For release Sept. 3 and thereafter (572 words) by Dr. Jeff Abbott Many Americans believe the nation’s public education system is broken and needs repair. John McCain joins the chorus of critics by announcing “the deplorable status of preparation for our children . . .” and believes that public schools are “safe havens for the uninspired and unaccountable.” Barack Obama also criticizes public education by stating “I don’t want to send another generation of American…

For release Aug. 27 and thereafter (725 words) by Andrea Neal For a recent example of government officials playing fast and loose with taxpayer money, consider the case of the Pan Am Plaza in Downtown Indianapolis for which taxpayers should have received $6 million. The operative word is “should.” Last year, Indy’s powers-that-be decided that the Indiana Sports Corp. need not honor a 1985 agreement that required it to maintain an 88,000-square-foot plaza as public…

For release Aug. 6 and thereafter (495 words) by Craig Ladwig The Associated Press headline screamed the news: “Everything Seemingly Is Spinning Out of Control.” The article suggested that someone, anyone, get control. But our legislators are pumping out laws so fast they are hard pressed to even read them. The solution, rather than more control, is a renewal of the glue that holds a constitutional republic together — accountability. The annual Gallup Annual Survey…

For release July 23 and thereafter (745 words) by ANDREA NEAL How do folks cope when their property tax bills rise by $100, $300 or $500 a month? Ed DeLaney, a Democratic candidate for state representative, wants to know. So he‘s distributed postcards to residents in District 86 and asked them for property tax data and stories. It’s been an eye-opening process that sheds light on the continuing property tax crisis in Indiana.    The replies…

For release July 17 and thereafter  By Craig Ladwig A FEW OF US have found peace with the upcoming elections. We have joined the Anti-Usurpation Party, a growing force out here in the flown-over states. We Usurpians vote against anybody in public office and sometimes even against those demonstrating enthusiasm for public office. Usurpians, observing the current situation, conclude that those in office — in one way or another, to avoid accountability or to secure…

For release July 9 and thereafter (730 words) by Andrea Neal    JUST WHEN YOU THINK Indiana’s property tax mess can’t get more confusing, it does. Hundreds of Marion County homeowners are struggling to pay final 2007 tax “reconciliation” bills due July 10. Others are seeing huge jumps in the amount collected in escrow by mortgage firms that pay property taxes on the homeowners’ behalf. As reported in the July 5 Indianapolis Star, a flood of…

For release July 2 and thereafter (730 words) by ANDREA NEAL           Some Indianapolis taxpayers feel double-crossed after receiving their final property tax bills for 2007. Not only did their taxes rise, but they’re paying an extra penny sales tax for property tax cuts they’ve yet to enjoy.    The sentiment is partly justified and partly stems from confusion over what Gov. Mitch Daniels and the 2008 legislature accomplished.    First, to clear up the confusion:…

For release June 25 and thereafter (461 words) by Barry Umansky, J.D. In 2006, the telecom wars raged in the Indiana legislature. The outcome was landmark legislation that opened the door for new competition and reduced prices, plus greater availability of broadband video and high-speed internet in the Hoosier State.   So, who won the wars?  We all did, including all the combatants — and the rest of the nation noticed. Indiana’s telecom reform legislation, adopted…

Indiana Writers Group column for release June 18 and thereafter (370 words) by Alan Richardson, Ph.D. “Hello, this is Comcast Cable, may I help you?” “I have a question. A couple of days ago I got a mailing from AT&T saying I can now get both high-speed Internet service and 200 TV channels in my home on their new U-verse system for $68 per month. Then, in today’s mail I got your bill for $90.61…