Some Democrats can’t seem to get over it. Whether it’s mayoral envy or a stinging rebuke from Marion county residents toward the democratically controlled previous administration, some Democrat’s panties are still in a wad, evidenced by yesterday’s arrogance from Democrat Win Moses (Ft.Wayne rep.) who verbally assaulted Indianapolis Mayor Ballard. Along with other statewide officials, the new mayor was asked about the impact of caps on property tax and where to make up the shortfall. Ballard stood in defense of Marion County residents by saying he would not agree to an increase in local income taxes. There were some questions that the Mayor honestly stated he did not have a ready answer which produced an egotistical jab from Moses “I’m asking questions you must know”.
At the risk over defending a new Mayor, remember the following:
His first day was no easy transition. The Peterson people during the last week, the Star reported, had the shredder going full time for a waiting trash truck. Mayor Ballard had to reconstruct whatever government structure existed, the people and functions they performed, and their communication levels.
His new team was and still is being assembled for important functions, appointing hundreds of people for jobs, including streamlining an antiquated system to create efficiency, save Hoosiers tax money, and call people into accountability with how they allocate those dollars.
The Mayor, with the help of the City County Counsel vote last night, will take over as chain of command head to increase efficiency and communication. Based on a 911 scenario, it is important for various first responders to develop emergency communication with an engaged Mayor.
It is ridiculous to think that with his job of Indianapolis CEO, he should be privy to all the impact of recent the Governor’s tax panel outline for the entire State or even Marion County, when it is obvious the legislators are the ones who have presided over a failed system and are in a daily position to correct it. That is their job, and they should have asked a complacent Bart Peterson during the last eight years about the impact of reform, instead of perpetrating a debacle upon Indiana. For the last several months, various plans have been offered to lawmakers; not to the Mayor. To castigate the Mayor for his honest answer that he just didn’t know the answers to all their questions is honesty at its finest from the Mayor, and arrogance from our employees, the legislators.
Saddled by the ineptitude of a previous administration that destroyed information, this mayor of the people has done a remarkable job in only 5 weeks. If Democrats such as Win Moses have nothing better to do than throw stones at a local Mayor, he might well start with his own Mayor in Ft.Wayne, which should keep him occupied for weeks until we remedy his term of office.
If there is an additional insight into that hearing, it is the fact that arrogance abounds within the statehouse where posturing and throwing darts at your opponent is the norm, leaving no wonder they have been party to a system of throwing our neighbors into the street for failure to pay into an unfair and broken system our lawmakers manufactured with complicent lobbyists.
We should thank our Mayor for standing up to indicate he will not agree to an increase in local taxes for Marion County residents and for the progress he has made in only 5 weeks.
Patriot Paul
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
BALLARD AMBUSHED BY STATEHOUSE ARROGANCE
7th district candidate forum -- Activists needed to attend
Community Heights Neighborhood Association
presents 7th District Candidate Forum
Arlington Heights Baptist Church
5630 East 16th Street
February 12th 2008 @ 7:30 pm.
Sean Shepard, Andre Carson, and Jon Elrod will attend.
We encourage government accountability activists to attend to ask the tough questions of the candidates.
UPDATE 3:15 pm
We just received word that Andre Carson will not attend this forum. When will the people get to speak directly to Andre Carson and ask questions? Does anyone know?
Andre Carson goes ballistic at last night's CCC meeting?
We found this comment by Ernie Shearer left on the Advance Indiana blog today. If Andre Carson cannot manage to respectfully address a member of the public about law enforcement, while in a public meeting and in his role as city councilor, how on earth can we expect him to respectfully represent us in Congress?
What is even more troubling is that Andre Carson seems to be in cohoots with Monroe Gray and a threat was uttered to Ernie's pal GaryJ. This is the behavior of thugs, not political representatives. If anyone reading this blog knows Senator Bayh, please send him this account of what happened last night. I think the last thing Senator Bayh would want is to endorse a public servant who behaves like a common thug.
Here is Ernie's account of what happened. Andre Carson is welcome to reply with no worry of censor from us.
