I have long opposed Kernan / Shepard, and the direction of the Mitch Daniels’ administration for the state of Indiana. I have always believed and continue to believe government closest to the people is the best form.

With that said, I am in the minority and recognize that fact. People overwhelming voted to retain Governor Daniels and I recognize that. So, it’s time to crawl onboard the Daniels Express, but at the same time work for some concessions.

I understand the Township movement, don’t necessarily agree, but it is what it is. As for County government, the reduction of three executives to one, and appointment of others, I may be ready to crawl onboard the Daniels’ Express, given our current conditions here in Elkhart County. However, recall capacity must be included, similar to remonstration capacity at the local level. It would be nice to see recall capacity for ALL elected officials. I think that would be a fair trade off to move this forward, don’t you?

Barry Fox

BarryGFoxF@aol.com

Ability to have a recall  - bad idea Barry.

The Gov and the Legislature will be looking at revenue forecasts showing huge shortfalls from last year's projections - I respectfully suggest they focus on their own financial and cost issues and not spend one minute of their valuable time worrying about township officials that comprise less than 5% of the property tax burden and if eliminated -would not decrease the tax burden.

I hear you, I understand you... This is the push of the Daniels's (republican) adminstration that WON overwhelingly in Indiana. This makes recall very important...

Barry

Township level government is a 19th century relic and why would it make sense for County Sherriffs to be elected but municipal chiefs of police to be appointed?

The pioneer Sherriff system has resulted in pay for Sherriffs that is nothing short of pure graft and rural Indiana suffers under this system that had degraded into neo-nobility.

One County executive is a good idea as long as there is a STRONG elected County Council - The districting of this could in many ways strengthen the benefits that Township preservationists want - Seeing more micro representation.

I think there are some opportunities to develop more micro-representation with new technologies but to do so under the current Township system is like building regenerative braking horse shoes.

In simple theory, the school system consolidation makes sense, but it does not work that way in practice.

Why are smaller companies more innovative, nimble and responsive than big companies?

We need this same type of thinking with education institutions. 

 Why the would the same Republicans support charter schools, but at the same time want to create larger institutional structures?  This makes no sense to me.

I support the idea of charter schools, but the self fulfilling prophesy of failure of the status quo designed around a State testing system develped on metrics designed to show failure creates a culture of slow suffering in our school systems that is a huge negative.

I applaud Daniels for stepping out in front of the bus and trying to do something...anything...for the good of Indiana.

If we have a positive constructive discussion that starts with Daniel's leadership but ends with a synthesized solution THAT ACTUALLY MAKES IT INTO GOOD LAW AND POLICY THAN WE WILL BE EVEN BETTER OFF!

I will take Daniels over NOTHING any day of the week..and Indiana has had too much nothing for way too long.

In addition - I think local voters and taxpayers should have some say. That is a tradition in Indiana - we used to be a "home Rule" state. That apparently disappeared sometime in the last 4 years.

On just one other topic you raised - the Sheriff. I agree that there is a lot of good points on both sides of this issue. And I could be persuaded. But at this point - my difficultly is with the legislative body that creates the laws having to much power over, or direct connection with, the agency that enforces the laws. Having it separated by an elected office is an important consideration. 

Get real Mike, local government is completely out of control, the sherriff's new castle is a prime example.

Don't listen to any local politician concerning this issue, they are only interested in their own collective a**'s.

C'mon rick lighten up.  It's Christmas!

Merry Christmas to all.....

You too Mike...