Loading ...NEWS FROM AROUND TOWN
There a lot of little things from around town worth mentioning and keeping an eye on.
Dr. Ken Ackles inability to pass a state-mandated coroner’s exam has gotten the attention of the Marion County Criminal Justice Planning Council. The Council wants to know why he didn’t pass the exam which has potentially put a number of cases in the Prosecutor’s office in jeopardy.
Marion County Republicans are disputing a recent poll showing Jon Elrod trailing Andre Carson in the 7th Congressional District. A poll conducted by Gauge Market Research for Howey Politics Indiana had Elrod losing 54-36. GOP officials say the gap is closer to seven points rather than the 18 points in the Howey poll.
Although a Marion County Sheriff once said there’s no room for politics in public safety, that message was lost on his chief deputy. Kerry Forestal and two other high ranking sheriff department officials appear (in full uniform) in political ads for Andre Carson. Forestal is also hosting a fundraiser on St. Patrick’s Day with Carson and Frank Anderson as the featured guests. Forestal is trying to make inroads in the Black Community as he runs for Sheriff. I think it’s ironic he’s using Andre Carson to to raise money as Julia Carson hated Forestal and commented hell would freeze over before she would ever let him become Sheriff. How times have changed.
February 26th, 2008 at 7:26 am
Congresslady Julia Carson was elected regularly with 54% of the vote. The polls indicate André Carson will do at least as well…
February 26th, 2008 at 8:20 am
Oh, joy! I guess we never learn.
February 26th, 2008 at 8:26 am
What a shock. The Sheriff and Forestal using the department as a political springboard.
One more reason we didn’t want to mearge with such an unprofessional organization. Thank God in 3 days it won’t matter as Ballard will take over control of the IMPD and Sheriff loses all his real police officers to us.
February 26th, 2008 at 8:31 am
Did anyone ever find out if it is even legal for those LEO’s to appear in a political ad (and in the City-County building)?
February 26th, 2008 at 9:43 am
In LEO can be photographed with a political candidate in an ad; however, it is a Class A misdemeanor for an LEO to electioneer while in uniform. Forestal and several other LEOs and perhaps other “first responders” violated Indiana law when they participated in a press conference with Carson and Roemer. If those photographs and filming took place on government property, that is also illegal. Also, Forest Manor Multi-Service, a supposed nonprofit, should have its tax-exempt status revoked for playing host to another Carson campaign event yesterday. This nonprofit employs Sen. Jean Breaux and has Monroe Gray on its Board of Directors and he serves as the group’s Vice President. Carson has engaged in multiple campaign violations just over the past week, which have gone unreported by the media. It’s time that the media stepped up and held Carson to the same standard they are holding Elrod up to.
February 26th, 2008 at 9:54 am
Remember IPD and Gilroy? As soon some forget.
February 26th, 2008 at 10:03 am
Thanks Gary!
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REMEMBER NOVEMBER
February 26th, 2008 at 10:46 am
Abdul help me try and figure this out regarding the property taxes and trying to insure that the poor receive more help. If the homestead deduction is the same amount across the board and not a percentage of what your home is, are the poor not already be taking care of? If someone’s home is valued at 75,000 and they have a homestead deduction of 45,000 they pay taxes on 30,000. If someone has a home valued at 350,000 and they have the same amount of homestead deduction of 45,000, now this person is paying property taxes on 305,000. This clearly shows the poor has already been more than taken care of, especially if you take into account the rebate checks given to everyone, someone who pays taxes on 30,000 this will be a bonus. However in comparison it does not make a dent into the peoples property taxes whose have rose dramatically. If the politicians really care about the poor and make sure that they are not feeling more burden, shouldn’t they be demanding that all districts have the same tax rate and those who live in certain districts be taxed at a higher rate?
February 26th, 2008 at 10:54 am
Maybe someone should file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office if Forestal broke the law!
February 26th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
JG — you are correct. in many parts of center township and the southwest edge of washington there are many houses that have values under the exemption. these homeowners pay no property taxes. i’m sure there are other areas of the county i just happen to be familiar with real estate in those parts. property values in many areas that had been on an upswing are now declining and more homes are now below the exemption threshold. this is problematic as it requires the levy to be distributed to a smaller pool. this is concerning because even if you are poor, if you choose to buy a home you should be able to pay your fair share of taxes on it. it also may encourage individuals to actually keep their home in a state of disrepair to supress the value (i’ve seen this in action in the 38th and boulevard area).
so, yes, the homestead exemption protects poor homeowners as is.
what is ridiculous is the democrats proposal protects upper middle class to somewhat wealthy homeowners. for someone who finds themselves in a now highly valued home in, say, meridian kessler, 1% of their income is most likely much, much less than 1% of the property value. seriously — think about it.
what are the dems thinking (smoking?)?
