It's Nearly A New Record! 80 People Gather for August Decatur Township Democratic Club Meeting

Anytime the closet comes open and more chairs have to come out, it's a good thing for Democrats in Decatur Township. With a jam-packed program full of great speakers and officeholders, the Decatur Township Democratic Club drew a near-record 80 meeting attendees.

The Democrats (and at least one Republican) gathered to hear 7th District Congressman André Carson, Marion County Democratic Party Chairman Ed Treacy, and 4th District Congressional candidate Nels Ackerson speak as well as honor the IHSAA Class 4A State Baseball Champion Decatur Central Hawks baseball team. The food for the meeting provided by resident lunch lady Mabel (played by Pat Rigsby) followed a "back to school night theme" menu of meatloaf and macaroni and cheese.

Carson's remarks revolved around his accomplishments in Congress thus far since being elected to fill the 7th District seat in March. He cited the millions of dollars he has been able to bring back to the community in the form of federal dollars to benefit public safety, small businesses, flood relief, and other programs. Carson also encouraged others to run for public office saying it was a "good time to run" no matter your race, your gender, or your age.

Ackerson talked about his opponent, Congressman Steve Buyer's broken campaign promise to only run for three terms or six years in office back in 1992. "I plan to help him find his way back to Indiana after 16 years," said Ackerson. Despite the partisan rhetoric, Ackerson said he's worked for Republicans and Democrats in his political and legal career and will do it again in Congress.

Treacy attacked Mayor Greg Ballard's new budget proposal for cutting needed monies from the Sheriff's budget and the court system. Treacy called Ballard the "accidental mayor" and criticized him for shortsighted leadership saying that the cuts in the jail's budget could erase the hard work put in by Sheriff Anderson and the Peterson Administration to get the jail released from Judge Sarah Evans Barker's court order to improve conditions and reduce overcrowding conditions.

Also speaking was retired UAW Regional Director Terry Thurman. Thurman, who is expected to soon take up some role with the Marion County Democratic Party, said that "now is the time" for Democrats to take back offices held by Republicans.

Other candidates or officeholders in attendance or represented at the meeting included:
Candidates-
*incumbent
Tim Huber-Indiana House, 91st District
Mike Cesnik-Indiana Senate, 35th District
Debra Jenkins-Marion County Surveyor
Dr. Frank Lloyd-Marion County Coroner
Judge Gerald Zore-Marion County Superior Court*
Judge Annie Christ Garcia-Marion County Superior Court*
John Soeurt-Decatur Township Advisory Board, 1st District
Jon Easter-Decatur Township Advisory Board, 3rd District
Pat Rigsby-Decatur Township Advisory Board, 4th District
Paul Fox-Decatur Township Advisory Board, 5th District
Alexis Skriloff James-Decatur Township Advisory Board, 6th District
Wanda Bryce-Decatur Township Advisory Board, 7th District
(Barack Obama represented by volunteers)

Sitting Officeholders (not up or running for election this cycle)
Rep. David Orentlicher-Indiana House, 86th District
Judge Becky Pierson Treacy-Marion County Superior Court
Judge Jose Salinas-Marion County Superior Court

The club honored Coach Phil Webster and several of the Decatur Central Hawks Class 4A Baseball Champions. The club presented the baseball team with a $35 donation based on proceeds from a State Championship shirt raffle. Coach Webster also presented Congressman Carson with a State Championship t-shirt. Carson said that a proclamation honoring the Hawks was in the works.

Before adjourning, the club elected Alexis Skriloff James and Steve Terrell to serve on the club's Executive Board.

For the Mooresville-Decatur Times view of the meeting, follow this link.