Politics on Parade

BY GARY L. SNYDER

After two hours of fighting the unbearable heat and humidity, a very unhappy baby, due to the unbearable heat and humidity and dodging barrage after barrage of tiny projectiles hurled at me at breakneck speed, I came to the conclusion that the 2009 version of the Heritage Day Parade had much to offer in the way of political punditry.  And since you must be a pundit to offer punditry and I am all you really have to offer expert political insight into what most people see as just another way to get your kids free candy, I will offer up some astute political observations from the parade.  I have opined on many of occasions that in politics, everything happens for a reason. Even when politics are on parade, in the end you will come to side with my simple observations because like so many times before, they tend to be correct.  

Many times you can understand what is happening politically in a community, or parade in this instance, by who walks with whom, or even more importantly who isn't walking with whom.  Starting the parade of never ending politicians was Mayor Steve and Mayor Pam.  Much can be said about these two and judging by the rousing applause received as they were announced passing the judges stand, not much really needs to be said.  I do wonder why they were walking alone though?  Certainly their entourage back at the Republican Party entry were more than a little disappointed about their absence.  Either that or they were afraid of being pelted by the candy they just handed out.  I think Mayor Steve was just implementing the many years of police experience and training:  Never get pelted by your own candy, or was that never get shot by your own gun?

Next up was our State Representative Dan Leonard riding his classic antique bicycle.  Now, kids are a very peculiar thing.  They can't remember that you told them to brush their teeth fifteen minutes ago but they seem to recall the one time you mentioned a stick and spokes in a conversation they weren't even a part of.  Then I had to spend the next 15 minutes explaining to my four-year old that Daddy was just joking, he didn't mean it literally.  Right behind Dan was State Senator Gary "Doc" Dillon, or at least his truck.   Now to be fair, I did overhear the public address announcer say Senator Dillon was called back to Indianapolis for budget talks.  Before you get too excited, no budget yet.  Oh, I almost forgot about Congressman Burton, well his car anyway.  Hell, I don't even know if it was even his car, but it had his sign on the side of it.  I'm pretty sure Congressman Burton was still in Washington relishing his grilling of Fed Chairman Ben Berneke on Thursday.  A grilling, by the way, that would make the inquisitors at the Spanish Inquisition proud.  I also have to mention Brose McVey.  Brose is one of four challengers to Dan Burton next spring and he at least showed up in person to ask for your vote and walk the parade route.

Now, I mentioned earlier that almost as important as who was in the parade and who was walking with whom, was whom was not walking with the gaggle of Republicans.  Hopefully I used the word gaggle correctly.  Tom Carney for Sheriff and his supporters, including Sheriff Farthing, seemed to defy the Republican Machine and decided to go it alone.  Good for you Tom!  Unfortunately, while that may be a good thing for Huntington County and a great characteristic to have in a sheriff,  it may be a bad thing in Republican Primary politics.  I did see Leon Hurlburt twice, once in the coroner van and once with the "Drive Alive" float, not with the gaggle of Republicans to come later.

Finally came the Huntington County Republican Party parade entry.  And while their float did feature their new leader, Kris Underwood, it still offered the same old cast of characters.  The Re-Elect Jerry Helvie for County Commissioner gear worn by who else, Jerry Helvie.  Although this year on the back of his shirt, it did read, "Don't send Jerry to jail."  I think I saw Fran Felts sporting her Felts for County Clerk gear.  Where do you go with that one?  The Juillerat's were marching.  And then there was the Terry Stoffel for Sheriff posse, complete with the sign and ten foot hot air sheriff figure. Impressive... I think?  Also marching with this gaggle but not necessarily falling in the "same cast of old characters" crowd were county councilman Chris Hoke sporting the Luke Messer for Congress gear.  Finally, there was the Carl Zinmeister for County Commissioner entourage.  Carl had just a few people walking with him, trailing about 20 feet behind everyone else, almost as if they told him, "sure you can walk with us, you just have to stay 15 feet away from the main group."  It reminded me of when you take your teenage daughter to the mall.  She wants there to pay for her cloths, but you have to tag along out of sight range.

There are 10 months before the primary, a virtual lifetime in political circles, and with a parade going down in virtually every community in Huntington County through the fall, it will be interesting to see how the parade of politics not only plays with voters, but plays with the participants in the parade. 

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Comments

[Real Democracy is not in Huntington]

Gary,

The Democrats were in the parade as well! I guess this story proves you are not a real Democrat. I am glad they did not give you the Chairmanship. I will not be shocked at all if you do not post this message! If you do allow this message to be posted on this piece of crap site; I will be proud to tell you who I am.

[G]

Real Dem,

Do tell!

G

[Andy Krieg]

Gary,
I was the one who sent the message. I am proud I did. It is in clear and plain sight, you do not want to be a Democrat anymore. Gary you have not been to any meetings since March. I tried so hard not to post on your website, but this story about "Politics on Parade" was the last straw for me. Your story is telling me that Democrats are not included in Huntington. Your site was good but it lost its luster with me and others when you do personal attacks on people. I did support you when you ran for Democratic Chairman. By the way, I am thinking about running for office in 2010. It is either Recorder or Auditor. In 2010 VOTE for the truest form of Democracy by voting for me and the other Democrats!

Andy Krieg

[Gordon Shumway]

WOW. Are you living on Sesame Street? Another brain washed young democrat thinking they can change the world, and even funnier, thinking they can win a local office!

[Al E. Newman]

Andy,
I think you should thanking Gary for not bring up your weak parade display. With what you had going down the street, pathetic. Gary, why don't you give us your thoughts on the Democrats at the parade?

[The Next Huntington County Auditor (Andy Krieg)]

Mr. Shumway,

Democrats will win a local office! How young do you think I am? I think you’re the one is living on Sesame Street, because people like you think some of the local elected Officials is good for Huntington. It is time for a fresh new face in Huntington. I am not out to change the world but end the failed policies of our local officials!

As for you Mr. Newman,

I will not thank Gary for not putting his thoughts about the Democrats. The theme of this year’s parade was "Celebrate Our Town". 2009 is not an election year. So why was the Republican Party out in full election mode? The party of the people, by the people, and for the people (The Democratic Party) followed the theme.

Thank You and May God Bless Huntington, Indiana and The United States of America!

BTW:

My campaign slogan for Auditor theme is, "God First, Family Second, and Country Third".

[r morris]

who's andy kreig? i've lived in huntington 40 years and dont know who he is and living in huntington is like living in mayberry everybody knows who you are!

[Gordon Shumway]

I have never even heard of the guy either and he is "The Next Huntington County Auditor!" Obviously, he is a dilusional young man. Thinking that one man can change failed policies is even funnier. Let's take bets on how bad he is going to get trounced.

[future allen county resident]

While I am all for a new and hopefully improved County Auditor, I am not sure Andy Krieg is going to be any better! For crying out loud, does anybody have spell or grammar check these days?

[long way to go]

The Democratic Party fell apart after Kenny Zuk left. All talk and no show now. There are lots of Democtats here but no one wants to be associated with the mediocrity. Not Gary Snyder's fault or problem. What the heck kind of campaign slogan is that?!!