"I think Andre Carson threatened me tonight. I asked him a question about his
vote in the transfer of IMPD back to the Mayor. I asked why his votes were along
party line and not based on what was best for the public safety of Indy. Andre
got bent out of shape and told me that I wasn't going to question him at every
CC meeting. I wasn’t being aggressive or disrespectful and I didn’t raise my
voice. I simply asked him why he voted along party lines and he took exception.
Andre stated that I was grandstanding and was only craving attention. I tried to
explain that I’ve only spoke out about public safety issues but he wouldn’t hear
any of it. Andre told me to get out of the CCB. I asked what authority he had to
expel me and he went ballistic. Gray and Bateman had to get him to calm down.
When I told him I would do as I pleased and reminded him that I was at a public
assembly in a public building asking questions of a city councilman he said he
would take measures to see that I wouldn't do it again.Gray overheard all of
this and told GaryJ on the way out that one day I would ask the wrong question
and someone would take care of me. I think that was a threat too. Carson can’t
take a little heat at a city council meeting without losing his composure and
making threats. Why should we believe that he is mentally able to handle
congress? Carson isn't the only councilman that I question. If I disagree I make
it a habit to question anyone I don't agree with. I'm not going away and I won‘t
stop asking questions. "
Advance Indiana's editor Gary Welsh shows prejudice against Libertarians
It's no secret that activists associated with HOOSIERS FOR FAIR TAXATION have a lot of respect for Gary Welsh who writes Advance Indiana. He's likely the best conservative blogger in the state. Because of Gary's reporting, we often know the next direction to take as activists. In other words, we rely a lot on Gary being here.
It's no secret that Gary supports Jon Elrod for Congress. He is even hosting a fundraiser for Elrod. It's also no secret that many of the activists with HOOSIERS FOR FAIR TAXATION support Sean Shepard for Congress. Afterall, Sean helped start the property activist movement in Indianapolis back in July 2007. Sean, as a state Fair Tax director, was there before any of us were. In fact, the first property tax protests were organized in effort to bring more awareness of the Fair Tax.
Indiana is no longer a two-party sytem. We are a three-party system. Like it or not, there are many Libertarians who are as good for our state as the best of the Republicans, and some better for Indiana than the Republicans.
Lately we've seen our state senators get behind and endorse two very inexperienced candidates for Congress. Exactly what experience do these candidates bring to the people to cause us to have faith in them? Exactly WHY are they being endorsed. No one has sufficiently answered this question.
Gary's reasoning behind not supporting Sean Shepard for Congress has nothing to do with Sean's experience or qualifications for Congress and has everything to do with the fact that Sean is a threat to Elrod because Sean, even without senatorial endorsement, will earn a lot of conservative votes . Gary didn't mind one bit when the Libertarians opened their arms to republican Greg Ballard and supported him with our time and money and helped him win the biggest political upset in the country.
We do wish Gary would open his forum and interview both candidates. You would think since Elrod is pro property tax repeal, that he would want to interview with the very people who started the tax protests. We asked and Elrod refused.
Gary, we challenge you to host a Q & A with the candidates on your blog. Shouldn't we be more concerned with finding the person who is best to represent the 7th district than partisan politics? That's what we get from Wilson Allen and Jenn Wagner, not you!
Here's what Gary had to say today on his blog about Sean's candidacy:
I don't know what Klopfenstein is doing in the special election race, but
I've seen e-mails Maguire has been sending around promoting Sean Shepard's
candidacy. Clearly, those efforts will only hurt Jon Elrod. If you look at the
profile of the people who vote Libertarian, they are people who would have
otherwise voted Republican. The only thing a vote for a Libertarian can
accomplish in any Marion County election is to sabotage a Republican candidate's
chance of winning. A Libertarian will never win an election in this county-at
least nowhere in the foreseeable future. The Republican precinct
committeepersons should be slamming every member of the GOP council right now
for giving these two Libertarians these key appointments. It is an insult and a
slap in the face of the people who worked to elect these GOP councilors to put
people dedicated to defeating Republicans on city boards and commissions. It's
also probably why the GOP's re-emergence will be short-lived in city government
at the pace they're going.
