Kris Ockomon

AGAPE to Locate in Union Building in downtown Anderson

kpaul.mallasch — Thu, 1 May 2008 13:11:50 -0700

ANDERSON, IN - Mayor Kris Ockomon announced today the addition of a new business to Anderson’s local economy. The company, AGAPE, LLC, is a start up company that will immediately employ 75 people in the call center industry and intends to grow to 400 employees within one year.

Managing partner Jeff Rogers spoke of AGAPE’s site selection process, “AGAPE searched throughout the Midwest for a location to base our operations. We chose Anderson because of the positive business climate; Anderson has the combination we most needed, a large and capable workforce and the ready accessibility of fiber optic infrastructure.”

The Mayor’s office, Economic Development Department, and Anderson Municipal Light and Power have worked with AGAPE since February to assist in selection of their Anderson location. The City offered the extension of fiber optics to the new location at a cost of three thousand dollars. Linda Dawson, Executive Director of Economic and Community Development for the City of Anderson, commented, “In respect to return on investment, the City’s financial investment in this project will be recovered in the first minutes of AGAPE’s presence in Anderson.”

AGAPE has chosen to locate in downtown’s historic Union Building, a Sullivanesque, terra cotta building constructed in 1902. The building was purchased by Albert Golukhov in 2006. Golukhov has invested two million dollars in renovations since that time. Jeanne Clarkson, property manager for the Union Building, stated, “The Union Building is under-going a multimillion dollar renovation, creating over 30,000 SF of additional Class A office space with the latest in state of the art amenities and services available to current and potential tenants. We are marketing locally, nationally and internationally for new businesses to relocate to Anderson.”

“The fact that AGAPE chose not just to locate in Anderson, but in downtown Anderson, is great news for our citizens, and our other downtown businesses. Adding 75 new downtown workers—growing to 400 new downtown workers within a year—will have an overwhelmingly positive impact for retail and commercial businesses and even downtown events,” added Mayor Kris Ockomon.

Positions will pay an average of $10 per hour. AGAPE plans to begin hiring immediately. If interested in employment with AGAPE, please direct an email to Apply@AGAPEcomUSA.com or check www.AGAPEIndiana.com after May 15.

Source: City of Anderson Press Release

Community Leaders Provide Answers to Youth

kpaul.mallasch — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 11:07:25 -0700

ANDERSON, IN - Mayor Ockomon in partnership with Urban League of Madison County and Security Dads, will be hosting the first City sponsored Youth Summit, Thursday, April 17th, 6pm-7:30pm, in the City Hall auditorium.

Youth, ages 13 and up are invited to pose their questions to a distinguished panel of over fifteen community leaders, including Mayor Kris Ockomon; Sally DeVoe, Madison County Community Foundation; Bill Raymore, Urban League; Ron Richardson, Madison County Sheriff; Chief Darron Sparks, APD; Fred Reese, Parks Department superintendent; Holly Renz, Madison County Sexual Assault Treatment Center; and others.

“This is a place where teen voices can be heard,” says Jeff Cottrell, program director for Urban League of Madison County. “It’s designed for youth to have a forum to connect with community leaders,” he added.

Flyers and announcements are being distributed in all community schools to encourage attendance to the event. For more information, please contact Jeff Cottrell at 765-649-7126 or via email at cottrelljeffrey68@yahoo.com

Source: City of Anderson Press Release

Mayor Ockomon Looks to Alternative Business Models for Shelter

kpaul.mallasch — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 12:28:28 -0700

ANDERSON, IN - Mayor Ockomon is exploring other business models for the Anderson Animal Shelter. Specifically, the model of the Hamilton County Humane Society is being reviewed. “Other shelters have been successful by combining county forces,” says Ockomon. “We need to look to plans that work and implement them.”

“We have a commitment to public safety that must be withheld,” says Ockomon regarding the consideration of operational changes. “I am learning the complexities of the issues and the delicate balance of animal care and control.”

A public meeting to discuss requests for business model proposals will be held on April 9th, City Hall Room 201 (Economic Development Conference Room), 6-8pm. Citizens and animal groups interested in submitting a proposal to operate the Anderson Animal Shelter should plan to attend this informative meeting.

