Saturday, October 11, 2008
Ind. Decisions - Yet more on: Remote voting sites at issue in Lake County
Updating this ILB entry from Oct. 8th, both the NWI Times and the Gary Post Tribune report today that U.S. District Court Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen heard arguments yesterday on the remote voting sites issue and has not yet made...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Saturday, October 11, 2008
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - "Attorney general race a study in opposites"
Bryan Corbin of the Evansville Courier & Press reports today on the two candidates for Indiana Attorney General. The story begins:INDIANAPOLIS — The two candidates for Indiana attorney general have such different notions of the role that it's almost as...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, October 09, 2008
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Ind. Decisions - Still more on: Remote voting sites at issue in Lake County
Updating yesterday's ILB entry, U.S. District Court Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen yesterday vacated Lake County Circuit Court Judge Lorenzo Arredondo's ruling from Monday that the satellite sites be opened. Bill Dolan of the NWI Times reports:U.S. District Court Judge Joseph...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Ind. Decisions - More on: Remote voting sites at issue in Lake County
Well, now three judges are involved: (1) Lake Superior Court Judge Calvin Hawkins - who granted a restraining order last Friday morning preventing the Lake County election board from opening three satellite voting centers; (2) U.S. District Court Judge Joseph...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Sunday, October 05, 2008
Ind. Decisions - Remote voting sites at issue in Lake County [Updated]
John Byrne reported Saturday in the Gary Post-Tribune:HAMMOND -- Lawyers for the major political parties spent Friday battling in state and federal court over a plan by Lake County Democrats to open satellite voting centers in three Democratic strongholds. U.S....Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, October 05, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - "Attorney general candidates outline plans"
Lesley Stedman Weidenbener of the Louisville Courier Journal has a long article today on the race for Indiana attorney general. It begins:Voters have a clear choice in this year's race for state attorney general between a candidate who works in...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, October 05, 2008
Friday, October 03, 2008
Ind. Law - July 2008 Indiana Bar Exam
Here is the 5-page, double-column, single-spaced list of those successful....Posted by Marcia Oddi on Friday, October 03, 2008
Thursday, October 02, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - More on: "Leaky roof a catalyst for moldy record books in Boonville"
Updating this ILB entry from Sept. 30th, Lydia X. McCoy has a follow-up today in the Evansville Courier & Press:BOONVILLE, Ind. — Donning face masks, gloves and protective suits, Warrick County officials spent most of Wednesday going through volumes of...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, October 02, 2008
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - "Leaky roof a catalyst for moldy record books in Boonville"
Lydia X. McCoy reports today in the Evansville Courier & Press:BOONVILLE, Ind. — Row after row of old record books fills the former Carquest building on Boonville's Main Street. The county has been using the small, brick building for storage,...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - Still more on: Coach Crean's contract online
Updating earlier ILB entries on IU Coach Crean's contract, now, thanks again to the Indianapolis Star, we have access to Purdue Coach Painter's contract. The links are part of Star reporter Mark Alesia's story today headed "Painter's deal with Purdue...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, September 29, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - "Utah Tops 2008 Digital States Survey"
So reads the headline to this Sept. 16th story by Steve Towns in Government Technology. The report begins:Utah topped the Center for Digital Government's 2008 Digital States Survey after delivering the clearest evidence yet that electronic delivery of government services...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, September 29, 2008
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - Attorney General race heats up
Seth Slabaugh has a good story today in the Muncie Star-Press. Don't miss it. It concludes:"I have literally represented over a thousand clients, and they hire me because I am a fighter and I win, and he's never prosecuted one...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, September 28, 2008
Friday, September 26, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - When are meeting minutes public documents?
An interesting question was posed yesterday on the national FOIA listsevr - When are meeting minutes public documents? The details:Q - We have an odd law in Utah that keeps meeting minutes as "protected" documents until they are officially approved...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Friday, September 26, 2008
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - Medicaid rulemaking proposal draws criticism from elder law attorneys
Here is the proposed rule. The Indiana FSSA posted a "Notice of Intent' to adopt a rule on 4/30/08. As its title indicates, the notice is just that, it does not spell out the specifics. The FSSA posted the text...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Friday, September 19, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - More on: Indiana OKs $8.5 million payout to some state workers
Updating this ILB entry from August 19th, that concluded:Who is in the class? No easy answers. It is a subset of the people who worked 40 hours a week during the period from 1973 to 1993, those in a split...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Friday, September 19, 2008
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - Request for school emails containing "an individual’s name and one or more of 58 listed words" rejected
The Public Access Counselor on July 9, 2008, issued a response to Informal Inquiry 08-INF-23 regarding Carmel Clay Schools. The question, from a law firm representing the school, related to "a request for any documents, including emails, associated with...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - More on "Public records not released from Jeffersonville's Clerk-Treasurer's Office"
Updating this ILB entry from August 10th, quoting a story in the Jeffersonville Evening News & Tribune about a public records records complaint against the city’s Clerk-Treasurer’s Office, alleging denial of public records -- the records being statements for the...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Monday, September 08, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - Fort Wayne Journal Gazette urges legislative consideration of Kernan-Shepard report
The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette editorial today urges consideration of Kernan-Shepard report in this session of the General Assembly. Some quotes:A momentous report from a panel of government and policy all-stars recommending dramatic changes in Indiana local government was sidelined...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, September 08, 2008
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - "The golden age of Lake County government printing contracts might soon be over"
The ILB has had a number of items on Lake County printing contracts. "Councilman pushes for no-frills printing contract" is the headline to a story today in the NWI Times by Bill Dolan:CROWN POINT | The golden age of Lake...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - New coalition pushing for changes in local government
Mike Smith of the AP writes today:Efforts to streamline local government, largely tabled this year as legislators grappled with property-tax issues, could gain momentum under a new coalition that is pushing for changes in a system described as cumbersome and...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Ind. Law - More on: Indiana building codes, part of the Indiana Administrative Code, are not available online [Updated]
This is big! Recall this ILB entry, from August 7th, complaining that the Indiana building codes were not available online? That Indiana and many other states simply incorporated by reference codes put out by the International Code Council, a private...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Ind. Law - More on: State Police issue golf carts press release [Updated with answer from ISP]
The ILB posted the Indiana State Police press release yesterday and thought it was a clear statement of the ISP's interpretation of what is the law is regarding driving golf carts on public roads. The interpretation turns on this paragraph...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - Still more on: "Indiana taxpayers contribute millions to lawmakers' generous pension plan"
Updating this ILB entry from August 15th, the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette has an editorial today headed "In a different pension class." Some quotes:Are you among the growing number of workers whose employer does not offer a pension plan or...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - More on: Coach Crean's contract online
On April 4th, the ILB posted this entry, including a link, via the Indianapolis Star, to Coach Tom Crean's 3-page, $18 million "memo of understanding". This afternoon, from a story by Star reporter Mark Alesia:Indiana University men's basketball coach Tom...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - Indiana OKs $8.5 million payout to some state workers
The ILB has a lot of additional information on this settlement. First, the news reports. Christine Won of the Indianapolis Star writes:For 20 years, the state required some of its employees to work more hours than those in other state...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - Still more on: "Indiana taxpayers contribute millions to lawmakers' generous pension plan"
The Indianapolis Star's editorial today focuses on legislators' remuneration, as did its stories on August 15 (see ILB entries here and here). Today's editorial begins:Applause rang out far and wide in 2007 when the Indiana General Assembly made a deal...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, August 17, 2008
Friday, August 15, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - More on: "Indiana taxpayers contribute millions to lawmakers' generous pension plan"
Here are some thoughts on the earlier ILB entry today based on Matt Tulley's Indianapolis Star story. Tulley wrote, in his story about the new pension law:Under the old law, the state contributed an amount equal to 20 percent of...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Friday, August 15, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - "Indiana taxpayers contribute millions to lawmakers' generous pension plan"
