chronicle
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Orlando Sentinel
Ft. Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel
Nashville Tennessean
Des Moines Register
Illinois Daily Herald
Los Angeles Daily News
Los Angeles Press-Telegram
Richard Mourdock is a man of principle who has fought Barack Obama in court and won. He's dedicated to putting an end to that economy toxin known as Obamacare. His opponent, Joe Donnelly, has been Barack Obama's yes-man for the last four years. A vote for Donnelly is a vote for Obamacare, the HHS Mandate that is an attack on our 1st and 10th Amendment rights and likely a vote to eroder our 2nd Amendment rights as well. It is not surprising that the marathon-running Mourdock has the energy to take on the Beltway Boys. It will be surprising if we all fail to see what a statesman Richard Mourdock actually is...despite Obama's pilfering of Indiana Pension funds during the Chrysler Bailout scandal, Mourdock left the State of Indiana in great fiscal health, with a strong return on investments, a surplus in the State coffers and an office that worked together like clockwork with the rest of the Indiana leadership. Joe Donnelly? Other than vote for whatever Obama has approved, just what has he done for Indiana worth mentioning?
I have spent a good deal of time talking with Richard Mourdock and he is impressive! He knows the Constitution better than our President and he loves this State and Country with all of his heart!
Just take a look at all of his endorsements!!!
Here is his You Tube page
Mourdock, Pence and Romney/Ryan to keep Indiana on the right track and get America back on track!
Mike Pence will pick up where Mitch Daniels left off and keep moving Indiana forward to jobs and opportunites with a balanced budget and a AAA credit rating!
Mike Pence, Sue Ellspermann, Greg Zoeller and Tony Bennett. They will keep the Indiana momentum going with a balanced budget, job-friendly legislation, continued educational excellence and adherence to the State and US Constitution!
Joel Phelps is the last candidate I will mention today. He is the American Dream personified, a humble young man who has been dedicated to succeeding the right way, with the moral fibre of a young Abraham Lincoln or Daniel Webster and yet with a winning personality that makes you wish he and Jennifer and the boys lived next door. I do believe that Joel and his campaign manager, Steve Wolff, were taken aback in July when I asked them why people in Lake County were not hearing from him or about him. Now I understand.
Joel Phelps didn't have the money of a Pete Visclosky. No lobbyists to bankroll his campaign. No rich millionaire dumping in money from afar. So he had to marshal his forces and put in the full bore all out 120 days to victory tour. July, August, September and October. Joel Phelps has seemed to be EVERYWHERE since the beginning of July. Parades, rallies, meetings, fundraisers, fairs, exhibitions, meet-and-greets, dinners, luncheons, breakfasts...
But nationally, men like Matt Kibbe of FreedomWorks have recognized the potential in Joel Phelps, that he can be a statesman and not just a politician. I see it in him as well!
From the Joel Phelps for Congress Website
Industrial Engineering is the science of designing efficient processes, and eliminating waste from existing operations. Joel excelled at his craft and served as President of the Purdue Chapter of the Institute of Industrial Engineers. He earned a merit scholarship for his work in the field, and helped prepare coursework in MTM (motion time management). He accomplished all this, while working full time as a process engineer for Whiting Crane Company. There he developed new processes and designed the factory layout for a new 250,000 square foot manufacturing plant Whiting Crane built in Monee, Il.
Over the years, Joel has continued to apply his talents and tireless work ethic in managing multiple projects and ventures. He has owned and managed small businesses. He has been successful in a commercial glazing firm for the last 6 years managing multiple monumental project sites simultaneously. Including the construction of hospitals, corporate headquarters, and many high-rise construction ventures in Chicago.
Joel resides in Portage, Indiana, in a home he built for with his wife Jennifer, and three boys Jordan (14), Joshua (10) and Jakob (5). Jennifer is a beautiful, sharp, talented woman who is a success in her own right. Prior to meeting Joel in 2004, she earned a bachelors degree in nursung and her RN license from Indiana University while raising two baby boys as single mom. Joel was blessed with the opportunity four years ago to adopt Joshua and Jordan, making the Phelps family official.
Porter County Predictions Thread
Similar to fantasy football and NCAA bracketology, the long enjoyed tradition of predictions in elections. Please share yours as well. Tom told me no foul language or personal attacks in getting this started this year.