Source: City of Anderson Press Release

Ockomon Changes the Leadership of Anderson Animal Shelter

kpaul.mallasch — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 12:27:09 -0700

ANDERSON, IN - Mayor Kris Ockomon is changing the leadership at the Anderson Animal Shelter. A local veterinarian group, lead by Claudia Smith, DVM, will manage operations at the shelter, effective immediately. Smith has been a daily staple at the shelter, volunteering her expertise to administer medical care and vaccinations to the shelter’s animals. “She has been there since day one and has a full understanding of the needs of the animals,” says Ockomon of Smith’s position.

The change is met after numerous statements of concern about the state of the shelter. “We underestimated the condition of the shelter,” said Mayor Ockomon. “A seasoned veterinarian group is needed to install standards that simply did not exist before.”

The veterinary group consists of Jeff Smith, DVM; Claudia Smith, DVM; Larry Owen, DVM; and Joy Dvorak, DVM. The group will be soliciting additional volunteers for marketing and business modeling ideas for the shelter. “The task is overwhelming, even for a veterinary professional,” says Smith, of the effort to restructure the shelter. But she says with help, she is up for the task and is happy with the decision to change leadership. “This is exactly what we were going to request,” says Larry Owen, DVM, of Mayor Ockomon’s decision. The veterinarian group will replace Larry Russell, senior humane officer, and Brad Cox, deputy director.

Source: City of Anderson Press Release

Mayor Ockomon and Local Pastors Working Together on Unemployment

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 11:24:20 -0700

ANDERSON, IN - Mayor Kris Ockomon and the Anderson Pastor’s Alliance have joined forces in an effort to address unemployment. On Thursday, March 27, 2008, a job fair will be held from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church’s Fellowship Hall located at 1610 Sheridan. “It is important that our citizens are given every opportunity to find employment,” stated Mayor Kris Ockomon.

“Working with organizations like the Anderson Pastor’s Alliance provides strength and stability to our ongoing efforts toward reaching the unemployed,” he continued. “I am overjoyed that my administration can partner with our citizens to make a difference for those who live in Anderson,” said Mayor Ockomon.

The City of Anderson’s Transit System (CATS) will provide a shuttle from the Anderson Zion Baptist Church, 2008 Rev. J.T. Menifee Street to the Allen Chapel Fellowship Hall, every half hour to assist residents in the area who are without transportation.

Employers who have already registered to participate include: Averitt Express, Indiana Wesleyan, Wachovia Securities, Arbonne International, Hoosier Park Racing and Casino, The Geo Group, and the New Castle Correctional Facility. Additionally, Job Source will be present with job training and resume preparation information and the Community Action Partnership will offer job training and employment for those 55 years of age and older.

There will be representatives with jobs that may be done from the home, those offering employment in neighboring communities as well as job opportunities within the city. Because the City of Anderson and the Anderson Pastor’s Alliance embrace diversity, those from all walks of life are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity.

“The Anderson Pastor’s Alliance desired to be proactive in assisting local residents in finding employment and the city was a natural beginning point,” stated the Rev. Earlie Dixon, President of the Alliance. “We are proud to partner with the City of Anderson in sponsoring this job fair which will enable persons to apply for jobs, present their resumes, as well as secure information about future job opportunities,” shared Rev. Lenore G. Williams, the event coordinator. The Pastor’s Alliance, a diverse group of local pastors who meet the 2nd Mondays of each month, plan to make the job fair an annual event.

For additional job fair information, the public is asked to contact the Alliance’s Rev. Lenore G. Williams at (765) 642-3117.

Source: City of Anderson Press Release

Mayor Ockomon Announces Public Safety Initiative

kpaul.mallasch — Thu, 6 Mar 2008 18:20:33 -0800

ANDERSON, IN - On Thursday, March 6, 2008, Anderson Mayor Kris Ockomon announced the City of Anderson's public safety initiative, Operation Pull Over. The 54th blitz of its kind, Operation Pull Over is funded by the generous grants of the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) with the purpose of increasing public safety during peak risk seasons. Anderson has received $25,000 to fund the initiative this year.

In 2007 on St. Patrick's Day, 44 percent of the 105 drivers and motorcyclists involved in fatal crashes nationwide, had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA).

For many Hoosiers, St. Patrick's Day has become a popular day to celebrate with friends and family. However, given that many people will celebrate this occastion with alcohol, the day can also be very dangerous.

