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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Dog days can threaten dogs
Central Indiana felt the heat this Memorial Day weekend. Afternoon temperatures were in the mid-90s, and heat indices made it feel even warmer.
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Forever thankful
Monday is Memorial Day, a national holiday to remember those who have died while serving our country.
Memorial Day officially
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Cheers and Jeers - Saturday, May 26, 2012
Thanks for your kindness
Terry Siegrist, a paralegal in Salina, Kan., sends this Cheer:
“The family of the late Esther Sprinkle wishes to send our heartfelt thanks to all who gave so generously of their kindness and sympathy in the death of our beloved mother and grandmother. We especially want to thank those who visited us at the funeral home and sent flowers, cards, memorials or food.
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USPS scales back plans
The issue: Postal Service plans to keep smaller post offices open.
Our view: Agency deserves credit for listening to the concerns of customers.
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Sign change is overdue
A colleague of ours years ago said Indiana lawmakers should change the state motto to “We’ll Get Around to It.” His observation is both funny and sad.
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Tips on flag etiquette
Monday is Memorial Day – set aside to honor those Americans who gave their lives in this nation’s wars. Lots of folks fly the flag every day as a show of patriotism, but what many might not know is that there are specific rules outlined in the U.S. Flag Code concerning its display.
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Cheers & Jeers - Saturday, May 19, 2012
Carriers collect 19 tons of food
Brian S. Kidwell of Branch 533 of the letter carriers union sends this Cheer:
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Walk a lap, fight cancer
Before you read any farther, stop for a second and think about what this one word means to you: cancer.
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Program eyes troubled kids
If you know a teenager who has gotten off track, Elissa Andersen might be just the person to call.
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Editorial - May 15, 2012: Hard work still pays
The issue: The Class of 2012.
Our view: Congratulations on your achievement, graduating high school seniors, and remember to thank those who helped you along the way to success.
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Dog days can threaten dogs




