From before the start of this legislative session, people have been talking about local government reorganization and the Kernan-Shepherd report. My observation of this discussion is that a few people want major change, but the vast majority either wants no change or don't care at all.
I've tried to be objective about this issue, but I have served at both the township level as trustee and the county level as councilman and auditor, so I have some accurate memories about the duties of these offices. I don't deny that efficiencies of government should be pursued, but I do not agree with many of the Kernan-Shepherd concepts.
Elimination of the board of commissioners in favor of a single county executive doesn't make sense to me. There is no way it can save money for the taxpayers or offer better service. My opinion of rearranging the Courthouse offices is this: There is a need for a job study to make sure the tasks are accomplished before the elected officials are eliminated.
I don't like putting the cart before the horse because the public will suffer during a transition.
Most of the proponents' hopes for government reorganization were dashed when the House committee voted 7-1 to kill the bill sent over by the Senate. Reviving these concepts will be extremely challenging.
If you are watchers of the calendar, you know that Sunday was the Ides of March. To many, that will be insignificant, but others will know this is the time of year Caesar was assassinated by Brutus and the boys of Rome.
My only purpose in mentioning the Ides of March is that this is also a very dangerous time for pending legislation. During Caesar's ides, his "friends" and associates turned on him and killed him.
House and Senate bills are in the same danger as they sail toward the final days of the legislature. Anyone having serious issues in the system must pay particular attention or risk unforeseen circumstances.
I'm not inclined to talk about the budget and taxes just yet. When we get into April, our estimates will be more accurate, and I can share better information with you.
I do want to acknowledge a letter to the editor in the Peru Tribune last week. The author wrote a very positive letter about Peru and Miami County. In it he compared our small Hoosier community to his former home in Colorado. His major discussion was about the attitudes of our residents. He was very complimentary as he compared Hoosiers to Coloradans. His observations were that Indiana folk are much friendlier and sincerely interested in other people.
Sometimes, because of our circumstances, we completely overlook the obvious. Most of us do care about our neighbors and want to assist them if we can. This is a characteristic we may forget, but it makes the Midwest and Indiana attractive places to live.
Congratulations to Mr. Hodge for writing a positive letter about this area. His credibility is strengthened by the fact that he has lived somewhere else.
I'm on his side. The Miami County glass is half full, and we are making some progress. It may look different to many, but it is progress. Our challenge is to each do our part to help the cause.
Thanks for the comments. It is your government - take part!
More later,
Bill Friend |