In order to deter impaired driving on Indiana's roadways this St. Patrick's Day, the Governor's Council on Impaired and Dangerous Driving is joining with over two hundred state and local law enforcement agencies to launch a statewide high-visibility enforcement from March 7 to March 23. While this 16 day blitz will cover St. Patrick's Day, it will also take place during Big Ten Basketball Tournament in Inianapolis.

"Impaired drivers are a grave threat to the safety of Indiana's roadways. Motorists should be aware that state and local officers will be conducting increased enforcement and will deploy special patrols to detect and arrest impaired drivers," said Curtis Hill, chairman of the Governor's Council on Impaired and Dangerous Driving.

In 2006, 23.8 percent of fatal crashes that occured in Indiana from March 1 to May 31 involved drivers with a BAC above the legal limit. This means that out of 214 total fatalities that occured, 51 were caused by an impaired driver.

Also in 2006, from March 1 to May 31, 2.3 percent of all collisions in East Central Indiana involved drivers with a BAC of 0.01 or greater, while 31 percent of fatalities in the ECI region involved drivers with a BAC of 0.01 or greater.

Impaired driving remains one of America's deadliest problems. According to NHISA, in 2006, 42,642 people were killed nationally in motor vehicle crashes. Of that number, 13,740 people were killed in traffic crashes that involved at least one driver or motorcyclist with a BAC of 0.08 or higher.

"Remember, impairment starts with the first drink. With so many events taking place around Indiana during the month of March, it is important to plan ahead before indulging, because if you are suspected of drunk driving, a fun night out could turn into a nightmare," Hill added.

Safe Holiday Practices:

Following these easy steps, a driver can enjoy a safe St. Patrick's Day without jeopardizing their life and the lives of others who might be on the road.
Plan a safe way home BEFORE the festivities begin
Before drinking, please designate a sober driver and give that person your keys
If you're impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation so you are sure to get home safely.
If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don't hesitate to contact your local law enforcement or call 911
And remember, if you know someone who is about to drive or ride with someone who is imparied, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get where they're going safely.

Source: City of Anderson Press Release

Actions of Anderson Youth Honor the Life of a Community Leader

kpaul.mallasch — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 15:16:41 -0800

ANDERSON, IN - Mayor Kris Ockomon will announce the renaming of Louise Street to Rev. J.T. Menifee Street on Wednesday, February 27, 2008, 5:30pm at the Anderson Zion Missionary Baptist Church Family Life Center.

"The honor to Rev. Dr. J.T. Menifee is long overdue," said Mayor Ockomon. "The determination of three young ladies who garnered hundreds of signatures has made this change possible."

Mayor Ockomon is referring to the diligent efforts of Chelsea Newell (age 18), Kaela Braxton (age 16), and Tyeria Austin (age 17). The young ladies collected over seven-hundred signatures in favor of the name change.

"His life is an inspiration to me," said Chelsea Newell, when asked what motivated her to spend her summer knocking on doors to gather signatures. "We felt it was something that we could do to make a difference in our neighborhood."

Rev. Dr. James T. Menifee was an irrepressible advocate of the Anderson community during the 1980s and 1990s. Menifee organized the first annual westside cleanup in 1985, which was the inspiration to Anderson’s current annual cleanup of the city. He led in the creation of our city park to honor Martin Luther King, Jr., and also raised over $100,000 to erect the bronze statue of Martin Luther King, Jr. that centers the park gardens today. The Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship and the MLK Community Housing Development Corp. are also both to the credit of Rev. Dr. J.T. Menifee.

Menifee died in 1998, leaving a life full of purpose, service and example to his community.

"Rev. Menifee’s acts of compassion and service are still deeply rooted in our community today," said Mayor Ockomon. "I am privileged to honor a community leader who gave so much and inspired so many."

Anderson Zion Missionary Baptist Church is located at 2008 Louise Street, Anderson Indiana.

Source: City of Anderson Press Release

Anderson City Spotlight - 2/15/08 - Vol 3

kpaul.mallasch — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 02:28:13 -0800

Attached is a PDF of the February 15, 2008 edition of the Anderson City Spotlight.

Central Indiana Job Fair Opens Opportunities for Regional Employers

kpaul.mallasch — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 15:08:06 -0800

ANDERSON, IN - Raved as one of the best job fairs in the region, WorkOne in conjunction with the City of Anderson and many others, will sponsor the first Central Indiana Job Fair of 2008. The job fair will take place on March 13th, 2008, 10am-3pm at the new multi-purpose church facility of Madison Park, in Anderson. Openings are currently available for employers.

