Power Structure of Carroll County

Power StructureofCarroll County Brennon Sapp

Definitions and Terms • Elite Power is a dominance from position in the community. • Pluralistic Power is a result of several components. • Amorphous Power is latent or unforeseen power which is exercised only when agitated or rallied to a cause.

Definitions and Terms • “Old Money” refers to a person whose family has had wealth for more than one generation. • A Native is someone who was born and raised in the county.

Power Specifics According to all sources the two most powerful people in the county are Jim Crawford and Ruth Baxter. • Both are attorneys • Moved into Carroll Co. in the late 1970s from Eastern KY • Married, no children • Founders of the Excellence for Education Foundation which issues grants and scholarships in the community • ”All the community's problems stem from the school. If the school resolves their problems, then the community would follow.” • Jim is the Commonwealth Attorney and the Board Attorney • Tend to be relentless in their pursuits

Power Specifics Nancy Jo Grub Meyer, a long-standing native, is on the second tier of the power structure. • Currently serves on the city council • Focuses a lot of energy on Historic Preservation • Performs an unprecedented amount of volunteer work throughout the community • Lost her husband several years ago in a tragic car accident • Raised five kids in Carroll County as a single mother • Local piano teacher • Strong Catholic • Currently has two children who are teaching in the Carroll County School system

Power Specifics Harold “Shorty” Tomlinson, a long standing native, is on the second tier of the power structure. • Currently the Carroll County Judge-Executive • Received the nick name “Shorty” while playing ball at Carroll Co. HS (most people in the community don’t know his real name) • Went into the local industry straight out of high school • Became the judge-exec several years ago, but raised taxes too much too fast and was soon ousted • Went back to industry, was then encouraged by the community to get back into politics

Power Specifics Clay Cable, a native, is on the second tier of the power structure. • Current Chairman of the Board of Education • Has a strong desire to improve the educational quality of Carroll County schools • Worked in the local industry for many years • Currently works as a maintenance man at a local park, which allows him to be more active in the educational system • Seen by most of the community as a “good ol’ boy” • Currently has two kids within the Carroll County school system

Power Specifics Anne Dithridge, a native, receives an honorable mention in the power structure. • Retired from teaching Home Economics after 30 years • Served on the City Council • Has been the mayor of Carrollton since 1992 • Anne and her former husband ran a successful convenient store • Comes from “Old Money” • Family has a long-standing history of service to the community • Currently has many grandchildren attending the Carroll County School system • Seen by the community as a fun loving, pleasant mayor

Power Specifics Mike Wilhoit, a young native, gets an honorable mention in the power structure. • Current Police Chief in Carrollton • Father runs a local auto garage • Mother passed away while he was in high school • EKU graduate (law enforcement) • Seen by the community as: • Good Role Model • Eager • Over-achiever • Willing to do anything to help anyone

Power Specifics Sharon Boyde, a native, gets an honorable mention in the power structure. • An elegant lady, serves as the Carrollton librarian • Lives in the historic section of town and is concerned with the preservation of her neighborhood • Was able to get a library tax approved in 1985 which allowed for a state of the art library in downtown Carrollton • Has implemented and maintained top-notch program, both local and recruited, at the local library • No kids

Power Specifics Laman Stark, a native, receives an honorable mention in the power structure. • Currently serves as the Carroll Co. court clerk • Is a second-generation county court clerk • Former police chief (took the job to “change the community”) • Graduate of EKU (law enforcement) • Big supporter of all school programs and events • Wife teaches at Carroll County Middle School • Son is a tri-sport athlete at Carroll Co. HS

Power Structure

Amorphous Power: Religion With over twenty churches of varying denominations, Carroll County has an untapped power source. When united behind a cause these churches can be a significant power, but have rarely exercised their power.

Amorphous Power: Industry With thirteen major factories supplying more than 2000 jobs to the community, these industries could wield quite a bit of power. However, they have chosen to exercise financial support of schools rather than exert political power.

Amorphous Power: Democrats An overwhelming percentage of the county belong to the Democratic party. In fact, the local paper is the “The News-Democrat.” Although the community is quite conservative in personal and religious beliefs, they are strong supporters of Democratic ideals.

Brennon Sapp bsapp@bellsouth.net Indiana University Southeast Summer 2005

Power Structure of Carroll County