Legislators passed a law in 2004 to make confidential the amount of their contributions, and the state's contributions, to their pension plans. Here are some ILB entries from that time:Indiana Law - More on PERF Privacy and the Star's editorial...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Friday, August 15, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - No bid sewer contract ruling affirmed [Updated]
For background on this controversy, for which the ILB has had a number of entires, begin with this from April 8th. Today Dick Kaukas of the Louisville Courier Journal reports:Floyd Circuit Judge J. Terrence Cody has reaffirmed a March ruling...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Friday, August 15, 2008
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - "Randolph Central board's closed meeting violated law, according to open records office"
Joy Leiker reports today in the Muncie Star-Press:RIDGEVILLE -- When the Randolph Central School Board asked member Dana Cox to resign Tuesday, behind closed doors, it did so illegally, according to the Indiana Public Access Counselor's office. Boards can meet...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, August 14, 2008
Monday, August 11, 2008
Ind. Law - "Governor announces school discipline plan to protect teachers"
From a press release issued today:FORT WAYNE (August 11, 2008) -- Governor Mitch Daniels today announced his intention to seek legal protection for teachers and school staff who act in good faith to maintain discipline and order in their classrooms....Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, August 11, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - Paper pens tribute to state public access counselor
From an editorial today in the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette:[I]t’s encouraging to see the impressive record that Indiana’s new public access counselor is building. Heather Willis Neal, who was appointed to the post by Gov. Mitch Daniels in July 2007,...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, August 11, 2008
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - "Public records not released from Jeffersonville's Clerk-Treasurer's Office"
The Jeffersonville Evening News & Tribune reports in a story dated Saturday evening:Mike Hutt, a former Jeffersonville City Council candidate, has filed a formal complaint against the city’s Clerk-Treasurer’s Office, alleging that he was wrongly denied access to public records....Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, August 10, 2008
Ind. Law - "New law reshapes government construction game"
That is the headline of a story today by Patrick Guinane in the NWI Times. A quote:The Indiana General Assembly set a higher bar for public support as of July 1. New projects, including most school buildings, now will be...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, August 10, 2008
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Ind. Law - Indiana building codes, part of the Indiana Administrative Code, are copyrighted and not available online
The ILB entry yesterday on the Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission called to mind another very irksome situation insofar as the accessibility of Indiana laws and rules is concerned. It is not an easy thing to review the Indiana...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, August 07, 2008
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - "State rejects retroactive rental property code "
The headline to the Aug. 5th story ($$) by Laura Lane in the Bloomington Herald Times is "State rejects retroactive rental property code: Forcing owners to meet new city standards is not fair, commission says; city may appeal decision." Some...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Ind. Law - More on "Deadline looms for lenders, mortgage brokers must pass test"
Updating this ILB entry from July 8th, here is the list of revoked mortgage brokers from the Secretary of State's page. Meagan Ingerson of the Indianapolis Star reports the story today under the headline: "360 mortgage brokerages don't cut it...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - "County mulls appealing doctors' offices tax status"
Bill Dolan reports today in the NWI Times in a story that begins:CROWN POINT | Lake County Assessor Paul Karras said the county may decide later this week whether to appeal a state ruling to exempt from taxation five doctors'...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Monday, August 04, 2008
Ind. Law - ILB makes the complete history of the Indiana Code of 1971 accessible; and a plea for funding
Today I am very pleased to announce that I have been able to make available online the complete legislative history of the Indiana Code of 1971. Here is the preface:This is the complete history of the deliberations of the Indiana...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, August 04, 2008
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Ind. Decisions - More on: AG Carter will not appeal either of two recent district court rulings voiding 2008 legislation
Updating this ILB entry from July 24th, The Bedford Times-Mail editorializes today:Attorney General Steve Carter has shown a remarkable and admirable consistency in dealing with two contentious issues this summer. Twice Carter has decided not to appeal federal court rulings...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, July 27, 2008
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Ind. Decisions - AG Carter will not appeal either of two recent district court rulings voiding 2008 legislation
On July 2nd, Attorney General Carter issued a release re Judge Sarah Evans Barker's July 1st ruling in Big Hat Books v. Prosecutors: Adams, et al, holding HEA 1042 unconstitutional, stating that the decision would not be appealed. Today AG...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, July 24, 2008
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - East Chicago case an issue in campaign for AG seat
Joe Carlson reports today in the NWI Times in a story that begins:The two candidates for Indiana attorney general are sparring over the role a public construction contractor could play in the upcoming racketeering trial against former East Chicago city...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - More on: Indiana proposal among finalists for Lincoln Museum
Updating this entry from yesterday, today, today Angela Mapes Turner of the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette writes that:The final round of contenders to receive the collection of the former Lincoln Museum includes an Indiana group, but the keepers of the...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, July 17, 2008
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - Indiana proposal among finalists for Lincoln Museum
Anne Gregory of the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette is reporting at noon today:The Allen County Public Library issued a statement Wednesday morning saying that Indiana is among the finalists to become the permanent home of the Lincoln Financial Foundation’s collection...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Sunday, July 06, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - "Musgrave's first year as Department of Local Government Finance marked by achievements and conflicts"
Bryan Corbin of the Evansville Courier & Press has a long story today on the longtime Vanderburgh County official, elevated by Governor Daniels to head the Department of Local Government Finance. Some quotes:INDIANAPOLIS - After outraged homeowners took to the...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, July 06, 2008
Ind. Decisions - "Dams continue to age, but money to fix them in compliance with state standards is scarce"
The Court of Appeals decision June 30th (see ILB entry here) in the case of Indiana Department of Natural Resources and State of Indiana v. Lake George Cottagers Association is part of the focus today in a lengthy and comprehensive...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, July 06, 2008
Friday, July 04, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - More on: Competition fierce for Fort Wayne's Lincoln Museum
In reporting about the closing of the Lincoln Museum in Fort Wayne, I wrote on March 9th: "Kentucky and especially Illinois make a big deal over Abraham Lincoln. The State of Indiana has done comparatively little. * * * The...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Friday, July 04, 2008
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - "Like Kelvin Sampson before him, Rick Greenspan agreed not to sue Indiana University in announcing his resignation"
Mike Alesia, who has had a number of good stories covering the legal woes of Indiana University sports (see ILB list here), reports today on "IU's lame-duck athletic director" Rick Greenspan and his separation agreement. Some quotes:Like Kelvin Sampson before...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - More on: Indianapolis Public Schools asks court to rule on vote
Updating this ILB entry from June 13th, Andy Gammill of the Indianapolis Star reports today: "2 get OK to take seats on IPS board: Judge says voters' will should stand; big vote on construction expected today."A Marion County judge cleared...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Ind. Law - "Legislative patchwork befuddles state panel"
So reads the headline to a story by Patrick Guinane in yesterday's NWI Times: INDIANAPOLIS | The legislative labyrinth surrounding Indiana's property tax system proved too difficult Thursday for a state oversight panel to navigate. The Local Government Property Tax...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Saturday, June 28, 2008
Friday, June 27, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - "Public access counselor says Muncie violated law"
Seth Slabaugh of the Muncie Star-Press reports:MUNCIE -- The city of Muncie gave The Star Press "a number of problematic reasons" for denial of access to a proposed street-paving list for 2008, Indiana Public Access Counselor Heather Willis Neal has...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Friday, June 27, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - "Crown Point hires Indy law firm to recover loan money"
Kathleen Quilligan reports today in the NWI Times in a story that begins:CROWN POINT | The Crown Point Development Corp. will use Indianapolis-based law firm Ice Miller to attempt to recover $380,000 the city loaned to New York-based Plasmatronics. City...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Friday, June 27, 2008
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - Competition fierce for Fort Wayne's Lincoln Museum
