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Meeting Minutes for October General membership meeting of the Indiana Democratic Club. 10/24/2006 @ 7:30pm

Meeting called to order by: IDC President Ken Kern at 7:30pm at the Julia Carson Government Center in Indianapolis

Pledge of Allegiance led by: State Sen. and Marion County Auditor Candidate Billie Breaux

Speaker: Judy Anderson, Candidate for State Auditor

Indianapolis Star VP/Editor Dennis Ryerson could not make it due to another obligation.

Judy Anderson is the Democratic candidate for State Auditor.

Topic: State Candidates

Secretary of State: Joe Pearson. Grain and livestock farmer in Grant County. BS in Animal Science from Purdue, MS in Education from Ball State and finished a Doctorate in 2004. Lives in Blackford county. 16 years on Blackford County School Board and President of Indiana School Board Association
www.joepearsonforindiana.com

Treasurer: Michael Griffin. Attended IU with BS in Religious Studies and Political Science, MS in Political Affairs with minor in Finance. Adjunct professor at IU Northwest. Certified Public Finance Administrator and Indiana Accredited Municipal Clerk and Certified Municipal Clerk.
www.michaelgriffinfortreasurer.org

Auditor: Judy Anderson. Vigo County Commissioner since 2000. Originally from Vigo County and lives in West Terre Haute.

Drove a school bus for 22 years and started her own catering business for 10 years. Started political career in 1984. Served on Township Advisory Board for 12 years. When her last child went to college, she decided to run county wide for an at large seat on the county council. Out of 15 candidates, she came out on top and was the first woman elected to the Vigo County Council.  After 1 term, a commissioner’s position opened she was urged to run for that and she did, serving her second term now and is the President of the Vigo County Commissioners.

She had no intention of running for a state office at this time and was happy where she was, but it came about and jumped up to take it. As a Commissioner and a Council Member, she has known the way money is structured and moves in and out of the county. She could see the pie at the county level but has a problem that at the state level, she can’t see the pie. She wants to change that.

She has also had problems with Major Moves. It sounds good but could not see the whole thing. As Auditor, she would be overseeing and auditing the Major Moves money – a 75 year contract.  She wants to be there to oversee where the millions and billions of dollars are going. “If I know, you’ll know” – the public needs to know where their tax dollars are going. Good or bad, it needs to be known.

She has a big problem with what they call “invisible money” – money that is sent out of state and through private contracts to state employees that work through contractors. The state is not accountable for this and this is a problem. Tax payers deserve to know where this money is going.

The Auditor needs to work with legislators to get laws passed to open up the records of public spending to all taxpayers. Corporations should also be held accountable for paying their fair share of taxes. She doesn’t just want to go in and write checks – she wants to make sure it’s right to write the checks. She will be an independent auditor tied only to the taxpayers of Indiana.  There are 14 states in the United States that require at least some sort of public reporting on service contracts. These are not being accounted for in Indiana.

We have got to get Democrats elected, locally, state legislature. “Pull that donkey’s tail.” We are laying the groundwork for 2008 in 2006.

Q&A:

She feels that we’re doing well statewide and that we will do well on Election Day.

Does not feel the lack of a US Senate candidate is hurting us, but it surely would have been nice.

Does not feel the media accurately or fully explains the office of Auditor, and that the people need a better understanding not just of the office of Auditor but of the others as well.

Minutes:  September minutes accepted as handed out.

Treasurer’s Report: Accepted as read by the Secretary

Guests, New Members, Candidates & Notables:
Judge Barbara Collins, thanking for support of the Democratic Judges. There is actually no competition this year due to a GOP bill that made it 20 judges, 10 from each party.

Michael DeSloover. Was the first candidate for the statehouse in 25 years in Hamilton County. Active on the Fraud Taskforce.  Indianapolis has the lowest appreciation of home values of any major city in the US (around 3% per year) next to Buffalo, NY. The problem is not the 2% of fraud, it’s THAT. If we moderately curtailed house building, the average net worth could increase $15k to $20k. Indianapolis is one of the most over-built markets in the nation. This is all a big problem and just trying to get the word out there.

Bill Stant, Green Party Candidate for Secretary of State. He is strictly a write in candidate due to Indiana’s closed ballot process.

• Corporate social responsibility
• Election reform.

