Archive for July 21st, 2008

UPDATE: During Beth White’s comments I mentioned to fellow Warren Township GOP troublemaker GaryJ that I thought Beth was getting a little pudgy, Gary said “ah she’s put on a few pounds”, I said “no she’s…” and Gary stopped me saying “nah she can’t be” … well guess what?  She is. Congrats to the couple. According to the article, she’s due sometime shortly after the November elections. Not too far off from when Mrs. Gillespie will being bringing home child #3. Is there something in the political water? Or in the Democrat’s case - koolaid?

The Agenda is posted HERE.

Meeting Starts at 7 PM at the City-County Building’s Public Assembly Room.

7:00 PM - The Meeting is called to order. Councilor McQuillen led the prayer and pledge. Councilors Speedy, Hunter, and Malone (2 R’s and a RINO) are absent this evening.

7:04 PM - Councilors are introducing guests.

7:05 PM - Seems to be fashionable to bring your family to a Council meeting when you’re under fire. Paul Bateman brought his family and his minister. Don’t think it has anything to do with those warrants that Abdul reported upon, did it?

By the way, Ed Coleman was interviewed by Rick Hightower on the Doris Minton-McNeill affair. Watch for it tonight.

[Live Blog Continues Below The Fold] >

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Three of Indiana’s Congressmen are taking steps towards moving our country towards energy independence. Well, really only two are, Congressmen Dan Burton and Steve Buyer, while the other, the 7th CD’s rookie Congressman Andre “Juggernaut” Carson is linking arms and singing Kumbaya with Nancy Pelosi while seeking to penalize drilling companies at the same time.

But let’s take a look at what each Congressman is doing.

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I just got this email from a good friend of mine. I’m posting it here because it benefits the troops at Camp Atterbury.

Friends and Colleagues:

Delta Company (Ranger), 1st Battalion, 151st Infantry was an Army National Guard Unit that deployed from Indiana to Vietnam in 1968-69 where they became one of the most highly decorated units to serve in that conflict. I have had the privilege to attend a couple of their reunions over the years and have been impressed by the work that they do in supporting today’s young men and women who are serving in the armed forces. As you will note in email below, they have been planning a USO-type show for our troops who are deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan from Camp Atterbury, IN. on August 1st.

The entertainers and the associated support personnel all have waived their fees for the event, but there are expenses that need to be covered. Regrettably, after long deliberation, the local USO chose not to help fund the event. This has left a deficit of about $5,000 that the men are looking to raise through sponsorships by August 1st. I know it’s a “short fuse” and everybody and their brother is hitting you all up for something, but this is a great opportunity to really help out a worthy cause. Having been deployed in combat operations myself, I can tell you that getting a couple of hours of fun is a welcome diversion.

I hope you, or your firms, or others with whom you interact, will consider making a donation to help defray the cost of this show and support for our young people who are mobilizing through Camp Atterbury. Thanks for your time and attention. Please contact Tom Blandford, at tomblandford151@msn.com, for more detailed information or to make a contribution. And, thanks in advance for supporting the troops.

Please consider helping out troops!

COLEMAN CALLS FOR FELLOW COUNCILOR TO ABSTAIN FROM PUBLIC SAFETY VOTES

Councilor At-Large says Minton-NcNeill has failed to show objectivity towards law enforcement

INDIANAPOLIS—City County Councilor Ed Coleman (R-At Large) today called for fellow Councilor Doris Minton- McNeill to abstain from all public safety votes while her criminal case is pending.

“Given her underwhelming response to what happened, my fellow Councilor should abstain from voting on public safety matter, especially the upcoming budget, while her case is pending,” Coleman said.

Minton-McNeill was arrested in June in an incident where she allegedly assaulted a police officer and engaged in disorderly conduct. Coleman noted police reports in which Minton-McNeill shouted obscenities at law enforcement officers and irrationally alleged stereotypes against the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. [The "stereotypes" was her calling the officers, including a female officer, "m---er f---ing racists" - editor.]

“To date, my fellow councilor has never apologized for her remarks, nor has she denied what took place,” said Coleman. “While she deserves the benefit of the doubt and is innocent of any crime until proven guilty, her opinions towards IMPD have rendered her judgment questionable. Until she addresses the issues surrounding this case or her name is cleared, the honorable thing for her to do would be to abstain from voting on matters concerning public safety and IMPD.”

Coleman joined criticism towards Minton-McNeill for refusing to address the incident or apologize to IMPD Officers, her constituents, and her fellow officeholders.

“I am speaking up partly because she refuses to,” said Coleman. “Until her name is cleared or she explains what happened to her fellow councilors and the public, we have to assume the comments she made are her views towards Public Safety in Indianapolis. I respect her right to privacy, but if she continues to hide behind it, she should have the decency to excuse herself from these votes.”

[crossposted to the DFB]

UPDATE: Councilor Ed Coleman was interviewed by Rick Hightower of WRTV-6. Watch for it tonight at 11 PM.

Gary, Indiana.

One time known for winning the title of being the most dangerous city in America, having more murders than anywhere else.

But something is going on up there….

The Indianapolis Star is reporting:

The city has seen less than half the number of homicides it had by this time last year, and other Northwestern Indiana communities also have shown declines.

According to statistics from police and the Lake County coroner’s office, Gary has had 20 homicides so far in 2008, compared with 42 through July of last year.

Mayor Rudy Clay attributes the decline in part to a willingness among residents to come forward when crimes are committed.

“The people of Gary are saying ‘Hey, we’re tired of it. We’re not going to take it anymore,’ ” Clay said.

Now wait a second… Homicides are down around 50%? In Gary?

Rudy Clay says that the people aren’t going to take it anymore?

(Maybe me and my family can take in a Railcats game, knowing it may be safer downtown Gary than before.)

But in Indianapolis, completely different story.

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