Updating these earlier ILB entries, Angela Mapes Turner reports today in the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette:The local group fighting to keep Fort Wayne’s Lincoln Museum collection in Indiana faces powerhouse opposition from four major Washington institutions to relocate the material....Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Ind. Courts / Ind. Gov't. - More on: Corruption in Lake County
Updating this ILB entry from June 16th, Patrick Guinane of the NWI Times reports today under the headline "What About Bob?" Some quotes:INDIANAPOLIS | Bob Pastrick left the East Chicago mayor's office following defeat in a 2004 special election prompted...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Saturday, June 21, 2008
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - More on: Calumet Township Trustee v. Twp. Board disputes continue
Updating this ILB entry from Nov. 4, 2006, Jon Seidel of the Gary Post Tribune reports today in a story that begins:A Lake County judge upheld a nine-year-old decision by her predecessor last week that allows the Calumet Township Board...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Monday, June 16, 2008
Ind. Courts / Ind. Gov't. - Corruption in Lake County
Both Northwest Indiana newspapers have stories today focusing on corruption in Lake County. Joe Carlson of the NWI Times writes under the headline "Robert Cantrell was 45th conviction in political machine." The story begins:If the public corruption conviction against Robert...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, June 16, 2008
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - "Department of Local Government Finance at the center of property tax upheaval"
That is the headline to this long and fascinating opinion piece today in the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, written by Karen Francisco. Just a sample:One of the agency’s highest-profile missteps was on display last week, when the commissioner backed off...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, June 15, 2008
Friday, June 13, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - Indianapolis Public Schools asks court to rule on vote
Andy Gammill reports today in the Indianapolis Star:Indianapolis Public Schools on Thursday asked a Marion County judge to sort out who can be seated as a new board member after two state agencies said they couldn't resolve the issue. Voters...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Friday, June 13, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - More on "Dem AG candidate questions hired gun in E.C. RICO case"
Updating this ILB entry from June 6th, quoting from a story by Patrick Guinane of the NWI Times, Guinane has a follow-up story today headed "Pence worked other side of E.C. corruption case." From the story:INDIANAPOLIS | When Democrat Linda...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Friday, June 13, 2008
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - Still more on: Indiana, Land of Lincoln
Updating these ILB entries from March 9th and April 14th, occasional Indianapolis Star columnist Andrea Neal writes today with good news:Great news for Indiana Lincoln fans: State and Allen County leaders have put together a "compelling proposal" to keep the...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Friday, June 06, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - "Dem AG candidate questions hired gun in E.C. RICO case"
Patrick Guinane of the NWI Times has this story today that begins:INDIANAPOLIS | Democrat Linda Pence kicked off her campaign for state attorney general Thursday by criticizing the current GOP administration for reaching across state lines for help in the...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Friday, June 06, 2008
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - "Pence to announce Dem bid for AG"
Patrick Guinane of the NWI Times reports today:INDIANAPOLIS | Democrat Linda Pence, an Indianapolis attorney who helped the state settle a high-profile pollution case seven years ago, said she plans to announce her candidacy for state attorney general today. Pence,...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, June 05, 2008
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Ind. Courts - "Township assessor sues over loss of duty"
Rebecca S. Green of the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette reports today in a lengthy story:The Huntington Township assessor sued a number of Huntington County officials - and some state agencies - Monday, contesting recent legislation that will phase out township...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - More on "Costas falls to Zoeller in AG bid"
There are a number of stories today on Greg Zoeller's victory over the Governor's candidate, Jon Costas, at the Republican state convention yesterday. Niki Kelly reports in the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette:Republican attorney general nominee Greg Zoeller stunned many party...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Monday, June 02, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - "Costas falls to Zoeller in AG bid"
From the NWI Times:Deputy Attorney General Greg Zoeller defeated Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas to win the Republican nomination for Indiana attorney general Monday. Costas fell to Zoeller, 707 delegate votes to 1,061. Indiana GOP delegates cast secret ballots at the...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, June 02, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - Republicans nominate ? for attorney general
No word yet, but Patrick Guinane of the NWI Times has just posted a story headed "GOP argues geography versus experience in AG contest." Some quotes:INDIANAPOLIS | It was no surprise when state Rep. Eric Turner, R-Marion, introduced Valparaiso Mayor...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, June 02, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - More on: Race for Republican nomination for Attorney General ends today
Updating our report from earlier this morning, Patrick Guinane of the NWI Times has a comprehensive story this morning on the state Republican Convention, focusing on the AG race. Some quotes:Costas, a part-time attorney specializing in elder law, courted delegates...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, June 02, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - "Web sites ease access to Kentucky, Indiana services"
Lesley Stedman Weidenbener of the Louisville Courier Journal writes today on state government websites in Kentucky and Indiana. The story begins:Taxpayers don't always have to drive to their state capitols -- or even to local license branches or government offices...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, June 02, 2008
Ind. Gov't. Race for Republican nomination for Attorney General ends today
The race between outgoing AG Steve Carter's chief deputy, Greg Zoeller, and Valparaiso Major Jon Costas will end today with one of them being selected the Republican nominee at the state Republican Convention. Carter supports Zoeller, Gov. Mitch Daniels supports...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, June 02, 2008
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Ind. Courts - "Key Hoosier Lottery case up for oral argument" before the 7th Circuit
The ILB has had a number of entries on various aspects of Indiana's quasi-public agencies. For instance, this Sept. 1, 2004 entry headed "Another indictment of an Indiana quasi-public entity" referenced the Intelenet Commission, PERF, the Indiana Economic Development Commission...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Saturday, May 31, 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - IU's legal bills for Sampson issues are $203K so far
Mark Alesia reports this morning in the Indianapolis Star:Indiana University's athletic department spent $203,000 through March on outside legal fees connected to allegations of NCAA rules violations by former men's basketball coach Kelvin Sampson and his staff. The legal bills...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, May 29, 2008
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - "Officials debate whether to reboot Lake government's computer provider"
Bill Dolan has an interesting report today in the NWI Times. Some quotes:CROWN POINT | Workers still were feeding floppy disks into Commodore 64 personal computers and the Internet was just a rumor in 1992, the year Lake County officials...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, May 25, 2008
Friday, May 23, 2008
Ind. Courts - Interim Legislative Committees to study court issues
Ed Ronco of the South Bend Tribune reports today:Whether St. Joseph County judges should be elected will get a closer look from state legislators this summer, along with a host of other issues. The Indiana General Assembly formed its interim...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Friday, May 23, 2008
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - "Governor, outgoing AG at odds over successor"
From Tracy Warner's column in the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette:Though Gov. Mitch Daniels has told fellow Republicans he wants Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas to be the party’s nominee for attorney general, outgoing AG Steve Carter last week endorsed his chief...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - AG Carter endorses Zoeller, Gov. endorses Costas for Attorney general
See the story by Andy Grimm of the Gary Post-Tribune here....Posted by Marcia Oddi on Saturday, May 17, 2008
Monday, May 12, 2008
Ind. Law - "Converse council may govern golf carts"
The ILB has had a rather long list of entries on the subject of use of golf carts on streets and roads, a subject seemingly growing more pressing as the baby boomers age. Perhaps marking the onset of spring, Nancy...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, May 12, 2008
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - "Same-sex benefits decision tabled" at Univ. Southern Indiana
Kate Braser's report today in the Evansville Courier & Press includes these quotes:The University of Southern Indiana board of trustees opted not to vote on a resolution Saturday that would have extended employment benefits to same-sex domestic partners. University President...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, May 11, 2008
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - "GOP's Zoeller declares for attorney general race"
The Louisville Courier Journal reports:New Albany native Greg Zoeller said yesterday that he has filed his formal "declaration of candidacy" for state attorney general with the Indiana Republican State Committee. Advertisement Zoeller is chief deputy to Indiana Attorney General Steve...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Saturday, May 10, 2008
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - More on: Wondering if you can vote in the Democratic primary?
