Council overrides mayor’s veto

COMMUNITY Council overrides mayor’s veto regarding campaign resolution

By Anna Skinner anna@youarecurrent.com

The Westfield City Council on June 28 overrode Mayor Andy Cook’s veto of a camGOVERNMENT paign contributions transparency resolution passed during the June 14 council meeting. The council overrode the veto with a 5-2 vote, with councilors Scott Willis and Jake Gilbert voting against the override.

The previously approved resolution “strongly suggested” that councilors disclose major campaign contributions of more than $1,000 prior to a vote involving one of the contributors. During the June 14 meeting, city attorney Manny Herceg called the action illegal, as state statute prohibits cities from establishing ordinances when the state already has authority in the matter. There are already certain campaign

laws in place at the state level, so the council introduced the item as a resolution that allows councilors to vote but asks them to disclose the information first. In what is also known as a pocket veto, Cook never signed the resolution, which made the vote void since the mayor must sign the resolution within 10 days of it passing the council. Prior to the vote, Herceg again voiced his concern with the legality Herceg of the vote. He said even after taking another look at the resolution, his opinion remained unchanged. “State law completely occupies campaign finance and campaign contributions, and therefore this is illegal and invalid for what it’s worth,” Herceg said. Council President Mike Johns called for a vote anyway, and the resolution passed. For more, visit westfield.in.gov.

DISPATCHES

Used bicycle sale and donation day set – A used bicycle sale and donation day will be from 10 a.m. to noon July 24 at the Recycled Cycles repair shop, 810 E. Main St. More than 20 top-condition bikes will be sold at bargain prices. Proceeds will be used to purchase parts to repair other bikes. Last year, Recycled Cycles repaired and gave away more than 300 bicycles to deserving families who might not otherwise have afforded new bikes for Christmas. The group repairs child and adult bikes throughout the year under the sponsorship of Good Samaritan Network. Donations of any used bike, no matter the condition will be accepted. Parts of unrepairable bikes are salvaged to make whole bikes.

North Central Beekeepers Club scheduled to meet – The North Central Beekeepers Club meets at 6:30 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month at Cool Creek Nature Center in Westfield. Experienced beekeepers will be available to answer any questions a half hour before the meeting starts. Meetings are free to attend by all levels of beekeepers located centrally north of Indianapolis. Those interested in becoming beekeepers are welcome. The next meeting is July 21 with presentations by Chuck Dailey, Jeanette Wiles and Jim Berndt. For more, visit the North Central Beekeepers Club Facebook group.

Stordy named to dean’s list – Medical studies major Kaitlyn Stordy, of Westfield, was recently named to the dean’s list for the spring 2021 session at DeSales University.

Food distribution planned for July 8 – Gleaners Food Bank will provide a mobile food bank from 3:30 to 6 p.m. July 8 at Six Points Church, 1545 W. 226th St., Sheridan. Recipients stay in their cars and proceed through the line to get food. There is no registration necessary, and anyone who comes will be served. Food items generally consist of a box of produce and dairy, frozen meat items and other assorted foods.

Military Veterans Hall of Fame — The Indiana Military Veterans Hall of Fame is accepting applications for its 2021 class to be inducted in the Hall of Fame. The deadline for applicants to be considered as an inductee is Aug. 1. Nominees must have been born in Indiana, entered military service from Indiana or lived in Indiana for a minimum of five years. They must also have received an honorable discharge from U.S. military service and have no felony convictions. To nominate a veteran, visit imvhof.com/nominate.

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