tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12703782.post4572887270972440988..comments2024-03-13T14:53:25.892-05:00Comments on Advance Indianaâ„¢: Ballard Rolls Out Ethics PlanGary R. Welshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15185079937305083438noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12703782.post-74568544778425554822008-03-04T06:39:00.000-05:002008-03-04T06:39:00.000-05:00Silly 10:25, Mayor Flip Flop's challengers are alr...Silly 10:25, Mayor Flip Flop's challengers are already hard at work.Bulldoghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08078894825022199219noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12703782.post-43467981042977962142008-03-03T22:25:00.000-05:002008-03-03T22:25:00.000-05:00There are plenty of Ballard supporters who desire ...There are plenty of Ballard supporters who desire and have submitted applications to sit on boards, the problem is those around Ballard don't want Ballard supporters, minorities, or ethical people. <BR/><BR/>They want control of the cities boards, like they had once before, and they'll keep Ballard busy looking at the daisies while they continue to ignore the submissions for board positions. Instead, they are carefully using people on "their" list of folks who are of course aligned with their lobbyists.<BR/><BR/>Ballard, wakeup, your challenger will get prepared in 2 years and it'll will be too late to try to get your FRIENDS BACK!!!!<BR/><BR/>WE WON'T FORGET IF YOU SCREW US.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12703782.post-57472676134292848662008-03-03T16:26:00.000-05:002008-03-03T16:26:00.000-05:00Hey Anon 7:22am. You are a fool if you think Ball...Hey Anon 7:22am. You are a fool if you think Ballard is bowing to the FOP. First, if you would shut up an pay attention you would know that he supports restricting police and fire employees from serving in an elected position. Second, at this point in time he can not make that decision. Local gov't can not override the state gov't. The state says that they can serve. So blame the state legislature and not the mayor for that.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12703782.post-8353954049915981542008-03-03T09:12:00.000-05:002008-03-03T09:12:00.000-05:00There were good BZA appointments, too: Marci Reddi...There were good BZA appointments, too: Marci Reddick was an outstanding board chair. <BR/><BR/>But the Retherfords/Shiveleys, et al, were too many.<BR/><BR/>There is a state law which requires variance applicants to prove hardship. It's a stern test, and it should be.<BR/><BR/>Too often, it isn't met. And then the variance becomes the precedent.<BR/><BR/>We're going to be paying for these errors, and the Conleys, for a long time.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12703782.post-22174704713747061602008-03-03T08:50:00.000-05:002008-03-03T08:50:00.000-05:00Plenty of people would serve on the BZA if asked, ...Plenty of people would serve on the BZA if asked, and even more could serve if the BZAs met at night. <BR/><BR/>The current setup runs hand in hand with keeping appointments to boards and commissions limited to paybacks and folks who can get the time off work - which will surely be granted if it helps your boss in any way.<BR/><BR/>You mention Ms. Conley as ill suited to the Hearing Examiner position, and I agree. But, the Council has re-appointed Retherford (to the BZA) who routinely ignored state law and whose motto appeared to be: if asked, I will do all in my power to grant a variance. Then you have the appointment, also by the Council, of two Libertarians to the BZA. I thought Libertarians were against zoning; how does their appointment make any sense for the community?<BR/><BR/>But, Ballard seems to think he is doing right by creating these rules -- after he makes questionable appointments. Its as if, everyone has to follow the guidelines unless Ballard trusts the guy. <BR/><BR/>I do have one question: Under the new guidelines, will the Mayor retain his suite at the stadium? How about being hosted at the 500 because he represents the City?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12703782.post-46074296160539764372008-03-03T07:22:00.000-05:002008-03-03T07:22:00.000-05:00Gary, I had high hopes for this new mayor.But I'm ...Gary, I had high hopes for this new mayor.<BR/><BR/>But I'm disappointed.<BR/><BR/>There was a perfect oportunity for the new mayor ot ban all public employees from serving on the council. He is bowing to his FOP support by fawning all over the LEOs. This was unnecessary.<BR/><BR/>City agency/board appointments are difficult. I helped the prior administration prepare names during the first Peterson transiton. You'd be surprised how many appointments there are, and how difficult it is to get folks to do it.<BR/><BR/>For instance, there is little or no pay for the Board of Zoning Appeals. They sit all day, twice a month, and rule on vitally important rezoning cases. Its members are required to know the statutory thresholds for rezoning, but time after time, I watched Sue Shively, among others, completely ignore the statutes. And that doesn't hold a candle to the appointed hearing officer, Mrs. Conley, whose zoning knowledge rivaled those of a house pet.<BR/><BR/>Or the appointment of the county Democratic chair to the Metro Development Commission.<BR/><BR/>Some appointments are made to cover your flank. Some are made as paybacks. And too many are made just because there wasn't anyone else who would do it.<BR/><BR/>This council won't force Ballard's hand on the new ethics requirements. Not with their majority leader, the lead dunce of them all, a police major.<BR/><BR/>Again...a huge disappointment. This mayor owed nobody. Someone has convinced him he does. Which is sad.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com