Updating this ILB entry from March 27th, West Coast law professor Rick Hasen of the Election Law Blog has a piece today in Slate that begins:Set aside, for a moment, the Supreme Court's decision Monday upholding Indiana's voter-identification law. It's...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Environment - "CAFOs rule Randolph commissioner race"
Randolph County has been the site of many CAFO battles, including an "intensive agricultural district " for Randolph County that would occupy 75.88 % of the county, and a moratorium on CAFOs. See ILB entries from Jan. 8th and Feb....Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - "Advocacy groups say Indiana's law, regulations are among top 6 in nation"
The Indianapolis Star has a story today by David Crary of the AP, along with Tim Evans of the Star, which begins:NEW YORK -- Indiana was cited among national leaders for its policies and laws regarding the release of information...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - "Some county departments have cut paperwork"
The South Bend Tribune's Nancy J. Sulok writes today:A couple of county councilmen are studying ways to cut the amount of paperwork they encounter. Heath Weaver, D-District H, and Mark Catanzarite, D-District G, traveled to LaPorte County earlier this month...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, April 20, 2008
Monday, April 14, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - More on: Indiana, Land of Lincoln
Updatng this ILB entry from March 9th, where I wrote: "Kentucky and especially Illinois make a big deal over Abraham Lincoln. The State of Indiana has done comparatively little. Now we read in the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, in an...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, April 14, 2008
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - Yet more on Attorney General race [Updated]
Lesley Stedman Weidenbener 's Louisville Courier Journal column this weekend is headed "Indiana's GOP attorney general scrap could be North vs. South." It begins:INDIANAPOLIS -- The race for the GOP nomination for attorney general shook out last week as New...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, April 13, 2008
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - Still more on Attorney General race
Patrick Guinane of the NWI Times reports today:INDIANAPOLIS | Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas gained an opponent and an endorsement Friday in the Republican race for state attorney general. Greg Zoeller, a New Albany, Ind., native who has served as chief...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Saturday, April 12, 2008
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - More on Attorney General race
From a report today in the Louisville Courier Journal:New Albany native Greg Zoeller said yesterday that he is planning to seek the Republican nomination for Indiana attorney general at the party's convention in June. But Zoeller, chief deputy to outgoing...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, April 10, 2008
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - Valpo mayor Costas enters GOP attorney general field
So reports Patrick Guinane in this story today in the NWI Times. Some quotes:VALPARAISO | Mayor Jon Costas hopes to appear on the Republican ticket in November as the party's nominee for Indiana attorney general, the two-term city leader announced...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - Yet even more on "Storm Water Board resigns: Council criticized no-bid contract"
Updating this ILB entry from April 6th, Dick Kaukas of the LCJ reports today:A lawsuit by the New Albany City Council challenging no-bid contracts awarded by the city's sewer and storm water boards that was dismissed by a judge isn't...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Saturday, April 05, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - Yet more on "Storm Water Board resigns: Council criticized no-bid contract"
Updating this ILB entry from March 28th, Dick Kaukas of the Louisville Courier Journal reports today:The New Albany City Council may decide next week whether to appeal the dismissal of its lawsuit challenging two no-bid contracts awarded last year by...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Saturday, April 05, 2008
Friday, April 04, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - Coach Crean's contract online
Coach Crean's $18 million contract is a 3-page "memo of understanding", plus a signature page and an exhibit. Access it here from the Indianapolis Star website. The Star's Terry Hutchens has the story on the contract details, here. The story...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Friday, April 04, 2008
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - "Colleagues in politics salute Okeson's service"
Niki Kelly of the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette reports today on the death of Indiana attorney and Fort Wayne native John Okeson. Some quotes:Former Republican state officeholder John Okeson, who died suddenly late Tuesday after a short illness, strived to...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, April 03, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - Even more on "Storm Water Board resigns: Council criticized no-bid contract"
Updating this ILB entry from Dec. 4, 2007, Dick Kaukas of the Louisville Courier Journal reports today in a story that begins:A lawsuit filed by the New Albany City Council challenging two contracts awarded last year without competitive bidding has...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Friday, March 28, 2008
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - Wondering if you can vote in the Democratic primary? [Updated]
Indianapolis Star columnist Andrea Neal had a column yesterday pointing out that Indiana is an open primary state and describing the worst that can happen if you go to the poll this May and declare yourself as a Democrat when...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, March 27, 2008
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - More on: Attorney General Carter will not run for third term
Updating yesterday's entry, Tim Evans reports today in an Indianapolis Star story headlined "Attorney general's decision not to run sets off scramble", that begins:At least three Republicans and one Democrat surfaced Monday as potential candidates to succeed state Attorney General...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Monday, March 24, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - Attorney General Carter will not run for third term
John Strauss of the Indianapolis Star reports:Indiana Attorney General Steve Carter, who focused on consumer protection and championed the state's Do-Not-Call list during two terms in office, said Sunday that he would not seek re-election this year. "We have achieved...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, March 24, 2008
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - Heightened interest in Indiana primary has its downsides
So writes Fort Wayne Journal Gazette Washington-based political columnist Sylvia A. Smith today. One example:Clinton’s performance Tuesday means the Democratic Party will not have a nominee before the August convention, and that means Indiana will get the TV ads, the...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, March 09, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - Indiana, Land of Lincoln [Updated]
Columnist Bob Hill wrote in the Louisville Courier Journal Feb. 14th:Three states now rightly claim Lincoln: Kentucky, where he lived his first seven years; Indiana, where he grew up, taught himself to read and write, and lived until he was...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, March 09, 2008
Friday, March 07, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - Bill to clarify circumstances for awarding education credits by DOC goes to Governor
Updating this ILB entry from Feb. 12th, Lesley Stedman Weidenbener of the Louisville Courier Journal reports today in a story that begins:A bill championed by a Southern Indiana family that would clarify how education credits can be used to reduce...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Friday, March 07, 2008
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Ind. Gov. - Gov. Daniels issues statement about the death of attorney and State Senator David Ford
From the release:“I knew Dave Ford as a fellow student early in life, as a legislator the last three years, and as a kind and thoughtful friend in between. I haven’t met a more insightful or harder working member of...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Monday, February 25, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - Text of Sampson / IU "separation agreement" available
The Indianapolis Star has posted a copy of the 11-page Sampson / IU "separation agreement" - access it here. and here is the Star's accompanying story, written by Mark Alesia....Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, February 25, 2008
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - Still no reliable and permanent online record of Governors' actions on legislation available
The 2008 Bill Watch page of Governor Daniels is currently available here. Accessing it, you can follow the bills received by the Governor's Office from the 2008 General Assembly, and the Governor's actions thereon. The 2007 page is also available....Posted by Marcia Oddi on Saturday, February 23, 2008
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - "State lax in curbing homestead-credit abuse"
Benjamin Lanka of the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette has a long and comprehensive article today on problems with preventing abuse of the homestead exemption. A few quotes:Indiana’s homestead credit lowers homeowners’ tax bills in an effort to keep them from...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, February 17, 2008
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Ind. Courts - "Ind. hunting preserve case in court today"
The most recent ILB entry is Jan. 28th. From a LCJ news update posted at 12:14 PM today:A judge in Harrison County will hear arguments this afternoon at 1:30 in a continuing legal battle between the state of Indiana and...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, February 14, 2008
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - Still more on: "Paige Grable's release delayed: Correction department says earliest release is now Feb. 11"
Updating these two ILB entries from Nov. 2, 2007 (one and two), Grace Schneider of the Louisville Courier Journal reports today:Paige Grable, the Southern Indiana teenager who went to prison last May after being convicted in the drunken-driving crash that...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Saturday, February 09, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - See every governmental expenditure of over $100 online?