"I invite all regional employers seeking quality employees to attend the day's event," says Mayor Kris Ockomon. "The City of Anderson is ecstatic to be a sponsor of this year's first job fair," says Ockomon. "As development continues to move up the I69 corridor, Madison County residents are connected even closer to the growing regional job market." Mayor Ockomon and his staff will be on-site throughout the day to welcome guests and answer questions about Anderson, the Madison County seat.

"Madison Park's spacious facility gives us the advantage to comfortably host multiple employers," says Karen Pettigrew, Economic Development Specialist for the City of Anderson. "We are accommodating both large and small businesses," says Pettigrew. "We have several regional companies that have already committed and Madison Park's convenient location (right off of I69), makes it an easy drive." Break-out rooms are also available for private interviews and career development workshops.

The Central Indiana Job Fair is a joint effort of the Corporation for Economic Development, WorkOne Fishers, WorkOne Anderson, Chamber of Commerce for Anderson & Madison County, Pendleton Chamber of Commerce, City of Anderson, Mayor Kris Ockomon, State Senator Tim Lanane, State Representative Scott Reske, State Representative Terri Austin and Madison County Commissioners.

Employers interested in attending the Central Indiana Job Fair at Madison Park, should contact Donna Lord, Program Coordinator, at donnalord@interlocal-association.org or by calling the Job Fair Hotline at 1-888-230-3137. WorkOne has an excellent reputation of hosting quality job fairs that connect prospective employees to the right employer. Madison Park is located at 6607 Providence Drive, Anderson, Indiana.

Source: City of Anderson Press Release

$100,000 Grant Awarded to Anderson Fire Department

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 4 Feb 2008 19:33:38 -0800

Indiana Department of Homeland Security has awarded a $100,000 grant to the Anderson Fire Department to help fund a four story training structure and other areas of advanced training.

See related story.

Letter: Have city utility rate-payers been duped?

kpaul.mallasch — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 10:26:39 -0800

By Anonymous

In December, the city council was informed that the city utilities operating fund had been exhausted, ostensibly by rising costs not offset by rate adjustments, and was asked to approve a 10-percent permanent rate increase for electric and water utilities customers. After an initial 8-1 vote to approve the rate hike on the first reading, the council suspended its rules after a lengthy discussion (an agreement made simply to avoid having to return for another meeting during the holidays), and voted 9-0 on the second and third readings to approve the rate increase.

The council, in its entirety, failed to adequately represent the city's utility rate-payers when it chose to dismiss its responsibility to take the time to investigate more thoroughly the causes of the operating funds' depletion and the long-term rate needs of the city's utility services before acting on the rate hike. It is quite possible the rate hike could have been instituted on a temporary basis until the operating fund reached adequate proportion at which point rates could have been rolled back to a lower level. And, had council members taken time for thorough investigation, the council could possibly have approved such a measure that could have been renewable annually until financial stability was attained.

If Mayor Ockomon's announcement that city finances are in such a critical situation is correct, and that cuts in funding/spending will be necessary, then it seems even more important that the city council launch its own investigation into what happened to the money in the utility operating fund and openly provide explanations as to where the city's financial management of the fund went awry during the previous administration.

Further, Mayor Ockomon's plan for the financial recovery of the civil city should not focus on just a few of the city's funding areas, but should require equal, across-the-board austerity measures among every city department except safety services, which were cut beyond minimum standards during the previous administration.

One perception among many citizens regarding the utility operating fund fiasco is that the previous administration transferred utility funds to the general fund to support selected administrative salaries, to fund administrative pay raises, and to subsidize the general fund in order to prevent an immediate property tax increase for the 2007-2008 year. And, this is an even more amazing situation when one considers that our city's former leaders also spent the city's share of the Indiana Major Moves money and much of the food and beverage tax distribution on infrastructural improvements, while it was using rate-payers' money to fund salaries and raises outside of the utility services.

The public also recognizes that our fire and police services were reduced significantly during that same time while city administrative departments remained untouched and some head administrators' salaries increased. It appears there may have been more to the story of the "disappearing operating balance" than simply "rising costs not offset by rate adjustments."

The city's current leaders should revisit the utility rate hike approved by the city council in December, but only after careful study and public disclosure of the facts of how the depletion of the utility operating fund truly occurred. The rate hike that does emerge should be temporary and renewable on an annual or biennial schedule only until restoration of the operating fund is achieved.

