Anderson Mayor

Anderson Mayor Kris Ockomon Interview - March 2008

kpaul.mallasch — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 09:33:21 -0700

thevideo

Legality of Ockomon’s Residency is Basis for Lawsuit

kpaul.mallasch — Wed, 9 Jan 2008 15:07:06 -0800

ANDERSON, IN - Plaintiffs in a lawsuit challenging the eligibility and qualifications of Kris Ockomon to serve as Anderson Mayor based upon statutory residency requirements are hoping for a speedy resolution to the case. A pre-trial conference via telephone is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Thursday, January 10. Special Judge Michael Peyton and attorneys for the plantiffs and defendants are expected to participate.

"Our question is whether Kris Ockomon was a legal resident of Anderson before he filed as a candidate for mayor," said John Suko, one of five plaintiffs. "Our actions are motivated by our concern about Mr. Ockomon's residency and our strong belief in the need for the courts to determine the issues raised by our lawsuit. At stake is the honesty, integrity and quality of Anderson city government. Will our city's future be based in deception or will it be based upon the needs of 58,000 residents?"

Speaking on behalf of the plaintiffs, Mr. Suko also voiced a desire for the speediest resolution possible to the legal question of Mr. Ockomon's residency. "We have instructed our legal counsel to work for an immediate trial on the issues so that our city may continue to build upon the successes of the past four years and hope that Mr. Ockomon's attorneys will do the same."

David Brooks, lead attorney for the plantiffs, said that actions by the defendant delayed efforts to hear the matter prior to January 1. Mayor Kevin S. Smith is cooperating with Mr. Ockomon to every extent possible to expedite a determination by the courts.

Source: Brooks Koch and Sorg Law Firm Press Release

Kris Ockomon Next Anderson Mayor

kpaul.mallasch — Tue, 6 Nov 2007 20:12:22 -0800

ANDERSON, Ind. - The Anderson Herald Bulletin Forums are abuzz with talk of Kris Ockomon winning. (Please note Anderson Free Press is not associated with the Anderson Herald Bulletin.) There seems to be the usual "troll" or two running around there, but the regulars have it all under control there. Stop by for after Election chat or analysis. (Or stay here and chat about it. Your call. :)

Trifles From Anderson: Anderson Mayoral Debate

kpaul.mallasch — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 14:47:09 -0700

If you're not reading Trifles from Anderson, you should be. Today, Sam Hasler has a great round-up of what happened at the Anderson Mayoral Debate. Go read it if you didn't get a chance to attend.

From the blog post, Anderson Mayoral Update:

I made the trip to City Hall for the Anderson mayoral debate. I was late. I drive up to see the parking lot filled and I think my jaw dropped at the sight, I walked in and the auditorium looked packed to standing room only. I found a place to sit on the floor with the laptop. I know I missed opening statements but I think I got there just in time for the first question.

What follows is my attempt at capturing the debate. I ought to put quotation marks around debate. There was no rebuttal, no interplay between the candidates. Call the thing a candidates forum. I stole that from Tom Chaille but he is probably not going to see this and complain.

Tell the Mayor... About Airport Relocation

kpaul.mallasch — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 12:34:47 -0700

In an effort to learn as much as possible about the proposed airport plan, and how best to fight it, we have been in contact with many individuals of political and municipal influence. It has been suggested that the most important thing we can do is become MORE visible, to let our opposition be know, and let it be known we are definitely not going away. To increase and broaden our base, and to ask and demand answers to the questions that affect us. As laborious as it seems, we must continue to write letters and attend meetings in a visible fashion. We've done well ... and those of us who are involved must continue, and bring others along with us!

The more we learn about the proposed airport relocation plan, the more it seems we need to find out ... and it is imperative to make those who are pushing the SW Madison airport to own up to and explain their plans.

To that end, we are asking that the NO FLY ZONE have a presense at the Anderson Mayoral Debates. If you attend a debate (or any event where a mayoral candidate is speaking) we ask that you submit questions regarding the airport (a good question might be to ask why Anderson plans to increase it's tax base by taking OURS .. rather than building up it's own) We won't tell you what to ask; it's up to you. But please let folks know where you stand on the issue. Because it does affect us all. Details on the Mayoral debates are as follows:

Anderson mayoral candidate debate
Wednesday, 6:30 p.m.
City Building auditorium,
120 E. Eighth St.
Anderson, Indiana

Upcoming debates

Mon. Oct. 22, 6:30 p.m. City Building auditorium: Anderson city council at-large candidates
Mon, Oct. 29, 6:30 p.m., City Building auditorium: Anderson city council district candidates.
Sat, Oct. 27: Mayoral candidate debate, 10 a.m. to noon, Geater Center, 1611 Chase St.

Thanks, dfz

Proposed 2008 Budget: Disciplined and Holds the Line on Property Taxes

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 6 Aug 2007 22:17:22 -0700

ANDERSON, IN - The administration of Mayor Kevin S. Smith began hearings Monday evening with the City Council, proposing a disciplined budget that holds the line on city property taxes.

“By redirecting spending, the city of Anderson reduced the city portion of homeowners’ property taxes two years in a row,” said Mayor Smith. “The 2008 budget proposal again holds the line on the property tax rate by maintaining the same rate as 2007.”

City Controller Morris Long said the General Fund budget of $35.6 million projects a tax rate of $1.5136 for 2008 that is identical to 2007.

Highlights of the 2008 budget include:

Raises of 3 per cent for employees, with no change in insurance or benefits.
Continuation a paving plan for the fourth year in a row.
Matching funds to replace the city’s Nifty Lift and fixed route buses.
The proposed budget absorbs $2 million in increased spending without raising taxes.
After two years of reductions in the city property tax rate, the proposed 2008 rate remains the same as that of 2007 ($1.5135). Both rates are lower than the 2004 rate ($1.5214).

Source: City of Anderson Press Release