State contracts. When Gov. Daniels came into office, he said he would put state contracts online for everyone to see. And indeed he did, simply by issuing an executive order. Initially what was made available was a long, hard to...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Saturday, February 09, 2008
Monday, January 28, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - Is a public employee's history of internet usage subject to public records access?
Should a public employee's computer browser's list of previous internet sites visited be considered a "public record", required to be disclosed via a public records request? That is the question addressed in this informal opinion dated Jan. 4, 2008, answering...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, January 28, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - Update on canned hunting
Updating a long list of ILB entries on the status of hunting "preserves" in Indiana, the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette has an editorial today on the death of this year's bill to legalize canned hunting:Proposed legislation that would have legalized...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, January 28, 2008
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Law - Should government employees be deleting their emails?
This month's issue of Governing.com has an important article by Ellen Perlman titled "Delete at Your Own Risk: Governments need a system for managing their mountains of e-mail. Very few have one." Some quotes:For several months last fall, the St....Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Monday, January 21, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - "Legislative hearings lack cushy confines"
John Byrne of the Gary Post-Tribune writes today about legislative committee meeting rooms, mentioning the same things the ILB remembers -- they are always too small to get a seat -- belying the label of "public" meeting. A quote:Glorified broom...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, January 21, 2008
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - Indiana State Board of Accounts audit reports available; Scott treasurer focus of inquiry
Today the Louisville Courier Journal has a story by Grace Schneider that begins:SCOTTSBURG, Ind. -- A Scott County judge has appointed a special prosecutor to investigate criminal allegations against county Treasurer Bonnie Comer involving how she has kept track of...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Saturday, January 19, 2008
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - More on: Lake County treasurer removes discharged bankruptcies from property tax rolls
Updating this comprehensive ILB entry from April 8, 2007, Joe Carlson of the NWI Times reports today:John Curley, the assessor and trustee of Winfield Township, said he is disturbed by recent disclosures that some taxpayers were allowed to dodge the...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - "New online toolkit available for public construction protesters"
Pam Tharp of the Richmond Palladium-Item reports, in a story later picked up by the AP, that:Residents who want to object to new public construction projects now have an online toolkit to help them. The Citizen's Petition and Remonstrance Toolkit...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, January 13, 2008
Monday, January 07, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - Canned hunting in news again
This ILB entry from Oct. 18, 2007, headed "DNR ends talks, to press courts for ‘canned hunting' ban", gives the details on how we got to where we are now. Today Grace Schneider of the Louisville Courier Journal has a...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, January 07, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - Still more on Anderson and Terre Haute mayoral disputes [Updated]
Updating this ILB entry from Jan. 4th, the Anderson Herald Bulletin is reporting:A special judge will hear a legal challenge to the eligibility of Anderson Mayor Kris Ockomon. On Jan. 3, Acting Chief Justice for Indiana Brent E. Dickson ordered...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, January 07, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - "Put teeth in public access laws"
Marisa Kwiatkowski and Patrick Guinane of the NWI Times reported Saturday:In the wake of recent local battles for access to public records, State Sen. Frank Mrvan, D-Hammond, said Friday he may seek to strengthen the powers of the state public...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, January 07, 2008
Friday, January 04, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - Still more on Anderson and Terre Haute mayoral disputes
Updating yesterday's ILB entry on the Anderson mayor situation, today the Indianapolis Star has coverage by Melanie D. Hayes:A special judge may have to resolve a fight over the mayor's office in Anderson. Democrat Kris Ockomon beat Republican incumbent Kevin...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Friday, January 04, 2008
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - More on: Defeated Anderson mayor refuses to step down
Updating yesterday's ILB entry, a posting at 9:11 pm last evening by Jessia Kerman on the Anderson Herald Bulletin website reports:A Madison County judge has requested the Indiana Supreme Court appoint a special judge to decide whether Kris Ockomon was...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, January 03, 2008
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Ind. Gov't. - Defeated Anderson mayor refuses to step down
Updating this ILB entry from Dcc. 29, where the ILB quoted from a story in the Anderson Herald Bulletin that began:Opponents of Kris Ockomon have mounted a legal challenge to his eligibility as mayor just four days before he’s set...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Ind. Gov't. - Still more on: Lake County printing contracts questioned
Updating this ILB entry from Feb. 27, 2006, John Byrne of the Gary Post-Tribune reports that problems continue with bidding printing contracts in Lake County. Some quotes:CROWN POINT -- Lake County officials are investigating whether two bidders for government printing...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, December 30, 2007
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Ind. Gov't. - "Four lawyers will do city work for Jeffersonville"
Ben Zion Hershberg reports today in the Louisville Courier Journal:In an effort to control the city's legal costs, Jeffersonville Mayor-elect Tom Galligan is appointing four lawyers to handle municipal business rather than rely primarily on the services of one city...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Saturday, December 29, 2007
Monday, December 24, 2007
Ind. Gov't. - Hamilton County Prosecutor and County Council at odds
Tania E. Lopez of the Indianapolis Star reports:NOBLESVILLE -- Hamilton County Prosecutor Sonia Leerkamp has accused the County Council of extortion after it cut her salary for not submitting employee performance evaluations. "Quite frankly, I believe what they have done...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, December 24, 2007
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Ind. Gov't. - "Bayh says wife's corporate roles hold no sway over his votes"
Sylvia A. Smith, Washington editor of the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, has a long story today on Indiana attorney ("inactive in good standing", as are Evan and Birch) Susan Bayh's career as a professional board member. Some quotes:Since leaving Indiana...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, December 16, 2007
Ind. Gov't. - "Vast government reform proposals raise prickly issue"
In her Sunday column today, Lesley Stedman Weidenbener of the LCJ reports:The moment came in the middle of the press conference during which the governor's Commission on Local Government Reform was presenting its bold recommendations for change.* * * This...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, December 16, 2007
Friday, December 14, 2007
Ind. Gov't. - “We do not have a crisis today of taxing religious property,” said Sen. Patricia Miller, the author of SJR 2. “My concern is for the future.”
