Disqus - Latest Comments for RepublicansRock

Re: No time to get your own Party? Here is a way.

RepublicansRock — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 07:45:12 -0000

Tow the line I absolutely don't tow the line myself. I have my own opinions and voice them quite regularly. Funny at my meeting yesterday I spoke about the fact that everyone is throwing around all these "isms" conservatism, reaganism, etc... I would never tell anyone to shut their mouth and my post is about people being fake and pretending to be something they are not. READ it again maybe you didn't understand what you wrote. As I said there are a lot of great reublicans that are tea party people. I think the movement is great I just think there are a lot of rogue groups that have ulterior motives and call theirselves something they are not.
Take this quote for example "The one that usually goes begging is delegate to the Republican State Convention. Before you lose your cool over the suggestion that you declare for a political party, please hear me out. There is no chance that we can form a viable party of our own in time for this election. We need to resolve to make the best use of what we have."
This is our party and I refuse to hand it over to people that just want to use it because they can't win as a third party candidate.

Re: No time to get your own Party? Here is a way.

RepublicansRock — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:39:16 -0000

Keep my mouth shut who are you to tell anyone to keep their mouth shut? Let's see freedom of speech? Let me say that I welcome any new person that wants to be part of the Republican party what I don't welcome is people saying that they will try to "work" the system by making it look like they are a republican only to "take over" as opposed to joining and learning how the republican party works. I welcome all people that want to join and make it better because with more people comes more discussion and better choices. But people that know they can't get elected with a third party that pretend to be something they are not I refuse to welcome.

It's funny we had this very discussion at our meeting today and there were a lot of people that attend tea party gatherings that are republicans that I have a lot of respect for. They are interested in being a part of the solution not a part of the problem.

Re: http://reasonbellpundit.blogspot.com/2010/02/harper-faces-biggest-critics.html

RepublicansRock — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 21:11:15 -0000

I was there and I can tell that all he talked about were the tax caps and how he is all about them. Well I can tell you 90% if not all were for the tax caps in the room. He played a couple stupid videos poking fun at himself that he is the king of no. I have to say I was not amused. He had made up numbers and when Chuck Williams called him on it he avoided it like the plague. He did not answer ONE single hard question and talked around the subjects. When asked when companies (jobs) would be coming to the region as they are around the state he stated that it wouldn't happen. Funny thing about jobs they make people want to buy homes in the area where the companies are locating. It is good to know that even though we are so close to Chicago we haven't got a chance. Makes sense to me to give up on it.

Re: Disciples of No vs. Cities of Opportunity

RepublicansRock — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 20:58:48 -0000

I guess my point with the buses would be is have we really even given them a chance yet. Anyone who either owns or runs a business has to be aware that things take time to make a profit or at least pay for itself.

Please don't take my post at as a shot at you personally I was merely stating facts that not many are aware of because of the D.O.N s.

Re: Disciples of No vs. Cities of Opportunity

RepublicansRock — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:19:53 -0000

Laura, while I appreciate your opinion I guess I am a bit confused. The council did not repeal the tax itself so how is this saving the people that are paying this tax any money to spend in the local businesses?

Also, the buses that these people that moved here and now take to their existing jobs in Chicago does this not only save energy but also pollution in Porter County?

The RDA is great for job growth and great for making Porter County a place where people want to come to.

I believe you are confusing two different entities the RDA is not pushing for an increase in taxes they are only giving back to the community (more than what we paid in). If your beef is with the RTA you can make that decision to vote for or against that in November.

I too believe that Porter County government is stuck without any plan to progress into the future.

Do you realize that if the county government could get this tax mess straightened out at the government center that would save every municipality more than we pay the RDA? The interest they pay on money borrowed would make a heck of a savings in everyones pocket. We should probably be way more concerned about that then we are the RDA which is giving back to the community.

In the past few years Porter County has become very builder and business unfriendly. The unified plan has caused businesses not to expand, builders not to build and a why bother attitude amoungst most people with a vision. Now we have kicked the unions in the teeth by pulling the one thing that could create jobs in an economy that is already showing almost 10% unemployment doesn't make much sense to me.
I believe that is where everyone is getting the vision of the walls from. I also have heard how we have to keep "them people" out still trying to figure out who that is.

