Indiana

Tuesday Tidbits

By Abdul Hakim-Shabazz

After a nice 4th of July weekend, it’s back to the daily grind of government, politics,  gossip, rumor and blatant innuendo.  So with all that said, here’s what I have for you today…

Al Sharpton’s pending visit to Eastern Star Church nearly didn’t happen.  Word is that some members of Pastor Jeffrey Johnson’s  church were not happy with Rev. Al coming to town and for a brief moment in time the event was moved elsewhere.  I’m not sure how Al got back over at Eastern Star, but apparently reasonable minds did not prevail.

And not to get conspiratorial but it turns out some of the same people who have been complaining about excessive force, I hear, were also “volunteering” to help the city spend some of the proceeds from the Citizens Deal.  Imagine that.

Speaking of Citizens,  the City-County Council holds a major public hearing tonight on the proposed transfer of  the city’s water and waste water facilities to Citizens Gas.  To date, there have still have been no viable alternatives offered.

As the city gets ready to put a budget together in an era of shortfalls, they may want to look at the Marion County Sheriff’s budget, it’s gone up 18% in the last three years to nearly $94 million.

I’ve managed to break down the job creation numbers in the fight between Governor Mitch Daniels and House Speaker Pat Bauer.  If you use the Governor’s math Indiana is first in the nation with private sector job creation, using the Speaker’s math the state comes in fifth.  How about we just settle for second-and-a-half place and call it a day.

Full post as published by Indiana Barrister on July 06, 2010 (boomark / email).