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Indianapolis Star
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Indianapolis Star
The Hogsett-must-resign case is weak
The case against Mayor Joe Hogsett is devolving into factional grousing among people who want a different mayor but don't know how to accomplish that through the course of regular politics. Hogsett is no doubt worthy of condemnation. A year of sexual harassment investigations, in which I have played a role, revealed Hogsett infused his campaigns and administration with a toxic culture. Staffers were subject to harassment while working under his authority. Hogsett had opportunities to fix it and prevent further harm. He failed. Women who experienced trauma while working under Hogsett are justified to continue pushing for accountability. The City-County Council's forcible removal of Lauren Roberts on June 9 is a stomach-turning illustration of what it's like for women to tell their stories. Roberts deserved the opportunity to address the council with dignity. Instead, she was treated like an intruder. The ongoing spectacle has emboldened Hogsett's preexisting enemies to shoot their shot at a weakened mayor. Four City-County Council members and many other notable community voices, including the Indianapolis Business Journal, have called on Hogsett to resign. I'm willing to listen to those arguments. So far, though, they have been underwhelming. Democrat Crista Carlino delivered the most explosive call for Hogsett's resignation during a June 17 committee meeting. She didn't stop at Hogsett. She also called for Council President Vop Osili and Vice President Ali Brown to step down, alleging they delivered unspecified "marching orders" to Fisher Phillips, the Chicago law firm that investigated the Hogsett administration on behalf of the council. The Fisher Phillips report did leave out details that should have been considered relevant. But Carlino chaired the council committee that led the investigation. She did not express concerns about a cover-up at any point during that process or immediately after the law firm issued its report. People who want to speak truth to power need to bring … well, truth. Carlino later acknowledged she had "no claim or proof" that council leadership "personally and directly impacted the investigation." That's something you might want to have before publicly alleging a conspiracy to protect the mayor. Andy Nielsen, a council Democrat who did speak up immediately after seeing the Fisher Phillips report, has called on Hogsett to resign because he has demonstrated "a profound lack of judgement and disregard for fundamental ethics." Opinion: Why won't Republicans call on Joe Hogsett to resign? While that may be true, the leap from "lack of judgment" to "resign now" relies more on vibes than logic. No one calling on Hogsett to resign has presented a convincing argument that he violated an objective standard of conduct in ways that should trigger immediate removal from office — nor have they even attempted to explain how this standard could be equally applied to all other office-holders. They just want Hogsett gone. It's easy to nod along. We know Hogsett presided over organizations permitting rampant sexual harassment and abusive behavior. We know Hogsett sent text messages that veered into inappropriate levels of intimacy with young women who worked for him. But there's also a lot of gray there as it pertains to the mayor himself. Based on what we know 100% to be true today, Hogsett has not even been accused of behavior that would typically force an elected official out of office. That lack of evidence is forcing Hogsett's longtime critics, who have always struggled to prosecute a case against him, to overreach in hopes that the bad vibes will be enough to push him out. Consider the IBJ's editorial calling for Hogsett's resignation. The IBJ wants Hogsett out because he skipped a press conference for a homelessness initiative amid his swirling controversy and because the "Hogsett administration has never been able to articulate a clear strategy for the city, a message or a plan through which business and community leaders could rally." Well, former Gov. Mike Pence wasn't exactly a sought-after guest for ribbon cuttings during his RFRA era. Yet, he was as unmoved by the ensuing "Pence Must Go" yard signs as Hogsett is by calls for him to step down. As for a lack of vision, that judgment is reserved for the Marion County voters who have overwhelmingly