> SOUTHERN INDIANA — Delegate upset with district’s GOP leadership



As a delegate to the Republican State Convention [last] weekend I would like to let the readers know that unless you are a member of the Party in a position of power your voice is not heard in the election process.

After spending my time, money and effort to become a delegate, six months to learn Robert’s Rules of Order and the GOP Party Rules and watching my friends almost get excluded due to the personal opinions of them by the Clark County/District Chairman Jamey Noel, I have come to the conclusion that there are but a hand full of people making all of the decisions for all the people.

Look at the decisions that have been made over the past several decades. Our country is in a financial mess. Mandatory health care is being shoved down our throats. The Patriot Act and now NDAA 2012 and 2013 calls for the indefinite detention of U.S. citizens without trial.

In our district caucus, which Mr. Noel chaired, but never called to order, there were predetermined slates of who would be going to the National Convention to vote for the Republican nominee. Of course Jamey had chosen himself as both National Delegate and Elector. The slate was predetermined, not debatable and not amendable. The people that were allowed to make motions had already been chosen as well as those that would second the motions. No motion was allowed to be made without having first submitted that motion to the Secretary of the State Party prior to the convention. Not allowing us to speak was accomplished by a last minute rule change to 9-26 of the GOP Party rules, which I am being told is illegal according to the FEC

I am asking everyone that has not been a part of any party to find one and in two years run to be a delegate for that party. In four years run to be a precinct committeeman/committeewoman for that party. That is the only way we can take our country back out of the hands of those who are running it into the ground. By taking part in the process we can vote them out and find candidates who are motivated by principle and not power.

— Kathy J. Lowe, of Elizabeth





Mayor thanks one superintendent, welcomes another



  I normally do not write letters or opinions to the newspapers. However, the subject of the schools and the superintendent position is an important topic of discussion.  

I have had the great honor to work with Dr. Daeschner and his staff over the last three years and believe as a community we owe him a debt of gratitude for the improvement in our schools. The biggest contribution being that he has shown the administrators, teachers and our community that every child can learn. There is a different outlook by the teachers in their role as educators that is exciting and results are coming from that. GCCS has seen improved test scores, higher graduation rates and a change for the better in the delivering of education in our schools.  For that I say thanks to Dr. Daeschner.

These traits are now instilled in the DNA of GCCS and should not be leaving with him as he goes to his next opportunity. I wish him well in whatever his next step is.

Clark County politics is well known for its political wrangling and some having the ability to see a dark cloud behind every decision made by political figures. The constant games played and attacks amongst office holders, political parties and candidates are what makes being a public servant so unattractive to many who would love to serve their communities.  The school board is probably the toughest elected office in local government. Where, as mayor, I have had agreements and disagreements with the school board, I am very thankful to them for their willingness to serve in this very consequential position.   

The decision to change superintendents will continue to be debated and only time will show the wisdom of this change. However, the decision has been made and Dr. Andrew Melin is the new educational leader of GCCS. Dr. Melin has a great resume, great skill sets and a good demeanor about him. I look forward to giving him my full support as I did with Dr. Daeschner and other superintendents of GCCS. I would encourage everyone to support Dr. Melin and pray for great success in GCCS during his tenure. Our kids deserve it.   

I say welcome Dr. Melin and our community looks forward to working with you.

— Bob Hall, mayor of Charlestown