What is a “Republican?”  “Political Conservatism” can be defined as maintaining what works and working to improve what does not in the context of the Constitution.  A political conservative is generally associated with the Republican Party. 

• • Ten Conservative Principles, by Russell Kirk

U.S. Constitution. Article I, Section 4, Clause 1: The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof; but the Congress may at any time by Law make or alter such Regulations, except as to the Places of chusing Senators.

The U.S. Constitution allows States to develop their own rules governing political parties, primary elections, and their respective candidates. 

• • Indiana GOP – Party and Rules

Rule 1-25. The term “Republican in Good-Standing” shall be defined as a Republican who supports Republican nominees and who does not actively or openly support another candidate against a Republican nominee.  A Regional or County Party chair is exempt from this rule.   

President Trump could be considered “Not ” a Republican in Good Standing by precedents established by the Indiana GOP.   Trump has criticized other Republican candidates, and in his lifetime, has voted and given money to non-Republican candidates.

Vanderburgh County – (Evansville)

INDIANA: WHY ARE CHERYL AND KEN “REPUBLICANS IN BAD STANDING”? 

• • New GOP chair will have to unite ranks (PDF) Vanderburgh County party thrown in turmoil

  • Ousted candidates say they’re committed to removing Duckworth as GOP chair Story by Thomas B. Langhorne, Evansville Courier & Press

March 2025. VANDERBURGH COUNTY REPUBLICAN REORGANIZATION

• • New Officers – New Chair – Kyhle Moers  
    •  

  • Cheryl and Ken discuss the 2025 VANDERBURGH Republican Party Reorganization, the “Rules” violation, disenfranchisement of America 🇺🇸 First Republicans, and the inviting of non-eligible precinct committeeman and vices to vote on reorganization day.

  • The exposure and accountability within the Republican Party will continue no matter the leadership. Unity and establishment of a higher standard is expected. Fake Conservatives will continue to be identified and exposed. #Dobetter

Legal Challenge.

• • Indiana Republican, Expelled by his Party and Therefore Barred from the Primary Ballot, Files Brief in Seventh Circuit  Posted on January 16, 2022 by Richard Winger
    • Joseph Hero vs Lake County Election Board 
    • “He was not permitted to file in the Republican primary for local partisan office in 2019 because the party had “banned” him from the Republican Party, because he had supported two independent candidates for local office.
    • Note the Brown County GOP Chair also supported an independent candidate in 2024, which was considered acceptable by the Region 9 GOP chair.   He was reelected as Chair in March 2025. 

Brown County

• • Clark Responds to Ruling by Region 9 Republican Committee

Reedy 3.6.2025 – Brown County Educational Presentation

Agenda Commissioners Meeting MAR 5 2025 20250304_1715   

YouTube – Video of the Meeting  

10 Secluded Towns Lost in the Hills of Indiana’s Rugged Brown County Region By Jon Dykstra, 2025-02-25

Tucked away in the rolling hills and thick woodlands of southern Indiana, Brown County is a haven for those seeking solitude, scenic beauty, and a touch of history. With winding backroads leading to forgotten hamlets, hidden valleys, and forested retreats, this region is filled with secluded communities that feel worlds away from modern life.

• • Elkinsville, Cornelius, Gatesville, Stone Head, Trevlac, Gnaw Bone, Helmsburg, Bean Blossom, Story, Nashville

• • PDF: 10 Secluded Towns Lost in the Hills of Indiana’s Rugged Brown County Region – NewsBreak

Plus :

10 Secluded Towns Nestled in Remote Regions of Indiana’s ‘Little Smokies’ ByJon Dykstra June 24, 2025 

• • Freetown
  • Norman
  • Kurtz
  • Mounty Liberty

Meeting on YouTube

• • Clarks Presentation: 2025_02_19 v01 Commissioner Finance and Budget Update

Audio Only

Agenda Commissioners Meeting Feb 19 2025 ver 20250219

Early efforts 2016-2017) – County Comprehensive “Financial” Plan – 30K -for the plan –  went on the shelf. 

Agenda Council February 18, 2025  

AUDIO of the Meeting

This post at Brown County Matters.

Appointments. Judy Wright-Simpson was appointed to PTBOA. Sue Lindberg was re-appointed to the RDC. David Couke was also appointed to the RDC.

Surveyor Salary Increase.  A licensed surveyor is entitled to 1.5 % higher pay than a non-licensed surveyor.

2024 Salary Ordinance. Tabled pending analysis of the Sheriff’s Department’s stipend reconciliations.

Revenue from the Innkeeper’s Tax. Councilman Rudd is leading the council’s effort to increase the innkeepers’ tax from 5  to 8 percent. The intent is for 3% to fund public safety and to reimburse the county for visitor-related expenses that include sheriff and emergency service support provided to the state park, accidents, arrests, prosecutions, et al.

• • All Counties:  Title 6. Taxation Article 9. Innkeeper’s Taxes; Other Local Taxes

In order to specifically explain how the revenue from the innkee[pers tax can be spent, it will require changes to the Indiana Code, Title 6. Taxation Article 9. Innkeeper’s Taxes; Other Local Taxes; Chapter 14, Brown County’s Innkeepers Tax.

How the money can be spent. In addition to promoting tourism, the revenue from the innkeepers’ tax can be used for other county-related expenses and investments.

For example, in Tippecanoe County, revenue is designated for quality of life purposes, including (1) mixed-use development projects, (2) quality public spaces, (3) multiple transportation options, (4) multiple housing options, (5) revitalization of historic, blighted, or vacant properties; (6) arts, culture, and creativity; and (7) recreation and green spaces.

 Council Requited Budget Reviews. Chapter 14 identifies the council’s financial responsibility to review and approve how the revenue from the innkeepers’ tax will be spent.  This can include banking some of the revenue pending the needed changes in the statutes.

Feb 14, 2025.  DRAFT Brown County Comprehensive Plan file size reduced for email

These meetings are scheduled on the First Thursday of every month from 9am to noon.

The council appears to have  progressed to the “Norming Stage” of team dynamics,

Council agreed on Jim Kemps’s proposal on a “Pathway to Financial Stability.”   Kemp agreed to lead the Financial Committee, which includes Councilman Huett, Rudd,  Commissioner Clark, and consultants from Reedy Financial Services

• • BCC A Pathway to Financial Stability
  • BCC Roles and Responsibilities

It is generally understood that it may take up to 10 years for the county to get their financial house in order.