I
testified in Indianapolis on January 27th in opposition to HB1247. I limited
my testimony to historical fact; that the local input process was essential
to the original 1933 alcohol commission’s mandate, that the Dunes State Park
is at an increased risk of alcohol-related disturbances by proximity to
Chicago, and that arrest records indicate that alcohol arrests are now the
most frequent issue within the park.
But neither facts
nor public will could dissuade these representatives. And unless you were
there, if all you had to go by was the transcript, you might miss the
menacing truth I feel is at the core.
It was clear as an
observer in the room that the representatives had prior relationships to
many of the political operatives whose organizations stand to benefit from
HB1247. Building trade and tourism representatives were greeted by their
first names and allowed to make hearsay statements, cast innuendo and malign
the character of opponents.
But even more
troubling was the cozy banter between the subcommittee and DNR Director
Cameron Clark, inferring he was behaving more like his brother, Murray
Clark.
Cameron Clark was
recently appointed by Governor Mike Pence.
Later, I learned
that his older brother Murray is a downstate GOP real estate and development
expert who served as Governor Mitch Daniels’ campaign manager. Murray Clark
has a prior social relationship with developer and local GOP official Chuck
Williams.
Also socially
connected to Williams is lobbyist Jennifer Ping, VP at the Bose McKinney PR
firm.
That firm is
representing Williams’ ATC appeal through attorney Melissa Coxey, a former
ATC commissioner, also appointed by Governor Mike Pence.
I now understand
why Indiana is not immune to the growing alienation of voters in America.
The people’s house
has become little more than a frat house, filled with willing participants
in a charade whose sole purpose is to build empires.
There is no fiscal
crisis that has left the Pavilion in a state of ruin that only Chuck
Williams can resolve. The truth is political appointees at the DNR have been
pulling money from the Dunes State Park for years. Last year alone it
generated a half million dollars more than it spent. Those monies went
downstate to fund pet projects in other voting districts. To those who stand
to profit, and to the chagrin of the professional naturalists who work to
protect the dunes, IDSP is a cash cow to be used for political gain.
HB1247 is a bad
law. It is a fool’s errand that overturns 85 years of accepted alcohol
licensing practice to award personal profit from public land. More
importantly, it usurps the will of local voters who had already appealed and
stopped a dangerous enterprise through proper channels. And it casts a pall
over every community hosting a state park.
Had enough,
Duneland? Contact your state senator and say “NO to HB1247!”
Eric Schlene
West Lafayette and
Jackson township
landowner