Happy Turkey Day!!!
I want to take a few moments to wish all the readers of  Indiana Barrister a Happy Thanksgiving. This will be a special one for me for a couple of reasons.  This will be the first one with my lovely wife and as some of you may be aware, my Dad has serious health issues this year, but is doing great now.  I’m thankful for both of them, as well as my friends and close family. I’m also thankful for all of you who read the blog, listen to the radio show and watch me on television.  Enjoy your Thanksgiving.  I’ll be back with more gossip, rumor and blatant innuendo next week. Gobble!  Gobble!

It’s Not What It Is, It’s What It Looks Like
There’s a story about a guy who works on a sheep ranch.  That day his wife tells him they have a dinner party to attend that evening, but he has to work later than usual, so he takes his suit with him.   After spending the day working, the man gathers the sheep in the barn.  He then takes off his clothes to jump in the shower and change.  While he’s in mid-change, the farmer walks in and sees him naked in a barn full of sheep.  You can imagine the image.  I bring this up in light of the FBI raid of the downtown offices of  local businessman Tim Durham.   Du

IP$ $alary $chedule
As Indianapolis Public Schools look to cut $12 million from their budget, I decided to take a look at the salaries of the district’s more than 5400 employees.  The highest paid salary was Dr. Eugene White who makes $240,640 in salary and benefits.  The lowest paid employee is Devonna Craig, a food service employee who made $7,483 in salary and benefits. The top 10 salaries are listed below. Eugene White, Superintedent – $240,640. Willie Giles, Deputy Superintendent  - $189,361. Li-yen Johnson, Associate Superintendent â€

Thoughts from a donut county free rider
A new task force has been formed to study the financial issues that continue to plague the Capital Improvement Board.  The CIB sought and received some relief during the last legislative session, but they didn’t get what they asked for and think it might not be enough.  Their options are somewhat limited.  Gov. Mitch Daniels told the CIB not to come back and ask for anything else and legislators seem to share a similar position.  Still, the problems of the CIB are not going away. Councilor Mike McQuillen, a Republican who chairs the task force, made it clear that public input is critical throughout this process as they search for recommendations and solutions.  He’

Monday Morning Mayoral Musings
Although 2010 is a few days away, it never hurts to take a sneak peak at 2011 and the Indianapolis Mayor’s race. Here’s what I’ve heard so far. Brian Williams has put together what could be considered the first political ad of the season. Melina Kennedy is touting another Union endorsement, that makes two if you’re counting. Expect a formal announcement soon from Jose Evans on his candidacy. I hear former Lt. Governor and Indianapolis City Controller