UPDATE: Lincoln Plowman retired from IMPD and resigned from the Council today.

Abdul writes on Indiana Barrister:

I’ll also be watching the Lincoln Plowman resignation on Monday. There are a couple dynamics at play here. By stepping down, as opposed to being fired, Plowman will keep his retirement since he has 20 years as an IMPD officer. Plowman is also resigning from the Council, I’m checking through my list of possible replacements, one person who quickly comes to mind is Tim Ping who briefly ran for State Representative to replace Mike Murphy who is running for Congress.

I would concur on his observation of his likely replacement. Tim is a good guy, and it doesn’t hurt when one’s wife is the Vice-Chairman of the Marion County Republican Central Committee. That being said Plowman has not been indicted, or even any indication of the investigation being concluded and turned over to the US Attorney’s office (this is supposedly a Federal investigation) or any Federal grand jury being impaneled. There is still the possibility there was no wrongdoing and the investigation will will come to the same conclusion. For Angela Mansfield (D-2nd) to proselytize about ethics when her own party runs very low on ethics itself is laughable. Why didn’t Monroe Gray resign during the investigations into his business practices? Or why didn’t Doris Minton-McNeil resign after her arrest for battery upon a police officer? There’s the questionable ethics around Paul Bateman and his non-profits. I guess “Innocent until Proven Guilty” only applies to Democrats and not Republicans, huh Angela?

On top of all that, Mary Milz (wife of the left-wing editor of the IndyStar Dennis Ryerson) is conducting her own witch hunt into Councilor Plowman’s affairs. I guess WTHR really does stand for “We Truly Hate Republicans” doesn’t it?

The Parks & Recreation Committee of the Indianapolis-Marion County City-County Council met tonight to take public testimony on Proposal 39-2010. This proposal, authored by the Republican-turned-Libertarian Ed Coleman (L-At Large), would remove the prohibition of firearm possession on park property. It is legal to possess a firearm if you have a carry permit in national parks, Indiana state parks, but not in IndyParks.

When this proposal was introduced in the Council, Republican Mayor Greg Ballard almost immediately announced that he would veto the proposal if it were to pass Council. About a dozen people spoke in favor of the proposal, including yours truly. Two spoke out against it.

After public comments, Councilor Lincoln Plowman (R-25th) said he supported the proposal but had an issue with it because of the potential for IndyParks property to violate the state law on school zones. He immediately moved to table the proposal. Councilors Janice McHenry (R-6th), William Oliver (D-10th), and Susie Day (R-20th) concurred. Councilors Mike Speedy (R-24th), Monroe Gray (D-8th) and Vernon Brown (D-18th) voted no on tabling.

Monroe Gray stated he did not like the proposal at all. So I wonder did he know he was voting to table it or did he not want it tabled, but send it to the full council so it can be voted down? Vernon Brown, on the other hand, commented that he thought CCW permit holders should be allowed to possess on IndyParks property. I spoke to Brown after the hearing and said “Hell has frozen over. We actually agree on an issue!”

Councilor Coleman stated to the gathered crowd that he felt the reason the proposal was tabled in committee was to save face for themselves and the Mayor. Some GOP insiders state the sole reason for Councilor Coleman writing this proposal is stirring up animosity within the party that got him elected to his seat, which he repaid the favor by defecting to the Libertarians.

Since I am one of now many candidates up for consideration by the PC’s at a later caucus for the City-County Council At-Large seat, I went and met many folks most of whom I already know from being around the clubs and other events in the past couple of years. Met all of my opponents in this race so far. All were very cordial, and all agree to keep everything clean and above board. While in line for a 2nd time for my voting credential (more on that in a second), I had a lengthy conversation with a PC who had concerns over mass transit. I told her what I thought, that yes its an idea whose time has come but how will it be funded? There’s a balance between reasonable fares to support such an operation versus trying to hold the line on taxes used to subsidize such a service. Then we discussed things like using abandoned railroad right-of-way and existing freight tracks that are under utilized (for example the Nickel Plate – which is now the “Fair Train”) before getting into new ROW acquisition. Also discussed getting the collar counties involved and I admitted that is something that will require action by the Indiana General Assembly. Though I hear “let’s just use Federal money” remember it’s still OUR tax money, just coming from a different pot.

The reason I went through the registration line twice is it seems somehow I was left off the list of voting members. A couple phone calls to my ward chairman and area chairman and later the problem was solved. Thanks to NE area chair Jim Gutting for getting this sorted out for me.

Things started off with the usual pageantry and leading off was the Prosecutor’s nomination. I’ve never heard of Mark Massa until today and frankly, I’m very impressed by his credentials. Former deputy prosecutor under Scott Newman and Assistant US Attorney. As Deputy Prosecutor he did everything from minor offenses to capital murder cases and even prosecuted 2 death penalty cases. His words were “I don’t like to do it, but I will” referring to asking for the death penalty in a capital murder case. Very much qualified to serve as our next Marion County Prosecutor. Obviously we’re behind the 8-ball on prosecutor’s race fund raising and with the late announcement of Carl Brizzi not running for a third term as prosecutor, and the stutter step of Helen Marchal as the initial candidate for Prosecutor. The next few weeks will obviously be spent building the name ID of Mark Massa. Marion County voters will not go wrong by voting for Mark Massa.

