Indiana

Weekend Update

By Abdul Hakim-Shabazz

The political gossip and rumor mill was full blast this week, as well as some inside information on key events.  So here we go.

Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay can’t seem to figure out why he’s been getting a lot of bad PR lately.  In a 90-minute meeting with city officials this past week, Irsay complained about the bad publicity the Colts having been getting regarding the Capital Improvement Board shortfall and did not think the Colts deserve the way they have been treated in the media.  He also complained no one was listening to their side of the story and the teams reputation was being dragged through the mud.  Despite that, Irsay is still firm in his belief that a deal is a deal and the Cotls have no intention of doing any renegotiating.

As reported elsewhere in the blogosphere, Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard did meet with key members of the business community regarding the CIB shortfall.  The meetings were described as “informational and productive.”  I would be very skeptical of what you may have read elsewhere, I have spoken to several individuals involved in the meeting and other reported accounts could not be further from reality.

Indiana House Democrats are rethinking their proposed cap on charter schools.  They are researching whether a cap on charters would result in a loss of federal education stimulus dollars.  In the budget that failed to pass, there was a limit on new charter schools to one school per school district.  Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Bennett sent lawmakers a letter in the last days of session making that argument.  A decision could come in a few weeks as to whether a cap on charters will stay in the budget.

In the land of pure gossip, rumor and political innuendo here are some things to munch on…

• Some rank and file Marion County Libertarians are privately expressing disappointment at City-County Councilor Ed Coleman because he has not introduced an ordinance or proposal at any CCC meeting since changing parties.

• Some rank and file Marion County Democrats are privately expressing concern that if Melina Kennedy becomes the nominee for Mayor, Republicans will use her involvement in the negotiations involving the Colts/CIB Stadium deal as a weapon.

• Speaking of Democrats running for Mayor, Dr. Woody Myers has reportedly hired an attorney to deal with possible residency issues should he run for the job.  Under city code, there is a five-year residency requirement to serve as Mayor and there has always been a question as to whether Myers could meet that standard.

• If the vote for the replacement for State Senator Teresa Lubbers were held today, there would be no clear winner.  By last count CCC member Ryan Vaughn is ahead in votes, but there are enough uncommitted precinct committeemen to change the outcome.  Which by the way, a vote would not occur until after the special session.

• There is talk that Marion County Auditor Billie Breaux may not seek another term as County Auditor.  Named as a possible replacement, City-County Councilor Jackie Nytes.

• If Marion County Assessor Greg Bowes decides to run for County Prosecutor, he may have an uphill primary battle.  I’m still hearing former Indiana AG candidate and US Attorney nominee  Linda Pence is the personal favorite of Marion County Democratic Chairman Ed Treacy.  And while Pence’s office has told me she is not a candidate for the job, they have never said she wasn’t going to run.

• Hamilton County Republican Chairman Charlie White could face a challenger in his quest to run for Indiana Secretary of State.  The contender, State Represenative Jackie Warloski.

Enjoy your weekend.

Full post as published by Indiana Barrister on May 09, 2009 (boomark / email).