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Commentary: Indiana Now Has Lost Both Of Its Attorneys General

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Commentary: Indiana Now Has Lost Both Of Its Attorneys General

May 3, 2019 

By Michael Leppert
MichaelLeppert.com

First, it was Jeff Sessions’ recusal. Then it was Curtis Hill’s groping. Now it is William Barr’s abdication.

That is a lot of trouble for a group of “generals.” It is a job that should be attracting Eagle Scouts, not partisans. These people should occupy the high ethical ground of those more like Robert Mueller, and less like Brett Kavanaugh.

Oh well, I guess asking for the best and brightest in these roles is just a futile pipe dream these days.

Americans are suffering through the shredding of credibility of the U.S. attorney general, Bill Barr. Barr was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in February, and by late April, some in Congress were calling for his resignation over his handling of the Mueller Report. Some are even using the “I” word too, which is the edited version of impeachment.

Hoosiers went through this progression last year following the groping allegations against Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill. When the credible accusations were made against Hill, legislative leaders and Gov. Eric Holcomb called for his resignation. Democrats in the General Assembly wanted to impeach Hill.

Whoops! Sorry for the vulgar use of the I-word there.

The Indiana AG no longer has the political clout needed to do his job comprehensively. How could he? There is no relationship there between him and the governor, and one of his primary responsibilities is to defend the state’s government, laws, and policies in court. Gov. Holcomb will not likely be calling on Hill to partner with him on any inevitable legal debates that are simply unavoidable in systems like ours.

Because Indiana’s AG is elected, that broken relationship cannot be solved like a personnel matter. It appears that the only way Hill will be leaving the office early will be if the Indiana Supreme Court’s Disciplinary Commission suspends his law license. That could happen as a result of a hearing this week. If his license is suspended, he will immediately be unqualified to keep the job, which should result in an unprecedented removal.

Even if he stays, his standing with the rest of state government is so damaged, his value will continue to be minimized.

In Washington, Speaker Nancy Pelosi has accused Bill Barr of lying to Congress. It is pretty clear that he did. It is also clear that Barr’s top priority is to protect the presidency of Donald Trump—a priority that is not the job’s top task.

At the federal level, the attorney general is the top law enforcement officer. The AG is the head of the Department of Justice overseeing many agencies, including the FBI. I doubt that Barr’s rebuilding of the DOJ in his image has taken up much of his time just yet though. How could it have?

During Trump’s 26 months in office, 20 of them have occurred with his first AG, Jeff Sessions, under fire and partially wounded as a result of his recusal from the Russia investigation. That tenure was followed briefly by an unqualified and accident-prone Matt Whitaker in an acting AG capacity. Now we have Bill Barr, whose performance and demeanor seem matter-of-fact in their disdain for anything other than spinning and covering up the hard truths surrounding Trump.

Barr admitted before the Senate Judiciary Committee this week that he had not even reviewed the underlying evidence that formed the basis of the Mueller Report. That did not prevent him from proclaiming that the evidence was insufficient to establish obstruction of justice offense by the president. The next day, he refused to appear before the House Judiciary Committee because he didn’t want to face questions from committee staff attorneys.

Apparently, our AG doesn’t have the courage that Dr. Christine Blasey-Ford did during the Brett Kavanaugh confirmation hearing.

Have you ever wondered what life would be like if Indiana had no state AG, and no U.S. AG either? I never wondered that before either. But since the situation has arisen, I now know that it would be a lot like the way life is today.

America has a void at the top of the DOJ. Indiana has a void too. These jobs matter, and we deserve better.

I hope Curtis Hill loses his law license soon, whether temporarily or permanently. We need someone in that job capable of actually doing the job. We shouldn’t have to wait until January of 2021 for the replacement.

As for Barr, it would seem a Nixonian departure is his only real threat.

Until then, justice for Hoosiers will remain on hold.

FOOTNOTE: Michael Leppert is a public and governmental affairs consultant in Indianapolis and writes his thoughts about politics, government and anything else that strikes him at MichaelLeppert.com.