• Repeal voter ID
• Open ballot access.
• Allow day-of-election voter registration.
• Polls should stay open longer, employers should be required to pay for time off for voting.
  Proponent of Instant Runoff Voting to eliminate spoiler effect
• Campaign Finance Reform, move to publicly financed election. Give candidate choice of public money or private money, but not both. And then inform all voters who is using what money.
• Should move to non partisan Secretary of State. Not bipartisan but nonpartisan.
• Completely public fun Secretary of State, no party affiliations or money.
• Paper receipts and ballots for all voting machines
• Move securities division out of SoS office to eliminate conflict of interest.
• www.citizensforstandt.org

Steve Nicewanger, Warren Township Democratic Club President. Irvington Halloween Festival on Saturday and Warren Democrats will have a booth. Starts at 10:30am through about 6pm, and any Democrat who wants to come and help are welcome.  In Irvington.

State Senator Billie Breaux and Candidate for Marion County Auditor. Support the county ticket. We have the best ticket we’ve had in a long time, so go out and support the ticket. Just because the news says this is a Democratic year, we have to get out there and make it a Democratic year. Don’t take it for granted.

Catherine Carr, candidate for the US House in the 4^th District.

Judge Shaheed, Marion County Criminal Court 14.

Announcements:

• IDC Member Wayne Watson passed in the last month.
• IDC Member Martin Hinman won the Encore Award (a local Indianapolis area theatre award) for Minor Supporting Actor
• The Indianapolis Chapter of Drinking Liberally is hosting an election night party at Spencer’s Stadium Tavern, 802 S. West Street (SW corner of West & McCarty)
• Third Tuesday Luncheon, November 21^st, 11:30pm-1pm at the Southside Democratic Club. Turkey with all the trimmings.
  1135 S. Shelby Street
  Indianapolis

New Business:

• Video, first 20 minutes of the movie Iraq for Sale.
  http://iraqforsale.org/

Respectfully Submitted,
Jason Borneman
IDC Secretary

The April General Membership Meeting of the Indian Democratic Club was opened on 4/25/06 by IDC President Ken Kern at 7:3pm at the Julia Carson Government Center in Indianapolis Indiana. Sponsors for the meeting were the slated Marion County Circuit Court Judge Candidates.
Both the treasurer’s report and the secretary’s report were handed out and accepted as written.

Guest speakers:
(Note: this meeting took place before the primaries. Since then, Katherine Carr has won the primary)

Tonight’s guests were candidates for Congress in the 5th District of Indiana: Mike Brown, Tom Williams, Katherine Carr and a representative of Michael Clements (Tom Hipple).

Mike Brown:From North Manchester at the north end of the district. Moved to North Manchester 33 years ago. Masters in Economics and History. Was the president of the Young Democrats when he was in college. Started off with a small business that grew into a fine jewelry business. Has worked as the President of the Main St. Organization in his hometown working on Downtown restoration.

platform/Ideas:
-Anti-special interests & lobbyists. It is a corrupting influence.
-Confronted Rep. Burton at a town hall about lobbying and corporate money influencing him. Asked him to set aside special interest money in his campaign.  Unsurprisingly, Rep. Burton refused.
-National Security:  Increase port & border security, accept the Arab Nations’ previous offer to handle security in Iraq.
-Financial Security is as important as National Security. Repeal Bush’s tax cuts, stop pork and earmarks in Congress. Social Security - remove the $90k cap on social security taxable income. Also redo the capital gains and investment taxes
-Extend Medicare to everyone as a first step to health care.
-Increase the minimum wage.
-Focus on environmental security and global warming.

Tom Hipple representing Michael Clements: Michael is 27 from Huntington. Son and Grandson of Democratic Party Officials. His campaign is about the responsibility to represent the positive side of the American Experience.  The GOP vision is about the opposition to things passed and achieved 30 to 50 years ago.

He was slated in Marion County and by the 5th District Democrats, as well as the 5th District UAW. Urges voters to support the slate.

Tom Williams: A lawyer in Greenfield and Retired Army Intelligence Officer. Father of 3 and raising his granddaughter. Mr. Williams has been involved for many years in Democratic politics, his grandfather was a former Indiana Attorney General and his great-grandfather was in Congress. Comes from the populist tradition of the Democratic Party.

“Running because I am pissed off that Bush is our President”  Would ask Bush: Where is the Iraq oil money that was to pay for the war? Wasn’t the war supposed to be much shorter and cheaper?

Wants to return troops home now, pledges to vote that way. If the people of Iraq don’t want us there, no amount of technology can stop them from fighting us.  Also pledges to vote for no more money spent on the Iraq war because of our growing debt. Every American currently has $28,000 in debt. How many American schools, roads, etc could have been built for that money?

