I'd sure like to get some engaged debate on this issue over the next couple days. The General Assembly is currently looking at proposed legislation to eliminate township trustees and township boards. I am actually in Indianapolis today to watch the hearings myself, and get a better feel for what the options really are. Like anyone else, I'd like to see the cost of governing reduced as much as possible ... but frankly here in Porter County 10 of the 12 trustees are Republicans and rolling all their duties to the county building will pronounce a large change in control to Democrats.
Some links though if you need to get an idea to engage in this issue with us here:
The latest post on the General Assembly website for Senate bill 512. This version would set January of 2013 as the date to implement the proposed re-organization desired by Governor Daniels.
Advance Indiana in a strongly opinionated post today shows that townships are sitting on $200 million in cash, and refers to at least one situation where a township has maxed out their tax levies each year while maintaining enough cash to pay the entire budget for 10 years.
CPA from Indiana Township Association says the cost savings promised are suspect, and even takes the opportunity to suggest that Uni-Gov in Indy isn't all that great either.
And of course My Smart Gov tells a completely different story in their run down of savings and crazy statistics of unaccountable costs and power bases.
Who should provide fire service for Porter County residents not in a town or city?
Who should provide poor relief