Niki Kelly of the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette had a great story yesterday:State lawmakers learned Wednesday there isn’t really a problem with churches being taxed illegally. But they considered amending the constitution to prohibit the practice anyway. “We do not...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Friday, December 14, 2007
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Ind. Gov't. - "Lake County officials cracking down on 'double dippers'"
From an AP report:CROWN POINT, Ind. (AP) — Lake County officials are looking to crack down on county employees who also are paid as after-hours consultants or attorneys. "This is double dipping," county Commissioner Gerry Scheub said. Commissioner Roosevelt Allen...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, December 13, 2007
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Ind. Gov't. - "Governor’s statement about Commission on Local Government Reform report" [Updated]
Here is the Governor's statement:INDIANAPOLIS (December 11, 2007) – Governor Mitch Daniels today joined members of the Indiana Commission on Local Government Reform for the Commission’s presentation of its report Streamlining Local Government: We’ve got to stop governing like this....Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Ind. Gov't - Vanderburgh County recorder's office records now online, for a fee
Jimmy Nesbitt of the Evansville Courier & Press reports today:Digital records of documents at the Vanderburgh County recorder's office are now available online. County Recorder Betty Knight Smith has planned a seminar from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday in Room...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Ind. Gov't. - "Some public records denied with no legal authority"
Seth Slabaugh of the Muncie Star-Press today looks at two recent opinions of the state Public Access Counselor dealing with Delaware County. The story begins:MUNCIE — One of the most common violations of Indiana’s Access to Public Records Act is...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Ind. Gov't. - Still more on "Storm Water Board resigns: Council criticized no-bid contract"
Updating this ILB entry from Aug. 30th, Dick Kaukas of the Louisville Courier Journal writes today in a story that begins:The New Albany City Council's court challenge to contracts awarded by the city's sewer and storm-water boards without competitive bids...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Monday, December 03, 2007
Ind. Gov't. - Law change means local government can add labor and overhead when calculating the cost for copies
Seth Slabaugh of the Muncie Star-Press reports today:In January of 2006, the chief of police in New Castle told an attorney he would have to pay a copy charge of 35 cents a page to obtain police records. Rod Crossland,...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, December 03, 2007
Saturday, December 01, 2007
Ind. Gov't. - "Allen civil court documents to go online"
Benjamin Lanka reports today in the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette: People will soon be able to access Allen County court documents online, for a fee. The county commissioners Friday approved a contract with DoxPop of Richmond to place public court...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Saturday, December 01, 2007
Friday, November 30, 2007
Ind. Decisions - Supreme Court denies Bopp motion for an emergency writ regarding the middle initial issue in the recount
Here is the order issued this afternoon in the case of STATE OF INDIANA EX. REL, DUKE BENNETT v. VIGO COUNTY (84 S 00 - 0711 - OR - 00558):Relator's application papers include a request for an emergency writ. An...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Friday, November 30, 2007
Ind. Gov't. - Even more on: "Terre Haute Mayor Kevin Burke has thrown opponent Duke Bennett’s eligibility to be mayor into question"
Updating this ILB entry from Nov. 28th, about the Terre Haute mayoral challenge suit, where the Ann and Ed DeLaney Indianapolis law firm represents the challenger, and James Bopp, Jr. represents Mayor-elect Duke Bennett, Austin Arceo reports in the Terre...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Friday, November 30, 2007
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Ind. Gov't. - Still more on: "Terre Haute Mayor Kevin Burke has thrown opponent Duke Bennett’s eligibility to be mayor into question"
Updating this ILB entry from Nov. 20th, there are three stories today in the Terre Haute Trib-Star about the Terre Haute mayoral challenge suit, where the Ann and Ed DeLaney Indianapolis law firm represents the challenger, and James Bopp, Jr....Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Ind. Gov't. - More on: "Terre Haute Mayor Kevin Burke has thrown opponent Duke Bennett’s eligibility to be mayor into question"
Updating this ILB entry from Nov. 16th, Austin Arceo of the Terre Haute Tribune-Star reports today:TERRE HAUTE — Terre Haute Mayor Kevin Burke officially challenged the Nov. 6 election results Monday, less than a week after attorneys sent Mayor-elect Duke...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Ind. Law - How well does the provisional ballot work in real life?
The Kokomo Tribune column "Public Eye" by Scott Smith and Ken de la Bastide, has this item, of interest particularly in light of some of the close mayoral races . . . and the Voter ID provisional ballot "solution." The...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, November 18, 2007
Friday, November 16, 2007
Ind. Gov't. - "Terre Haute Mayor Kevin Burke has thrown opponent Duke Bennett’s eligibility to be mayor into question"
Austin Arceeo of the Terre Haute Tribune Star reports today in a story that begins:Terre Haute Mayor Kevin Burke has thrown opponent Duke Bennett’s eligibility to be mayor into question. If supported, the challenge could mean the incumbent retains his...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Friday, November 16, 2007
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Ind. Gov't. - "Government e-mails going private" What about Indiana?
From a story today in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported by Jo Mannies:Public officials can end up in trouble if they're caught using government equipment to conduct personal or political business. Some, in fact, have landed in jail for the...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Ind. Gov't. - "State takes action on foreclosures"
Niki Kelly of the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette writes today that the State of Indiana has set up a toll-free number and web site to advise borrowers facing foreclosure. Some quotes:Problems linked to mortgage fraud and high foreclosures have plagued...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, November 11, 2007
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Ind. Gov't. - "Lawyers doing work for West Lafayette must now file their bills each month"
From this report by Michael Malik in today's Lafayette Journal & Courier:West Lafayette City Council members Monday voted 7-0 in favor of a resolution requiring Bob Bauman, city attorney, and others to file bills monthly in an effort to remain...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Friday, November 02, 2007
Ind. Gov't. - More on: "Paige Grable's release delayed: Correction department says earliest release is now Feb. 11"
Updating the entry immediately below, the ILB has received this information from a reader:I was reading your blog this morning and noted with interest the article on Ms. Grable and her reduction in sentence. I used to be a deputy...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Friday, November 02, 2007
Ind. Gov't. - "Paige Grable's release delayed: Correction department says earliest release is now Feb. 11"
Here is a story from the Jeffersonville/New Albany News & Tribune that the ILB found troubling on several levels. Some quotes (emphasis added by ILB):Paige Grable won’t be released on Friday from the Madison Correctional Facility, as reported Tuesday. The...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Friday, November 02, 2007
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Environment. - BioTown, USA. Remember little Reynolds, Indiana? Population 500
The most recent ILB entry on BioTown USA is dated Oct. 6, 2005 -- two years ago. It quoted from a story headed "Questions linger over BioTown project". Today the WSJ bring us up to date in a story on...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, November 01, 2007
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Ind. Gov't. - "Indianapolis Public School Board met illegally Monday night"
Andy Gammill of the Indianapolis Star reports today:The Indianapolis Public School Board met illegally Monday night when it convened in private to discuss closing five schools, several public meeting experts said. Board members justified the closed-door executive session by citing...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Ind. Gov't. - "DNR ends talks, to press courts for ‘canned hunting' ban"
"Canned hunting" has been the subject of a long list of ILB entries, but the most recent mention was the end of 2006, quoting an article by Phil Bloom, Fort Wayne Journal Gazette Outdoors editor, summing up the career of...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, October 18, 2007
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Law - A survey of several state public access laws, including Indiana's
Columnist Rox Laird of the DesMoines Register had a column this week on state public access laws, because an Iowa legislative committee is "studying the possibility of creating a state agency to aid Iowa citizens with open-government questions and problems."...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, October 14, 2007
Ind. Gov't. - NYT article surveys efforts to lease or sell state lotteries
Don't miss this major story in the NYT today (Sunday) by Nelson D. Schwartz and Ron Nixon. The story includes links to documents such as J.P. Morgan's Proposal for Private Operation of Indiana's Lottery, and a survey of the states...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, October 14, 2007
Friday, October 05, 2007
Environment - State backs off in Feddeler Landfill dispute with Lake County sheriff
On Sept. 28th Bill Dolan reported in the NWI Times:LOWELL | The state's top environmental official is speaking out in a war of words between his agency and the Lake County sheriff. "We have a sheriff who would like to...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Friday, October 05, 2007
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Ind. Gov't. - Ed Thuma, first head of the Legislative Services Agency, dies at 74
The Indianapolis Star today contains the obituary of Edison L. Thuma, who died Sept. 16th in Danville. From the obit:Ed then served in state government in Indiana in various capacities, including the first Executive Director of the Legislative Services Agency...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, September 30, 2007
Ind. Gov't. - More on: - Should legislators be allowed to serve as officers or directors of state universities and schools?