Strengthening Our Commitment to Hoosier Students, Educators

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Strengthening Our Commitment to Hoosier Students, Educators

by State Representative  Ron Bacon

During the 2019 legislative session, one of the General Assembly’s biggest priorities was to pass an honestly balanced budget funding state operations for the next two years. By working diligently, lawmakers finished ahead of schedule and under budget while accomplishing our top goals. The new budget includes a record investment in K-12 public education while maintaining the state’s healthy reserves.

This historic increase in K-12 public education includes $763 million in new funding over the previous state budget. Supporting education is always a priority, and this significant boost in funding will benefit students and teachers. To directly support teachers, lawmakers increased funding for Teacher Appreciation Grants from $30 million to $37.5 million per year to reward effective and highly effective educators.

The budget also includes a $150 million payment to an unfunded pension liability for Hoosier teachers, freeing up an estimated $70 million in annual savings to school budgets. Schools are strongly encouraged to direct these savings into increasing teacher pay. Studies show that, outside of parents, high-quality teachers are the most significant factor to a student’s success. Teachers play a critical role in our society, and it is important they receive adequate compensation for their hard work and dedication to Hoosier students.

We also funded teacher residency programs to better prepare educators to enter the classroom on day one, as well as teacher career ladders that increase opportunities for professional growth and advancement. These programs will help prepare new educators and encourage highly effective teachers to stay in the classroom.

This historic investment in K-12 education will benefit students and educators across the state. Although session is over, I will soon begin attending summer committee hearings and review ideas for legislation for next year. Please continue reaching out to me with input or questions at h75@iga.in.gov or 317-232-9643.

 

“LEFT JAB AND RIGHT JAB”

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“LEFT JAB AND RIGHT JAB”

“Right Jab And Left Jab” was created because we have two commenters that post on a daily basis either in our “IS IT TRUE” or “Readers Forum” columns concerning National or International issues.
Joe Biden and Ronald Reagan’s comments are mostly about issues of national interest.  The majority of our “IS IT TRUE” columns are about local or state issues, so we have decided to give Mr. Biden and Mr. Reagan exclusive access to our newly created “LEFT JAB and RIGHT JAB”  column. They now have this post to exclusively discuss national or world issues that they feel passionate about.
We shall be posting the “LEFT JAB” AND “RIGHT JAB” several times a week.  Oh, “Left Jab” is a liberal view and the “Right Jab is representative of the more conservative views. Also, any reader who would like to react to the written comments of the two gentlemen is free to do so.

EPA Approves State of Texas’ Plan to Reduce Ozone-Creating Emissions for Greater Houston Area

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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved changes to the State of Texas’ clean-air plan for improving storage tank regulations and demonstrating reasonably available control technology for emissions that contribute to the formation of ozone. These changes will help the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria area move toward better air quality and attainment of the 2008 ozone standard.

“The state of Texas has shown its commitment to reducing ozone in the greater Houston area,” said Acting Regional Administrator David Gray. “Improving air quality will benefit communities and families while the region continues to thrive economically.”

In 2016, EPA reclassified the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria (HGB) area from a Marginal to a Moderate nonattainment classification for the 2008 ozone standard. With this action, EPA approves the state of Texas’ modification of regulations on emissions of volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, from storage tanks. EPA determined these improved regulations work with the state’s existing VOC and nitrogen oxide (NOx) regulations to meet Clean Air Act requirements for reasonably available control technology and improve air quality. VOCs and NOx react in the presence of sunlight to form ground-level ozone pollution that contributes to harmful air quality.

Daily Scriptures for the Week of May 6, 2019

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MONDAY

“And don’t grumble as some of them did, and then were destroyed by the angelof death. These things happened to them as examples for us. They were writtendown to warn us who live at the end of the age.”
1 Corinthians 10:10-11

TUESDAY

“And we must not engage in sexual immorality as some of them did, causing23,000 of them to die in one day. Nor should we put Christ to the test, as some ofthem did and then died from snakebites.”
1 Corinthians 10:8-9 NLT

WEDNESDAY

“Think about the people of Israel. Weren’t they united by eating the sacrifices atthe altar? What am I trying to say? Am I saying that food offered to idols hassome significance, or that idols are real gods?”
1 Corinthians 10:18-19