elected Hogsett three times. Whatever you think of Hogsett, no one — not Republicans and not competing Democratic factions — has mounted effective opposition based on an alternative vision for Indianapolis. Briggs: Hogsett's texts to women show Indianapolis mayor embodied toxic culture Republicans have forgotten how to talk to people who enjoy living in Indianapolis since the days when former Mayor Greg Ballard championed bus rapid transit, electric car sharing and urban trails. Jefferson Shreve's dour $14.4 million all-crime-all-the-time campaign in 2023 showed just how far out of touch Republicans have fallen. Meanwhile, Democrats on Hogsett's left have failed to grapple with the mayor's enduring popularity among people who aren't constantly online. Political frustrations are likely fueling the Hogsett-must-go bandwagon. A lot of people want Hogsett out of office, but no one has been able, or willing, to directly challenge him. It's curious that a chronically inept executive, or so the criticism goes, wields such prohibitive power. The calls for Hogsett's resignation amount to a wish that he would just go away — and that he could be replaced through a Democratic Party caucus vote instead of a more difficult countywide election. Hogsett is not going away. There's a stronger chance that Hogsett runs for reelection — and wins — in 2027 than resigns before the end of his third term. While the City-County Council turns itself into a sideshow and the mayor's opponents make futile calls for him to self-deport, Hogsett is raising money and no doubt looking on like Logan Roy in "Succession," thinking, "You are not serious people." Anyone who wants a different future for Indianapolis needs to start thinking less about Hogsett's past sins and more about how to either defeat him or win a mayoral campaign without him. IndyStar's Hayleigh Colombo recently wrote about the shadow campaign underway for 2027. The most striking thing to me about the article was that the strongest mayoral contenders are moving tepidly, afraid to go all in. Osili, who has been preparing for years to run for mayor, is dealing with the aftermath of removing Roberts from the council chamber. Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears says he's running for reelection to his current job in 2026. State Sen. Andrea Hunley, D-Indianapolis, also plans to run for reelection in 2026. Opinion: I was dragged out by sheriff's deputies. Indiana Democrats stayed silent. Hogsett, awash in scandal and having pledged not to run in 2027, is the only person who appears prepared to run. Every person complaining about Hogsett's lack of leadership needs to hold up a mirror. Who in Indianapolis is demonstrating strong political leadership right now? Hogsett is a deeply flawed person whose mistakes have harmed people. That's a good reason to want him out of office. But it's not going to happen through wishing him away or cathartic calls for resignation. It's going to happen when someone mounts a viable campaign anchored in a compelling new vision for the future.
Yahoo
15-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Calls for Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett's resignation grow
The Indianapolis Business Journal joined the calls of three city-county councilors for Mayor Joe Hogsett to resign over his handling of sexual harassment allegations leveled against his former top aide.
Indianapolis Star
30-05-2025
- Sport
- Indianapolis Star
Indianapolis, Lucas Oil Stadium set to host 2028 US Olympic Swim Trials, per report
The U.S. Olympic Swim Trials will return to Indianapolis in 2028, according to a report from the Indianapolis Business Journal. An announcement from USA Swimming and Indiana Sports Corp. is expected on June 3, the report noted. IBJ reported that the event is tentatively scheduled to take place in mid-June and will run for nine days at Lucas Oil Stadium. The 2024 U.S. Olympic Swim Trials in Indianapolis set attendance records and featured two world records and three American records. More than 285,000 people attended 17 sessions in nine days for the 2024 trials. 'Largest swim meet ever': How an Olympic swimming pool was built inside Lucas Oil Stadium 'As a host city, Indianapolis has exceeded our expectations, with the most tickets we've ever sold for an event,' Tim Hinchey III, CEO of USA Swimming, said in a June 2024 statement. 'This overwhelming support is a testament to the growing popularity of the top Olympic sport and a promising sign for its growth.'