The ILB posted this entry on Oct. 8, 2006, quoting from several earlier entries, including: "The fact that Ivy Tech employs both the Senate President Pro Tem and the House Minority Leader (or Speaker, depending on the year) has been...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, September 30, 2007
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Ind. Gov't. - Is Gov. Daniels overstepping his executive authority?
A fascinating column in the Louisville Courier Journal today by Lesley Stedman Weidenbener, pulls together many threads -- instances where the Governor may have waived laws without legal authority, may have taken affirmative action without legislative authorization, and may have...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, September 23, 2007
Ind. Gov't. - More on: State and university salaries
Last year the Indianapolis Star put out a database of state and university salaries. See this ILB entry from Aug. 20, 2006. While useful, that database had some major omissions that the ILB noted at the time, such as: "Salaries...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, September 23, 2007
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Ind. Gov't. - More on: "Recording ban to end in City-County Building"
Updating this entry from earlier today titled "Recording ban to end in City-County Building", the ILB has been able to locate two past Indiana Public Access counselor Advisory Opinions on videotaping or photographing public meetings of county councils or planning...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, September 20, 2007
Ind. Gov't. - "Recording ban to end in City-County Building"
Yesterday the ILB posted an entry headed "Lake Station City Council wants to ban public vidoetaping of meetings." Today the Indianapolis Star reports, in a story by Brendan O'Shaughnessy, that Indianapolis has had such a ban all along, but now...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, September 20, 2007
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Ind. Gov't. - Lake Station City Council wants to ban public vidoetaping of meetings
"I've heard the talk. They go to a bar and play back certain parts and make fun of certain councilmen." That is a quote attributed to City Council president Keith Soderquist in this story by Deborah Laverty today in the...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Friday, September 14, 2007
Ind. Gov't. - DLGF puts assessed value and sales information online
Both Lesley Stedman Weidenbener of the Louisville Courier Journal (here) and John Byrne of the Gary Post-Tribune (here) have stories today about the Department of Local Governmental Finance's website, offering statewide data on sales and assessments. From the LCJ:The Indiana...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Friday, September 14, 2007
Ind. Gov't. - "Loophole Allows States To Avoid Covering Breast, Cervical Cancer Treatments for Some Uninsured Women"
A troubling story on the front page of the Wall Street Journal yesterday, as reported here in the ABA Journal:A little-known federal law entitles breast and ovarian cancer patients under age 65 to Medicare treatment, even if they wouldn't normally...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Friday, September 14, 2007
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Ind. Gov't. - Logistics of public records requests challenge Morgan County officials
A.J. Nelson from the Martinsville Reporter-Times reported in a lengthy story on Sept. 8 that began:A sizeable records request has one Morgan County trustee scratching his head to find a way to answer it, while another trustee said she has...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, September 13, 2007
Sunday, September 02, 2007
Ind. Gov't. - Indiana property taxes: Who benefits from taking property off the Center Twp. tax rolls?
Karen Eschbacher of the Indianapolis Star has a front-page story on the impact of tax abatements and tax increment financing districts in Marion County. A side-bar explains "How tax abatements, districts work." Earlier, on August 19th, the Star ran this...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, September 02, 2007
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Ind. Gov't. - More on "Storm Water Board resigns: Council criticized no-bid contract"
Updating the most recent ILB entry on this topic, from Aug. 18th, a story by Dick Kaukas in today's Louisville Courier Journal is headed "Council seeks to void 2 contracts: New Albany boards failed to obtain bids." The story begins:The...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, August 30, 2007
Monday, August 27, 2007
Ind. Gov't. - Miller wants to be separated from Gary
"Divorcing Gary is hard to do: Residents of the Indiana city's lakefront region are divided about legal secession" is the headline to a long story today by Lolly Bowean of the Chicago Tribune....Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, August 27, 2007
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Ind. Gov't. - More on: Open up Commission on Local Government Reform
Following up on yesterday's ILB entry quoting from the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Lesley Stedman Weidenbener of the Louisville Courier Journal writes today:The open-door law requires those agencies, commissions and boards to provide notice about their meetings, post any agenda...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, August 26, 2007
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Ind. Gov't. - Secretary of State's new online Business Entity Creation site
A reader writes: "The new site, just up, apparently has been promised since before Sue Ann Gilroy was elected, and now that it is up, I thought the lawyers around the state ought to know." Access it here....Posted by Marcia Oddi on Saturday, August 25, 2007
Ind. Gov't. - Henry County zoning amendment would allow the CAFOs closer to some homes
Joy Leiker of the Muncie Star-Press reports today, in a story that begins:NEW CASTLE -- Homes built on residentially-zoned land would have more protection from confined feeding operations than homes built on property zoned for agriculture if the Henry County...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Saturday, August 25, 2007
Ind. Gov't. - Open up Commission on Local Government Reform
So opines the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette in an editorial today: The Indiana Commission on Local Government Reform could lead to significant changes in how government serves, represents and taxes Hoosiers, but it got off to an inauspicious start Wednesday...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Saturday, August 25, 2007
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Ind. Gov't. - "East Chicago to stop insuring retirees over 65"
Joe Carlson of the NWI Times reports today:Retired city workers who reach the age of 65 must now get their health care coverage through the Medicare program, instead of the city's insurance program. It's a change in long-standing policy. Formerly,...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Saturday, August 18, 2007
Ind. Gov't. - "Storm Water Board resigns: Council criticized no-bid contract"
A story from the August 5th Louisville Courier Journal (ILB entry here) was headed "No-bid contracts split council: New Albany debates 2 agreements' validity". On Aug. 7th the LCJ story reported that "The New Albany City Council authorized legal action...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Saturday, August 18, 2007
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Ind. Gov't. - More on: Council has no authority to remove indicted Monticello mayor
Updating this ILB entry from June 21st, Sophia Voravong of the Lafayette Journal & Courier reports today:MONTICELLO -- Anguish evident in his voice, Mayor Bob Fox did his best to stay calm Wednesday morning as he wondered whether he'll be...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, August 16, 2007
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Ind. Gov't - Governor Daniels appoints Honorable Sue Shields as a member of the State Ethics Commission
From a Governor's press release this afternoon:State Ethics Commission: The commission receives complaints, initiates investigations, holds public hearings, decides if ethics violations have occurred and recommends or imposes appropriate sanctions. Membership: The governor appoints five commissioners to four-year terms. They...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Monday, August 06, 2007
Ind. Gov't. - Indiana Tax Facts
Tracy Warner, editorial page editor of the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, is editor a new blog, Indiana Tax Facts, produced by the Journal Gazette to provide information and informed discussion about the property tax issues facing Indiana. This is a...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, August 06, 2007
Saturday, August 04, 2007
Ind. Gov't - Indy Star opines on ethics and the General Assembly
From an editorial today in the Indianapolis Star:Let's hope the ethics reform legislation passed so decisively by Congress inspires similar action by Indiana's General Assembly. The proliferation of highly paid lobbyists in Washington and Indianapolis has created the perception that...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Saturday, August 04, 2007
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Ind. Gov't. - "Is INDOT giving fair market value?"