President - Indiana will go to Romney. On the national front I predict Romney picks up Florida and North Carolina, but loses in a close one due to Ohio and Wisconsin going to Obama.
US Senate - Mourdock really messed things up by talking rape, a third rail if there ever was one in the politics of gender. Picking Donnelly and thus the Democrats retain control of the US Senate.
US Congress - Visclosky in the 1st and Walorski in the 2nd
Governor - Pence by 20 points, run away! But not enough to save Mourdock. His coatails of course will pull through the GOP Attorney General and Schools Superintendent.
Locally, County Commissioner - Laura Blaney in a close one. Local GOP tried mightily to connect Blaney to Obama and locally to Whitten but in the end she is known to be conservative, pro-business and not all that liberal. The fumbling four mailer was funny, and perhaps for some voters reminded them of a time not that far in the past when democrats had total control and really messed up county government.
Council - Graham, Hoffman, and the only real surprise pick Wszolek. Joe W. has worked the hardest and is probably the only candidate that will have a bullet vote group.
What are your predictions? Anyone in Lake or Laporte County want to venture similar predictions?
President - Indiana will go to Romney. On the national front I predict Romney picks up Florida and North Carolina, but loses in a close one due to Ohio and Wisconsin going to Obama.
US Senate - Mourdock really messed things up by talking rape, a third rail if there ever was one in the politics of gender. Picking Donnelly and thus the Democrats retain control of the US Senate.
US Congress - Visclosky in the 1st and Walorski in the 2nd
Governor - Pence by 20 points, run away! But not enough to save Mourdock. His coatails of course will pull through the GOP Attorney General and Schools Superintendent.
Locally, County Commissioner - Laura Blaney in a close one. Local GOP tried mightily to connect Blaney to Obama and locally to Whitten but in the end she is known to be conservative, pro-business and not all that liberal. The fumbling four mailer was funny, and perhaps for some voters reminded them of a time not that far in the past when democrats had total control and really messed up county government.
Council - Graham, Hoffman, and the only real surprise pick Wszolek. Joe W. has worked the hardest and is probably the only candidate that will have a bullet vote group.
What are your predictions? Anyone in Lake or Laporte County want to venture similar predictions?
Sunday, November 04, 2012
Gerrymandering is gone - Niemeyer, Slager and Fine are here. Three good men to represent Lake County downstate in 2012!
No, Gerrymandering is not a new board game and Niemeyer, Slager and Fine are not a law firm. But does it get your attention? First the law firm that is not - Rick Niemeyer, Hal Slager and William Fine are the Republican candidates for the Indiana House who want to represent your interests when they go down to Indianapolis for legislative sessions.
Now that disctricts are drawn according to common sense, each man represents a clear constituency and area.
Rick Niemeyer for District 11
Rick with grandchildren and naturally a big smile
Rick is running in my district, having been serving as a Lake County Councilman and fought to hold the line on spending and extravagant projects while in office in the County for two years after serving for 23 years as a trustee and assessor while also running a family business. His son, Randy, is a Town Councilman and a darned good singer as well!
Among his endorsements are: Indiana State Pipe Trades Association; ALF-CIO Northwest Indiana Building & Construction Trades Council; Indiana State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police; Indiana Right to Life, Farm Bureau, NFIB (National Federation of Indepedent Business); Indiana Manufacturing Association and some others...and me!
He even gets the endorsement of the NWI Times!
As a Cedar Lake resident and involved in the community, I know that Rick is a lifelong resident here and knows our needs and concerns because he shares them and so do his family members. He is the obvious perfect candidate for our district!!!
William Fine for District 12
Munster Community News seems to agree that William Fine is the best candidate to displace Candelaria Reardon. Munster Democrat Reardon has sought to get credit for work done primarily by Republican Ed Solliday on the House Ways and Means Committee to get funding for the Little Calument River levee project. William Fine is a longtime area resident, attorney-at-law whose practice is centered around small businesses, real estate matters and the jots and tittles of leases and contracts - exactly the kind of knowledge to help the Greater Munster/Highland areas of District 12 attract and keep businesses and do things legally and neatly the first time around.
Your next Representative with your next Governor? That would work!