Re: Whitten's $90,000 job in jeapardy?

RepublicansRock — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 16:25:26 -0000

Now wait he was the one at the meeting that made the statement that he was soooo busy seeing 50 plus clients a month at his bankrupcy firm that he was even working Saturdays to squeeze them all in. Call this retaliation if you want but maybe they were not aware until they were at this meeting and he made that statement that he was not putting in hours at the 90k plus job.

Sometimes when we are pompous and bragging we say things that maybe should be left unsaid.

Re: RDA Bill Hanna on Porter County - "hasty"

RepublicansRock — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 09:38:16 -0000

Oh Indianapolis will leave us alone VERY ALONE. If you could show me where in the latest version it says 2015 anywhere I would appreciate it I have read it several times and are either missing it or it is not there.

Re: Most people speaking tonight support the RDA

RepublicansRock — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 09:20:28 -0000

Jonathon,
I was very disappointed to see the Liberty group patting the Dem's on the back (and yes I saw the group of you go up and heard you praising them) and praising them on line. What did they actually do for your group repeal the tax? No. Cause a waste of money for legal fees? Yes. Because they had a knee jerk reaction instead of checking out all their options this will not only cost us the 3.5 million (read above where the money is to go when collected) but now it will cost legal fees also and we all know where that money comes from not the councils pocket.

Re: DLGF Summary Findings

RepublicansRock — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 09:13:35 -0000

Is it true that the only council member to show up was Conover? I guess if this is true my statement is correct that the council is trying to pull a smoke and mirrors game with the RDA coming up right now.

Amazing they don't care about people having jobs, they don't care about the local businesses and homeowners. Then they go through this whole RDA ruse just to leave the tax in place. Sounds like there is a plan there somewhere.

Re: Most people speaking tonight support the RDA

RepublicansRock — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 16:41:22 -0000

What a joke of a meeting I was surprised you were not there Chris you usually love this stuff. Must of been super busy not to make this one!

The amazing part was that most of the people that spoke against it were elderly and I would think that most of them are retired so they are not even getting a paycheck that would be taxed.

Re: Most people speaking tonight support the RDA

RepublicansRock — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 08:07:22 -0000

Actually your headline should read

RDA set to receive 100 million in federal stimulus money and Porter County pulls out before receiving their share.

By line but good news we saved the 3.5 million we put in DUH.

Re: Most people speaking tonight support the RDA

RepublicansRock — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 23:51:06 -0000

This is the actual ordinace that started it all

Ordinance 05-5-25
An Ordinance of the Porter County, Indiana, Council
Increasing the County Economic Development Income Tax

WHEREAS, pursuant to I.C.6-3.5-7-5, the Porter County Council (“Council”) has previously imposed the County Economic Development Income Tax (“EDIT”) on the adjusted gross income of Porter County taxpayers at the rate of twenty-five hundredths of one percent (0.25%); and
WHEREAS, I.C.6-3.5-7-5 authorizes and empowers the Porter County Council to amend the rate at which the EDIT tax is imposed in Porter County; and
WHEREAS, the Porter County Council is desirous of increasing the EDIT tax rate so as to fund Porter County participation in the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority and provide additional homestead credits pursuant to I.C.6-3.5-7-13.1(3).
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED by the Porter County Council as follows:
1. That the Porter County Council does hereby increase the Porter County Economic Development Income Tax rate imposed upon the county taxpayers from twenty-five hundredths of one percent (0.25) to five-tenths of one percent (0.5%). This tax increase shall take effect on July 1, .
2. That the increase in the County Economic Development Income Tax rate imposed by this ordinance is being done so as to fund the $3.5 Million cost of participation in the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority with any remaining revenues resulting from this increase in the CEDIT tax rate being totally and completely dedicated to increase homestead credits pursuant to I.C.6-3.5-7-13.1(b)(3)
3. That the Porter County Auditor shall record all votes taken on this ordinance and immediately send a certified copy of the results by certified mail to the Indiana Department of Revenue.
ADOPTED This 24th day of May, 2005 by a vote of 4 yeas and 3 nays.
PORTER COUNTY COUNCIL

Re: Most people speaking tonight support the RDA

RepublicansRock — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 22:25:43 -0000

I was really proud of the Porter Town Council tonight even after Whitten called them out by name they stood strong for their constituents.