Liza Danver of 14WFIE.com NEWS, reports:The I-69 extension project may be costing some Indiana residents more than others. INDOT, the Indiana Department of Transportation, is buying property to build the interstate. One landowner who's been through this process before believes...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, July 29, 2007
Ind. Gov't. - "There's too much wrong to do anything but fix it"
The Indianapolis Star has an outstanding editorial today headed "There's too much wrong to do anything but fix it." The ILB will pick up right now on just one of the many important points made, near the end of the...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, July 29, 2007
Friday, July 27, 2007
Ind. Gov't. - Fort Wayne meeting room size issue
The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette has a story today by Benjamin Lanka: A city resident Wednesday filed a complaint with the Indiana public access counselor because dozens of people were not allowed into Tuesday night’s Fort Wayne City Council meeting....Posted by Marcia Oddi on Friday, July 27, 2007
Monday, July 23, 2007
Ind. Gov't. - Feature on new public access counselor
Updating this ILB entry from July 6th headed "More on: Governor announces new Public Access Counselor, effective immediately," here is an AP feature by Keith Robinson that appeared in many papers this weekend. Some quotes:[Heather Willis Neal] said she will...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, July 23, 2007
Ind. Gov't. - East Chicago is five for five in early court rulings
Joe Carlson reports today in the NWI Times about a question that comes up often at various levels of Indiana government:EAST CHICAGO | Mayor George Pabey unseated one of the nation's longest-serving mayors in 2005 on a promise to trim...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, July 23, 2007
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Ind. Gov't. - Tully makes good point
Columnist Matthew Tully of the Indianapolis Star notes in his column today:Do the math: State Reps. David Orentlicher and Jon Elrod have been the most visible local lawmakers during this time of property tax protesting. That's understandable. Unlike most lawmakers,...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, July 22, 2007
Friday, July 20, 2007
Ind. Decisions - More on: "Deal with closed developmental center broke law; damages, if any, undecided"
Following up on its story July 17th (see this ILB entry) on Monday's Court of Appeals decision in Anita Stuller, et al v. Mitchell Daniels, Jr., et al (see ILB entry here), the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette has an editorial...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Friday, July 20, 2007
Friday, July 13, 2007
Ind. Law - Governor replaces commissioner of the Department of Local Government Finance; she starts Monday
A press release from the Governor's Office:INDIANAPOLIS (July 13, 2007) – Governor Mitch Daniels today appointed Cheryl Musgrave, president of the Vanderburgh County Commission, as the new commissioner of the Department of Local Government Finance. Musgrave replaces Melissa Henson, who...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Friday, July 13, 2007
Ind. Gov't. - "State ethics panel OKs pollution panelist"
The Indiana Air Pollution Control Board (APCB) includes 4 "ex officio" voting members (representing the heath commissioner, the DNR director, the lieutenant governor, and the secretary of commerce. In addition, the applicable law, IC 13-17-2-2, provides for 8 additional members...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Friday, July 13, 2007
Monday, July 09, 2007
Ind. Gov't. - Upshot on: 2nd NW Indiana legislator backs out of resignation
Updating this entry from July 8, the NWI Times reports today that:PORTAGE | It took precinct committeemen less than 30 minutes Sunday to pick Jack Clem to fill the vacant 10th District House seat. Duane Cheney, a five-term legislator, failed...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, July 09, 2007
Sunday, July 08, 2007
Ind. Gov't. - "The 2002-pay-2003 tax year, when everything went to hell in a court-ordered hand basket"
James Wensits of the South Bend Tribune has an informative article today on property tax assessments. It begins:SOUTH BEND -- Once upon a time, some remember, everybody's property tax bills were sent out each spring, regular as clockwork. For the...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, July 08, 2007
Ind. Gov't. - Still More on: 2nd NW Indiana legislator backs out of resignation
Following up on this ILB entry from yesterday, John Byrne of the Gary Post Tribune has a report that begins, aptly:Once again, Northwest Indiana is a statewide trendsetter in political weirdness. The recent will-he-or-won't-he-leave-the General Assembly vacillations of Sen. Sam...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, July 08, 2007
Ind. Gov't. - Indiana’s voluntary environmental cleanup program a failure?
Dan Stockman of the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette has a lengthy report today on the failings of Indiana's voluntary cleanup program. Some quotes: Indiana’s voluntary environmental cleanup program, intended to handle polluted sites quickly and efficiently without courts and lawsuits,...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, July 08, 2007
Saturday, July 07, 2007
Ind. Gov't. - More on: 2nd NW Indiana legislator backs out of resignation
"Cheney can't serve living 200 miles south" is the title to an editorial today in the Gary Post-Tribune. Some quotes:Last month, [Former state Rep. Duane Cheney] announced he was resigning from state office midway through his term and moving from...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Saturday, July 07, 2007
Friday, July 06, 2007
Ind. Gov't. - More on: Governor announces new Public Access Counselor, effective immediately
In this June 29th entry, the ILB quoted a press release from the Governor's office, announcing the appointment of a new public access counselor, effective immediately. Yesterday this editorial in the NWI Times asked "Why didn't Gov. Daniels reappoint Indiana's...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Friday, July 06, 2007
Ind. Gov't. - 2nd NW Indiana legislator backs out of resignation
Now there are two. When July began there were four - in this June 22nd ILB entry, it was reported that three NW Indiana legislators had resigned and that a fourth - Tenth District State Rep. Duane Cheney, D-Portage -...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Friday, July 06, 2007
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Ind. Gov't. - "Ex-state employee collects '05 travel pay"
Niki Kelly of the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette reported, in a May 2, 2006 story headlined "State FSSA exec goes from public to private at twice the price,":INDIANAPOLIS – On his last day as a state employee, a top Fort...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Ind. Gov't. - Still more on "But by resigning before July 31, Smith also qualifies for lifetime, state-subsidized health insurance"
Updating this ILB entry from June 5th, which quoted this report from Patrick Guinane of the NWI Times:State Sen. Sam Smith, D-East Chicago, said he is resigning to focus on an expansion of his family's funeral home and wants his...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Monday, July 02, 2007
Ind. Gov't. - "Indiana allows legislators to leap right into lobbying"
Patrick Guinane of the NWI Times reports today:The transition from Indiana legislator to lobbyist is a simple, lucrative leap that three region lawmakers have made in less than a year. Crown Point Democrat Bob Kuzman is the latest Statehouse power...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, July 02, 2007
Friday, June 29, 2007
Ind. Gov't. - Governor announces new Public Access Counselor, effective immediately
From a press release this afternoon:Governor Mitch Daniels announced today the appointment of Terre Haute native Heather Willis Neal as public access counselor for the state of Indiana. She succeeds Karen T. Davis whose term will expire on June 30....Posted by Marcia Oddi on Friday, June 29, 2007
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Ind. Gov't. - More on "New research fee upsets Indiana motorcyclists"; some thoughts
Updating this ILB entry from June 21st, Lesley Stedman Weidenbener of the Louisville Courier Journal has titled her column today "Motorcycle fee increase has more than one backpedaling." Some quotes about the increase in motorcyclist's registration fees, which increased from...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, June 24, 2007
Ind. Gov't. - Office of Inspector General may be a black hole - how to measure the office's performance?
Gary Welsh of Advance Indiana today has quickly picked up on a story the ILB overlooked as she reviewed the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, which surely must be the best paper in the state, with a good editorial staff and...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, June 24, 2007
Ind. Gov't. - "Legislature’s revolving door"
"Legislature’s revolving door" is the headline to this editorial today in the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, accompanied by photos of 7 former legislators now pursuing the craft of lobbying the General Assembly. From the editorial:Indiana legislators like to complain about...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, June 24, 2007