INDIANA TEA PARTY finalized for LAKE COUNTY INDIANA
click image to enlargeMonday, February 11, 2008
Senator Bayh endorses candidate for Congress with no experience
Thanks to the Howey Political Report for this breaking news. While Sen. Bayh backs Carson for Congress, ordinary citizens left behind without a voice by the political status quo are backing Libertarian Sean Shepard.
It makes sense to give Sean Shepard a try for just 9 months in Congress to see what a Libertarian can do for us. Sean will get plenty of media time to convey better ideas for government because he'll be the first Libertarian in Congress.
And it is not like there won't be another election in November in the unlikely case you will decide Sean is not working hard for you. But in the meantime, what do you have to lose by breaking free of the box lies fed to you for decades by the republican and democrat parties and the cronyism that goes with them?
It is our position that Andre Carson and Jon Elrod have a moral responsibility to complete the elected positions they hold now in the city council and Indiana house and not abandon the constituents who help elect them for a shiner, better paying job. Since they already hold elected office, shouldn't Carson and Elrod prove to us they are effective?
In many people's opinion, neither the republican or democrat running for Congress have done squat for us.
In fact, I challenge any of their supporters to list five things that either Carson or Elrod has done that directly benefits the hoosiers in their districts.
Worthy roofing business that didn't get Washington Township work from Mervilde
This letter showed up in our mailbox last week. We asked permission to print it and it was granted provided we shielded the author's name. You see, Tremco Roofing, doesn't play fair.
Curiously enough, Dr. James Mervilde, superintendent of Washington Township Schools, sits on the Educational Service Center Board. --HFFT
1/27/2008
To whom it may concern:
The school corporation is buying Tremco roofing materials through the Educational Service Center, at costs 2-3 times that of other quality manufacturer’s, many located in the State of Indiana. The school corporation then takes bids for the labor, from several contractors. The hidden factor is that only Tremco contractors can bid, and the school board may not even know about the purchase of materials. They only see that 3-4 contractors bid.
Tremco is a very good company, but their products are very expensive, and their attempt to control the client and lock out the competition is well known in the roofing industry.
It was reported that Phil Smith, the facilities director for Washington Township Schools was flown by Tremco to Cleveland and wined and dined.
It is believed that all of the roofing undertaken by Washington township Schools during the past 4 years has cost Indiana taxpayers over $500,000.00. This would be the difference between the expensive Tremco products and other quality manufacturer’s.
Phil Smith would like everyone to believe they are competitively bidding their work, but in reality they are only Bidding Tremco across the board.
A roll of Firestone or Johns Manville modified is approximately $60.00/per roll. On the other hand a roll of Tremco modified is approximately $185.00/per roll. With the Service Center discount of 13.3% the price is lowered to $160.00/per roll. On a 50,000 square foot roofing project the cost difference amounts to $75,000.00 - $100,000.00 more for a Tremco Roof. Tremco builds other costs into the contractors bid, such as full time inspections. The owner never sees these items. Also the contractors love bidding Tremco because their profits double over ordinary roofing projects.
Sincerely,
(name withheld on request)
Business Development / Account Management
A lesson in why your property taxes are so high
Welcome To My Tea Party reported last week on some interesting statistics from the Wilson Education Center, which is a government agency that supposedly gets volume discounts for Indiana's schools. The blog clearly shows how much extra taxpayers are spending for Wilson Education Center's discounted goods versus what taxpayers would pay if our lazy educrat administrators actually shopped their local businesses for bids.
Something tells us that a lot of businesses would be happy to give schools even a better deal, just because they want to be good citizens and help out our state. They also would probably benefit from a little free advertising by being able to put their sign in the school yard while they were working.
Sadly, the status quo keeps many qualified mom and pop businesses from getting to compete for local work in favor of hiring the big out-of-state companies like Tremco and their lobbyists they send to the state house each year to make sure you, the taxpayer, continues to get ripped off.
Why the 1% cap is unfair
There seems to be some momentum at the statehouse for the 1% property tax cap. Even Mayor Ballard, who promised us he would use his position to back property tax repeal, seems to be giving into the governor's well-meaning plan to cap property tax.
But will a 1% cap work?
How can it? As long as it requires an assessor to make a judgement value concerning a property's worth, it will be unfair.
