In a room full of more Libertarians than media, At-large City-County Councilor Ed Coleman today officially cast aside his Republican label for a Libertarian one. Coleman says he left the GOP because the “party had changed” and was not “the same party he joined years ago.”  He also said the current Republican-controlled Council abuses its […]

Here are ten simple rules on how NOT to have a “informational” Town Hall meeting on the implications of a total ban on smoking in all workplaces in Marion County. Don’t have everyone on your “information” panel be associated with the anti-smoking group. Don’t have your moderator be affiliated with the anti-smoking group. Don’t have […]

Expect an announcement tomorrow morning from the Marion County Libertarian Party that At-large City-County Councilor Ed Coleman is joining their ranks. Coleman would not comment on the move when I spoke to him tonight at an east side forum over a proposed city-wide smoking ban. Libertarian party officials were also silent, however, I have confirmed  […]

I’ll make this quick… SB 452 is the first local government reform bill to pass the State Senate.  It gives counties the option to choose either a county-council form of government with a chief executive or a county board with a city manager. Amendments are being heard to HB 1213 which would ban smoking in […]

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 […]