Re: Most people speaking tonight support the RDA

RepublicansRock — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 22:11:42 -0000

Local 150 made a HUGE showing there in support of the RDA. It is a shame they did not listen to the local union people that would benefit the most from the RDA. Although there were several comments about keeping "those people" out(still trying to figure out who "those people" are. I think there might just be some work available building a wall around Porter County. Unfortunately, Porter County on its own can not sustain enough jobs to keep everyone in Porter County employed. However, they should be able to sustain the legal profession for some time with the legal ramifications of this act.

I am not sure how when the tax was passed that 3.5 million of the first part of the collection of the tax are to be paid to the RDA and the remainder used for tax relief that they can just skip the first part. They did not pass something that said if you want pay the 3.5 million first and then use the rest for the tax relief. Somewhere here there has to be legality issues that prove that this tax will be collected and used illegally.

Re: Most people speaking tonight support the RDA

RepublicansRock — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 21:53:40 -0000

That was a three ring political circus. Sylvia Graham and Rita Stevens couldn't even complete a sentence and Dan Whitten kept referring to himself in the third person and going off on tangents.

It was a remarkable evening with a lot of people with a lot of confused facts.

Re: Engage on the RDA or hold your tongue Thursday

RepublicansRock — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 14:48:52 -0000

Again knee jerk reaction for a cover up. That is all this is. I don't think that Whitten thought this all the way through. First, Visclosky is on board with this, Olga etc.... He is not only going to be pushing Republicans under the "bus" but he will be causing a "train" wreck for the dems.

Re: Engage on the RDA or hold your tongue Thursday

RepublicansRock — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 14:24:04 -0000

I think you are just guessing that they will repeal that because I have not heard or seen that printed anywhere and I would think that they would be splashing that around everywhere. I may have missed that somewhere.

People don't realize if you have no job growth in your area that people have to have means to get to their job elsewhere or they just pick up and move to the place that has transportation or job growth available. While I am not a big fan of taxes (trust me I own a business) I do see the need for certain things to be in place to promote responsible growth and if everyone is doing their own thing instead of a centralized group it leads to either duplicated services or no services.

It's good to see the mayors standing up for this but I hope they make a stand tonight.

Again, my thoughts are that there is an election year coming up and that this is just a show to take the spotlight away from the tax fiasco that they caused.

Re: Engage on the RDA or hold your tongue Thursday

RepublicansRock — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 09:13:15 -0000

Jonathon,
While I can see where you are coming from you are not aware of the history. COIT has been around since I believe 2002. Bill Carmichael and John Evans were a huge part of that and were easily elected after that. This last election has nothing to do with COIT it was a national sweep with coattail effect.

What this has to do with is a dog and pony show. At a time when they should be more concerned with businesses like strongbows and others moving out of the area or closing they are more worried about 3.5 million dollars that has reaped the region with more than it has cost them. I am amused that I read today that Whitten is willing to take the 3 million from the interest from the hospital proceeds and use it for decorating in Portage and Valpo yet he is unwilling to help fund the RDA to help bring economic development which would produce more jobs and tax money all the way around.

They are not going to repeal the COIT by pulling out of the RDA know that now it is not going to happen. If they did that people would be paying higher property tax as part of that money is used for property tax relief. They are not going to use that for more property tax relief that money will be earmarked for "other" pet projects.

I too do not believe that they should add another tax for the RDA however I believe pulling out of the RDA is a serious mistake one that is a knee jerk reaction with political granstanding.

Do you realize that if the council spent its time working on how to get the tax bills straightened out that would save millions in interest payments for our schools, cities and towns? This is where there time should be spent. We keep chasing our tail and never moving forward.

While I am unsure that a train in Valpo is the way to go I do know that not doing anything will not make the quality of life in Porter County any better.

There is an election coming up in 2010 and Whitten is trying to cover the tax fiasco at Scott's and Kopp's office with this and trying to keep the other council members from being ousted by their handling of the tax issue with consultant after consultant with no results.

