Of course, the politician is Charlie White, Hamilton County Republican Party chair, member of the Fishers Town Council, and Republican nominee for Secretary of State. Mr. White moved out of his Town Council district, but claims he was unaware that he was out of his district. Frankly, that notion (that White was ignorant of his own district) is preposterous for many reasons, not the least of which is that his new home is completely across town from his district, and also is the district of Council President Scott Faultless, with whom White has openly fought in the past, but also because White helped draw those districts. He then served illegally, and was paid, for seven months.
As offensive as that seems, it is not the worst. After he moved, White, who is an attorney, voted illegally in a precinct he did not live in, using a false voter registration at his ex-wife's address. Even if White had an excuse for the other misconduct, does he expect anyone to believe that he did not know where he was at when he went to vote? Does he think that we will not question his conduct?
No, the evidence is strong that he did this intentionally, so that he could hang onto office in his political base. If it was intentional, then White may well be a felon. Look at the following provision of the Indiana Code:
IC 3-14-2-11
Voting in other precincts
Sec. 11. Except as provided by IC 3-10-10, IC 3-10-11, or IC 3-10-12, a person who knowingly votes or offers to vote in a precinct except the one in which the person is registered and resides commits a Class D felony. (emphasis added)
Voting in other precincts
Sec. 11. Except as provided by IC 3-10-10, IC 3-10-11, or IC 3-10-12, a person who knowingly votes or offers to vote in a precinct except the one in which the person is registered and resides commits a Class D felony. (emphasis added)
Now, Charlie White is claiming that he did not realize when he moved the beginning of March 2010 that he was outside of his district. But when he voted 2 months later in the May primary, he knew for a certainty that he did not live at his ex-wife's address miles from his new home. It is this near-certain knowledge that is of the most concern. Other than that, this would probably be only a local matter, of not much concern in a statewide race.
But, Charlie White either knowingly broke the law, and thought he could get by with it because of his position, or he is the most ignorant, careless politician imaginable. Either way, he broke the law. Law-breakers should not be law-makers. Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians, independents, none of you should consider voting for this person. There are other choices, chose someone to enforce our election laws who does not break them himself.
When I was campaigning as a Republican for Obama, each time I was on the news they would get a quote from Charlie White. Every time he made snarky comments that showed his lack of class. Each time, also, the news found him at the golf course. Very telling.
ReplyDeleteSo, I'm not surprised at your revelation about his activities. The Republican Party of Hamilton County leadership, a group of uber-rich elitists, have shown they believe they are above the law, that winning is all that matters to them, and that anyone who opposes them is deserving of ridicule. They were a huge influence in my decision to leave the GOP after the 2008 elections.
Another Republican in Hamilton County that thinks she is above the law is Kathy Richardson, State Representative for the 29th District and the County Election Administrator. In other words she runs her own election, which is in violation of state code, her office is within the polling area another violation of law. It seems the R's of this county have been doing things so long they think they can do anything and it is all right. Then we have Scott Faultless and his gang, the Town Council of Fishers. They will do anything to stay in power. Recently they were presented a petition to allow the citizens of Fishers the right to determine what form of government they want in an election. Scott and crew refuse to place this question on the ballot. Instead they formed a committee to figure out a way around this and develop a new form where they continue in power. This fall it is time to remove Charlie and Kathy from power. Next year it will be time to replace Scott and crew form power. It is time to return government to the people.
ReplyDeleteAre the governmental actions upon which Mr. White voted during his "mistaken" public service actually legal? Surely any where his vote was the deciding vote then that action or law must be called into question. In those instances where his was the deciding vote he has clearly , and probably knowingly, defrauded the people of Fishers of proper representation.
ReplyDeleteAn update, some apologists for Charlie White are dismissing this scandal because, GASP, I am a Democrat. That was not how I came to investigate this, but in any event, the facts are the facts, regardless of party. Mr. White has yet to offer any reasonable explanation for his misconduct.
ReplyDelete