Perhaps we need to revisit Ed Angleton's lesson in creative assessing. He's the Cottage Home resident who saw his taxes increase by more than 800%! The assessor appraised his house many times higher than his neighbors. Do you think he has a prayer of selling his home? The government buried him! Where is he going to get the money to pay the 800% tax increase? From his home maintenance budget? From his savings account? What necessity will have to be trimmed from Ed's budget to pay the bill?
We get calls and emails from all over the state from citizens who complain that their property assessments are far above what they can get for their homes and that political cronies inside the machine often see substantially lower assessments.
As long as an assessor judges the value of a home, the homeowner loses. The cost of assessing our homes is also quite expensive. Property tax administration and collection is far more costly than sales or income tax collection. For instance, county assessor Greg Bowes testified that Marion county's reassessment will cost our taxpayers $1.8 million! He also testified that we will only see a 5% reduction in tax when we finally get the new bills. Within a few weeks, Marion county homeowners will be faced with paying last years' tax increase as well as this years' full bill.
This policy is going to create havoc for mortgage companies and our escrow accounts.
Is it moral for a government to charge its citizens tax on unrealized capital gains? Why would you remove the incentive for hardworking Hoosiers to go into distressed neighborhoods to buy and rehab abandoned homes? Why should they if they have no guarantee that they can pay their property tax after they invest their sweat equity? 6
Property tax is clearly unfair policy. The truth of the matter is that the entire legislature is covering for the fact that for years they have used your home as collateral against bond indebtedness. They allowed thousands of non-elected officials and boards raise your taxes to pay for their pet projects like football stadiums, libraries, and swimming pools.
Yet they can't seem to find the money to pay for textbooks. Each time the state mentions budget cuts, they start whining that our children will suffer! Sounds like their education already is suffering since we force parents to pay as much as $500 for their children's textbooks each year.
The truth is that our property is held hostage to the wasteful construction bond debt, not school books or teachers. These feigned cries are more likely from legislators swayed by the ISTA. Ask any teacher and they will tell you that they have little involvement with the ISTA. That's the educrats whining, not the teachers.
Our lawmakers also flat out refuse to acknowledge that the state is in violation of Article 8 of the Indiana Constitution which states that school funds shall be collected from business, not homeowners. When realtor and property tax repeal advocate, Mike Rowe, brought this up at Channel 13's state house forum, his point was purposely ignored by panelists Espich, Orentlicter, Kenley, and Crawford. Obviously our Constitution and the rule of law means nothing to any of them.
What legal loophole exists to get us out of the fact that our government stole our homes to use as its bond debt collateral?
Can anyone offer a legal strategy?
U.S. Economy on the brink: Why Sean Shepard is running for Congress
In the essay below, Sean Shepard shows he has a clear grasp of the problems of our nation and how our policy is playing out with other nations. We have not yet seen essays or editorials by the other candidates on the mounting economic issues facing us. We need representation that is well informed and who have studied the issues for years. Sean is an expert on the Fair Tax.
Most Americans have no idea how fast our country's wealth is leaving our soil.
While Sean for years has deeply contemplated the complex issues facing our economy, Elrod is busy fundraising and Carson is busy cutting commericials...commericials that remind us too much of Peterson's slick ads sans substance. -- HFFT
U.S. Economy on the Brink
by Sean Shepard
from: http://www.shepard2008.com/
It’s frightening to be an American these days. But despite the declining popularity of the United States government throughout the world, terrorists wearing bomb-belts aren’t what keep me up at night.
I’m concerned about the very foundation of the American economy.
In November, Citibank, our nation’s largest bank, sold nearly 5% of itself to Abu Dhabi’s ’sovereign wealth fund’ (that is, basically the government of the United Arab Emirates), diluting its US investors, in response to $11 billion in projected losses due to the Federal Reserve induced credit meltdown.
But it gets worse. In December, Morgan Stanley agreed to sell a $5 billion stake to China Investment Corp (the Chinese government) after projecting nearly $10 billion in losses. And just a week earlier, UBS AG sold 9% of its equity to Singapore Investment Corp (the government of Singapore) after absorbing a $10 billion write-down.
As our financial crisis worsens, more of these ‘deals’ are looming in the future.
