FAQs

1 

What is a PAC?

A PAC, or Political Action Committee, is formed to raise and spend money to influence elections and support candidates, political parties, or legislation. PACs can contribute directly to candidates or political parties and spend independently on campaign activities, such as advertisements, educational programs, and other outreach efforts.

2

Are there different types of PACs?

Yes, there are many different types of PACs; federal, state, and local, with many variations within each category. Different types of PACs have different rules. For instance, you may have heard of a “Super PAC” (an independent expenditure-only committee), that can raise and spend unlimited amounts of money to advocate for or against political candidates. However, they are not allowed to coordinate directly with candidates or their campaigns. Super PACs emerged following the 2010 Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission Supreme Court decision, which allowed for more freedom in campaign spending by outside groups.

3

Is Carmel Excellence considered a Federal or Super PAC?

No, Carmel Excellence is registered as a state-level, traditional PAC. These are established by businesses, labor unions, trade associations, or other interest groups. They can contribute directly to candidates or parties and are subject to contribution limits.

4

How many types of PACs exist in Indiana?

In Indiana, there are three main types of committees, each having specific rules and regulations regarding contributions and expenditures (Indiana Secretary of State). Carmel Excellence is categorized under item 2, a regular PAC.

1. Candidate Committees: These are formed by individuals running for office and are used to raise and spend money directly for their campaigns.

2. Political Action Committees (PACs): These are organizations that collect contributions to support candidates, legislation, or political causes.

3. Regular Party Committees: These are affiliated with political parties and work to support candidates from their party or promote party-related causes.

5

How does Carmel Excellence plan on supporting local candidates?

PACs can pay for a variety of services to promote a candidate’s message and support their campaign efforts including (but not limited to):

1. Advertising: This includes TV, radio, online ads, and print media to promote the candidate or oppose opponents.

2. Consulting Services: Payments to political consultants for strategy, messaging, polling, and other expert advice.

3. Event Costs: Expenses related to organizing campaign events, rallies, or fundraisers.

4. Media Production: Costs associated with creating campaign materials, such as videos, brochures, and websites.

5. Direct Mail and Outreach: Expenses for sending out mailers or other communication directly to voters.

6

Does every dollar received as a contribution utilized on a candidate’s behalf?

Not every dollar received as a contribution by a PAC is used directly for the candidate. PACs incur administrative and operational costs, such as salaries, office expenses, and fundraising activities. Additionally, funds may be allocated to various campaign activities like advertising, consulting, data collection, travel expenses, legal services, and event costs. While a significant portion of contributions typically support the candidate's campaign efforts, some funds are necessary for building and maintaining the PAC's operations and infrastructure. At Carmel Excellence, we strive to minimize our operational costs and are thus able to maximize our impact to the candidates’ campaigns.

7

Why is Carmel Excellence listed as a state-level PAC and not solely a “local” PAC?

Carmel Excellence strives to build longevity and influence over the long term and over multiple election cycles. Carmel Excellence will provide a balanced platform for voters who wish to make their voices heard and their policy positions considered. This could expand beyond the school board election to local government, state representatives, and state senators. In the future, we will consider supporting additional local and state-level candidates that advocate for our positions. Local elections foster civic responsibility and involvement, essential for maintaining the principles of a constitutional republic. They empower citizens to elect representatives who will govern according to the rule of law and protect individual rights, ensuring a balanced and just governance.

8

What is the difference between donating to a PAC and donating to a candidate’s committee?

Generally speaking, PACs and candidate committees may be subject to different contribution limits. PACs also aim to build longevity and influence over the long term or multiple election cycles. Carmel Excellence aims to support school board candidates as well as a supportive function in other local and state elections in the future.

9

Have you endorsed candidates in the current election cycle?

In December, 2023, Carmel Excellence announced its support for candidates Robin Clark and Dina Ferchmin, who share these values and prioritize academic excellence, fiscal responsibility, and safety within the schools (Current Publishing) (The Reporter). The PAC is open to speak with any candidate considering a run for local or state office. The candidates maintain their own independence and candidate committees and are not “managed” in any way by Carmel Excellence. To read more about the candidates we support, follow their campaign websites at:

• https://www.robinclark4ccs.org/

• https://www.dinaferchmin4ccs.org/

10

How can I learn more about the policy positions of the PAC?