Katherine Carr: Running vs. Burton is like running against Bush/Cheney.
Iraq/Budget: Most attendees have heard her speak on this already. In support of term limits.

It used to be most of our debt was to ourselves. Now, a large majority of our debt is owed to foreign nations. If they were to ‘foreclose’ on that debt, our economy would be in serious trouble.

Q&A:
If you were facing the Patriot Act & Iraq war votes in the face of public opposition, how would you have voted?
K.C: Hopes she would have seen past the lies, but so much was done to mislead us it is hard to say now.
T.W.: Civil liberties are very important and we must support them no matter what
M.B.: Was against the war from the beginning. Unsure if he would have been deceived a a Congressman, but would like to think he wouldn’t have been
Tom for M.C.:He would have done like Congresswoman Carson and voted against it despite the pressure.

Network Neutrality(?):
M.B.: favors supporting Net Neutrality as law.
K.C.: favors supporting Net Neutrality as law.
T.W.: Thinks Net Neutrality is important. No advantage should be given to one person/corporation over others. The Internet has brought people together and it shouldn’t be made out as a prize to big business.
Tom for M.C.: Can’t speak for Michael on this.

Re: Adding government/public employees to National Labor Relations Act:
K.C.: As long as it doesn’t endanger life and vital public services, then yes supports it.
T.W.: Needs to learn more about labor issues before answering this.
M.B.: Also supports it as long as i doesn’t endanger public safety services

Opinion on allowing businesses to dump pensions:
K.C.: Executive/manager salaries should be cut before dumping pensions
T.W.: Opposes businesses dumping pensions. Too many people rely on them
M.B.: Unfortunately, most of the damage of allowing this has already been done via bad bills in Congress
Tom for M.C.: It’s wrong, not just for individuals but for the economic health of our country.

What would your preferred committee assignment be if you won in November:
Tom for M.C.:Ways & Means
M.B. Foreign Affairs
T.W. Intelligence
K.C. Ways & Means

What should we do in Iraq now?
K.C.: Set a deadline and start backing out to meet that deadline. A goal is needed to push Iraqis to do more.
M.B.: Take up the Arab League’s offer to handle security. Get out ASAP.
Tom for M.C.: A timed withdrawal.

How to beat Burton:
Tom for M.C.: Tell the truth about him?
M.B.: It will be tough due to his money, but by not being like him (in terms of taking money from lobbyists). Be a different type of candidate.
T.W.: Burton doesn’t represent the views of the district. Represent and support those views.
K.C.: Tell the truth. Be pro worker.

Guests & Elected Officials:
Larry Ryan (Southside Democrat Club)
Steve Nicewanger (Warren Twp Dem Club)
Mary Ray (Hamilton County Dem Women Club)
Leona Glazebrooks for State Rep 87
Russel Brown for State Senate 31
Greg Bowes for Marion County Assessor
5 of the 9 slated candidates for Marion county Superior Court Judge
Erin Rosenberg for Julia Carson for Congress campaign.

Other Notes:
The Hamilton County Democratic Women’s Club Cookbook is available. $15, hardcover. It’s a fundraiser for the club. Call 317-844-9447 for information.

Just a quick congratulations to all of the candidates that prevailed yesterday in the primary election. Now it’s time to unite behind our chosen candidates and move on to the general election in November.

You can see all of the election results across the state on in.gov here:

A bunch of new candidate links, all for State Senate

• Senate 1: Frank Mrvan; http://indianasenatedemocrats.com/frankmrvan/

• Senate 4: Karen Tallian; http://indianasenatedemocrats.com/karentallian/

• Senate 15: Mike Bynum; http://indianasenatedemocrats.com/mikebynum/

• Senate 22: Dave Vorbeck; http://indianasenatedemocrats.com/davevorbeck/

• Senate 25: Timothy Lanane; http://indianasenatedemocrats.com/timothylanane/

• Senate 31: Russell Brown; http://www.russellbrownforstatesenate.com

• Senate 38: Tim Skinner; http://indianasenatedemocrats.com/timothyskinner/

• Senate 39: Steve Thais; http://indianasenatedemocrats.com/stevethais/

• Senate 41: Terry Coriden; http://www.coridenforsenate.com/

• Senate 43: Lane Siekman; http://www.lanesiekman.org/

• Senate 45: James Lewis; http://indianasenatedemocrats.com/jameslewis/

• Senate 46: Connie Sipes; http://indianasenatedemocrats.com/conniesipes/

• Senate 47: Richard Young; http://indianasenatedemocrats.com/richardyoung/

• Senate 48: Lindel Hume; http://indianasenatedemocrats.com/lindelhume/

You can see the whole growing list on our 2006 Election page

New candidate link on the Election 2006 page

• Statehouse 87: Leona Glazebrooks for State Represenateive; http://www.leonaglazebrooks.com/

I have some upcoming events from a few sources. It’s going to be a busy year!