William Fine gets a Peer Review Rating of 5 out of 5 in Business Law. You cannot do better than five out of five...So for professionalism and experience and for good old-fashioned networking with fellow legislators and downstate officials, William Fine is the qualifed candidate for this position!
The NWI Times profile for William Fine.
Bill and family having a Fine time (yes, that is corny)
Hal Slager for District 15
The Indiana House Republican Campaign Committee says the following about Hal:
"Hal Slager is a 1981 graduate of Butler University and is a Certified Public Accountant.
As a CPA he worked for a local accounting firm, and then went into corporate accounting with Melvin Simon and Associates (retail real estate development and management). He joined Trico Graphics in late 1983, where he advanced the company into electronic publishing, and in 1996 established the company in design and internet production. Hal then established Triangle Equities LLC, for real estate development and management in 1997. This company manages a private
portfolio of residential and commercial property. Outside of his businesses, Hal is a Town Councilman in Schererville Indiana. He is married and has two sons. In November, Hal will run against Democrat Thomas O’Donnell in open seat District 15, which falls entirely within Lake County."
Hal Slager has an extremely informative website right here.
Hal’s experience in local government, as a business owner in marketing and real estate management, and training as a Certified Public Accountant is a powerful combination of skills to represent us in the Statehouse. He helped his community navigate a poor economy and continue improving services – the same expectation we should have of our state government.
While Hal is proud of his professional and community accomplishments,
he is a family man first. His wife, Carol, is a pharmacist and his
college sweetheart – both graduates from Butler University in
Indianapolis. Their sons, Ryan and Colin, are now students there as
well.
Hal Slager is a runner and a man of many accomplishments. A CPA, a business owner. a veteran of working together on the Town Council and assuming leadership roles? Again, the kind of skillset we want to see in a man that Lake County sends to Indianapolis to work for us and for the good of both his constituents but also for the good of all of Indiana. We really need Hal Slager working for us downstate. Please thoughtfully consider his record and give him your vote!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
More about Gerrymandering
Artificially constructing districts to accumulate votes rather than to represent the people or area was begun in the USA in the late 18th Century, but it was a radical 1812 configuration in the State of Massachusetts that was compared to a dragon or salamander and, when added to the name of former Governor Eldridge Gerry, the district-that-resembled-a-beast was dubbed "Gerry-Mander."
image from FairVote.org
Gerrymandering was a commonplace means by which the ruling party in any area would redistrict their part of the country to benefit them. Eventually laws were enacted that put limits and legal language in place, supposedly using the US Census to fairly divide up States by Congressional and State House and Senate districts. In 2001 the Democrats were still keen on keeping alive the spirit of the Gerrymander. But Senator Sue Landske (R - Cedar Lake) and the redistricting committee made sure that districts would be sensible and not bizarre. Mission accomplished in the Spring of 2011!
When the previous census was taken and Democrats ruled the State, they drew oddly-shaped districts that made no sense to the eye but were designed to get as many Democrats elected in a Republican State as possible. You can read the dictionary definition here.
Look at the difference between 2001 (above) and 2011 (below), when the map was redrawn more logically:
http://www.stats.indiana.edu/maptools/maps/boundary/legislative/2011/congressional.pdf
http://www.stats.indiana.edu/maptools/maps/boundary/legislative/2011/house.pdf
Now that disctricts are drawn according to common sense, each man represents a clear constituency and area.
Rick Niemeyer for District 11
Rick is running in my district, having been serving as a Lake County Councilman and fought to hold the line on spending and extravagant projects while in office in the County for two years after serving for 23 years as a trustee and assessor while also running a family business. His son, Randy, is a Town Councilman and a darned good singer as well!
Among his endorsements are: Indiana State Pipe Trades Association; ALF-CIO Northwest Indiana Building & Construction Trades Council; Indiana State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police; Indiana Right to Life, Farm Bureau, NFIB (National Federation of Indepedent Business); Indiana Manufacturing Association and some others...and me!
He even gets the endorsement of the NWI Times!
As a Cedar Lake resident and involved in the community, I know that Rick is a lifelong resident here and knows our needs and concerns because he shares them and so do his family members. He is the obvious perfect candidate for our district!!!
