REMOVAL FROM NIRPC BOARD
Even though this site is dedicated to the issue of amending Indiana’s Constitution to ensure that current property tax caps become permanent, as a County Commissioner in Porter County, I remain a public servant. It is in that capacity that I would like to take a moment and some space to discuss another issue.
This issue also concerns taxes, and the manner in which they are spent, as well as another issue which affects not only my constituents in Northwest Indiana but many parts of the state, and indeed the country; “Regionalism.”
Below is the text of a recent letter I have sent to The Times of Northwest Indiana regarding the actions of one of the numerous “economic development” entities within Indiana that have the power to spend citizen’s tax dollars.
Thank You for visiting the site and for becoming an informed citizen.
“For several years I have been the representative of the Porter County Board of Commissioners on the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission Board.
Last year I was elected as Secretary of that group and put on the Executive Committee. This was a result of a nominating committee that nominated people for various positions and their recommendation was acted upon unanimously.
I have been, I believe, an active member of the committee, attending all of the general membership meetings, the finance meetings and some of the transportation meetings. I have been very engaged in my involvement.
A new nominating committee was appointed a couple of months ago for the next board and Mayor McDermott, Mayor Jon Costas and I believe Cliff Fleming were on the Nominating Committee.
I received a call from Mayor Costas yesterday informing me that the Nominating Committee had decided not to recommend me either as an officer on the Board or even to be on the Executive Committee.
He told me that even though I had been very engaged in the activities of the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission that their decision was based on the fact of my opposition to what they consider their central purpose. He mentioned regionalism.
In the past I have raised concerns at meetings and those concerns have regarded several issues.
I did oppose the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission when they wanted to vote to support the extension of the South Shore. This was based on the fact that it was an expenditure in excess of a billion dollars and the feasibility study questioned whether the federal government would support it. I questioned the amount of the millions and millions of dollars being spent on bus systems in Valparaiso. In addition, I worked against Porter County becoming a member of the Regional Bus Board.
I believe I should and have represented the wishes of a majority of the people I represent. Furthermore, I believe the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission should not discourage dissent.
In the past, officers and Board members simply moved in position year after year. It is very unusual for someone to be removed from the Board.
I am disappointed in the Nominating Committee's decision.
I continue to believe that the question is not whether or not we should support regionalism. Rather, the question is should board members look at all projects with the thought (a) should the project have priority; (b) does it warrant the taxpayer dollars to support it?
I will attempt to continue to represent the best interest of the people in Porter County.”
