Pence signs legislation reforming Marion County government

[AngryOldDem]

http://www.wthr.com/story/22224930/governor-pence-signs-legislation-reforming-marion-county-government

<<"Despite my misgivings about certain aspects of SEA 621, I am signing this legislation because it serves the public interest by granting to the current Mayor of Indianapolis—and any future Mayor of either political party—the authority to manage the City's finances in a manner that protects taxpayers and encourages economic development and job creation.<<

Just a part of the long-winded explanation of why he signed this bill, like he's trying to convince himself that this isn't the bad, shameless GOP power grab that it is. Basically, Marion County is ruled by one person, the mayor, and representative government by way of four at-large council seats is gone.

[blkmusclmachine]

1. .

.

[indypaul]

2. SB 621

There are many truly bad aspects of this legislation. But, the one part
that will live to haunt its sponsors and the people of Marion County is
the counting of absentee ballots. This will turn our county into a banana
republic in securing accurate election results. There has been no problem
with the accurate processing of absentee ballots in the past. This new
process will open up many questions about any future election results.
With as many as 80k absentee ballots now being processed. It is an
expensive problem but I think we all agree that "Freedom is not free."
William Marcy "Boss" Tweed said it best in 1871 when he said, "As long as I
count the votes what are you going to do about it?" When machine votes
are tabulated and a very close race results, that is when SB 621 will allow
games to be played and election results manipulated. This provision of
SB 621 should not be allowed to remain on the books and should be repealed
at the next session of the General Assembly. It is a step backward in providing
for the administration of accurate and honest elections.

[AngryOldDem]

3. This whole thing smacks of Tammany Hall.

And good luck getting anything repealed in the General Assembly, unless, of course, it makes sense and actually helps the public.