William Fine for District 12
Munster Community News seems to agree that William Fine is the best candidate to displace Candelaria Reardon. Munster Democrat Reardon has sought to get credit for work done primarily by Republican Ed Solliday on the House Ways and Means Committee to get funding for the Little Calument River levee project. William Fine is a longtime area resident, attorney-at-law whose practice is centered around small businesses, real estate matters and the jots and tittles of leases and contracts - exactly the kind of knowledge to help the Greater Munster/Highland areas of District 12 attract and keep businesses and do things legally and neatly the first time around.
William Fine gets a Peer Review Rating of 5 out of 5 in Business Law. You cannot do better than five out of five...So for professionalism and experience and for good old-fashioned networking with fellow legislators and downstate officials, William Fine is the qualifed candidate for this position!
The NWI Times profile for William Fine.
Hal Slager for District 15
The Indiana House Republican Campaign Committee says the following about Hal:
"Hal Slager is a 1981 graduate of Butler University and is a Certified Public Accountant.
As a CPA he worked for a local accounting firm, and then went into corporate accounting with Melvin Simon and Associates (retail real estate development and management). He joined Trico Graphics in late 1983, where he advanced the company into electronic publishing, and in 1996 established the company in design and internet production. Hal then established Triangle Equities LLC, for real estate development and management in 1997. This company manages a private
portfolio of residential and commercial property. Outside of his businesses, Hal is a Town Councilman in Schererville Indiana. He is married and has two sons. In November, Hal will run against Democrat Thomas O’Donnell in open seat District 15, which falls entirely within Lake County."
Hal Slager has an extremely informative website right here.
Hal Slager is a proven leader for Northwest Indiana.
Hal’s experience in local government, as a business owner in marketing and real estate management, and training as a Certified Public Accountant is a powerful combination of skills to represent us in the Statehouse. He helped his community navigate a poor economy and continue improving services – the same expectation we should have of our state government.
Hal Slager is a runner and a man of many accomplishments. A CPA, a business owner. a veteran of working together on the Town Council and assuming leadership roles? Again, the kind of skillset we want to see in a man that Lake County sends to Indianapolis to work for us and for the good of both his constituents but also for the good of all of Indiana. We really need Hal Slager working for us downstate. Please thoughtfully consider his record and give him your vote!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
More about Gerrymandering
Artificially constructing districts to accumulate votes rather than to represent the people or area was begun in the USA in the late 18th Century, but it was a radical 1812 configuration in the State of Massachusetts that was compared to a dragon or salamander and, when added to the name of former Governor Eldridge Gerry, the district-that-resembled-a-beast was dubbed "Gerry-Mander."
Gerrymandering was a commonplace means by which the ruling party in any area would redistrict their part of the country to benefit them. Eventually laws were enacted that put limits and legal language in place, supposedly using the US Census to fairly divide up States by Congressional and State House and Senate districts. In 2001 the Democrats were still keen on keeping alive the spirit of the Gerrymander. But Senator Sue Landske (R - Cedar Lake) and the redistricting committee made sure that districts would be sensible and not bizarre. Mission accomplished in the Spring of 2011!
When the previous census was taken and Democrats ruled the State, they drew oddly-shaped districts that made no sense to the eye but were designed to get as many Democrats elected in a Republican State as possible. You can read the dictionary definition here.
Look at the difference between 2001 (above) and 2011 (below), when the map was redrawn more logically:
http://www.stats.indiana.edu/maptools/maps/boundary/legislative/2011/congressional.pdf
http://www.stats.indiana.edu/maptools/maps/boundary/legislative/2011/house.pdf
Saturday, November 03, 2012
Candidates I really like - Dr. Ron Johnson for State Representative District 19
I believe in the character, the intelligence and the integrity of Dr. Ron Johnson. I would trust him with the future based on what he has already done in the past and the values by which he lives out his life day after day. I enthusiastically and emphatically endorse Dr. Ron Johnson for District 19, for the good of the people and the State of Indiana as well!
Dr Ron Johnson at the State Republican Convention
Ron Johnson? I knew him before he really began taking on multiple responsibilities, back in the days when I was still playing games with teenagers and young men and we'd do things like play basketball against each other. I can tell you that, back in the early 90's that Ron could drive the ball to the basket with authority and had a pretty decent outside shot as well...and was a pretty good defender, too. But you don't care about basketball, do you? Well, it actually it applies. Basketball requires talent and teamwork and passion to excel. In the case of church basketball teams or leagues, it involves working with young people. When I last played on a court with Ron, I was the oldest guy in the league and ran the point. Ron was the youngest guy on his team, but he was his team leader as well despite his youth. I hope he forgives me, but he and his wife and family are loving and kind and genuine and they understand that is okay to have FUN sometimes!!! So here is a picture of them clowning around...
