Democrats Gotta Hate It When Republicans Keep Their Promises

Do you ever picture State Dem. Chairman Dan Parker hunched over his desk, like Mr. Burns from the Simpson’s, cursing every time a Republican keeps a campaign promise? That’s really all he can do as his third tier candidates for Governor duke it out while Governor Daniels continues to keep his campaign pledges from 2004. Not that I need to remind what they are, but here goes: daylight savings, streamlining state government through privatization, bringing in more business into the state (while other state have them fleeing) and now he’s dealing with our out of whack property tax problem.

And if that’s not a hard enough kick to the posterior, Indy Mayor Greg Ballard continues to work at fulfilling his campaign promises. First, he brought IMPD back under control of the mayor’s office. Next on his list? Increasing the transparency of city government.

From the Indy Star:

Ballard last year ran on a platform in part dedicated to the notion that government dealings should be more transparent, and his reform package is aimed at fulfilling that campaign promise.

Ballard was quoted as saying “Government is not supposed to be a closed loop. Who is getting contracts and who is lobbying should be open to everybody.”

Of course, all Parker can do is try to throw something on the wall to see if it sticks when it comes to attacking the Mayor, which is exactly what he did just after Mayor Ballard assumed control of IMPD.

(Read more after the leap)

Last week, more partisan infighting erupted when the state Democratic Party accused Ballard of failing to set a good example on ethical questions on his first day as head of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.

The criticism stemmed from the promotion of Lincoln Plowman, the Republican floor leader on the council, to IMPD assistant commander of investigations. Plowman previously served as head of the department’s vice unit.

Dan Parker, chairman of the Democratic Party, said Ballard had the opportunity to “send a message” about keeping politics out of public safety.

“Instead, he promoted someone with a glaring conflict of interest as his first act,” Parker said. “Ballard should give Plowman a choice: You can serve as (council) majority leader or a sworn officer, but you can’t do both.”

Ballard, however, has no control over that question. State law allows police officers and firefighters to serve on city councils.

Strike one. That didn’t stick, let’s try another:

Parker also criticized Ballard for recently appointing lawyer-lobbyist Robert Grand as head of the board that manages the city’s football, basketball and baseball venues.

One of Ballard’s campaign promises, and a part of the ethics package, would prohibit people whose work might advance their financial interests from serving on a board. Grand separated himself from his law firm’s work with the Pacers basketball team to comply with Ballard’s rules.

Strike Two! And this isn’t even counting all the clap trap he’s issued against the governor. Other wise we’d have a strike three and then some. But Frugal Hoosiers supplies us with enough of Parker’s best whining when it comes to the governor.

So let’s end this post on a humorous note, not that Dan Parker hasn’t supplied us with enough laughs. Since I compared the Democrats fearful leader to Mr. C. Montgomery Burns, I’m leaving you with this wonderful montage to the bumbling billionaire.