Category: Indiana Writers Group Archive

700 words by ANDREA NEAL With a month to go before the election, yard signs are disappearing and political tensions rising in French Lick. The Nov. 4 referendum on whether to allow a casino in the historic southern Indiana resort town is viewed as a "do-or-die" issue by both supporters and opponents. Tempers are hot,…

Andrea Neal column for Sept. 7 and thereafter740 words (Note to editors: This is the first of a two-part series. The second part looks at the Ball State charter school experience).INDIANAPOLIS – When the Indiana General Assembly passed a charter school law in 2001, it carved out a unique responsibility for one man: Indianapolis Mayor…

Andrea Neal column for Jan. 6 and thereafter (Editors: Please note that graf 3 assumes Jan. 7 publication. Edit as needed) INDIANAPOLIS — The rhetoric leading up to this year’s General Assembly sounds a lot like the advertising war over indigestion tablets. To address rising property tax bills, the Democrats are offering Tums for "fast…

725 words INDIANAPOLIS — Why vote? It"s a question many in Lake County are asking in the wake of a voting fraud scandal that essentially invalidated their choices in last May"s primary election. It"s a question that hundreds of thousands of Hoosiers answered with inaction and apathy during the last two general elections. It"s a…

Andrea Neal column for Aug. 31 and thereafter740 words INDIANAPOLIS — In Indiana, the average teacher earns $44,966 a year. A low-level accountant gets $38,122. The average state employee receives $32,461. A part-time legislator, counting salary and expense stipends, makes $45,221. Such salary statistics may explain the typical Hoosier reaction to legislative pay raise proposals.…

Andrea Neal column for Oct. 26 and thereafter730 words Note to editors: In order to provide timely commentary on the statewide elections, Andrea Neal’s column next week will move on Wednesday Nov. 3 for Thursday, Nov. 4 release. INDIANAPOLIS — As my pastor pointed out in his Sunday sermon, even Jesus and the Pharisees engaged…

Available for immediate publication INDIANAPOLIS — Albert Schweitzer said, "The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others." By that measure, Frank O’Bannon lived a rich and purpose-filled life. During 33 years of elective office, his purpose never wavered. Perhaps that’s why, when asked to recall…

Andrea Neal column for Nov. 30 and thereafter730 words INDIANAPOLIS – As lawmakers gear up for the 2005 session, they’d be wise to pick up the following self-help title: "Don’t Say Yes When You Want to Say No." As much as Republicans might like to use their new majority status to fund preferred budget items…

Andrea Neal column for Dec. 17702 words INDIANAPOLIS — Last session of the legislature, lawmakers tabled a bill that would have banned soft drink sales from school vending machines during regular school hours. Since then, Hoosier youngsters have only gotten fatter. Look for Rep. Charlie Brown, D-Gary, to push even harder this session for legislation…

by Andrea Neal INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana's always had tax protesters, including some who consider the property tax confiscatory under Article 1, Section 21, of the state constitution. Until now, that's been a small if vocal group of nutballs. Not anymore. With some residents' tax bills rising by 300 percent in a single fell, mild-mannered Hoosiers…