Indiana

Monday Morning Musings

By Abdul Hakim-Shabazz

Today is going to be a composite post,  lots of interesting things but no overriding main theme, just my collective thoughts and impressions.  Enjoy.

Let’s Be Frank

Indianapolis Public Safety Director Frank Straub’s re-appointment is up for a vote tonight at the City-County Council.  From all the individuals I spoke to over the weekend, the vote is expected to be close and bi-partisan, regardless of how it turns out.   A number of Republican Councilors have been getting pressure from some members of the Fraternal Order of Police to vote “no” on Straub’s re-appointment.   There are two things I’ve found most interesting in this debate.  First, no one seems to have a real problem with Straub from a policy perspective and everyone I speak to, regardless of their opinion of the Director, are all in full agreement that IMPD is in need of some serious internal reform.   Second, even if Straub were not to be re-appointed, he could still technically keep his job, because city code would allow him to keep his appointment until a replacement is named.  This should be interesting to watch.  By the way, there was a recent meeting of Straub, his public safety team as well as the leadership of the FOP.  I’m told the meeting was productive and the two sides agreed to communicate more and work together to improve the department.

Jackie’s Justification

I continue to have a hard keeping a straight face when it comes to the critics of City-County Councilor Jackie Nytes.  They’ve used every excuse under the book to determine why she isn’t running for re-election, from a bogus alleged Hatch Act violation to a primary challenger.  When Jackie announced two weeks ago she was not running again, I sent her an e-mail asking why and here’s her response…

Full time job at MFCDC?part time job on the Council?GYM membership I never have time to use?Board memberships I barely manage to fulfill?father 8 hours away with health issues?family that I love and don?t get to see—given all that and a Caucus that doesn?t share my approach to governing?why would I and how would I manage to fit in a campaign for a fourth term?  This is not a lifetime sentence and there are other ways to serve!

Can you blame her for wanting to do something else?  Me neither!

Don’t Ask, Do Tell

Although I’m not a big fan of the federal government most days, they do occasionally get it right.  The U.S. Senate voted over the weekend to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” the policy that would have prohibited gays and lesbians from serving openly in the military.  As an army brat, I have never understood the purpose of the ban.  I always thought the military was to exemplify the American ideals of judging people based on merit and ability, not status.  And as long as individuals aren’t engaging in behavior unbecoming a serviceman or woman, who cares what or who they’re doing in their off-time?

Full post as published by Indiana Barrister on December 20, 2010 (boomark / email).