THURSDAY

“I don’t want you to forget, dear brothers and sisters, about our ancestors in the wilderness long ago. All of them were guided by a cloud that moved ahead ofthem, and all of them walked through the sea on dry ground.”
1 Corinthians 10:1

FRIDAY

“The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. AndGod is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand.When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.”
1 Corinthians 10:13

SATURDAY

“These things happened as a warning to us, so that we would not crave evilthings as they did, or worship idols as some of them did. As the Scriptures say,“The people celebrated with feasting and drinking, and they indulged in pagan revelry.””
1 Corinthians 10:6-7 NLT

SUNDAY

“You say, “I am allowed to do anything” —but not everything is good for you. Yousay, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is beneficial. Don’t be concerned for your own good but for the good of others.”
1 Corinthians 10:23-24

Submitted to the City-County Observer by Karen Seltzer

MVC Softball Championship Bracket Announced

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With the regular season in the books, it is now time for the University of Evansville softball team to shift its focus to the 2019 Missouri Valley Conference Softball Championship.

 

The Purple Aces enter the tournament as the #7 seed and begin their trek to a conference championship on Wednesday against #10 Valparaiso.  Game time is 6:30 p.m. at Peterson Hotels Field in Peoria, Ill.  With a win in Wednesday’s opening round, UE would advance to face Illinois State on Thursday at 1:30 p.m.

 

Evansville earned a 3-game sweep over the Crusaders in the final weekend of home play at Cooper Stadium.

 

For full information on the 2019 MVC Softball Championship, visit the championship page at: http://mvc-sports.com/sports/2018/6/18/19SBChamps.aspx

Obituary Of Dennis Walter Smith

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Obituary Of Dennis Walter Smith

by Koechler Funeral Home-Chandler and Boonville 

Boonville, IN. – Dennis Walter Smith, 71, of Boonville, Indiana passed away on Saturday, May 4, 2019, at Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Newburgh, Indiana.
Dennis was born in Evansville, Indiana on June 14, 1947, to the late Walter and Mamie (Austin) Smith.

Dennis served in the United States Army during Vietnam. He was a member of the American Legion Post #463 in Tennyson, Indiana. He worked as a brick mason for many years and enjoyed fishing.

He is preceded in death by his parents, child, Dennis Walter Smith II.
Dennis is survived by his children, Monica Smith (Ron Evans) of Boonville, IN; Luke Plocharczyk (Melissa) of AL; Julie Smith (Patrick) of Evansville, IN; grandchild, Brianna; sisters; Alice Murray and Irene Butcher; several nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at 12 P.M. on Thursday, May 9, 2019, at Koehler Funeral Home in Boonville, Indiana. Burial will be at Skelton Cemetery in Tennyson, Indiana with the Warrick County Veterans Memorial Services to conduct military honors.

Visitation will be from 10 A.M. until 12 P.M. on Thursday, May 9, 2019, at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion Post # 463 in Tennyson.

To send flowers to the family of Dennis Walter Smith, please visit Tribute Store.

Otters Fall Against Miners 6-1

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Following the relocation of an exhibition game originally scheduled to be played in Paducah, Ky., the Evansville Otters fell to the Southern Illinois Miners 6-1 Saturday night at Rent One Park.

The two clubs met for their second exhibition matchup in as many days.

Both offenses had opportunities with runners on base in the early innings, but both pitching staffs were able work around the base runners to keep the game scoreless.

Southern Illinois broke through first in the bottom of the fourth inning. The Miners strung together three straight hits, including RBI singles from Luke Bonfield and Steven Kraft to give the Miners a 2-0 lead.

The Otters were held in check in the run column through six innings by Miners starting pitcher Ryan McAuliffe.

A bases-loaded walk in the seventh inning made it 3-0 Miners, which was followed by Chris Iriart’s RBI single in the eighth to give the Miners a 4-0 advantage.

The Otters tallied a run in the top of the ninth but could not overcome the deficit as the Miners added a couple more insurance runs.

Evansville will return to Bosse Field the next couple days for Spring Training workouts before making a return trip to Rent One Park Tuesday morning for a 10 a.m. exhibition against Southern Illinois.