In the meantime, the mayor and city council, as part of the austerity program to stabilize city finances, must eliminate any civil city salary monies being paid from utility funds, even if this means salary and wage cuts or job consolidations, and enact a city ordinance that permanently forbids this type of inappropriate redistribution of utility dollars for civil city business.

City leaders have used the utility operating fund as a "slush fund" for far too many years. It is time to end this financially unsound, destabilizing, and unethical practice, and it is time to get this city's financial management in line with this city's tax revenue base.

Anonymous in,
Anderson, IN

Editorial: Helping Turn the Animal Shelter Around with AFP Operation Adoption

kpaul.mallasch — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 18:04:29 -0800

By K. Paul Mallasch

It's come to light that there have been problems at the Anderson Animal Shelter in the past. Instead of dwelling on the past (which we can't change), I say we as a community try to help turn things around.

Now, I'm sure the Mayor has surrounded himself with people much smarter than myself when it comes to Animal Control. I've listened to the State of the City a few times now and one thing that stuck out is that they have too many animals for the facility.

Instead of spending money the city doesn't have building a bigger facility, the best thing to do, in my humble opinion, is to help the city with animal adoption and spread the problem amongst the city.

I don't have a lot of time to devote to the issue, so I turn to the community here at Anderson Free Press to ask how we, as a group, can go about getting some of these animals adopted. Highlight a photo on the homepage? Offer AFP points for valid adoptions?

I'm willing to help however I can, but as a group we can accomplish more.

Perhaps someday in the future, they'll turn one of the Accomplishment Arch lights on for our group effort.

For now, though, what's the best way we can help get the word out about the need for animal adoption?

Thanks.

Mayor Kris Ockomon to Deliver the State of the City

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 15:10:25 -0800

ANDERSON, IN - Mayor Kris Ockomon will deliver his first State of the City address at the East Side Community Club, January 17th, 2008, at 7:15pm, Edwards Dining Room, Olt Student Center, Anderson University. For over twenty years, it has been an Anderson tradition to present the State of the City at the East Side Community Club. Mayor Ockomon's State of the City presentation will outline the current financial status of the city, detail his administration's plan for Anderson, and highlight key department initiatives.

"We have been diligently working the past two weeks to compile financial data and ensure our findings are confirmed by an independent financial firm," says Ockomon. "We have also worked in tandem with each of the department heads to develop their 2008 goals and action plans."

The East Side Community Club's presentation is the first in a series of seven State of the City presentations that will continue through February. "We will conduct one meeting per week, as requested by the public," says Mayor Ockomon. The East Side Community Club is a group of community members who have an interest in the East Side and meet monthly to discuss projects to improve our community.

Mayor Ockomon is invited as a special guest to East Side's monthly meeting. The dinner starts at 6:30pm and is invitation only, with doors open to the public at 7:15pm. If your group is interested in hosting a weekly series, please contact Lisa Patton, director of public relations, at 765-648-6020 or email at lpatton@cityofanderson.com. All requests are subject to Mayor Ockomon's availability.

Source: City of Anderson

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

A Tale of Two Mayors?

kpaul.mallasch — Thu, 3 Jan 2008 11:55:42 -0800

By Anonymous

This morning’s newspaper contained a lead story in which it was reported that outgoing Mayor Kevin Smith was refusing to step down from the position on the grounds that a lawsuit filed by several of his former administration officials challenging new Mayor Kris Ockomon’s residency must be decided before Ockomon can rightfully serve as Mayor.

This is the most outrageous and ludicrous political ploy I have ever witnessed in more than 50 years as an observer of the local political scene. Smith’s position has a modicum of constitutional credibility, but his egoistic demeanor in announcing that he would “not vacate” his role smacks of Machiavellianism and Narcissism. He would have been much better served, and his position much more acceptable in the public eye, had he simply stated that he would remain “available to serve the citizens of Anderson” should the lawsuit result in a declaration that disqualifies Ockomon.