That pretty lady next to Dr. Ron is Marion, his wife. If you know families, you see a lot of love here!
Over the years since I first met him, Dr. Ron Johnson has become a respected and influential leader very involved in his community as his talent, his ability to work with others and his passion and dedication have made him to be a role model for young people and adults alike. Fairly early along the way, he and his wonderful wife, Marion, decided the world needed more Johnsons. They certainly succeeded, did they not? I cannot look at that picture, above, without smiling and I cannot look at it without seeing the love and the leadership and the goodness that a great father and mother must exhibit in order to raise good and joyful citizens. You see, your wife and kids know who you REALLY are. You think maybe everyone in that picture loves and respects Dr. Ron Johnson? Is there any doubt?
Now Dr. Ron believes that the community needs a man like him to represent them during legislative sessions in Indianapolis. His life is a good one, he doesn't need new responsibilities. But he sees the need to serve and he is answering the call. He believes that the Indiana way of balanced budgets and opportunities to succeed and freedom to try - the sound foundation of the United States as expressed by the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution and Indiana's own Constitution - the basis for the State of Indiana's AAA credit rating and growing economy despite the growing Federal deficit and overwhelming tax burden will be the formula for success in trying times. But he can say it better for himself...from his website!
District 19 State Rep Candidate Dr. Ron Johnson
This is his facebook candidate site.
This is the link to the post I made recently that highlighted Dr. Ron's stirring speech made at the Lake County Courthouse for the October 20th "Stand Up for Religious Freedom" Rally.
Dr. Ron Johnson with Cy Huerter and Congressional candidate Joel Phelps on October 20th
Read up ABOUT this man on his website here!
I am going to repeat what I said at the beginning...
I believe in the character, the intelligence and the integrity of Dr. Ron Johnson. I would trust him with the future based on what he has already done in the past and the values by which he lives out his life day after day. I enthusiastically and emphatically endorse Dr. Ron Johnson for District 19, for the good of the people and the State of Indiana as well!
Ron Johnson? I knew him before he really began taking on multiple responsibilities, back in the days when I was still playing games with teenagers and young men and we'd do things like play basketball against each other. I can tell you that, back in the early 90's that Ron could drive the ball to the basket with authority and had a pretty decent outside shot as well...and was a pretty good defender, too. But you don't care about basketball, do you? Well, it actually it applies. Basketball requires talent and teamwork and passion to excel. In the case of church basketball teams or leagues, it involves working with young people. When I last played on a court with Ron, I was the oldest guy in the league and ran the point. Ron was the youngest guy on his team, but he was his team leader as well despite his youth. I hope he forgives me, but he and his wife and family are loving and kind and genuine and they understand that is okay to have FUN sometimes!!! So here is a picture of them clowning around...
Over the years since I first met him, Dr. Ron Johnson has become a respected and influential leader very involved in his community as his talent, his ability to work with others and his passion and dedication have made him to be a role model for young people and adults alike. Fairly early along the way, he and his wonderful wife, Marion, decided the world needed more Johnsons. They certainly succeeded, did they not? I cannot look at that picture, above, without smiling and I cannot look at it without seeing the love and the leadership and the goodness that a great father and mother must exhibit in order to raise good and joyful citizens. You see, your wife and kids know who you REALLY are. You think maybe everyone in that picture loves and respects Dr. Ron Johnson? Is there any doubt?
Now Dr. Ron believes that the community needs a man like him to represent them during legislative sessions in Indianapolis. His life is a good one, he doesn't need new responsibilities. But he sees the need to serve and he is answering the call. He believes that the Indiana way of balanced budgets and opportunities to succeed and freedom to try - the sound foundation of the United States as expressed by the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution and Indiana's own Constitution - the basis for the State of Indiana's AAA credit rating and growing economy despite the growing Federal deficit and overwhelming tax burden will be the formula for success in trying times. But he can say it better for himself...from his website!