Re: Engage on the RDA or hold your tongue Thursday

RepublicansRock — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 09:38:17 -0000

First I do not claim to know everything on the RDA. I wish that I had more time to do more research. What I do know is that in Lake County they put in 3.5 million for every large city and for the county itself and Porter County puts in a total of 3.5 million. Which for me stands to reason that Lake County puts in a 3 to one ratio at least.

I am just curious why we are taking the crazy rants of a council man that spends his days following buses around Valparaiso and splash them all over the paper without anything to back up his rants.

The problem here is a Americans we are into instant gratification. That's right if we don't see an instant payoff for everything we don't like it. Well guess what things worth having are worth waiting for. Most of the public is uneducated about what the RDA even does. We must give it time to work or stay stuck in the 1800's.

I mean when you think about it since we are only contributing a fourth to the RDA should we have even been due to receive money for the Lakeshore project? It will be interesting to see if Mayor Olga shows up to support the RDA or not.

I think as Republicans we have to be for progress we have to look to the future of our children and our children's children. Do you really think that by pulling out of the RDA that money will just be there or they will repeal the county tax? No the local Dem's will find something else to use it on remember these are the same people that wanted to spend a million on a building to shelter 20 dogs. So there it is they are willing to spend a million on 20 dogs but not willing to spend 3.5 for the entire population of Porter County.

I believe this to be a huge diversion. The property tax fiasco goes on so in order to cover up the fact that the Scott and Kopp have made such a huge mess of things they throw the Democrats are here to save the day we will fight the RDA for you. Maybe someone shold check to see how much money that the cities and towns have to spend in interest because of the tax fiasco. I know that is the states fault never mind that 95% of the other counties got their bills out on time or nearly on time.

I think that everyone us should attend this meeting and stand up for the lone Republican and Bill Hanna at this meeting. It is time that we stand up and say hey you are willing to spend a million on 20 dogs but not on the entire Porter County population?

Re: Young Republicans Chapter Formed

RepublicansRock — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 22:59:40 -0000

Might I suggest you ask Robyn Walsworth. She would do great in that spot. I also believe she is in the correct age range.

Re: Boone Grove School Construction Referendum

RepublicansRock — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 18:14:19 -0000

Here is my take on the referendums Great Idea! However there is a small glitch. The schools should have to throw into the mix the cost of the referendum. Right now the cost is thrown on Porter County government which is not really fair. This spreads the cost to all the taxpayers even if they are not in that community. So if one area is being fiscally conservative it doesn't matter we still have to pay for their referendum.

Re: GOP First District an embarassment

RepublicansRock — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 18:13:50 -0000

I don't think that it is insulated at all I think that there is plenty of opportunity for everyone to learn how it all works there are even classes for people to attend. Notice will always go to the chairman it should be the responsibility of the people that want to learn how it all works to get that information or asked to be put on a list. How do people know that you are interested unless you make your interest known?

From what I understand the person that was late to the meeting was just plain late he had the address of the location it happens sometimes. Personal responsibility is an important thing that we all need to understand. The Paulers didn't wait for an invitation to the state events they went and sought out the information. The rules, party information etc... are all available on the indgop.com website. Do I think that it should be made easier to locate probably but the contact information is always there.

There are classes, state dinners, state fundraisers, meetings etc... Once you learn your way around you learn who to contact if you are not getting the information.

As far as the caucus that Kim is talking about it really is not that big of a deal now. She was talking about when Andy Webster resigned and they held a caucus to replace him.

I would encourage all newbies to get involved on the local level. This is why I say that the old gray hairs of the party are a huge necessity they can mentor the newbies and teach them how the organization all works. Each and everyone of us that have been involved in the party for a while know were mentored by an older party member when we first came on and we appreciated their help. Casting the people that know how things work to the side because they are fat, white haired 52 year old men is not what this party was built on. While some seem to think that working an elelphant ear booth or marching in parades is not a huge deal I think it is an important part of learning who all the people are that are involved and building a foundation to the structure that works. Everyone likes to leap frog to the top but some times it takes swimming around the bottom of the pond to learn how to make that giant leap out.

Re: GOP First District an embarassment

RepublicansRock — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 14:27:32 -0000

Kim if you ask Bill Johnson you will see that we (Porter County aka Chuck Williams) did support his efforts. There were no roadblocks.

