Shelby County Democrats

The Shelby County Democratic Party’s monthly meeting date is the third Wednesday of each month, 7:00 PM at the Party Headquarters, 125 W. Washington St. Shelbyville, Indiana, 46176.

Meetings are over no later than 8:30 PM. We have speakers and educational presentations on topics of interest to the local community. These gatherings are informal and all are welcome.

For more information, contact Noell Krughoff, Shelby County Democratic Party Chairperson at (765) 763-6045 or nkrughoff@gmail.com

February Democratic Party Meeting
Wednesday, February 17, 2010 at 7:00 PM
Democrat Headquarters, 125 W Washington St., Shelbyville 46176

Discussion topic: Tax abatement as an economic development tool.

The meeting is open to the public.

Monthly Meeting Minutes – January 20, 2010

Welcome: Noell Krughoff encouraged the group to bravely defend our Democratic ideals. If people truly understood what we believe they would realize they agree with our commitment to the common good. The group received a handout titled, “What it means to be a Democrat.”

Minutes from 12/16/10 approved as written: Motion Bob Williams, Second Ronnie Coy

Team Leader Reports:

* Community Outreach – Bob Williams: The team developed and distributed a community/election year calendar. Noell will send it to Democrats via email and Trent will put it on the website. Upcoming activities include the Golf Outing at Bear Chase on May 8th and preparations for the County Fair.
* Membership – Cheryl Etherton: The team continues to seek precinct committee chairs.
* Young Democrats – Carrie Ridgeway: No report
* Fundraising: Phil Brown had to resign as leader. Dee Bonner is developing a fundraising letter.

Election 2010:

* Dr. Hanna, candidate for 5th Congressional District, will be at Headquarters on Tuesday, 1/26 at 2:30 PM for a reception. He is announcing his candidacy that day and will visit the Shelbyville News beforehand. The Central Committee will send invitations via letter and email to local people who might be interested in meeting Dr. Hanna in person.
* Candidate recruitment: A candidate search committee continues to work with potential candidates. They welcome suggestions of others who might be interested in running for an office in the 2010 election.
* Precinct committee chairs and State Convention Delegates must file at the Clerk’s office by noon on February 19th.

Education & Outreach – Kate Smith:

The team provided a handout explaining what tax abatements are and how they should be structured if they are going to serve as an effective economic development tool. Discussion included the following:

* Tax abatements are offered only on new improvements. Existing taxes aren’t changed.
* Are current tax abatements being used to improve economically distressed areas as required by State law?
* Ideally the Plan Commission’s Comprehensive Plan and local zoning ordinances should be used when deciding if tax abatements are appropriate. Is this happening now? The process appears more arbitrary to the average citizen.
* Are the companies that receive tax abatement held accountable to their promises of employment and/or other community benefits?
* Communities use tax abatements to compete against each other, so businesses have a position of power when making agreements.
* Is it true that a downtown law firm received a tax abatement and interest-free loan to move to Intelliplex Park? If so this doesn’t seem to fit the requirement of developing an area needing economic revitalization.
* One company in Shelbyville received 15 tax abatements in a twelve-month period. Is this appropriate?
* We would like to see a list of the current abatements. The education committee will find out how to get this list.

Open Discussion: Dean McNamara thanked Chris Hext, Building Inspector, for listening to and acting upon concerns that were raised over environmental issues at the closed Meridian plant.

Next meeting is February 17, 7:00 PM at Democrat Headquarters.

December Minutes
Attendance: 19

Opening 7:00 PM: Pledge of Allegiance led by Saul Watkins and welcome by Noell Krughoff

Minutes from 11/18/09: Approved as written. Motion Bob Williams, second Cheryl Kern

People were encouraged to contact the City Council members about their intention to hire additional police officers regardless of the fact that the City has a budget shortfall. People should express their concerns in a polite, but clear way. Now is the time to mobilize.

Guest introductions: Dr. Nasser (said Nawser) Hanna, Democrat Candidate for Fifth Congressional District and Amy Haaker, Director Mainstreet Shelbyville.

Team Leader Reports:

1. Community Outreach – Bob Williams: The team continues to work on the Election Year Calendar and Democrat Golf Outing to be held in May.
2. Membership – Cheryl Etherton: The team has met with former elected officials to identify people who have been active in the past. In January the team will begin meeting on a regular basis.
3. Young Democrats – Carrie Ridgeway: No report
4. Fundraising – Phil Brown: No report
5. Education & Outreach – Kate Smith: No report.

Speakers:

* Amy Haaker: Mainstreet Shelbyville’s purpose is to revitalize the historic Shelbyville downtown, which is one of the oldest in the State. They are working with the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Promotional efforts include the farmers market, a holiday home tour, and summer on the square. Design initiatives include 1/1 match for façade improvements up to $10,000. Way-finding signs will be up after the first of the year. To learn more go to mainstreetshelbyville.org. Work sessions are the first Friday of each month, 9:00 AM at 3 Sisters Bookstore/café.
* Dr. Hanna is running for the House of Representative seat now held by Dan Burton, who has been in office since 1982. Dr. Hanna is a cancer doctor with the Indiana University School of Medicine faculty for 10 years. He is committed to public service and is particularly interested in health and social issues, small business development and job creation. Dr. Hanna and his wife have three young children and live in Fishers. For more information go to hannaforcongress.org.

Miscellaneous:

* Saul Watkins attended the December Fifth District meeting. He encouraged those who want to be State Convention delegates to get on the primary ballot. After the first of the year he will be working with John Stieneker and Warren Goodrich to recruit precinct committee people.
* Noell Krughoff handed out information about the 2010 election that listed the local offices and skills that are useful for potential candidates.
* Numerous people donated items and money to the Gibault Home Christmas box. Noell will deliver it to the local facility.

Next meeting – January 20, 2010, 7:00 PM, 125 W Washington St, Shelbyville
* Speaker – Val Phares, Shelbyville Common Council

Adjourn: 8:10 PM