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OBAMA-BAYH RUMORS SWIRL: Barack Obama and Evan Bayh are expected to take the stage at Concord High School’s McCuen Gym between 9:30 and 10 a.m. Wednesday, 2nd CD Democratic Chairman Butch Morgan told Howey Politics Indiana this morning. .jpg)
But no one is predicting this is a vice presidential rollout, though Democratic stalwarts from around the state have been advised to make this scene. The rumor mill was cranking full speed over the past 24 hours. They included that the pair might motor to events in LaPorte County as well as Indianapolis. Democratic sources last weekend mentioned police motorcade plans that include LaPorte. The Obama campaign has been mum on a starting time. A key telltale is that a veep rollout wouldn’t occur prior to 10 a.m. due to West Coast viewership. But Obama has no other events scheduled for Wednesday and wheels up for the national press corps is listed at 3:30 p.m.
LONG LINES FOR OBAMA: Ardent supporters of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama ensured that they would get a seat at Concord High School when he stumps there this week (McFarley, Elkhart Truth). The most faithful lined up at 6 a.m. Monday outside Obama’s campaign office in downtown Elkhart, where tickets to the Concord event wouldn’t be distributed until 10 hours later. Then they outlasted a thunderstorm. "Things are sky high, people are out of work, people are losing their homes, they’re losing everything," Elkhart resident Stephanie Hanson said late that morning as she waited with about a dozen other Obama devotees. "We need a change, and I believe he’s the one to do it." At its height, the line grew to more than 1,000, snaking for several blocks along Main Street sidewalks and toward the RiverWalk. Doors to the event open at 7:15 a.m., but the campaign has not announced what time Obama will take the stage. The campaign inquired Friday about using the school, visited later that day and firmed up plans within a matter of hours.
SCREAM-O-METER IS AVAILABLE: Concord HS is awaiting word as to whether the campaign will want to use the gym’s Scream-O-Meter, the device whose white and green lights react to crowd noise (Elkhart Truth). "If they request it, it’s just a matter of plugging it in," Cunningham said.
HOGSETT TAMPS DOWN EXPECTATIONS: Democrats such as Joe Hogsett, a former state party chairman, said that having an Indiana name on the presidential ticket doesn’t guarantee a party success (Indianapolis Star). Hogsett was among those trying to tamp down expectations, saying Wednesday’s visit "needs to be interpreted for what it precisely is on its face: and that is Barack Obama’s decision that regardless of who his running mate is, Indiana is going to be a highly competitive, contested race."
OBAMA-BAYH WRITE GATES: With an estimated 320,000 American soldiers who have been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan experiencing a possible traumatic brain injury (TBI), Sens. Evan Bayh (D-IN) and Barack Obama (D-IL) Monday called on Defense Secretary Robert Gates to extend military health care coverage to include proven treatment for the signature injury of the two wars (Howey Politics Indiana). “We are concerned that at a time when TBI is recognized as the signature wound of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, one of the most widely accepted and critical rehabilitative treatments for this injury, known as cognitive rehabilitation therapy, is excluded by the military’s TRICARE health insurance program,” the senators wrote to Gates today. Traumatic brain injuries can include those caused by shrapnel that penetrate the skull, but also injuries with no visible signs caused by shockwaves from improvised explosive devices and mortars. Soldiers with TBI frequently have difficulties with attention, concentration, memory, problem-solving, and decision-making. Cognitive rehabilitation therapies help service members regain brain function. “Given the prevalence of TBI among returning service personnel, it is difficult to comprehend why the military’s managed healthcare plan does not cover the very therapies that give our soldiers the best opportunities to recover and live full and productive lives,” the senators wrote.
Presidential
OBAMA OPENS 18TH OFFICE: the tally of campaign activity in Indiana tilts heavily toward Obama (Indianapolis Star). Obama opened his 18th campaign office in Indiana on Monday and expects to open 25 to 30. McCain has yet to open an office here. And Obama is running his third campaign commercial here since the primary; McCain has not bought Indiana TV time. The McCain campaign, though, will try to grab some of the spotlight Wednesday, holding an Indiana Veterans for McCain Coalition at the Indiana War Memorial in Indianapolis that afternoon with Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard, a retired Marine; U.S. Rep. Steve Buyer, an Indiana Republican who served in the first Gulf War; and other Indiana veterans and service members. Luke Messer, a former executive director of the Indiana Republican Party who is helping to lead McCain’s campaign here, believes that even with Bayh on the ballot, Republicans would carry Indiana. This is a conservative state, he said, and Bayh has won here by building a reputation as a moderate. Once on the Democratic ticket, he said, Bayh would have to move to the left — and that would hurt him in Indiana.
