During this mornings talk show, I called back in to clarify my position on the issue and to also challenge the unidentified council member to explain the decision to eliminate public participation until the end of the meeting.  This is a question of accountability. I’ve clearly stated my position on the radio, on this blog site, and on the WTCA speak out comment section. Time will tell if the council members have enough respect for the public to go on the record and be held accountable for their actions.

The Marshall County Council cannot handle being questioned and challenged.  Rather than engage the public in an open conversation, they have decided to end the dialogue completely. This is not representation by any stretch of the imagination.

You can listen to the most recent call-in below:

Please click below to listen to the discussion:

Council President Matt Hassel explained the new public comment policy by explaining that the council meetings are business meeting and that there is an agenda to be followed and kept to.  This answer demonstrates the self-serving nature of this council.  A similar answer was given months ago when he was asked why he voted to have the meetings in the morning.  Back then he claimed that it was easier for the council members and department heads to conduct the meetings in the morning as opposed to the evening.

In both cases public participation has been diminished to suit the needs of the council and department heads.  THEY ARE ELECTED OFFICIALS. Their jobs are to SERVE THE PUBLIC.  The council is clearly not interested in public input, nor is it interested in having the public attend the meetings.

This begs the question:  How can the members of the council represent us if they do not want public input and exclude the majority us from attending the meetings?

The honest answer is that they can’t represent us when they so clearly do not want to hear from us…

For more information, check out the link below:
WTCA -Ripley Comments on Council Decision

Government purchasing is usually simple:  Ask businesses to provide quotes (bids) for goods or services, compare the prices, and pick the lowest one.  Last night, the Plymouth Board of Works followed this typical path and may end up spending more tax dollars in the long-term as a result.

How is this possible?  The Board of Works failed to appreciate the cost of ownership.

Oliver Ford Lincoln-Mercury and County Auto submitted competitive bids for two new patrol cars to be used by the Plymouth Police Department.  Crown Victorias from Oliver Ford were quoted at $36,372.  Dodge Chargers from County Auto were quoted at $35,894.

The $478 difference would usually make County Auto the clear choice.  However, Plymouth Police Chief Jim Cox pointed out that a Dodge vehicle currently used by the police department is significantly more expensive to service than the Crown Victorias.  The Dodge does not fit on the lift at the city garage and therefore must be serviced by the dealership.

Board Member Mark Neidig stated that the board should look at the total cost of ownership before making a decision between the two quotes.  However, the board disagreed and accepted the bid from County Auto by a vote of 3-2.  Mark Neidig and Mayor Mark Senter voted against accepting the bid.  Board Members Mike Delp, Wayne Smith, and Don Gardner voted for acceptance of the bid.

When explaining their votes, Delp, Gardner, and Smith all agreed that the lowest bid should always be accepted.  Unfortunately, this is a short-sighted decision that could cost the city more than the $478 saved during the bidding process.  In my opinion, it was worth tabling for two weeks to determine the cost of ownership as Board Member Neidig suggested.

For more information check out the links below:
WTCA – Plymouth City Board Approves Vehicle Purchases
Pilot News – Board of Works Talks Bids and Water Policy

1. Decide that you REALLY want to run for office: I can’t stress this enough.  Be sure to do your research.  Review past meeting minutes, listen to recorded meetings, and make sure that your family and friends are on-board with your decision.
2. Seriously, do your research: Visit the Indiana Election Division Website and read the 2010 Candidate Manual and the 2010 Campaign Finance Manual.  These manuals are quick reads and can save you from getting fines for missing important dates.  The last thing that you want is bad press for not being able to follow directions!
3. Create a Candidate Committee: My committee is called THE COMMITTEE TO ELECT RYAN RIPLEY.  A committee is required if you want to raise funds and spend money on your campaign.  All you need to do is fill out the Candidates Statement of Organization Form (CFA-1).
4. File the Declaration of Candidacy for Primary Nomination Form: This form puts you on the May primary ballot.  This year, January 20th is the first day that you can file this form.

Congratulations!  You are now officially a candidate for office.  The paperwork is the easy part.  Now for the next four months your job will be to convince the residents in your district that you are the right candidate for the job.  This is also the time to organize your campaign team, decide on your message, design your literature, and many other details that we will cover in future posts.

**I am not a lawyer, nor do I play one on TV.  The manuals linked above should be read to fully understand the process.  The suggestions above represent the process in Marshall County, IN.  Your local laws may be different.  When in doubt of how to proceed, contact your Clerk’s office, or check out your state’s election website.