A possible case for Kernan-Shepard

[Timothy Maguire]

Those who know me know that I'm conflicted on the prospect of consolidating local government. On one hand, maybe we don't need to pay for township government anymore. On the other hand, consolidation efforts can be the path to bigger, more centralized government (the antithesis of libertarian philosophy).

It's days like these that give me reason to do away with these township overlords.

Penny Bigelow, a true patriot and tireless tax advocate, has been spearheading the fight against Washington Township's excessive spending. On Thursday, Nov. 20, 2008, the Washington Township Board met at the Township Administration Office, to Adopt the 2009 Budget, Tax Rate and Tax Levy. Penny and her taxpayer supporters were there, and delivered an objection petition. (I unfortunately was not able to make it, for which I publicly apologize).

The Objection Petition brought to light many issues of which Washington Township taxpayers should take note. They object to the “Chief of Staff”, as currently defined, who earns $47,277 plus benefits, yet has no staff and no written or defined job description, including number of work hours per week. They object to the excessive 69% increase to the Board members compensation, per the November 10, 2008 resolution. Three board members (out of a total of 7) voted NO to that item. They object to the Health/Dental/Vision/Life/Disability excessive benefits. The 2009 budget calls for $41,639 in this category for only two people, the Trustee and the Chief of Staff.

Penny and other taxpayer advocates were not allowed to speak at the meeting. No explanation was given for the board majority's decision, even when asked by the media.

Here's Penny Bigelow's report on the meeting:
After talking to a number of attendees, my impression was that they were disgusted with the way the meeting was run and the “slam-dunk” that was forced through by the 4-3 votes.

The Meeting

As stated before, this meeting does not allow for public comment. However, when two Board members stated their reasons for opposition to the Board giving themselves a raise, most of the 27 people in the audience clapped each time! (The room was overflowing, with people standing against the back wall and doorway.)

The meeting took a total of 20 minutes. They approved, by 4-3 votes each time, the following:

The 2009 Township Budget
The 2009 Tax Rates
The 2009 Salary Resolution

They stated that our “Objection Petition was without merit”, citing a certain law. (We are researching that.) This meant that they did not have to explain their reasons for the questioned items nor answer the objections that were raised. (The cover letter and Objection Petition are included again as attachments for you to peruse, if you wish.)

The Appeal

However, we are going forward with the Appeal, which goes to the County Auditor. We are almost all of the WT residents who were there signed the Appeal Petition. (There were a few present from other townships.)

We are going to write the appeal letter after consulting some professionals, to make sure that the form and content are correct. This has to be done quickly. I will email you the actual APPEAL when it is finished.

Adding more names to my email list

If you know of anyone who would like to receive these emails directly, please have them email me at [e-mail] and I will add them.

The upcoming hearing(s)

It is our understanding that two separate hearings will be held, one with the Trustee and the DLGF, and one with the Taxpayers and the DLGF, then the DLGF is to make a ruling. We have heard that a new law was recently passed that many alter that procedure. In any case, I will notify you by email of any hearing(s) that pertain to this issue.

Future WT Township Board Meetings

Please plan to attend future WT Township Board Meetings. (3rd Thursday of the month, 6:15 pm at the Township Administration Offices, 1595 E. 86th Street, behind the Nora fire station.

Regards,
Penny Bigelow
Email: [e-mail]

Comments from Patriot Paul
We demand an apology! Thursday night's Washington Township Board's self indulgent behavior of voting a 60% salary increase for themselves in front of standing room only disgusted taxpayers is one thing. But loudly using the 'N' word from one of the Board members toward a media photographer is inexcusable. The board owes the taxpayers in that room, and in Washington Twp.,and by extension all citizens, a deep apology for a needless and racially charged confrontation. The Star recently promised an investigative team for issues of concern to its readers, so let's see what your made of! -Paul Wheeler

Media links...

http://www.theindychannel.com/politics/18028850/detail.html (includes video)

http://rtv6blogs.com/rtv6_capitol/2008/11/21/washington-township-meltdown/ (This is Norman Cox’s MUST-READ eyewitness account of the confrontation after the meeting where one Board Member had to be restrained by two other Board Members.)

http://www.indianabarrister.com/archives/2008/11/a_70_raise_in_20_minutes_or_less.html

http://hoosiersforfairtaxation.blogspot.com/2008/11/omg-washington-township-board-member.html

http://hoosiersforfairtaxation.blogspot.com/2008/11/greed-is-alive-and-well-in-washington.html

http://www.stopgoverninglikethis.com/?p=521

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP BOARD MEMBERS WHO VOTED THEMSELVES A 60%RAISE:
Ray Baker, 327-4819, 327-4827 or 257-5677, [e-mail]
Joe Simpson, 283-4096, [e-mail]
Mary Orea, 925-0079, [e-mail]
David Smith, 796-5069, [e-mail]