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Iraq War
IFD FIGHTERFIGHTER KILLED BY IED: An Indianapolis Fire Department captain serving in Iraq with the National Guard has been killed by a roadside bomb (Associated Press). Fire Department spokesman Capt. Gregg Harris says Gary Henry was a sergeant with the Indiana National Guard’s 38th Military Police Company, based in Danville. Henry was a 12-year veteran of the Indianapolis Fire Department and worked as a special operations rescue coordinator. Harris had no additional details on Henry’s death.
Congress
PENCE TO TALK ENERGY AT RICHMOND: U.S. Rep. Mike Pence will hold a town hall meeting on energy policy Thursday in Richmond. The event begins at 1:30 p.m. in the Richmond Municipal Building’s Council Chambers on the third floor at 50 N. Fifth St. Pence, a Columbus Republican, represents Wayne County.
WELSH ASSAILS PENCE TACTICS: 6th CD nominee Barry Welsh released this statement: Rep. Mike Pence from Indiana’s 6th District has been leading a charge from the GOP-minority to recall the Congress from its traditional August recess to take a vote on expanding outer-continental shelf oil drilling. Mr. Pence claims that "Congress shouldn’t take a vacation until we vote on lessening our dependence on foreign oil. I agree that Congress should stay in session, but not to consider drilling in the Artic Natural Wildlife Reserve and other environmentally sensitive areas. Congress should be working full time to develop an energy policy that encourages and supports development of alternatives to oil, not more dependence on it. When elected to Congress I will support legislation that encourages the development of oil independence and new industries that will bring "green collar jobs" to the 6th District. Even if we began drilling and found oil, which is never guaranteed, it would have an impact of only a few cents and that impact would not occur until 2018. By that time, American workers could be making the American vehicles of the future. This is one of my top priorities when I am elected this November, creating new jobs from green technologies and affordable renewable energy sources. I was surprised my opponent has embraced such a bold move as to want Congress in special session, given the 37 times this year he has motioned to adjourn Congress. It seems like the only thing he does want to talk about is more oil, and that is exactly the opposite direction I think we should take. I think we should be talking about what we can do to help individual homeowners make their homes more energy efficient and less expensive to heat and cool. Most important we should be talking to our communities to find out what they need."
BUYER TALKS ENERGY: U.S. Rep. Steve Buyer (IN-04) held a press conference Monday in Lafayette speaking on the two energy related amendments he offered to the 2009 Military Construction, Veteran Affairs, and Related Agencies (MILCON/VA) Appropriations Act and the urgent need to increase the supply of American-made energy. The Congressman’s two amendments would provide for the installation of 35 alternative fueling stations at VA medical facilities and the installation of solar electronic roof applications to 16 VA Medical Centers across the country. This is one of the many steps that can be taken to address the impact of rising energy prices and alleviate our nation’s dependence on foreign oil. "My amendment will help bridge the VA to a better alternative energy future; where we have a balanced energy portfolio and are not dependent on unfriendly foreign oil," said Buyer. Appropriating funds for the VA to build alternative fueling stations is just one of many common sense approaches to solving the nation’s energy challenges. According to the VA, it has nearly 11,000 vehicles that together travel over 100 million miles a year. Over 1,000 alternative fuel vehicles in FY 2007 were acquired by the VA and 99 percent of those vehicles are flexible fuel vehicles that can use E-85 or gasoline. Installing alternative fueling stations at more VA sites will have a considerable impact on the reduction of greenhouse gasses and lessen dependence on foreign oil. "I am confident, based on my conversations with the VA, that with funding 35, alternative fueling stations can be added to VA campuses to reduce our dependence on foreign oil," noted Buyer.
HEARING ON RAIL PURCHASE: A congressional field hearing on the impacts of the proposed purchase of the EJ&E Railroad by Canadian National will meet today in Chicago (Post-Tribune). The hearing is set to start at 10:30 a.m. in the Dirksen Federal Courthouse, Room 2525, on 219 S. Dearborn St. Five Illinois lawmakers will be holding the hearing; U.S. Rep. Peter J. Visclosky, D-Merrillville, is unable to attend, but will have a staffer read a statement.
State
CARTER TO AUCTION OFF UNCLAIMED PROPERTY: Indiana Attorney General Steve Carter came to Louisville yesterday to show off coins, jewelry and watches that were abandoned in safe deposit boxes at least five years ago and now will be auctioned to the highest online bidder (Louisville Courier-Journal). The items are part of the state’s abandoned-property program, which has auctioned more than 1,300 items for more than $100,000 since going online in 2006. Proceeds from the auctions are kept for 25 years in case the previous owners turn up to claim the items. Carter’s office will also publish lists in local newspapers this month with the names of more than 12,000 Southern Indiana residents who have $1.8 million in property — much of it cash — that was turned over to the state last year. "There is no fee charged to make a claim for your items," Carter said yesterday. "If you work directly with us, there is no charge. It is a free service."