Our current politics-as-usual leaders aren’t talking about it, but the trend is strikingly clear. America is sinking into debt and auctioning itself off to the developing world!
Our own government has led the way in this sellout. To finance our foreign wars and massive entitlement programs, we’ve been rapidly falling into debt to the rest of the world. China has been particularly happy to finance our extravagance.
The Chinese government now owns over one trillion of dollars of US government debt and currency. Their ’support’ (or perhaps, ‘enabling’) has had the effect of propping up our ailing currency, sickened by continuing deficits and monetary inflation.
We are on the verge of losing our comfortably privileged position in the world. One Federal Reserve banker has noted that the US is already technically bankrupt, if we include our future Social Security and Medicare obligations. The head of the General Accounting Office, a federal watchdog group, is literally touring the country to raise awareness of these issues. Apparently he gets a better reception in small town American than from our ‘leaders’ in Washington D.C.
Our currency continues to drop in value and our taxes on productivity (vs. consumption) remain high (one of the highest corporate tax rates in the world). I’m not so sure terrorism is our number one concern. Our country’s economy could be destroyed in a day, not by someone with a bomb or hijacked airplane, but by foreign nations losing confidence in the dollar as the de facto world currency and dumping them in exchange for Euros or some other currency.
Nobody need fire a shot. The bills just need to come due and we will be toast. And if you think the national debt is only $9 trillion, keep in mind this excludes future obligations. The current amount our government owes is something closer to $53 trillion ($400,000 per American family per the GAO). Think about that for a minute, the Federal Government could take EVERYTHING we make for 8 to 10 years and still not have enough to cover what’s coming.
It’s time for a change in direction. Democrats want larger, more expansive government. Republicans have managed to grow our government spending at an astonishing rate in the past 8 years. Even our beloved Ronald Reagan lamented the fact that the deficit exploded during his presidency, it is often cited as his biggest regret. Out of the current crop of Presidential candidates, only one of them is trying to seriously address the coming fiscal crisis and his wise council has, unfortunately, earned him very little respect. The time for politics (and politicians) as usual has gone, we cannot afford our overseas empire any longer and we can’t afford the usual crop of Democrats and Republicans any longer.
This is just one reason why I will be on the ballot for the upcoming special election to replace The Honorable Julia Carson and represent Indiana’s 7th District.
No more games. No more horse trading. No more career or hereditary politicians running for their own celebrity and self-importance. We have serious issues facing our country and desperately need a change in direction. Let’s say “no” to the two “old parties” who got us here and start the change right in the heartland, the bread basket of America. Indiana has a chance to take the lead, let’s not let that chance be wasted by voting for more of the same.
Team Hammond Taxpayers' Group plans Indiana Tea Party
Activists with Hoosiers For Fair Taxation met on Saturday with members of the Team Hammond Taxpayers' Group to plan the March 1st Indiana Tea Party in Crown Point, Indiana.
The tea party is at 1pm at the Government Center in Lake County. There will be a caravan from Indianapolis driving up to join them.
This tea party will be a national and local media event designed to send yet another message to our legislators that the People want property tax repeal and transparency in government.
Our groups will invite media from the Louisville, Indianapolis, Chicago, Evansville, Ft. Wayne, and South Bend markets.
If you want to join our lively caravan, which will leave from the Meridian Kessler neighborhood at 10 am on March 1st, please email us. If you have a van or bus and would like to drive, we would love to hear from you!
We are also working with activists in New Albany for a tea party on the Ohio River, hopefully for later in March 2008.
History of the property tax crisis
The Indianapolis Star organized and published links to the headline stories surrounding the property tax crisis. Included in the stories is the July 14th article that talks about the different camps of tax protestors.
Sean Shepard, candidate for 7th district congressman, helped to lead the first July 4th protest at the governor's mansion. He attended every single rally last summer. He not only attended, but he helped plan, organize, and lead the rallies alongside Andy Horning and Melyssa Donaghy.
In contrast neither Andre Carson or Jon Elrod ever attended even one rally or showed public concern regarding the #1 issue facing all Hoosier homeowners and the top news story of the year.