First up there’s a fundraiser for Terry Coriden for State Senate in Indianapolis on April 11th

Columbus Mayor Fred Armstrong invites you to join him on Tuesday, April 11th, 2006 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at Spencer’s Stadium Tavern to support his good friend Terry Coriden for State Senate.

Hors D’oeuvres & Beer Will Be Served To Those Bringing Campaign Donations of $50, $100 or $250 to Spencer’s Stadium Tavern, 802 S. West St. (Corner of West & McCarty Streets), Indianapolis, Indiana

Spencer’s is also the location for the weekly Drinking Liberally: Indianapolis progressive/liberal/Democrat happy hour, every Thursday at 7pm.

And via the Indiana Young Democrats list:

Indiana Senate Democrat Fundraiser - NEXT WEDNESDAY!
With Election Day quickly approaching we need your help to elect more Democrats to
the Indiana State Senate - and here’s your chance!

Please join the INDIANA SENATE DEMOCRATS to mark the changing of the clocks, the changing of the season and the changing of the guard in the Republican controlled State Senate.

We ask you to help us ‘Spring Forward’ at our SPRING FLING fundraiser on WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5th at the ICE LOUNGE (formerly the Lotus) in Indianapolis from 5 p.m. - 7p.m.

We hope to see you there!

What: Indiana Senate Democrats SPRING FLING
Where: The Ice Lounge, 235 Meridian St.
When: Wed. April 5, 2006, 5 - 7 pm.
Suggested Contribution: $35, $50, $100

A new candidate link (and our first county candidate outside of Marion County!) on the 2006 Election page:

• Dubois County Auditor: Barbara Mathies for Dubois County Auditor; http://www.barbaramathies.com/

If you know of ANY other Democratic candidates for office with websites at any level in the state, leave a comment here or use the Contact form to let me know.

This one comes from Dubois County. If you’re down in the 9th be sure to mark your calendars for this one.

Dubois County will be the host for Indiana’s 9th District meeting on April 30th 2:30 pm @ the St. Anthony Community Center in the town of St. Anthony 4665 S Cross St. A light lunch will be served along with tea and lemonade. This is shaping up to be a really big gathering from the responses I’ve received. It’s the last big Hoorah before the primary elections.

Thank you,
Barbara Mathies, Vice Chair

President Bush losing support among Hoosiers | IndyStar.com

Indiana voted twice to elect George W. Bush to the White House, but an Indianapolis Star poll indicates more than half of Hoosiers now disapprove of the job he’s doing as president.

Only 37 percent of those surveyed last week think Bush is doing a good job as president, while 56 percent disapprove.

Other interesting numbers from the poll:

The economy
• Approve: 39%
• Disapprove: 55%
• Not sure 6%

The federal budget
• Approve: 27%
• Disapprove: 63%
• Not sure 10%

The The fight against terror
• Approve: 52%
• Disapprove: 41%
• Not sure 7%

Immigration policy
• Approve: 23%
• Disapprove: 61%
• Not sure 16%

Two abortion bills move forward | IndyStar.com

While these bills are moving forward (still a bad thing) the Senate’s Health Comittee revised them to be better in some of their worst aspects.

House Bill 1172 would no longer require abortion providers to tell women that life begins at conception, and that a fetus may feel pain. The Senate committee removed those provisions, and instead required doctors to tell women that there are families waiting to adopt children.
A second bill would have required abortion clinics to meet new state building code standards by Jan. 1. This proposal, abortion providers fear, would lead to the shutdown of the state’s clinics because they wouldn’t be able to meet that deadline. The Senate committee changed the bill to require abortion clinics to meet general guidelines, and for the Department of Health to conduct annual inspections of clinics. Abortion providers say they’ll be able to comply with the revised House Bill 1080 because they already provide safe clinics.

But they still have to go to conference comittee to come out with the final bill, so there’s still a chance that the original draconian House versions of the bill could pass.

Call the State House & Senate & let thm know you support the Senate versions of HouseBills 1172 and 1080.
Senate: 317-232-9400
House: 317-232-9600