District 19 State Rep Candidate Dr. Ron Johnson
Welcome from Dr. Ron Johnson
 |
Welcome to Dr. Ron Johnson for
State Representative web site. This page is designed to help you get to
know and understand Dr. Ron's love for our community, families, and
businesses. Ron believes Indiana's best days are still ahead. As our
next state representative, Dr. Ron will focus on the things that unite us rather than things that divide us. Ron knows we can get our economy moving, but first we must have new leadership with fresh ideas to meet the challenge. Dr. Ron believes in the "American idea" designed by our founding fathers. Dr. Ron understands that our Constitution is a living document that is for "We the People" and not a expiring or evolving document that many of our current legislators have treated it as such. Indiana is a leader in economic development and has created a template for the rest of the country to follow and Ron will help Indiana maintain and grow that status. Dr. Ron knows that our greatest asset is human ingenuity and will lead the way to protect life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Please join us in supporting Dr. Ron Johnson for District 19 State Representative! |
This is his facebook candidate site.
This is the link to the post I made recently that highlighted Dr. Ron's stirring speech made at the Lake County Courthouse for the October 20th "Stand Up for Religious Freedom" Rally.
Dr. Ron Johnson with Cy Huerter and Congressional candidate Joel Phelps on October 20th
Read up ABOUT this man on his website here!
I am going to repeat what I said at the beginning...
I believe in the character, the intelligence and the integrity of Dr. Ron Johnson. I would trust him with the future based on what he has already done in the past and the values by which he lives out his life day after day. I enthusiastically and emphatically endorse Dr. Ron Johnson for District 19, for the good of the people and the State of Indiana as well!
Friday, November 02, 2012
Even the NWI Times endorse Jerry Tippy!!! So do I!
EDITORIAL: We endorse Tippy in GOP commissioner's race
When the left-leaning NWI Times endorses you, then you have either given up your conservative roots OR you have impressed people...and man, Jerry Tippy has impressed people! He has impressed me!!!
Jerry behind Mike Pence and next to Dr. Ron Johnson at Lake County. How many movers and shakers can you name?
Jerry and Joel Phelps talking to Greg Zoeller, among others...
When the election cycle began, I met Jerry Tippy and found him to be an agreeable fellow. Then as went to other events, I would see Jerry there and soon we probably both began looking for each othertif there was a Lake County event of consequence because Jerry was there. When the parades were marching, there was Jerry Tippy. When Summerfest was in full gear there was Jerry Tippy day after day. At rallies and banquets and fund raisers I would find Jerry Tippy. He had the radical idea that all government entities should have budgets and that they should be balanced. His years of business acumen taught him that common sense and transparency helps prevent graft and fraud.
Yes, Jerry Tippy was there with us at the Lake County Victory Center!
As we grew friendly, he shared his vision of transparent County government and agreed that having budgets and salaries posted online for all to see would be a refreshing change from the secrecy of Lake County Government. His first concern was making sure budgets would be balanced and that any huge projects like the Ethanol Plant would be vetted before voting. He discussed the need to have transparent bid processes. By the time September rolled around I was sure a County Board of all Jerry Tippys would fix a LOT of Lake County woes. But we can only vote for one Jerry Tippy for Lake County Commissioner rather than return Gerry Scheub to office YET AGAIN!
Jerry at one of several parades this year
We need a man who is opposed to a 1% County Sales Tax or Income Tax. Individual towns, cities and townships can handle their own business without growing government. Jerry Tippy is against the tax.proposals. While going to events all over the area, I only saw Jerry's opponent one time, when Gerry Scheub called the 4th of July "Dependence Day" while making an announcement in Cedar Lake at the lakefront. Freudian slip? Scheub does not seem to come out to the events that matter or he has learned to disguise himself pretty well. He doesn't seem to get out in public much in Lake County, not in the places I go anyway.The courts located him, however, and found Gerry Scheub in a matter of a conflict of interest:
Court removes Scheub from future quarry hearings
By Carrie Napoleon
Post-Tribune correspondent
September 30, 2012 12:02AM
Updated: November 1, 2012 6:37AM
Excerpt:
"FOWLER — Lake County Commissioner Gerry
Scheub, D-Crown Point, will have to recuse himself from any Lake County
Drainage Board proceedings for the Singleton Quarry, according to court
orders.