While a Congressperson has no say over local propety tax matters, our house representative Jon Elrod does. It would have been nice to see Elrod at our rallies lending moral support. If he didn't represent us last year by showing up when we took to the streets, what makes you think he will represent us any better in Washington?
Andre Carson was never there with us and for us either. In fact he's the least qualified for Congress. Sorry but being Julia's grandson is not a resume credential.
Ballard testifies this morning before state legislators
Abdul Hakim Shabazz reports on Indiana Barrister blog:
"Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard is testifying this morning before the House Ways & Means Committee on the Governor’s Circuit breaker plan which would put hard caps on property tax assessments.
Ballard told the committee he supports the caps in the wake of eliminating property taxes. However, he also said the best thing the state could do is give Marion County the tools it needs to solve its own problems. Those tools include government consoldation (particularly the township fire and trustee offices).
State Representative Peggy Welsh asked if the Mayor would support an increase in the Local Option Income Tax to offset the tax caps. Ballard told her it would not fly in Marion County. Ballard also told the committee he is also looking at saving from not renewing some large city contracts and reviewing city processes.
Ballard also said the state could help out by picking up the costs of the city’s police and fire pensions which cost the taxpayers about $26 million last year.
Committee Chairman Bill Crawford pointed out the revenue losses from a number of city agencies such as Indy Go, the Library and Health and Hospital. The agencies would lose about $16 million under the tax caps, however a more telling story is that the Mayor does not have direct control over each of these municipal corporations which are allowed to spend the taxpayers money with no real direct accountability. This, in my opinion, is an even bigger issue.
And despite the “cuts” Representative Jeff Espich pointed out that government will still grow at an average four percent a year, so over a three-year period, with an average of a five percent cut in government funding, the locals would still come out ahead with seven percent more of the taxpayers money. The cut, Espich says, is a one time loss.
The committee did not take a vote on the bill.
In retrospect though, all this continues to prove to me that there is too much government in Indiana and it’s time for sharp cuts and bigger consolidation and let the chips fall where they may."
"Confused Children" ad? How about ads for "Homeless Parents"?
Indiana Equality website reports that "the AFA of Indiana has launched a massive radio campaign urging Hoosiers to contact their legislators in support of "traditional marriage". The ad titled 'Confused Children' features children questioning the implications of same-sex marriage in Indiana. " To hear the statewide version of this new ad, click here.
We overheard someone say at a political fundraiser last week that Eric Miller of Advance America is going to kill any chance of property tax repeal because he continues to cause divide by pushing the marriage amendment (SJR7) and its anti-freedom message.
Groups like AFA and Advance America care more about screwing with Hoosiers' personal freedom than they do protecting the roof over your head. This is evidenced by the fact that they continue push their selfish agenda during even a short session as Hoosier homeowners face a very real housing crisis. The marriage amendment issue got a great deal of time in the 2007 session. The 2007 session failed to avert the property tax crisis.
In 2008, Eric Miller and the AFA continue to push the marriage amendment agenda in spite of the fact that most Hoosiers, including many conservative camps like Frugal Hoosiers, are fed up with it.
Marion county will have our new bills ready soon. Greg Bowes, county assessor, testified in last year's city council budget hearing that your property tax bill will not change much. He estimated our bills might see just a 5% decrease.
This reassessment cost our local government another $1.8 million. Wanna bet we don't see our reassessed property tax bills while the general assembly is still in session?
We hope you still have your torches and pitchforks.
Sadly, it seems that might be the only way we'll get through to these arrogant, insensitive knuckleheads that the People mean business and most Hoosiers do not want our legislators spending time on the marriage amendment.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Muncie woman selling hierloom jewelry to pay property tax
Our activist Max Katz launched this estate jewelry auction to help a woman in Muncie stay in her home. The ring will make a lovely Valentine gift.
Special thanks to tax repeal advocate Charlie Walker of Petri Custom Jewelers for generously replacing a couple missing stones before the auction was launched.
Patriot Paul "The March 11th Lightweight Fight "
‘Super’dog Carson vs. Underdog Elrod vs. Unknown Sean Shepard
Three lightweight inexperienced contenders, will battle on March 11th for the congressional vacancy left by the late Julia Carson. For the Democrat Andre Carson, who filled a 2007 vacancy for Indianapolis City County Council, his first vote for a tax budget he likely had never seen, shortly after his welcoming introduction by then President, Monroe Gray, sent concern among many that he was only the Democrat’s water boy.
