Vaughn Launches Sheriff Bid, Republican Councilors Protest Wheel Tax; Demand Accountability on OPHS

Written By Admin Indy Republicans

Friday, July , 2026

Happy Friday!

Southport Police Chief Tom Vaughn Enters Sheriff’s Race 

Chief Tom Vaughn launched his campaign for Marion County Sheriff Monday. Chief Vaughn brings 30 years of law enforcement experience to the role and is committed to improving public safety, fixing the jail system, supporting deputies and civilian staff, and restoring public confidence in the agency., Vaughn currently  serves as Southport’s police chief. 

READ about Chief Vaughn HERE, VISIT his website HERE, LISTEN to Chief Vaughn on WIBC

Council Democrats Pass Wheel Tax for Marion County 

Monday night, Council Democrats passed an $80 million tax increase. Council Republicans voted no.

Instead of first reviewing the city's growing revenues, identifying waste, and finding savings within an already multi-billion-dollar budget, Council Democrats rushed to saddle Marion County residents with another permanent tax increase against the judgement of Council Republicans.  

The proposal would implement a $240 wheel tax for buses, recreational vehicles, semitrailers, tractors, trailers and trucks and a $100 excise tax for passenger cars, trucks, motorcycles, or vehicles under 11,000 pounds. Currently, Marion County residents pay between $10 and $50 a year in registration fees.

Read the Republican Caucus’ op-ed in the Indy Star. 

DEMOCRAT Councilors REJECT Transparency in OPHS Oversight Proposal 

Monday night, Democrats on the City-County Council had a chance to demand accountability and transparency from the Office of Public Health and Safety after a bombshell audit found that the office had mismanaged taxpayer dollars, failed to meet contract requirements, and ballooned its budget by over 75% since its creation.

Democrats voted down the proposal authored by Republican Councilor Michael-Paul Hart that would've brought oversight to the Office––tracking contracts and invoices, training employees on ethics, and allowing the Office of Finance and Management to watch how funds were being spent.

In what job can you mismanage millions of taxpayer dollars, never account for where the money went, and still receive more funding? Unfortunately, that's the standard Council Democrats chose to uphold.

LISTEN: Foust on WIBC Renews Call for Special Prosecutor to Investigate Hogsett

Candidate for Marion County Prosecutor Philip Foust joined WIBC’s Hammer and Nigel, and emphasized the necessity for Prosecutor Mears to nominate a special prosecutor to investigate Mayor Hogsett’s culture of corruption. 

PHILIP FOUST Event with Special Guest Senator Todd Young

Upcoming Events

July 16, 2026 – Foust for Prosecutor Fundraiser with Special Guest Senator Todd Young

August 7, 2026 - John Ruckelshaus for State Senate Fundraiser

  • With special guest Todd Young

  • 4:30-6:30 pm at The Club at Holiday Farms

  • Invite below

Admin Indy Republicans
Next

Council Democrats Reject Commonsense Governance at Every Opportunity