Bauer thinks he shouldn’t be bothered by citizens.

Hoosier Access was able to get a hold of letter submitted to the South Bend Tribune by a citizen who has been trying to reach Speaker Bauer’s office to request that the Speaker stop holding up SJR 7, the marriage amendment.  The story here is pretty amazing, though it is not necessarily surprising.

 On Tuesday, January 24 I called the statehouse to speak with the office of Pat Bauer with regard to SJR 7, the marriage amendment.  My intentions were to respectfully voice my support of the legislation, since Pat Bauer is the sole individual in the House who can bring it to a full floor vote.  In addition I wanted to remind him of his campaign promise made in October in 2006 (see the following quote from a campaign press release)

 “If I am elected Speaker of the Indiana House after the November 7 general election, I will allow committee meetings, floor debate and a final vote in that chamber on a constitutional amendment to prohibit gay marriages in Indiana”

 When the call center answered, I asked to speak with the office of Pat Bauer.  She asked “regarding what?”  In a polite manner I said “SJR7, the Marriage Amendment”.  She replied “one moment please” as if I was being transferred.  The next thing that I know I am disconnected.  At first I think that it’s an error so I immediately call back.  They hang up on me again!  After prolonged frustration I finally get someone at the call center to tell me that Bauer’s office is not accepting any phone calls.  In a calm manner, I ask “why?” She replies that it is the directive they were given with no explanation.  So I asked her if she thought it was ridiculous, that a citizen of the state of Indiana should be denied the right to speak with our government officials.  She agreed but said there is nothing she could do about it.  The only advice she could provide was to write an email.  

 I am highly disappointed that one our high-ranking state officials would act in such a manner.  Especially considering the position that Speaker Bauer took when campaigning in 2006.  This is exactly the kind of behavior that has caused our society to become so disgusted with our federal government.  It’s too bad that our state officials are following suite.  I did write an email communication, but feel like my voice is unimportant to Pat Bauer.  And what about all the citizens of our state whom have no access to email, or don’t even know how to send an email? Is it honorable to completely ignore them?  What a sad day for the State of Indiana.

Can Pat Bauer say “Minority Leader”?  This story is unfortunate on two levels.  Number one, the marriage amendment should go to the floor of the House were it will probably pass and the people will get a chance to vote on it this fall.  The merits of the amendment speak for themselves (I’ve discussed them elsewhere here).  Number two, regardless of the issue at stake here, why is Pat Bauer not interested in hearing what the people have to say?  This is arrogance and it’s unacceptable.