Indiana Democratic Party 12-26-15 Weekly Radio Address Podcast

Chairman John Zody and the Indiana Democratic Party weekly radio address: “it seems that the lone moderate voice in the Pence Administration is being shooed away – perhaps all in preparation for what could be RFRA 2.0 when the General Assembly convenes on January 5.”

TRANSCRIPT

This is Chairman John Zody, bringing you the weekly podcast for the Indiana Democratic Party.

This week, as the Christmas holiday approached, it was reported that Governor Mike Pence and Lieutenant Governor Sue Ellspermann might be looking to part ways before the 2016 election.

The announcement that Governor Pence is encouraging Lt. Governor Ellspermann to leave his administration to go to Ivy Tech Community College was unexpected.

With this news coming just before the start of the 2016 legislative session, it seems that the lone moderate voice in the Pence Administration is being shooed away – perhaps all in preparation for what could be RFRA 2.0 when the General Assembly convenes on January 5.

Lt. Governor Ellspermann’s departure is not necessarily coincidence, as if it happens, it could be Mike Pence once again choosing to play political games to save his career rather than solving today’s problems for everyday Hoosiers.

Also, following the official results of the Jasper mayoral election recount – where the race was determined by a single vote – the Indiana Democratic Party filed an open records request with Governor Mike Pence regarding the involvement of a senior administration official in the recount proceedings.

During formal recount proceedings, the Assistant Commissioner for Program Support at the Indiana Department of Environmental Management was listed and participated as co-legal counsel on the recount petition.

It remains unclear as to why a member of the Pence Administration was involved in a mayoral recount, prompting our formal open records request to the governor.

Hoosiers have the right to know if their governor permits his employees to participate in political projects while clocked in under the taxpayer dime.

For transparency’s sake, Mike Pence and his administration must be open with Hoosiers about his appointed officials and their full involvement in this recount and others, and how actions like this could impact a state agency’s business with local governments.

Hoosiers, we can do better than having Mike Pence as our governor. This begins by electing Democrats who will bring forth commonsense ideas that would help lead Indiana and our country into the future.

We deserve better than Mike Pence and Statehouse Republicans leading our state. We must come together and make sure we elect John Gregg Governor, that we elect a Democratic US Senator – people who will unite and improve the lives of all Hoosiers across Indiana – and we must return Glenda Ritz to the Superintendent’s office in 2016.

Until that time comes, Democrats in Indiana will continue to talk about ways in which we can do better for Indiana’s economy, our education system, and for the overall well being of Hoosiers.

And we can do better by talking about the things we are for – early childhood education, jobs that pay a living wage – and wages workers deserve – and making sure every person who wants to live, work and raise a family here in Indiana feels welcome and is equally protected under our state’s laws.

As 2016 approaches, I look forward to sharing these ideas with you on behalf of the Indiana Democratic Party.

On behalf of our Party, Happy Holidays, and all the best for a New Year to you and your loved ones.

Thank you for listening.