Eagles Complete Sweep of Saints, 8-6

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University of Southern Indiana Baseball rallied from behind twice and completed the sweep of Maryville University, 8-6, Saturday evening at the USI Baseball Field. USI moves its record to 29-19 overall and 21-12 in the GLVC, while Maryville goes to 27-20, 22-11 GLVC

The victory puts USI in the six slot of the GLVC standings. The league’s post-season eight-team tournament bracket will be announced Tuesday after the three game-series between conference front-running University of Illinois Springfield and Bellarmine University Sunday and Monday. The GLVC Tournament is scheduled for May 9-12 in Ozark, Missouri.
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The Eagles got out in front in the bottom of the first before the Saints posted their first lead of the game with a three-spot in the top of the second. USI cut the deficit in the bottom of the second to 3-2 on a blast by senior first baseman Nathan Kuester (Rockport, Indiana), his seventh home run of the season, and regained the lead, 4-3, with pair of runs in the third.

Maryville tied the game in the sixth, 4-4, and re-took the lead, 6-4, with two in the seventh. USI bounced back to regain the lead, 7-6, with three runs on three hits and two walks in the bottom of the seventh, pulling back in front on a sacrifice fly by freshman catcher Lucas McNew (Floyds Knobs, Indiana).

USI sealed the 8-6 victory with a final run in the eighth on a RBI single by senior designated hitter Jayden Beshears (Evansville, Indiana).

For the game at the plate, Kuester led the USI hitters with three hits, including a home run; three runs; and a RBI. Beshears also had a team-high two RBIs.

USI senior left-hander Chase Partain (Evansville, Indiana) came out of the bullpen to win his fourth game of the season. Partain (4-5) threw three innings, allowing two unearned runs on two hits and a walk. He also struck out two.

Freshman right-hander Garrett Welch (New Castle, Indiana) started for USI and got the no-decision. Welch gave up four runs on four hits and two walks, in addition to striking out five batters.

Prior to tonight’s game, USI celebrated Senior Day by honoring the eight seniors – second baseman Jacob Fleming, right-handed pitcher Austin Gossmann; outfielder LaWan Rollins; right-handed pitcher Austin Krizan; right-handed Dalton Lewis; Beshears, Kuester, and Partain.

Missed Opportunities, Hot Hitting SIU Bats Doom Aces

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The University of Evansville baseball team had early scoring chances, but couldn’t cash in. However, Southern Illinois took advantage of nearly every scoring opportunity, as the Aces dropped a second straight to SIU Saturday evening, 5-2.

Junior left-hander Nathan Croner (5-6) got the start for UE, and started out strong, tossing a perfect opening frame. However, in the second, the Salukis would touch him up for a pair of runs in the second as Philip Archer singled in one run, then J.T. Weber brought in another on a sacrifice fly to center, putting the Aces down 2-0.

Evansville had a golden opportunity to knot the game up in the fourth, as a leadoff single by senior designated hitter Nate Reeder and a double off the bat of sophomore first baseman Tanner Craig put the tying runs in scoring position with no outs. However, the Aces would go down in order from there, keeping it 2-0 SIU.

In the bottom of the frame, Southern Illinois would add to their pad, hanging three more runs on the scoreboard at Croner’s expense, but the Independence, Missouri native would stick around to close out the inning, with the Salukis leading 5-0. Croner would come out to get the first out in the fifth inning, then turn the game over freshman right-hander Shane Gray. For the day, Croner gave up five runs on five hits, while striking out four.

Gray would keep SIU off the scoreboard the rest of the way, tossing 3 2/3 innings of shutout work, allowing just one hit, while striking out three.

Evansville would finally break through at the plate, with a pair in scoring position, as freshman pinch hitter Eric Roberts came off the bench to rope a single to right, driving in both Craig Shepherd and Tanner Craig, cutting the deficit to three.

However, that would be the only offense the Aces could muster, as they went quietly in the ninth.

The loss drops Evansville to 21-21 overall, with an 8-6 Missouri Valley Conference record. The win improves Southern Illinois’ overall mark to 21-22 and 3-11 in MVC play.

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