Benton County Circuit Court Judge Rex Kepner last
week issued an order agreeing with the VanKalker Family Limited
Partnership’s contention that Scheub was biased and prejudiced against
the proposed Singleton Quarry in southern Lake County in his pursuit of
an environmental impact analysis for the project and his opposition to
it. The judge selected arbitrator Rich McDevitt, a Merrillville lawyer
with the McDevitt Mediation Center, to sit in Scheub’s place..."
Gerry Scheub voted for a "budget" that may be as much as 13 million dollars in the red! He and other Democrats also dodged a controversial vote on a trash to ethanol plan that has been blowing up in their faces! Read about it for yourselves...MEETING ARTICLE.
Sure, the Democrats just HAPPEN to schedule a fundraiser that would conflict with the meeting to deal with the Powers Energy Snafu? So the vote would not happen until AFTER the election? I am shocked, SHOCKED! Then they could do as they pleased? Right now the idea of the trash-to-ethanol plan was not backed by actual research and demonstrations of working technology. Democrats don't want to pay the political price for their mistakes this year. They hope by next election you will forget all about it. DON'T!
Why have engineering jobs to be done in the County been outsourced to companies from outside County lines...like Indianapolis, for instance. What, are there no engineers or surveyors in Lake County? Going forward, any planning or drainage or architectural work needed in Lake County should go to Lake County firms first! For shame on the decisions of the past giving work to other companies in other counties while our unemployment remains high! For shame on nepotism being part of the hiring process rather than qualifications!
We need a responsible voice on the County Board to consider this entire Powers Energy initiative, as Earl Powers has not found financing to even build the facility, let alone demonstrated it would actually work! Jerry Tippy will be asking questions before casting a vote! If Lake County can turn trash into treasure, we need to make sure we find the right company with the right technology and the financial backing to do it! If smart money does NOT back Powers Energy, why should we? Jerry Tippy's 25 years in business are the experience we need right now, not a career politician like Gerry Scheub!
ABOUT JERRY TIPPY from Jerry Tippy...
About Me
This year, my wife Chris and I are celebrating 24 years of marriage, and our son Matt just completed his third year at Ohio State.
In 1993, I moved my steel fabrication business and my family to Schererville. Since that time we have enjoyed being involved in the community and calling Schererville home.
We are members of St. Michael Church, and Matt graduated from St. Mike’s in 2005. I spent years coaching baseball and soccer, being a scout leader, and eventually, taking the position of vice president of Schererville Baseball. In 2002, I took an interest in local government, and by 2005 earned an appointment to the Schererville Plan Commission. I wanted to make sure Schererville remained appealing to local businesses and a vibrant community for families. I ran for town councilman in 2007, won my race, and have been honored to serve the citizens of Schererville since 2008.
It has not been an easy time to be a councilman in Lake County. Budgets are very tight due to the loss of revenue caused by poor economic conditions and the frozen levy imposed on town government by the state legislature. I am proud to say that Schererville has not only survived, but thrived under these conditions. We approved a balanced budget every year since my election to the council. We made the hard decisions necessary and cut more than $1M from our budget to stay in balance. We reorganized to create efficiencies, cut unnecessary overtime, and created an incentive program that encouraged employees to save money.
At the same time, we were able to make many improvements in the town utilizing creative financing opportunities. We brought our waste water treatment plant into compliance with IDEM. We created a new Comprehensive Town Plan replacing the twenty-year old existing plan. Our Police Department achieved CALEA accreditation and started a new volunteer program (VIPS). We implemented a plan to upgrade and repair our park facilities including the construction of phase one of the Pennsy-Greeenway bike trail. These are just some of the highlights. Through hard work and creative use of tax dollars, more can be accomplished for less.
Professional Experience Community Involvement
Schererville Town Councilman (2008-present) Member of St. Michael’s Church (1993-present)
Schererville Town Council President (2010) Member of Schererville Lions Club
Schererville Plan Commission (2005-2007) Schererville Business Owner (1993-2002)
Business and Project Manager for over 25 years Schererville Baseball Board and Coach (2000-2002)
General Manager at Synergy Steel Structures Asst. Cubmaster – Pack 504 (1998-1999)
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