In stark contrast, Republican Jon Elrod, was on the Center Township Board, and repeatedly asked for the budget and annual report prior to voting on them, but the board was dismissive (IBJ Feb.11-17). This odd behavior of those in charge of taxpayer money may not be untypical of those many agencies that spend first and worry later about the consequences later (i.e. a system that pervades Indiana from Hammond to New Albany). In fact, why worry about the consequences; just spend the money because they can; not because of the ill affordability of it. Two thumbs up for Jon Elrod for asking the fiscally responsible question and later became State Rep.
As heir apparent of Julia Carson’s grandson, Andre Carson jumps in the ring’s left corner with Democrat laced gloves, including blessings from Louis Farrakhon. This coming bout, if he wins, may result in a super dog becoming a superdelegate from Indiana for the Democratic National Convention having independent influence to choose between Hillary and Barack in a tight national election.
In the right hand corner is Jon Elrod whose gloves spell “budget reform” on one glove and “tax repeal” on the other.
Activist Sean Shepard enters with Libertarian laced gloves; one glove marked “Americans for Tax Reform” and the other “Civil Liberty Protection”.
Hoosiers deserve to see and hear these candidates in order to make an informed decision. Who is the first contender to step into the ring and demand a debate before the slugfest?
Patriot Paul
7th District congressional candidates Elrod and Shepard with Congressman Burton
Hearty thanks to Hoosier Access for linking up a recent interview with Libertarian Sean Shepard and Republican Jon Elrod. Congressman Dan Burton, a Fair Tax co-signer, speaks as well.
The People's Mayor Comes To The State House
Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard, showed leadership during his campaign, by supporting and offering to lobby the legislature for the repeal of property tax.
Abdul is reporting on Indianabarrister.com, that Mayor Ballard has accepted an invitation to testify this Monday (2/11), before the House Ways & Means Committee, on property taxes and Senate Joint Resolution One. The committee meets at 10AM, in Room 404 (State House).
Contact your legislators and let them know, they should be turning up and tuning in; for repeal.
7th District congressional candidate for March 11 election signs taxpayer protection pledge !
Sean Shepard Signs Taxpayer Protection Pledge
The taxpayers will find no better friend in Congress, once elected, than Sean Shepard
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Sean Shepard, candidate in the 2008 special election for Indiana’s 7th Congressional District, signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge today. The Pledge, sponsored by Americans for Tax Reform, commits signers to “oppose any and all efforts to increase the marginal income tax rates for individuals and/or businesses … and oppose any net reduction or elimination of deductions and credits, unless matched dollar for dollar by further reducing tax rates." ATR has offered the Pledge to all candidates for federal office since 1987.
"The local property tax crisis has made evident the harm that out of control taxation can cause,” Shepard stated. “We need to vigilant on the Federal level as well to ensure that people are able to keep the fruits of their labor."
Shepard joins four sitting Indiana congressmen who have also signed the pledge. To date, 43 U.S. Senators, and 196 members of the U.S. House of Representatives have signed the Pledge. Seven Governors and over 1,100 state legislators have signed the Pledge as well.
"I am committed to supporting reform and simplification in the United States tax code and reducing the tax burden on all American Citizens,” Shepard promised.
Copies of the Pledge are available at www.atr.org or by calling (202) 785-0266.
Sean Shepard is a life long resident of Indianapolis and local businessman. He is married with two children who attend private Christian school. Mr. Shepard has been active in local politics for several years, has worked with Americans for Fair Taxation and helped organize and coordinate several of the local property tax protests in 2007. Mr. Shepard's policy approaches support affordable healthcare, lower taxes, protection of civil liberties, border security, school choice and a strong national defense.
###
Americans for Tax Reform is a non-partisan coalition of taxpayers and taxpayer groups who oppose any and all federal and state tax increases. For more information, or to arrange an interview, please contact John Kartch at (202)785-0266 or by email at jkartch@atr.org.
