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.

Here is the audio from the November meeting that includes the actual vote and the discussion that followed:

The arguments made by Council President Matt Hassel regarding the logistical issues of holding the meetings in the evenings are very weak.  Each meeting is based on an agenda that is set well ahead of time. All department heads and executives that need to be at the meeting can prepare in advance. The other issues he brought up could be resolved if the county council were interested in doing so. 

All it takes is a commitment to opening up the meetings, the ability to plan and coordinate people, and capable leadership to navigate the minor issues involved with moving the meetings to the evenings.  Apparently, these skill are lacking on this council.

This issue will reappear next year. A transparent and open government is critical to solving the many problems facing us right now. Furthermore, the residents of Marshall County have the right to participate in their local government, and to see how their hard-earned tax dollars are being spent.

For more information, check out the links below:

WTCA 1050 AM – County to Keep Meetings at 9am

The Pilot News – Is Night Time the Right Time?

The Pilot News – Council will Continue Day Meetings in 2010

During the October County Council meeting I asked that the meetings be moved into the evening so that the majority of the tax paying residents of Marshall County could attend. This request was met with a mix of responses. Council President Matt Hassel explained that the Council meets in the mornings to accommodate county executives. Rex Gilliland claimed that the 9 a.m. time slot does the greatest good for the great number since there is little to no public participation. Finally, Judy Stone stated that she was not against the change to evening meetings as long as more people would attend.

These responses miss the point. It is not important how many members of the community decide to attend. What is important is that we all have the opportunity to participate in our local government. There should be no quotas or stipulations to opening up the meetings. Nor should the council member’s or executive’s preferences come before the people’s right to freedom and participation in power.

During the November County Council meeting, I will again ask the council to move the meetings to the evening. Council President Matt Hassel and the other council members will decide whether or not to make this change. I sincerely hope they choose to do so. The hard-working residents of Marshall County have the right to oversee how their tax dollars are being spent.