Our website will be updated regularly to reflect our policy work. We will also be launching social media pages to communicate upcoming events and gatherings. You can sign up for our email/newsletter list at https://www.carmelexcellence.org/contact

11

Speaking of policy, does Carmel Excellence PAC want to “ban books”?

Absolutely not! In fact, one of the candidates, Dina Ferchmin, has a very interesting story about how her parents, fleeing from communism, held on to books that were targeted for destruction. One of these books still exist today within her family. Carmel Excellence believes that this issue has been settled by the state legislature, which recently enacted a law to ensure each public school has a process in place for parents and community members to challenge a library book. We believe this process “works” at Carmel Clay Schools and allows the local school board of trustees to determine what is or is not appropriately selected criteria for our students in our community.

12

Is Carmel Excellence PAC connected to any other advocacy groups (Moms for Liberty, Keep Carmel Clay Schools Inclusive, FAIR, etc.)?

No. Carmel Excellence is a distinct and separate entity from any other organization. We recognize that all community members who participate in civic engagement may come into contact with other community members at school board meetings, community events, city council meetings, state legislative hearings, and the like. At Carmel Excellence, we support open, respectful, and transparent dialogue. Our PAC is committed to maintaining complete autonomy and operates independently of any political organizations, parents' rights groups, or external influences. While we value open dialogue, we remain independent and focused on our mission to support candidates who prioritize the best interests of our local schools and students, ensuring that all actions and decisions reflect a commitment to unbiased and community-driven leadership. We respect and uphold the right of community members to organize and participate in civic activities as they see fit. We operate transparently and inclusively to reflect the interests of the entire community and we encourage respectful discourse in all engagements.

13

How can I get involved or offer support to the PAC?

We are constantly adding new volunteers to our organization. This is advocacy in action! We cannot do it alone. Consider filling out the contact form to get involved, sign up to volunteer, receive emails, make a donation, or host a yard sign! For media relations, please use the “contact us” link.
https://www.carmelexcellence.org/contact

14

What is your position on “partisanship” in Carmel school board races?  

In Indiana, school board races are explicitly non-partisan, meaning candidates should be elected based on their qualifications, ideas, and commitment to the community, rather than party affiliation. However, non-partisan does not mean apolitical or devoid of values. Every candidate brings a set of principles and a vision for education that will naturally align more closely with certain political ideologies, even if these are not tied directly to a political party. 

The creation of a Political Action Committee (PAC) by conservative supporters is a response to ensure that the values and perspectives of many community members are represented fairly. Just as more liberally minded candidates formed their own PAC in 2021, it is necessary for those with conservative viewpoints to have an organized platform to advocate for their vision of education. Carmel Excellence PAC was formed in 2023.  

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Accusations of 'partisanship' from liberal candidates in this context are misleading. Partisanship implies loyalty to a party above all else, whereas our focus is on principles that guide effective governance and education policy. Supporting candidates through a PAC does not turn a non-partisan race into a partisan one; it ensures that all voices are heard, and that the non-partisan nature of these races is maintained by allowing for a true competition of ideas. We accept and welcome support from all community members that share our vision for education outlined in our three pillars.  

Moreover, it's important to distinguish between being non-partisan and being apolitical. Non-partisan races encourage a diversity of ideas without being bound to a single party's agenda, while apolitical implies an absence of political values or beliefs altogether, which is neither realistic nor desirable in positions that shape our children's education. Thus, it is entirely appropriate and necessary to support candidates who share the values that many in our community believe are essential for the future of our schools. 

In a diverse community like ours, reaching an agreement on how to govern Carmel Clay Schools requires open dialogue and transparent debate. More discussion, not less, is key to finding solutions that work for everyone. Carmel Excellence advocates for all voices to be heard. Unfortunately, what we're seeing is an effort to silence differing opinions, whether they come from prominent voices or smaller ones. 

To read more: Experts, candidates weigh in on impact of partisanship in Carmel school board races

 (https://www.youarecurrent.com/2024/08/28/experts-candidates-weigh-in-on-impact-of-partisanship-in-carmel-school-board-races/ )