Polis Politics

Star: Cantwell struck bad Water deal

The Indianapolis Star's editorial page weighed in today on the Lawrence Water Co. settlement (Hat Tip: Advance Indiana). Lawrence is re-buying its water and sewer utility after it was sold four years ago to political allies of the Mayor. Lawrence Mayor Cantwell cut a deal (less than three weeks before Election Day) to get the company back in city hands, but at what cost?:

"Why block the council's ability to approve or reject the agreement? Cantwell and the council couldn't agree on the fact that Greg Oden is tall. They have feuded -- in frustrating, embarrassing and destructive ways -- for four years. But surely the mayor should set aside her animosity for the city's legislative branch long enough to acknowledge that this idea called checks-and-balances is worth preserving. Cantwell may consider council members to be mere buffoons. But they are elected buffoons, and as such should have oversight of a business deal that affects every resident of the city."

Cantwell promised rate reductions when the deal was announced, but she now also admits they may never materialize.

What a piece of work! We wonder if Cantwell cut this horrid deal with the same genius advisors as Beth White has with her website (photo below):

Review: WRTV Debate

Here are our Grades from last night's debate on WRTV ABC-6:

• Bart Peterson: The mayor didn't lose last night, but we wasn't a clear winner either. He wasn't challenged to the point where he had to deviate from his game plan, except on two occasions. He succeeded once, but on his retort to Ballard's criticism of Line 390 (the infamous "other services" line item), he simply claimed it was not true. Not as good a performance as the first debate, but he held his own. Grade: B-
• Greg Ballard: Ballard seemed more engaged in the debate than his first attempt on WISH-TV. Ballard challenged Peterson on several facts, but really didn't go after the mayor. He was far more comfortable than the first debate, but still had noticeable verbal stumbles. Again, not a home run, but I would call it a base hit up the middle. Grade: B-
• Panel: Moderator Todd Wallace was straight forward and let the candidates be the show. Norm Cox and Erica Flye asked some pointed and challenging questions, making the most of the opportunity to put the candidates on the spot. Grade: A
• Format: With all due respect to Libertarian Fred Peterson, his absence led to a true debate for Bart Peterson and Ballard. The three-way format does not portend to good exchanges between candidates in local debates, and the omission of Fred Peterson was a win for voters. Grade: A

Switched at Birth: Dane Mahern Edition

City-County Councilor Dane Mahern and "Skippy" from Family Ties:

Commentary: Why Congress Should Not Meddle in Foreign Affairs Morality

Congress's latest controversy reminds us of the late actor John Candy's lone venture into romantic comedy, Only the Lonely. In the film, Candy plays a Chicago cop whose love life is hindered by his mother (Maureen O'Hara) and her propensity to "tell it like it is." His blunt mother's comments constantly turn away others, hurting her son and family.

Lately, the Democrats in Congress are having issues with "telling it like it is." First, they have sparked controversy with a resolution condemning a Turkish slaughter of Armenians nearly a hundred years ago. Why this is urgent congressional business we don't know, but the Turks are taking offense at the U.S. passing judgment on past affairs.

Now, the Chinese are upset at Congress inviting Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama to receive a congressional medal. China annexed Tibet nearly 60 years ago and consider Congress's move a "threat to its sovereignty.

The slaughter of Armenians and the Chinese invasion of Tibet are both incidents in history that should not be supported or celebrated. But when the U.S. Government through Congress makes it a point to speak ill of other countries, we should no be surprised at their indignance or objection. International foreign affairs are already tense due to disagreement over the Iraq War. Is it really wise to pursue these items now to make a point that really isn't salient?

Peterson, O'Connor Silent on Gray's Ethics

From Sunday's Indianapolis Star's "Behind Closed Doors":

"Republican mayoral candidate Greg Ballard spoke out last week to encourage his opponent, Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson to, well, speak out.

"Ballard said Peterson has been quiet -- too quiet -- about City-County Council President Monroe Gray, who has come under fire for alleged ethical lapses.

"Republican members of the council have tried to open an ethics probe of Gray. Several issues have been raised, some involving contracts given to his concrete firm and also questions about what he does to earn his $83,000 annual pay as the Indianapolis Fire Department's political liaison.

"Last week, Gray used procedural rules to effectively shelve the GOP proposal for an ethics investigation. Both Ballard and Marion County GOP Chairman Tom John have called on Gray to resign as council president, saying he distorted the rules.

"And Ballard criticized Peterson for staying out of the fray.

"'I do not know what is worse: Gray's action or Bart Peterson's silence,' Ballard said in a statement and news conference. 'As mayor, I would leave no doubt that I do not condone such behavior.'

"Ballard noted that not long ago, Peterson called Monroe Gray 'a shining example' of leadership.

"If Peterson still thinks so, he should say so, Ballard said. Otherwise, he said, Peterson should join him in calling for Gray to resign.

"Mike O'Connor, Peterson's campaign manager, was dismissive.

"'Successful campaigns focus on issues and the future. Unsuccessful campaigns are built around attacks, negatives and are too busy talking about the past to have any time to spend on the future,' he said. 'And I'll leave it to you to decide which one the Ballard campaign is.'"

Based on those two statements (Peterson's and O'Connor's), which campaign was discussing issues and which one was making ad hominem attacks?

Gary Varvel on Monroe Gray

Monroe Gray in Action!

Check out this video of Monroe Gray at last night's meeting of the Meridian Street Foundation.

WISH-TV Poll: Should Monroe Gray Resign?

Tom John and the Marion County GOP called for Monroe Gray to resign today in light of last night's shenanigans on the proposal to investigate him. The Indianapolis Star story can be found here.

WISH-TV is conducting a poll on whether you agree that Gray should resign. We encourage you to vote and let your voice be heard!

Monroe Gray: Looking Out For #1

During tonight's City-County Council Meeting, Monroe Gray, embattled President of Council, did not place Proposal 182, which would create an investigative committee to investigate ethics violations by Monroe Gray, embattled President of Council.

After a long debate between Gray lackey, City Attorney Aaron Haith, and Minority Leader Phil Borst, Gray ruled that Borst missed his opportunity to place the proposal on the calendar. Borst argued Council Rules required it to be on the calendar.

Councilor Scott Schneider appealed the ruling of the Chair. The vote total: 13-13 (a failing vote). Who cast the 13th vote against to kill it: Monroe Gray.

So now our Council President is deciding if he should be investigated or not. Disgraceful.

Alert the Media!: Monroe Gray works!

Is it sad when your most famous employee showing up for work is worthy of a press conference? WISH-TV's Jim Shella writes:

"The media was invited to be present today when the President of the City County Council had his figurative firefighter hat on. He and other IFD brass joined with State Farm insurance to hand out fire detectors door to door."

After Gray retires, can we apply top hand out smoke detectors for $73,000 a year?