We’ve got it good in Howard County.
Despite the two-year recession, despite losing a quarter of our employment over the past decade, local governments function well.
Unlike in Marion and Madison counties, property tax bills are mailed out on time. Every resident has access to a public library. Our five public school systems nurture achievement while keeping a careful watch over taxpayer money; the four county high schools recently were named Best Buys by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce.
THE ISSUE: Indiana government reform.
OUR VIEW: Kernan-Shepard recommendations deserve further consideration.
It’s understandable that some here don’t recognize as needed the recommendations of the Commission on Local Government Reform. But the committee, led by former Gov. Joe Kernan and Chief Justice Randall Shepard, discovered some sobering facts.
• About 400,000 Hoosiers in 38 counties haven’t access to a library.
• Some school systems receive such little funding, they cannot offer the curriculum necessary for their graduates to be admitted at Indiana University Bloomington or Purdue University at West Lafayette in 2011.
• Some township trustees spend more on themselves and their staffs than they do in poor relief each year. Liberty Township Trustee Linda Grove, for example, paid herself and family more than $20,000 in 2009, yet spent $18,229 in direct assistance through the middle of last month.
Not every bill proposing government reform made it out of Senate committees last year. One that would’ve eliminated township government only addressed nepotism and excessive cash reserves. Another, that would’ve forced the consolidation of administrations of school districts of 1,000 students or fewer, wasn’t brought to a vote.
Gov. Mitch Daniels, who established the Commission on Local Government Reform more than two years ago, was disappointed. “We’ll try again next year,” he said.
We hope he does.
Hoosiers usually vote from their front porches. If their trash gets collected, if their streets get plowed, they believe all is right with the world. But there are places in Indiana where residents don’t receive the kind of governmental service we’re accustomed to in Howard County.
It was for those Hoosiers the Commission on Local Government Reform was established. Its recommendations deserve further consideration this legislative session.
Opinion
EDITORIAL: Try it again this session
- Opinion
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Cast a vote for centers
The issue: Vote centers in Howard County.
Our view: Centers are less expensive to operate and more convenient for the average voter.
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White shouldn’t return to office
The issue: The conviction of Indiana’s secretary of state.
Our view: Charlie White’s ouster from office should be permanent.
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Editorial - Feb. 8, 2012: Grand success for Indianapolis
The issue: The Super Bowl.
Our view: Indianapolis left a great impression on thousands of visitors.
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Letters to the Editor: Feb. 8, 2012
As Hoosiers celebrate the conclusion of a truly remarkable Super Bowl experience, there is even more good news that should fill us with pride. More Indiana students are graduating from high school than ever before.
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Which religions will we include?
The Indiana Senate last week approved a bill that would allow public schools to teach creationism, as long as they include theories from multiple religions.
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If you say so
In an opinion piece we published Thursday, state Rep. Mike Karickhoff announced why he voted against “right-to-work” legislation. His reason: The community told him to.
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Cheers and jeers - Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012
Karickhoff acted ‘cowardly’
The Rev. Robin Wentworth Mayer and Horst G. Mayer of Kokomo send the Jeer for state Rep. Mike Karickhoff’s silence during the “right-to-work” debate:
“Mr. Karickhoff, for someone who’s new to office, you’ve certainly learned the art of talking out of both sides of your mouth.
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Let’s drug test our lawmakers
Perhaps it’s appropriate that a measure passed by the Indiana House this week would ask not only welfare recipients but Indiana lawmakers to consent to a drug test.
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Editorial - Feb. 2, 2012: Peru delivers a message
The issue: Peru’s collection of $20,000 last year from property owners who failed to keep their yards mowed.
Our view: Aggressive enforcement can help a city’s finances, but the benefits go beyond dollars and cents.
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Karickhoff: Reason behind my ‘right-to-work’ vote
There is no doubt the “right-to-work” debate has brought mixed emotions, not only to our state but District 30 as well. There were only a handful of House Republicans who did not vote in support of this legislation. Let me explain why I felt it was necessary for me to vote in opposition to right to work.
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Cast a vote for centers








