HOUSE GOP REJECTS HATFIELD’S PROPOSAL TO PROVIDE INDEPENDENT, NONPARTISAN REDISTRICTING

INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana House Republicans today prevented a vote on a proposal from State Rep. Ryan Hatfield (D-Evansville) that would have given an independent, nonpartisan commission the power to draw districts for the Indiana General Assembly and our state’s congressional delegation.

House Republicans voted down Hatfield’s attempt to place the independent commission in Senate Bill 417. If the measure had been approved, the nonpartisan commission would have been in place to draw new legislative and congressional districts after the 2020 census.

“The people of Indiana want election reform,” Hatfield said. “There is an increasing belief that elections for the Indiana House and Senate and the U.S. Congress are non-competitive, and the result is voter turnout numbers that are among the worst in the nation. Hoosiers feel that the system is rigged, and there’s no reason to keep taking part.”

A bipartisan study committee that has examined redistricting reform the past two years recommended creation of an independent commission to take over the task, but legislation outlining that change died in the House Elections and Apportionment Committee when the committee chairman (State Rep. Milo Smith, R-Columbus) refused Hatfield’s call to take a vote on the bill, despite the measure drawing resounding public support at a committee meeting.

“Right now, there is no vehicle for the type of election reform that has been demanded by the people of this state,” Hatfield said. “The study committee went out of existence earlier this year, and there is no way to implement its ideas unless we amend the idea into an existing bill. My amendment would have enabled the House to make a clear statement that this body believes an independent redistricting is needed, and it would have given lawmakers another two years to figure out the make-up of that commission.

“Now we have nothing, and the people of this state have a right to feel cynical about these actions,” he noted. “Do the people in charge of the Indiana House really want election reform through independent redistricting, or are they simply willing to pay only lip service to the idea? Folks deserve action, not just more political talk. I hope we have many more opportunities to continue this debate before the 2017 session ends next month.”

SEAN SELBY CHARGES THAT COMMISSIONER SHOULDERS LACKS TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY

“Like everyone else in Vanderburgh County, I was especially caught off-guard by the news of this week’s vote at the county commissioner meeting by Ben Shoulders to place his campaign chairman as the new director of Burdette Park. Numerous residents and media outlets who were also surprised with the news have asked for a public comment, however none of us expected so quickly for the vindication of our campaign’s consistent clarion call regarding concerns over numerous conflicts of interest surrounding Shoulders.

In fact, the Courier&Press sounded like it borrowed a line from the Selby for Commissioner campaign in Thursday’s editorial when they stated “Shoulders should have recused himself from the vote”. It remains to be seen whether this will be enough for the Courier&Press to retract their endorsement of Mr. Shoulders, but it may cause them to reconsider whether he qualifies as the “positive influence on the community and as the best choice for District One” when they endorsed him on October 26 of last year. It also might make a good portion of the Vanderburgh County residents who helped Shoulders achieve the slim 51% win in the election wary of their choice.

This is especially the case when considering transparency and accountability do not seem to be a high priority to Mr. Shoulders, as the Courier&Press even pointed out that there was no opportunity for public comment, let alone was the replacement director even on the agenda. My experience with Burdette Director Murphy was always very positive on the campaign trail and with Vanderburgh Council President Montrastelle’s recent praise that he saved taxpayers 11% last year alone, many are further confused.

At a minimum I continue to applaud Commissioner President Bruce Ungethiem, while out of town for this particular vote, has taken a sensible approach to county government and unlike other recent commissioners has avoided making hyper-political decisions. Hopefully, this revelation will result in county residents keeping a closer watch on our commissioners and better assessing candidates in the future.”

EDITORS NOTE; Sean Selby ran an extremely competitive race against Mr. Shoulders in the most recent Countywide election.  Mr. Selby Letter To The Editor was posted without opinion, bias or without editing.

STATEHOUSE (March 20, 2017) — The Indiana House of Representatives last week passed a bill sponsored by State Rep. Holli Sullivan (R-Evansville) that would make it easier for a teenager under the care of the Department of Child Services to obtain a driver’s license.

“The state of Indiana is the guardian of about 55 youth between the ages of 16 and 18 who are currently unable to receive their driver’s licenses without facing a great number of hurdles,” Sullivan said. “Making the process easier for these teenagers to receive their driver’s licenses will help them to be engaged and connect with their community, participate in school and extracurricular activities and seek out job opportunities.”

According to Sullivan, teens in foster care find it difficult to obtain a driver’s license because they often do not know an adult who is able to sign the BMV application forms and provide liability insurance. They also do not have the means to pay for the process. This bill would enable foster children to apply for and receive learner’s permits and driver’s licenses free of charge, obtain liability insurance coverage, and complete driving practice with individuals approved by DCS.

The legislation would require a juvenile court to review each teen to ensure that he or she is ready to drive before they can obtain their license. According to Sullivan, similar programs have been successful in other states such as Florida and Louisiana.

“A driver’s license is an important tool to enable these strong and resilient youth to enjoy and benefit from normal, teenage experiences and to be better prepared to become educated, capable, self-sufficient adults,” said Sharon Pierce, president and CEO of the Villages of Indiana, the state’s largest not-for-profit child and family services agency. “The Villages of Indiana, and the youth we are so privileged to serve, are grateful to each and every legislator supporting this vital bill.”

After being amended, Senate Bill 366 will be returned to the Senate. If approved, the bill could be signed by the governor. For more information, visit iga.in.gov.