CHANGES IN SCHOOL TUITION: Changes in the property tax system is switching the responsibility of the schools’ general funds from individual corporations to the state (News & Tribune). That change means tuition fees for public schools will essentially be nonexistent as of Jan. 1. This will effect all students living in one school district, but who want to attend a school in another district. Before, districts set their own rates based on local property taxes. West Clark Community Schools Corp. Superintendent Monty Schneider said the tuition fees made up for the taxes that were paid to that student’s district, but did not follow to the district the student chose to attend. With property taxes ending, that takes away the formula used to calculate tuition. “We expect some increased numbers,” Schneider said of the student population. “We think we’re going to get some good students.” Clarksville Community Schools Superintendent Steve Fisher said he also expects to see more students due to the change. “You can see how this can cause a big impact on Clarksville, because of our [small] size,” Fisher said.
HORSESHOE CUTS 14 JOBS: In what was described as a restructuring, the Horseshoe Casino in Harrison County has eliminated 14 positions, including that of the riverboat’s long-time diversity coordinator (Louisville Courier-Journal). The casino’s work force remained at about 2,000 after last week’s cuts, and none of the job cuts involved dealers, slot technicians or other "frontline" people who have direct contact with patrons, said Horseshoe spokeswoman Judy Hess.
EAST CHICAGO CASINO CUTS 41 JOBS: Forty-one employees of Ameristar East Chicago have been laid off (Times of Northwest Indiana). Company officials announced that "difficult" economic conditions led the Las Vegas-based casino operator to cut 244 staff members nationwide and constrict the work force through changes in "scheduling and staffing practices and attrition," according to an Ameristar news release. The cuts should save the company $20 million annually, according to the release.
IMS SIGNS OFF ON ‘BRICKYARD’ FOR HOBART: The 5,400-seat Hobart High School sports stadium under construction may soon share a name with one of the world’s greatest race tracks (Post-Tribune). The Indianapolis Motor Speedway, nicknamed the Brickyard, has agreed to let the Hobart school district use its trademark moniker. "It’s a unique name for us," said Hobart School Board member David Bigler, noting that the school district’s teams are nicknamed the Brickies.
SR 75 TO EXPAND: Carroll County has been awarded a $1.2 million grant from the Indiana Department of Transportation to begin planning an Indiana 75 extension (Lafayette Journal & Courier). The road is expected to not only provide a direct trucking route from Indiana 75 in Camden to the proposed Hoosier Heartland Highway, but create a shovel-ready industrial and business site.
Counties
VIGO PROPERTY TAX RATES DROP 39%: Vigo County homeowners will see an average 39 percent reduction in property taxes this year when tax bills hit mailboxes by end of this week, said Indiana State Budget Director Chris Ruhl (Terre Haute Tribune-Star). That average reduction is slightly more than other parts of the state, Ruhl said. The first property tax installment is due Sept. 5 in Vigo County, with the second due Nov. 10. The reduction in property taxes this year is made possible by two revenue sources: license fees, amounting to $250 million, for slot machines at horse tracks at Shelbyville and Anderson; and a 1 percent increase in the state sales tax — to 7 percent — that took effect April 1, Ruhl said. “All of that money for calendar year 2008 is getting plowed back into homestead credits. That is roughly $850 to $900 million of homestead credits statewide,” Ruhl said.
Cities
McDERMOTT SAYS BUSES UP TO HAMMOND COUNCIL: The fate of the Hammond Transit System lies solely in the hands of the City Council, Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. said Monday (Times of Northwest Indiana). The 2009 budget that McDermott soon will submit to the council includes funding for the service at this year’s level, giving the council the ability to fund the service or not. He said he will sign the final budget either way. "I feel I need to defer to the council’s judgment on this," McDermott said. "If they vote to keep or eliminate it, I’ll take that as the will of the people."
VALPARAISO BUDGET MAKES FINAL TRIMS: Despite a positive outlook for next year’s finances, the mayor says city officials still plan a lean budget to prepare for 2010 (Times of Northwest Indiana). "We are taking some pretty major steps to prepare for that," Mayor Jon Costas. The goal is to present the Valparaiso City Council with a budget that mirrors or is slightly lower than this year’s $14 million general fund budget. The mayor and department heads are still finishing final details of the budget, but Costas said it’s just about done. No major changes are expected, such as layoffs, and the city plans a 3 percent pay increase for city employees, Costas said.