Smith’s ambition to maintain control of city government appears to have become a personal obsession. In a truly Machiavellian fashion, he is grasping for any means possible through which he can retain power as mayor. His belief that he is the only visionary leader who can “save Anderson”, a view heavily conditioned by biased local media that supported his candidacy, is not only a position that was rejected by the voters but also a belief that reflects a frightening Narcissistic tendency. His behavior in this matter, and the behavior of his former administration officials who filed the lawsuit, should be cause for great alarm among local Republicans as to their party’s stability and its leadership’s ideals. The entire strategy reflects a failure of the Republican Party city committee’s leadership to responsibly perform its job prior to the election in November, a lack of respect among the strategies’ proponents for the political process and the voice of the people, and a definite lack of moralistic integrity among those who contrived and/or support such a disrespectful approach. The place for this type of fight was during the campaign, not after the election and certainly not on the day before the inauguration of the new mayor. The negative impact of this strategy will resonate throughout this community for many years to come and has adversely affected any chances Anderson may have had to attract new residents and new ventures.

For many of us Andersonians who are Republicans in principle, this is the most embarrassing moment we have experienced in the recent memory of local politics, and far more embarrassing than losing any election. The local news media, in particular the Herald-Bulletin and, most of all, WHBU radio, share heavily in the blame for this debacle. Their displays of overt bias in support of Smith’s candidacy and the idea of “visionary leadership” throughout the election campaign contributed to the current mindset that has led to this situation. Both media sources did not have the moral fiber to immediately and publicly accept the voters’ election-day rejection of their viewpoints and move forward in support of the community’s future interests. Such actions do not help achieve harmony and a common sense of purpose within the community.

If Anderson is to ever move forward again, it will require the presence of an unbiased and supportive media along with political parties that limit battle to campaign periods and afterward find a common ground for the good of the city.

A new Independent voter,
anonymous

Mayor Smith Urges Speedy Determination of Residency Question

kpaul.mallasch — Tue, 1 Jan 2008 18:15:34 -0800

ANDERSON, IN - Anderson Mayor Kevin S. Smith said a lawsuit challenging the eligibility and qualifications of Kris Ockomon to serve as the mayor should be settled as expeditiously as possible. The statement is based upon a lawsuit, filed by a group of five Anderson voters last week in Madison Circuit Court. The lawsuit maintains that Kevin S. Smith should remain in office pending the court's final ruling and challenges the eligibility and qualifications of Kris Ockomon to serve as the mayor of Anderson based upon statutory residency requirements.

"I strongly urge both Mr. Ockomon and the five residents who filed suit to make every effort to resolve this matter as expeditiously as humanly possible so that this matter can be put to rest and the citizens of Anderson can continue to build on the successes of the past four years," said Mayor Smith.

Mayor Smith said that after meeting with the attorneys for the five residents - experienced and recognized experts in the field of election law – he believes the question of Mr. Ockomon's eligibility and qualifications to be mayor based upon his residency deserves a full hearing in a court of law.

Mayor Smith said that attorneys for the five residents believe that according to Article 15, Section 3 of the Indiana Constitution, Kris Ockomon has failed to meet the statutory residency requirements to be the mayor of Anderson and is not qualified to be the mayor. The pertinent statute reads as follows:

"Whenever it is provided in this Constitution, or in any law which may be hereinafter passed, that any officer, other than a member of the General Assembly, shall hold office for any given term, the same shall be construed to mean, that such officer shall hold his office for such term, and until his successor shall be haven elected and qualified."

Mayor Smith said the attorneys who filed the suit on behalf of the five Anderson residents further advised him that the Indiana Supreme Court has held as follows:

"When the elective term ends and no qualified person has been elected and qualified to take over the duties of the office, the person holding the office at the end of the elective term has a right and a duty, commanded by Art. 15, Section 3 (of the Indiana Constitution) to hold the office and discharge its duties until his successor shall have been elected and qualified. This service is not a part of his elective term, but is a constitutional term granted to avoid a vacancy – and to assure an ever-continuing government in any and every emergency."

Said Mayor Smith, "Given the obvious potential for a vacancy in the office of mayor based upon the lawsuit which has been filed, and given my constitutional duty to remain in office, I am today announcing that I have not and will not be surrendering the office of mayor pending a determination by the courts as to whether Kris Ockomon is or is not qualified to be the mayor of Anderson. In the meantime, I will be cooperating with Mr. Ockomon to every extent possible to expedite a determination by the courts."

Mayor Smith said he has been advised by attorneys for the residents who have filed suit that they tried in vain over the weekend to serve Mr. Ockomon with a subpoena to take his deposition so that this matter could proceed with all due haste.

Source: City of Anderson Press Release

Kris Ockomon Press Conference

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 12:43:13 -0800

12-10-2007 Kris Ockomon Press Conference