I’m at the Statehouse today keeping an eye on things.  Here’s what I’ve seen or heard so far… Stadium Stuff As lawmakers are trying to find ways to plug a $43 million operating deficit, there is private praise for the Indianapolis Pacers and frustration with the Colts.  Lawmakers say the Pacers can demonstrate real financial […]

It’s President’s Day, so I’m off to go buy a mattress.  In the meanwhile, C-SPAN has compiled a pretty interesting list of Presidential rankings; Lincoln came in first while James Buchanan came in last.  Care to add your best and worst?

Although this really shouldn’t surprise anyone, Republican Mayor Greg Ballard endorsed Republican County Chairman Tom John this week.  Here’s the full text of the Mayor’s letter to precinct committeemen… Dear _________: Thank you for all you do for the City of Indianapolis and our Republican Party.  Make no mistake about it: my election in 2007 […]

The man who gave me my first news job back in 1993 once told me, “Abdul we’re all ignorant, just about different things.”  For me that usually applies when talking about something sports-related.   However, I honestly think my ignorance of sports just might be surpassed by the ignorance of the Indiana Pacers and Indianapolis Colts. […]

It’s not every day the director of mysmartgov.org gets into a heated exchange with a radio talk show host who accuses local government reform advocates of backhanded racism during a Friday morning news conference with the Governor standing by. But when it does happen, you have to put it out there so everyone can give it a listen. […]

My Dad always told me the best time to look for work is when you don’t need it.  Between my broadcasting, legal, teaching, consulting and stand-up comedic obligations, I’m not hurting for employment so I figured now would be a good time.  And after this past week at the Statehouse,  I have found the perfect […]

If you’ve ever wondered how township government  stays in business at the General Assembly, here’s how… Join the Indiana Township Association. Payment of your ITA annual dues or your special assessments should all be made from “Other Services, & Charges, Dues and Subscriptions.”* A Trustee may transfer appropriations, without board action, from any line item under […]

I got some of  the charter school data for the Mayor Sponsored Charter Schools, here it is… Charles Tindley – 63.2 %. Indianapolis MET – 57.6 %. They do better than most IPS schools, but not as well as the township schools.  But Tindley has the best college attendance rate out of all schools in […]

Here are some more stats on graduation rates.  These are for the township schools and excluded cities. I’m expecting the Charter data later this morning.  Just like last time, the first number is the graduation rate, the second number is the percent change from last year. Decatur Central – 71% (-4.3) Franklin Central – 81.1% […]

Are you for or against a total smoking ban in Marion County?   Well, you’ve got a chance to voice your opinion.  City-County Councilor Kent Smith is holding one of three town hall meetings about a comprehensive smoking ban next week. The meeting will be held Monday, February 16 from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the […]