However, I also support John's efforts and feel that the criticism on this board is unwarranted. Everyone has a right to run for 1st district chair he was just smart enough to line his ducks up in a row first.
No one really knows what it takes to deal with these things until they are in the middle of it first hand. Politics ain't pretty!!! Someone is always not going to like the way you do things.

Actually Chuck and John worked together quite well when things went across the border as they seem to often.

I think that your loyalty for John is great it is important in having a strong board. I know when I spoke to him after the election he was thrilled to have you on board and said how supportive you have been. Just remember that I was Chuck's right arm and I also will defend him no one is perfect and we can only do what we think is right at the time. This is not a paid position and it takes a lot of "volunteer" time to make it all work.

Good luck with everything but please remember that this is an opinion board and tearing down someone that worked with John on several things is not the way to make your point. When John said he was running Chuck didn't even throw his name in the ring.

Re: GOP First District an embarassment

RepublicansRock — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 11:12:27 -0000

Kenard arrived early to the meeting and could not have been nominated he is not the designee to the district. From what I understand James and Debra arrived late as they were unable to find the location not that any of that matters.

As far as the vote it would not have mattered , there are 10 members to the 1st disctrict board and six of them had already voted. As far as the rules shame on us for not knowing what the rules are this should be standard any time we are involved in a vote to make sure that we are aware of the rules.
The paulers went down state rules in hand and knew every rule that they had to follow. Until we start becoming informed we will always be behind because we have to take someone elses word. We can not keep blaming others for our ignorance. It is kind of like saying officer I didn't know that was a law. I do not believe that Sue Landske would have intentionally kept someone from voting. I believe she misinterpreted the new rules that were changed in 08.
Also, as far as the leadership having party email addresses that is how we were notified of the meetings over the past years.

I agree I don't think there is anything wrong with nominating from the floor but sometimes you have to be careful what you ask for things could have turned out differently in several races across the state.

Re: GOP First District an embarassment

RepublicansRock — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 21:35:03 -0000

Ok let me first explain that Kenard Taylor and I were the first district appointees during Chuck Williams chairmanship. Kenard Taylor was the treasurer for the first district. However, Curley did his homework he knew that Chuck was possibly interested in the first district chair and so he went to the three other counties Benton, Jasper, Newton and asked them to be part of his slate. Actually it was pretty smart on his part when you think about it who would vote against their selves? Curley actually called me right after he decided to make this run probably to feel out what was going on here in Porter county at which time I reminded him that I had told him several times that Chuck was interested. Kenard and I attended all of the first district meetings which are held quarterly. Look to have most of those meetings held very south as they were before. We drove anywhere from one hour to two hours to get to the meetings. I feel bad for Kenard mostly because he really enjoyed attending all of the meetings and discussing what was going on here in Porter County.

I guess I don't understand your disdain for old white guys I find it hard to believe that there is not a place for everyone in this organization old and young alike. When did we become the organization of out with the old and in with the new? Experience is a great thing in any organization. When phone calls need to be made during the day it is these retired "old people" that make these calls, work the polls and are willing to even go door to door. I am not sure that we should be putting 52 year olds out to pasture maybe I say that because I am 46 and can't really see where 6 years is going to make that much of a difference in the way I do things.

By the way most of the donors to the party are over the age of 50 they have raised their kids, have their careers on track and can afford to donate either personally or through their successful business.

Curious why you are not screaming about the second district elections which we are also a part of wasn't there only one candidate choice there also?

I attended a second district meeting with Chuck towards the end of Chuck's chairmanship and we got a lot of great ideas from that meeting. I believe that James and Debra were the appointees to the second district so I am not sure what actually went on at those meetings you would have to ask them. The one that Chuck and I attended was packed with people from all over the second district and had several speakers. It was great to meet some of the second district people although I knew most of them there were a couple of newbies in the crowd.

We actually have a great set up being that we are split into two districts and should work to get to be a larger part of the influence. Kenard had a huge part in making sure that we were part of the state and national election process this was the first time in a long time that Porter County had two National Delegates to the convention.

Unfortunately, along with attending these meeting also means you need to make time to attend other district things like Lincoln Days, fund raisers etc... at the other counties. This is how you gain influence since this is a very tight knit group.

If I can answer any other questions on this let me know.