Back to the Recording

"Is it really against the law or just unethical?"
Steve Davisson - Indiana State Representative - 2011

As stated in the recording

The full letter from the State Republican Party concerning the caucus that placed Randall Bills in a county councilman seat - Click here.

Following are excerpts from the letter that are pertinent to this editorial:

"The hearing committee agrees with your contention that even though Mr. Cockerill had been fulfilling the duties of a precinct committeeman for nearly a year, because his appointment form was not filed with the state party secretary until after the caucus, he should not have participated as a voting member of the caucus."

"There were other accusations made in the written complaint and during the hearing.  These allegations either rely on one person’s word versus another’s or are outside the jurisdiction of the Indiana Republican State Committee.  The hearing committee is not in a position to cast judgment on these items.  Those not satisfied with these findings and recommendations are welcome to seek remedies through other means, such as legal or the political process."

 

My Personal Comment

 

There seems to be more than a few people who are bothered by the actions of these few individuals - but are afraid of retaliation if they come forward. 

 

From what I have seen, I am just going to say that it is my personal opinion that they really may have reason to be concerned.  There doesn't seem to be a real good way to hold this type of individual accountable for his or her actions. 

 

I am not saying that everyone in government is like this.   I really do think (for right now anyway) that there are more than a few individuals in office who have respect for their position, try to follow the rules and serve the community to the best of their ability.

 

But the individuals that don't seem to have any of that character or integrity are so overwhelming - they seem to be the only ones in government.

 

When I emailed Steve Davisson - who is currently an Indiana State Representative and good friend to both Randall Bills and Jason Cockerill - and asked him why this misbehavior during the Republican Caucus was being allowed.

 

His response was basically - Was it really against the law or just unethical?

 

What we found on the County web site concerning County property taxes looks for all the world like the following three things - Jason Cockerill has given himself a nice little discount, Randall Bills (and maybe even some family members) do not seem to pay property taxes on at least one piece of property and there doesn't seem to be any problem hiking someone else's property taxes so high that it is almost unbelievable. 

 

I could be wrong and am fully willing to admit that.  Interpreting Property Tax records is not what I am known for and not a skill that I have been able to polish.  There may not be anything illegal about this and that is not what I wish to put forward here.  I just want the information to be out there so that the public can be informed.

 

 You know, really, even after Washington County has spent literally hundreds of thousands of dollars to have correct and up to date property records - it may just be a set of interesting and honest mistakes.  I may not be looking at the situation correctly.

 

So, I would really like for you to make your own decision - are the Property Taxes in the video what they really appear to be?

 

Maybe even ask yourself - Is it really against the law or just unethical?

 

Yours,

Rhonda Greene