Potpourri: Low Turnout Spurs Talk Of Future Coordination
March 31, 2018 at 1:29 a.m.
By Dan [email protected]
A week ago Friday, the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club enjoyed a strong turnout as three lawmakers recapped their work. But a similar event the next day at Creighton’s Crazy Egg Cafe hosted by the local Farm Bureau suffered from a very low turnout.
Last year, a similar event hosted by the Farm Bureau saw more than 100 people attend. Last week’s event, not including elected officials and candidates, attracted about 15 people.
Mike Long, a board member with Farm Bureau, acknowledged the disappointing turnout and suggested next year they try coordinating with other entities, possibly for a series of events spread out during the General Assembly’s long budget session.
CITY HALL SALE – The 60-day bidding period for anyone interested in purchasing Warsaw’s old city hall began Monday. As of Thursday night, there were no bids.
More than one city council member suggested “for sale” signs be posted. Mayor Joe Thallemer said the city will oblige.
POT, POT, POT – The legislative update held by Farm Bureau included plenty of discussion related to marijuana related issues – industrial hemp, CBD oils and even the topic of medical marijuana.
While two of those three issues don’t involve THC, the active ingredient that causes the “buzz,” it’s worth noting that two of Indiana’s most conservative state representatives – Dave Wolkins and Curt Nisly – recognize a growing interest marijuana.
Both said they sense a change in outlook among constituents and expressed a willingness to learn more about the pros and cons and opinions on medical marijuana.
The change comes as surrounding states – Illinois, Michigan and Ohio – have begun embracing medical marijuana. In fact, cannabis dispensaries in Niles, Mich., – just a 90-minute drive – could be opening later this year for medical users.
Wolkins said he’d like to hear opinions from his constituents about medical marijuana. The best way to do that is through his email – [email protected] – or his phone – 574-371-7790.
OLD FINANCIAL TIES – The three Democrats hoping to unseat Rep. Jackie Walorski from her 2nd District congressional seat met for a spirited debate Tuesday at IUSB, South Bend.
One aspect that left many talking came when Pat Hackett pointed out that the other two candidates – Yatish Joshi and Mel Hall – both contributed to Republicans as recently as two years ago.
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Oddly, Joshi, a business owner, provided Walorski and her 2014 Democrat opponent, Lynn Coleman, with $2,700 each.
Neither Joshi nor Hall denied the accusation in the debate, and Joshi wrote it off as being part of “democracy.”
Hackett used the point to suggest she is the only real Democrat among the three.
The issue bothered Kosciusko County Demo Chairman Brian Smith enough to post a criticism on his Facebook page. However, within a day, he took it down in the name of “party unity.”
CAMPAIGN NOTES – Sheriff’s candidate Kyle Dukes has posted a campaign video on his campaign’s Facebook page. The one-minute clip is a testimonial from Dr. Jennifer Lucht, the former principal at Warsaw Community High School. ... State House Rep. Curt Nisly has begun door-to-door campaigning. He’s targeting a precinct every day leading up to the May 8 primary. ... Deadline to register to vote in the Indiana primary is April 9. You can do that by going to indianavoters.com.
A week ago Friday, the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club enjoyed a strong turnout as three lawmakers recapped their work. But a similar event the next day at Creighton’s Crazy Egg Cafe hosted by the local Farm Bureau suffered from a very low turnout.
Last year, a similar event hosted by the Farm Bureau saw more than 100 people attend. Last week’s event, not including elected officials and candidates, attracted about 15 people.
Mike Long, a board member with Farm Bureau, acknowledged the disappointing turnout and suggested next year they try coordinating with other entities, possibly for a series of events spread out during the General Assembly’s long budget session.
CITY HALL SALE – The 60-day bidding period for anyone interested in purchasing Warsaw’s old city hall began Monday. As of Thursday night, there were no bids.
More than one city council member suggested “for sale” signs be posted. Mayor Joe Thallemer said the city will oblige.
POT, POT, POT – The legislative update held by Farm Bureau included plenty of discussion related to marijuana related issues – industrial hemp, CBD oils and even the topic of medical marijuana.
While two of those three issues don’t involve THC, the active ingredient that causes the “buzz,” it’s worth noting that two of Indiana’s most conservative state representatives – Dave Wolkins and Curt Nisly – recognize a growing interest marijuana.
Both said they sense a change in outlook among constituents and expressed a willingness to learn more about the pros and cons and opinions on medical marijuana.
The change comes as surrounding states – Illinois, Michigan and Ohio – have begun embracing medical marijuana. In fact, cannabis dispensaries in Niles, Mich., – just a 90-minute drive – could be opening later this year for medical users.
Wolkins said he’d like to hear opinions from his constituents about medical marijuana. The best way to do that is through his email – [email protected] – or his phone – 574-371-7790.
OLD FINANCIAL TIES – The three Democrats hoping to unseat Rep. Jackie Walorski from her 2nd District congressional seat met for a spirited debate Tuesday at IUSB, South Bend.
One aspect that left many talking came when Pat Hackett pointed out that the other two candidates – Yatish Joshi and Mel Hall – both contributed to Republicans as recently as two years ago.
[[In-content Ad]]
Oddly, Joshi, a business owner, provided Walorski and her 2014 Democrat opponent, Lynn Coleman, with $2,700 each.
Neither Joshi nor Hall denied the accusation in the debate, and Joshi wrote it off as being part of “democracy.”
Hackett used the point to suggest she is the only real Democrat among the three.
The issue bothered Kosciusko County Demo Chairman Brian Smith enough to post a criticism on his Facebook page. However, within a day, he took it down in the name of “party unity.”
CAMPAIGN NOTES – Sheriff’s candidate Kyle Dukes has posted a campaign video on his campaign’s Facebook page. The one-minute clip is a testimonial from Dr. Jennifer Lucht, the former principal at Warsaw Community High School. ... State House Rep. Curt Nisly has begun door-to-door campaigning. He’s targeting a precinct every day leading up to the May 8 primary. ... Deadline to register to vote in the Indiana primary is April 9. You can do that by going to indianavoters.com.
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