SOUTH BEND SLASHES FUNDS: The city will save money on health care in 2009, although the savings isn’t enough to prevent cuts elsewhere in South Bend’s budget (South Bend Tribune). Money for the city’s commercial corridors program, along with grants for after-school programs and a contribution to the Youth Service Bureau won’t happen next year under a proposed budget presented to Common Council members on Monday. Mayor Stephen Luecke and other city officials point to a revamping of Indiana’s property tax code under the state’s House Enrolled Act 1001 as the reason for the budget cuts. The new law caps property taxes for homeowners and businesses and therefore means less revenue for local governments. The city was spending an annual $1 million to fix up commercial corridors along South Michigan Street, Main Street, Miami Boulevard and Portage Avenue. The money wasused for everything from curb reconstruction to curb appeal — facade grants businesses could use to fix up the outside of their buildings. It also was spending $150,000 in grants given to community organizations that ran after-school programs, and $75,000 for the Youth Service Bureau. Neighborhood plan implementation, valued at $300,000, a work force diversity initiative at $200,000 a year and money to La Casa de Amistad youth center, valued at $40,000, also are gone from the 2009 budget. Those are all important programs,Luecke said, but other areas of the city budget needed to stay intact. “When you compare that to police and fire and parks and other city services… those are obviously a higher priority,”he said.
FORT WAYNE AIRPORT TALKING TAXES: Allen County residents will pay more taxes next year to support Fort Wayne International Airport after Kitty Hawk’s departure (Fort Wayne Journal Gazette). The Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport board Monday heard an overview of its 2009 budget, which was hurt dramatically by the air cargo hub’s bankruptcy. Tory Richardson, airport executive director, said the authority will seek an additional $2.8 million in property taxes next year to cover the costs of the lease of Kitty Hawk’s old building. The increase almost doubles the amount of taxes the airport collects to $6.6 million. He said the increase, based on preliminary calculations, would raise the bill of a $100,000 home by $9.
NEW ALBANY SMOKE BAN PASSES FIRST HURDLE: The New Albany City Council voted 5-4 last night to approve an ordinance prohibiting smoking in restaurants, bars and private clubs that have employees or are open to the public (Louisville Courier-Journal). The decision, which came after the council listened to a long line of speakers on both sides of the ordinance, does not mean it has been adopted.
LAFAYETTE EXTENDS TROLLIES: Lafayette City Council members unanimously approved permanently extending a property tax that funds the downtown trolley service Monday night (Lafayette Journal & Courier).
FORMER MAYOR SEEKS SOUTH BEND SCHOOLS POST: Four more candidates have filed to run for open school board seats in St. Joseph County, including a former mayor (South Bend Tribune). The filing period for the Nov. 4 general election began July 23 and will remain open until noon Aug. 22 in the county clerk’s office. Roger Parent, who was mayor of South Bend from 1980 to 1988, will run for an at-large seat on the South Bend Community School Corp. board.
DISPUTE IN FORFEITURE TESTIMONY: Former County Prosecutor Richard Reed and ex-Police Chief Joe Winkle verbally sparred over testimony concerning the handling of forfeiture cases by the prosecutor’s office, especially those done by confidential settlements (Muncie Star Press). Winkle, MPD chief from 1996 until this year, testified upon questioning by current County Prosecutor Mark McKinney that during a 1997 conversation, Reed advised him that the State Board of Accounts had no authority over how forfeiture cases were dealt with even though the SBA had written up the city for not having collected assets go into Muncie’s general fund. Winkle added that Reed and former Mayor Dan Canan never told him to deposit the money anywhere other than into a Drug Task Force checking account. Those moneys were then dispersed for DTF use.
TERRE HAUTE CUTS BACK ON MOWING: Higher fuel prices will mean less mowing in Vigo County parks (Terre Haute Tribune-Star). Park officials on Monday decided to reduce mowing of county parks to every two weeks to try to cut fuel costs for the remainder of the year.
FED SUIT AGAINST McKILLOP CONTINUES: Former Kokomo Mayor Matt McKillip and three city police officers may be sued over claims they performed an illegal search and seizure of Kokomo resident Roger McConnell’s property, a federal judge has ruled. U.S. Southern District Court Judge Larry J. McKinney ruled last week McConnell’s federal lawsuit against McKillip and the officers can move forward, despite throwing out most of McConnell’s claims (Kokomo Tribune). McConnell filed suit against Mayor Matt McKillip and six other city employees over the 2004 cleanup operation which ended in McConnell’s arrest and the removal of more than 50 inoperable vehicles and tons of debris from his property at 2110 S. LaFountain St. City crews moved onto McConnell’s property on May 4, 2004 — Election Day — which was perhaps the one city work day of the year when McConnell, who had previously fought and beat a city plan commission cleanup order, wouldn’t have access to a court.
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