(More Below The Fold)

All the work of a small group of people seeking the blessing of the Marion County Republican faithful is coming to a climax today. There is one countywide office, and the most contentious, going to a vote of Precinct Committeemen and Ward Chairmen. That is the Marion County Sheriff. Bart McAtee is seeking the party’s support, but is looked upon negatively by party faithful over his past support of Democrat Sheriff Frank Anderson. Steve Davis, the 2006 candidate for Sheriff, and IMPD Sargent Dennis Fishburn (father of IMPD patrolman Jason Fishburn) are also seeking the party’s support in the primary. Tim Motsinger was the early front runner for Marion County Sheriff but had to exit the race when his finance chairman, Tim Durham, befell upon legal problems unrelated to the election. The 7th Congressional District is also going before the PC’s today that represent the 7th CD. There are a couple township offices that will go to a vote of the respective township PC’s. The early favorite is Carlos May, a young hispanic American who previously worked for the Mayor Ballard administration.

Here’s the list as we know them:

Marion County Sheriff – Steve Davis, Dennis Fishburn, and Bart McAtee

7th Congressional District – Carlos May, Rafael Ramirez (Note: Dr. Marvin Scott is on the ballot but bypassed slating).

The Perry Township Constable and Lawrence Township Trustee are also seeking the party’s endorsement for their respective townships

NOTE: The open Indianapolis City-County Council seat is NOT being voted upon today. That is tentatively scheduled for March 1st at a venue to be chosen at a later time.

Hoosier Access will be here to bring you the results as they happen. The Convention is expected to begin around 8 AM.

You call follow @HoosierAccess on Twitter also.

(Read below the fold for results)

Abdul reports via Twitter:

“Sources tell me At-Large City County Councilor Kent Smith to resign his seat on the Council. Resignation comes due to new Department of Defense rules restricting active and reserve duty members from holding public office. No word yet on when the resignation will occur and when a replacement will be picked. However the GOP’s slating convention is Feb 13. Under party rules, a new at-Large candidate would be picked 30 days out.”

Kent is one of two African-American Republican councilors on the Council, with Barbara Malone being the other. It’s early yet so obviously no names have popped up as candidates for replacing Councilor Smith.

Things just got more interesting in Indianapolis. The Marion County Republican Central Committee released the following statement today:

Earlier today, I sent an e-mail to Tom John, the Chairman of the Republican Party in Marion County, withdrawing my application for the Party’s endorsement as a candidate for Marion County Prosecutor.

Given the early deadline for filing for slating, and with the timing of Prosecutor Brizzi’s decision not to run for re-election so close to that deadline, I was faced with a major decision impacting myself and my family (including my three children, under the age of 7), with a deadline of less than 48 hours. On further reflection and consideration of the sobering realities of a condensed, nine-month campaign, for personal reasons, I thought it best to withdraw my candidacy. I have talked to the party Chairman, and am hopeful that the process can be reopened so that another candidate, the best candidate that can be found, will receive the support and the opportunity that he or she needs. I will do all I can to be helpful in that process.

With gratitude to all those who were willing to support me for this important trust, I am humbled and thankful.

On the heels of embattled current Prosecutor Carl Brizzi’s decision to not seek another term at the last minute, his Chief of Staff Helen Marchal was brought forth as the heir apparent to the Prosecutor’s office. Marchal, who is married to Democrat judicial commissioner Jeffrey Marchal, was criticized heavily by a Republican precinct committeeman blogger who questioned her loyalty to the GOP. According to that blog, as recently as 2002 Marchal voted as a Democrat in the primary. According to the Twitter feed of WXNT’s Abdul, former Prosecutor and Indianapolis PSD Scott Newman was named to lead a search committee for a prosecutor candidate. One name that seems to pop up in GOP circles from time to time – City-County Councilor Ryan Vaughn who was recently elected as City-County Council president. No question Councilor Ryan Vaughn aspires for higher office, as he ran for the State Senate seat vacated by Teresa Lubbers that was won by current State Senator Scott Schneider.

One interesting nugget came out of a GOP club meeting in Washington Township (Marion County) where Mayor Greg Ballard spoke referred to a “strong” candidate for prosecutor as a “she”. Whoever the candidate for prosecutor is, he or she will be wedged between the 8-ball and the rail in regards to campaigning and fund raising. By this time 4 years ago, Carl Brizzi was well out in front of fundraising. This time, however, with a contentious GOP Congressional primary surrounding Marion County the campaign ATM is running really short, really fast. Several prominent Democrats including former State Representative and unsuccessful Congressional candidate David Orentlicher are vying for the Prosecutor’s seat.

