TROUBLING TREND: Business for America survey shows companies face more political backlash for social advocacy
By Marilyn Odendahl The Indiana Citizen November 17, 2023 Along with taking care of customers and tending to the bottom line, businesses increasingly are expecting to be attacked over culture war issues, according to a new survey recently released by Business for America. Compani “...”
BARGAIN BUILDINGS: Charter school ‘dollar law’ may have new life
Indianapolis Public Schools may be able to move forward with the sale of Raymond Brandes School 65 (above) and Francis Bellamy School 102 after the Marion County Superior Court ruled this week the school district is exempt from the state’s “dollar law.” ( “...”
MUNICIPAL RACES: Dem, GOP leaders disagree on trends after election, but increased diversity was a factor
By Marilyn Odendahl The Indiana Citizen November 10, 2023 Determining whether Tuesday’s election outcomes across Indiana were better for the Republicans or Democrats depends on who is doing the analysis. The Indiana Republican Party sent an email to its supporters after the res “...”
KYLE HANNON: How to comfort a candidate who lost
“I’m sorry you lost the election. I’m glad you ran.” That is an appropriate thing to say to someone who just lost a municipal election. Please don’t say, “Hey, you can run again!” Every election cycle, some people are elected to public office. That means other peopl “...”
Charles Hyde: Keeping a hopeful heart essential for good citizens
“An American citizen could not be a good citizen who did not have a hope in his heart.” – President Benjamin Harrison Feeling dispirited about the state of our representative democracy? There’s reason to look on the bright side and keep some hope in your heart: In spite o “...”
‘DISTURBING’ CONDUCT: Attorneys condemn AG Rokita’s response to public reprimand
By Marilyn Odendahl The Indiana Citizen November 3, 2023 Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita’s response to his public reprimand has angered some prominent members of the legal profession and spurred at least one attorney to draft a new disciplinary grievance against the state “...”
MUNICIPAL POWER: As state legislators chip away at local government initiatives, does ‘home rule’ still matter?
Indianapolis installed no-turn-on-red signs this past summer in the downtown despite the Indiana General Assembly banning the city from prohibiting right turns on red lights. (Photo/Marilyn Odendahl) By Marilyn Odendahl The Indiana Citizen November 1, 2023 The ordinance targe “...”
‘Bigger Things’: Future Presidents of America gives teens confidence, leadership training
By Marilyn Odendahl The Indiana Citizen October 27, 2023 Kathryn “KK” Sabo, 16, was not always interested in hearing the other side. The junior at Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School in Indianapolis developed an appetite for politics as a middle school student while taking part “...”
SEEKING CHANGE: Events like Period Action Day highlight different paths for advocacy at Indiana Statehouse
Hoosiers were invited to message their legislators during the Period Action Day hosted by MADVoters Indiana at the Statehouse. (Photo/Marilyn Odendahl) By Marilyn Odendahl The Indiana Citizen October 20, 2023 Before they try to sway lawmakers, activists first have to decide how t “...”
DECISIVE WIN: Carrasco prevails in caucus to fill Sandlin’s seat in Indiana Senate
Cyndi Carrasco hugs Indianapolis FOP president Rick Snyder after her victory at the Republican Party caucus to fill the late Sen. Jack Sandlin’s seat in the legislature. (Photo/Marilyn Odendahl) By Marilyn Odendahl The Indiana Citizen October 18, 2023 Describing the late “...”