February 26th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
All the more reason to eliminate property taxes. Isn’t that what the dems plan of taxing your income instead of property is really doing? Why can’t they just call it what it is, a REPEAL OF PROPERTY TAXES. Oh, I forgot, they weren’t serious, just smoke and mirrors.
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REMEMBER NOVEMBER
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The value of my home has gone way down since last July when the property tax bills came out, but, according yo my last assessment they said my house has gone up $200,000…..and that is in ONE YEAR. My property taxes have gone up by 5 times since 2003.
I think the middle class does need help. Just because the assessors can come up with some arbitrary numbers to tax you on doesn’t mean you can afford to pay it, no matter if you are middle class or poor. If you are going to tax property do it fair and equitable like the law says. The legislators need to start looking at the law when it comes to property tax, especially the Constitution of the State of Indiana, to help guide them. Oh, I forgot, they seem to be above the law.
February 26th, 2008 at 5:34 pm
HFFT jsut reported Andre Carson just collected another 20,000 dollars from out of state unions and such. Hope the NY longshoremen get their moneys worth
February 26th, 2008 at 5:59 pm
Was a complaint filed against Carson today with the FEC and MC election board? I hear it’s true.
February 26th, 2008 at 6:13 pm
Anybody can file a complaint about anybody anywhere - lots of time it’s just political mudslinging & gossip that gets nowhere!
February 26th, 2008 at 9:27 pm
Wilson…why has Andre gone negative? I do not believe that Andre will earn one single precinct in the south or West of the District. I KNOW he will not get the Jewish vote in the North of the District….
How can Andre win without the Meridian Hills folks? White voters are not going to vote for a guy with a resume as weak as Mr. Carson’s and no way they vote after the Farakhan stunt at the funeral.
I really believe that Julia’s funeral is going to be hard to get behind.
The biggest political mistake Andre made was associating with you.Most intelligent insiders know who Wilson E. Allen is and what you represent. I tell all my friends who you are and what you do. You cost Andre more votes than he will ever believe.
Thank you for self sabotaging Andre’s campaign. We GOP need all the help we can get.
I do not get a vote, so what do I know.
February 26th, 2008 at 9:32 pm
Abdul I just wanted to thank you for being an objective voice in the process. At least you let us know where you stand up front and don’t B.S. anyone.
I think you and I agree on a lot of things and we can work through the things we do not. That is what healthy debate is all about.
I know you do not get a lot of thanks, but I appreciate you.
February 26th, 2008 at 9:37 pm
go to advanceindiana.blogspot.com–it looks like someone did file a complaint with the election board…
February 26th, 2008 at 9:51 pm
Outside observer,
During the mayor’s race the GOP had the help of Monroe ( Sweetpea ) Gray.
The GOP now has Wilson as our ace in the hole for the 7th race.
Keep up the good work Wilson!
If Andre loses we may buy you your own personally autographed dumpster.
February 26th, 2008 at 10:42 pm
It’s truly amazing how the anonymous nattering nabobs of negativity are so fascinated by me, a private retired citizen. Serious folk are concerned about issues and candidates - the nutterballs can’t stop talking about me. Oh well…
February 27th, 2008 at 7:09 am
Whatever you have to tell yourself to get through the day, Wilson. (rolls eyes)
February 27th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
I always enjoy it when Carson’s most fervent supporters remind us that Carson wins are consistently by the slightest of margins. Such small numbers are routinely dismissed in political polls as being ‘within the margin of error’. Emphasis on the ‘error.’
February 27th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
I read a poll last year that Peterson would beat Greg Ballard for Mayor of Indianapolis. So much for polls.
February 27th, 2008 at 5:08 pm
Wilson? Where were the “serious folks” (i.e. Andre Carson) to speak out about the fiscal crisis facing our nation? That would be the resignation of David Walker as U.S. comptroller and the announcement made by the FDIC this week.
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Surely your candidate was up on that news. The Libertarian held a press conference today on the circle to talk to Hoosiers about the true state of our nation.
February 27th, 2008 at 6:28 pm
I saw those 4 shivering white folk on TV - kinda pitiful, really…
February 27th, 2008 at 7:38 pm
Sorry to be so snippy — I’m glad that the Libertarians are fielding a candidate March 11th. Gary Welsh knows why…
February 28th, 2008 at 11:06 am
And you made my point, Wilson. Carson (or you) has no interest in the serious issues facing our nation.
February 28th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
Melyssa: who died and made you Goddess of Seriousity?
February 28th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
Wilson at the office:
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http://thehorrordome.com/HDSHOPPINGPROPS/Distortions/DumpsterDiver.jpg
February 28th, 2008 at 6:45 pm
Good citizens talk about issues and policies.
Good voters talk about candidates.
Shadowy gossips talk about me.