As of now there is no word on who will run for the Marion County offices of clerk, recorder, and auditor all presently held by Democrats elected in the Democrat watershed year of 2006. Many remember Democrat Clerk Beth White for her campaign promises of “Make Every Vote Count” which was followed by a botched election in 2007 where voting precincts did not open all day and many opened several hours late. There are 3 candidates for Marion County Sheriff: Bart McAtee, son of former Sheriff Joe McAtee; Steve Davis, the unsuccessful GOP Sheriff candidate in 2006; and IMPD Sargent Dennis Fishburn.

Going into an election cycle with no clear picture of who the candidates will even be is not a good position for the Marion County GOP faithful at this point. It seems MCRCC and its Chairman Tom John has fallen a bit short in the candidate recruitment category for 2010. When the news of the Durham investigation broke, a sheriff candidate who was bankrolled by Durham immediately withdrew. On the other hand, prosecutor Carl Brizzi dragged on for weeks until deciding to forgo a third term. In many places of the country the GOP is set for potential sweeps of local, statewide, and national races in 2010 and the clear and present danger for the Marion County GOP is the loss of the long time GOP held prosecutor’s office and the tone it would set for the municipal elections in 2011.

In what is probably one of the worst kept secrets in Marion County politics, or the end of a movie when you already have spoiler in hand, Marion County Prosecutor Carl Brizzi announced today he is not seeking a third term as prosecutor. He endorsed Chief of Staff Helen Marchal as his successor. Those of us in Marion County are not surprised by this move by Brizzi. His ties to political financier Tim Durham who is under investigation by the Feds would make his re-election difficult. Some of us wonder “What took so long?” in today’s announcement.

Also, by this time 4 years ago, Carl Brizzi was already in heavy fundraising mode, and from what I have heard and seen so far none of that has happened to date. Brizzi did change the name of his campaign committee earlier in 2009 which led to rumors of his contemplating a run for Congress in what is now a crowded 5th District primary.

Some wonder the timing of this announcement, as another blogger states today was the last day to file for slating in Marion County. On a related note, there is no word yet on who will run for county offices such as assessor, clerk, recorder, etc.

Assuming Marchal is unopposed in the May primary, she will face one of several Democrats vying for the Prosecutor’s job.

Carl Brizzi’s letter to supporters is found by clicking the more button:

After KFC announced an arrangement with the City of Indianapolis advertising on fire hydrants in exchange for IndyParks funds, PETA has stepped in …. and well you just need to read it for yourself

Pro-firearms backers (including myself) have taken to contacting Indianapolis City-County Councilors via social networks (Twitter, Facebook) to lobby for not approving the Mayor’s appointment of New Yorker Frank Straub to the position of Public Safety Director.

Liz Karlson is quoted in the IndyStar:

“He comes from a New York culture that is definitely more anti-gun,” said Liz Karlson, county chairwoman of the Republican Liberty Caucus, who has contacted council members about the issue via Facebook. “I’ve heard these things before: They say they don’t go after the gun owner. But I haven’t heard him say anything pro-gun-owner, either.”

(emphasis mine)

Councilor Ben Hunter responded to many comments on Facebook and Twitter and states he backs the Mayor’s appointment and I assume he will vote to confirm on February 1st. Hunter states that Straub only wants to rid “illegal” guns. Many in the pro-firearms movement have taken the phrase “illegal guns” as said by anti-firearms people to mean “all guns”.

I also contacted Mike Speedy, typically a pro-firearms voting councilor, about this appointment. He was on vacation over the holidays with his family and has not responded.

From Councilor Ben Hunter’s Twitter:

“Just heard the Franklin Twnsp Brd voted 7-0 to merge their fire dept with IFD. Proposal will now go to the full Council for consideration.”

Assuming approval by the City-County Council, Franklin will join Perry, Warren, and Washington Townships as merged fire departments with Indianapolis Fire Department. This leaves Decatur, Pike, Wayne, and Lawrence as the remaining township fire departments in Marion County.

Seen tonight as Andy Harris’ Facebook Status:

“Looking towards running for Wayne Township Trustee starting in January of 2010. It is time we bring TRUST back into TRUSTEE in Wayne Township. Enough is Enough, Andy Harris for Wayne Township Trustee!!!”

Andy is a great guy and will do well as the Trustee. My question for Andy is – if the opportunity to consolidate the township functions (i.e. fire department) into the City and County were to occur during his tenure as Trustee, would he willing go along with it, regardless of who occupies the 25th Floor or holds the majority of the City-County Council?

FLASH: I just received word that City-County Councilor Ryan Vaughn (District 3) was just elected President of the City-Council in a GOP Caucus election. If I hear more I’ll pass along the information.

UPDATE 2: Marilyn Pfisterer (District 14) was just elected Vice President of the Council, replacing Ryan Vaughn who is the new President.

UPDATE 3: Michael McQuillen (District 12) is the Majority Leader replacing Lincoln Plowman

Getting word there is a floor fight between Kent Smith (At-Large) and Susie Day (District 20) for Majority Whip.

UPDATE 4: Susie Day wins the vote for Majority Whip.