Wednesday, March 09, 2011

Jury Duty!

I am amazed. I have always wanted to participate in jury duty, but every time I get the letter inquiring about my eligibility, and I am either a candidate or an officer of a political party, I shortly thereafter get the rejection letter.

Not this time! I am no longer a candidate, nor an officer of a political party, so I am hereby summoned! Apparently, when when statuses like these change, a person goes from interested insider to objective citizen in a flash.

No matter, I am excited! I will be juror in the later part of this month. Can't wait to see what the case is about!

Monday, March 07, 2011

More Trail Success

It bums me out endlessly when I consider the Nickel Plate corridor- the railroad that ran from Noblesville to Indy by way of Fishers- and the light rail nonsense that is pushed for it. I would much rather see a greenway, like the Monon through Carmel, or the Indianapolis Cultural Trail downtown.

Wherever the trails & greenways are installed, we see property values rise, we see an increase in greenery and a reduction in pollution, and people start getting more active.

The Indy Star had an article full of praise for the newest trail, the Indianapolis Cultural Trail:

More than a year of construction kept some customers away from stores and restaurants along Massachusetts Avenue, but businesses are beginning to see the Indianapolis Cultural Trail's payoff.

Even during this winter's frequent snow and ice, people using the walking and biking path have found their way into unfamiliar shops.

This particular trail cost less than $70 million to construct, will be very inexpensive to maintain, and is loaded with positives. Light rail will cost over a BILLION dollars, will lower property values, will have endless high maintenance costs, and will never live up to the puffy projections for usage. Bah.

Love The Gridlock

I never thought there was even the slightest chance for gridlock this year in the Indiana legislature. Republicans are complaining, as are some Libertarians, but not me! I'll take my gridlock any way I can get it. From the Indy Star:

Republicans who control the Indiana House will try again today to convene the chamber, but boycotting Democrats said last week it's unlikely that they'll show up.

Democrats' absence would again deny the House the quorum it needs to do business. Democrats fled to Urbana, Ill., 14 days ago to derail Republican-back bills they oppose.

Stay all year! I support you, Dems!

Now, if only Governor Daniels doesn't go and command an extended session. Sigh.