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
RJL Solutions ranked 11th fastest-growing privately held company in Indiana
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)— RJL Solutions, a Terre Haute-born consulting firm, earned statewide recognition in the Indianapolis Business Journal. RJL Solutions was founded in 2017 and has grown into a statewide presence with offices in Indianapolis and a new one set to open in Evansville this summer. RJL Solutions landed the number 11 spot among 25 listed in the article. They said that this ranking reflects not only revenue growth but also its increasing impact as a trusted partner for the public and private sectors seeking bold ideas, strong execution, and measurable results. 'This recognition is personal,' said Rachel Leslie, CEO of RJL Solutions. 'It's a reflection of our team, our clients, and the trust this community gave us from the start. Every milestone we reach is built on that foundation.' RJL Solutions partners with organizations across the state in government relations, marketing and communications, economic development, grant strategy, and association management. Locally, RJL Solutions has supported key funding initiatives and business development efforts to leading communications for major community campaigns. 'We've never been interested in just checking boxes,' Leslie said. 'We're here to help organizations grow, adapt, and lead—and this recognition affirms that our approach delivers.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
"We are the resistance": Cass Dems protest Micah Beckwith visit with own Abe Lincoln dinner
'It's standing room only in Logansport,' Dana Black said as she began her speech at the Cass County Democratic Party's Real Abe Lincoln Dinner: A Night of Unity and Justice. The dinner, held in the Lounge at the Vibrant Event Center, was planned as a protest against the Cass County Republicans who invited the controversial Indiana Lt. Governor Micah Beckwith to be the guest speaker at their own annual Lincoln dinner. It was also a protest towards the Republican party's turn towards extremist values that do not reflect those held by Abraham Lincoln. 'Lincoln dinner and Micah Beckwith, there is nothing more contrarian than that,' said Lita Rouser, chair of the Cass County Democrats. Beckwith is a self-professed Christian Nationalist who was elected as Governor Mike Braun's running mate by Indiana Republican delegates during the state's GOP Primary. Braun had wanted Julie McGuire as his running mate. The Democrats invited Black to be their guest speaker. She is the host of the podcast 'Turn Left' and a contributor to the 'Indianapolis Business Journal' and WISH TV's 'All Indiana Politics.' She also served as the Deputy Chair and Engagement in the Indiana Democratic State Party. The mood was jovial throughout the evening, though many Democrats showed their disgust toward Donald Trump's treatment of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House earlier in the day. Black called the incident 'the most embarrassing day of our American history.' 'We'll listen to the political pundits from all over the country and those of us who have an ounce of mental capacity will say that was disgraceful but [Trump's] spineless supporters will tell you that was a sign of strength,' she said. Black opened her speech by saying that many Americans will say that the country has never seen anything like what is happening now. She then reminded the audience of the Trail of Tears, Wounded Knee and the summer of violence towards Black Americans known as the Red Summer of 1919. 'Some parents will go home and have to talk to their kids about that horrible display in the White House but it will never be the same as when my father was talking to me at the kitchen table in 1977 and expressing his emotional disgust at what happened to Emmett Till in 1955,' she said. Education in Indiana Black touched on many topics during her speech but one of those in which she focused most on was education. Black asked the audience if there were any charter schools in the city. After the they answered no, she asked about private schools. '[Republicans] have decided that they will take a whole lot more money from public schools and give it to charter schools,' she said. 'And Logansport don't have any charter schools. So that means y'all have to do more with less…you still got to pay the teachers, you've got to keep the buildings updated, you've got to give [students] technology but they are giving your money to charter schools.' She also noted Logansport would not benefit from universal school vouchers. Black called Governor Mike Braun 'an orange man sycophant' who was out to bring local communities to their knees by making them do more with less. Another example of the Republican's attack on public education that she referenced was House Bill 1501 which would have public schools sharing their school transportation with private schools. 'They're just taking your money and giving nothing back,' she said. 'There is a goal in defunding public education. The goal is 'if I keep you without the information then I can abuse you.'' Black said that was always the plan, that a less educated population was easier to lead astray. How to help Black said there were many ways to get involved and help fight the MAGA movement without having to stand up and give a speech. She first suggested learning about marginalized communities that had been through state sanctioned oppression. She asked for those in attendance to learn about their resiliency and how they resisted their persecution. Continuing to show up and be heard is also important. 'Once we become silent, they win,' she said. 'And remind them that this is a representative government. They are supposed to be talking with you so keep hounding them until they do. And then remind them, despite every effort they will put forth not to have an election in two years, we will have one.' Black said those with cooking skills could bake food for marchers and protesters, those working phone banks or going door to door to raise awareness. Those skilled in technology could help get the message out on the internet and those who were good with children could offer to babysit, especially for women candidates. Others could help read through bills and alert the community to which ones would help and what would hurt. 'This is our democracy,' she said. 'It's not pretty. It does not move in a linear way. It circles back and forth, round and round. We take two steps forward and sometimes we take one step back. Sometimes we take five steps back. We still keep moving forward. We are resilient.'
