Blow up the system! Indiana is past due for reform

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BY MARK KIESLING | Wednesday, December 12, 2007 | (105 comment(s))

I predict weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth by government, library and school officials and others affected by Tuesday's release of the report from the Indiana Commission on Local Government.

It has come up with ideas that are bold and far-reaching, yet practical to implement and designed to drag Indiana from the 19th into the 21st century.

If you're moaning about your property tax increases, county income taxes and a proposed state sales tax hike, you know in your heart something like this has to be done.

It comes at the cost of essentially blowing up the existing system under which Indiana has labored since before the Civil War and replacing it with something in line with the 21st century, which will make local government squeal.

The subtitle of the study is, "We've got to stop governing like this."

Indiana is ready for reform. If it does not reform, it can continue to expect the brain drain that now saps so much of the home-grown talent that is driven elsewhere by Indiana's unwillingness to change due to selfish political considerations.

In Lake County, for example, the surveyor is neither a licensed surveyor nor a civil engineer. The Lake County assessor isn't trained to assess. Throughout Indiana, the sheriff is elected, but none of our cities and towns elects its police chief. So tell me again why we need an elected sheriff? Or an elected coroner rather than a hired, trained medical examiner?

Small school districts, such as Boone Township in Porter County or Dewey Township in LaPorte County, which has only 156 students, would be forced to consolidate with adjacent districts under the proposed plan.

I predict squealing like that of a thousand stuck pigs and righteous indignation that this removes the voter from the "public servant." That is bull. How much farther removed from the voter can our elected officials be, the ones who fill their own cars at county gas troughs and cry like babies when they can't get a county-owned car to drive?

What it will do is create more responsibility. With fewer people in elected office, we as voters and taxpayers will know with whom the buck stops. There will not be the finger-pointing every time someone is caught with his hand in the cookie jar that "everyone does it" or "it's her fault."

The plan calls for running a county like a business, and giving an elected county executive and stronger council greater latitude in deciding who is doing the job properly.

Now, if we find out our elected officials are clowns we can no longer tolerate, we have to wait months, maybe years before we can vote them out. And by that time, they are hoping, we will have forgotten all about it.

History proves them right. Remember the 2003 outrage over the property tax increases to homeowners while the billion-dollar multinational companies on the lakefront got big tax breaks? If you don't, look up House Bill 1902 and House Bill 1858.

There was outrage, and the incumbents were all quaking in their boots at election time. Needlessly, as it turned out, because we voted them back in like the lemmings we are. They must have been laughing among themselves, asking "What does it take to get beat?"

They're not laughing at me. I voted against them all. And maybe you did too, but enough of you out there pulled the lever for the same old, same old -- and that's what you got.

A voice crying in the wilderness is Lake County Councilman Larry Blanchard, R-Crown Point, one of three who voted against the proposed county income tax and says he will continue his opposition.

"Why pass the tax?" he said. "We haven't even tried to cut anything yet."

If the county does not pass the tax, its ability to levy new taxes would be frozen by the state. Blanchard is unrepentant, and says it is not even really a threat.

"We should, we could be able to live within that," he said. "If this tax passes, any (property tax) saving will be consumed by the regular cost of business in a very short time, four years at the most, and we will be stuck with the income tax."

I hope it finds a more receptive audience than the Good Government Study done for Lake County earlier this year.

That study on streamlining and cost savings was immediately met by howls from officeholders, and the county's elected pigs continue to grunt, "Where's mine?"

Unless we reform, that should be our official motto.

The opinions are solely those of the writer. He can be reached at markk@nwitimes.com or (219) 933-4170.

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Vee wrote on Apr 7, 2009 2:16 PM:

" Just as a sideline. Back a few years ago in Newton County they came up with something called a Culvert tax. It was $25 per culvert and was suppose to pay for ditch maintenance (which I never really saw). The farmer got hit most. Well of course we paid the tax boogeymen just to keep them off our overlytaxed backs. Well the tax suddenly disappeared. I even asked about it when I went to pay my property taxes at the Kentland courthouse and was met with a lot of "No comment". My guess is that since they never had a referendum for it and it was never "officially" legal, they just stopped it. Of course that money will never be refunded to us all if it was illegal. I'm sure there is a whole can of worms just in that being ready to be opened but I don't keep up on what all these crooks do. I'm sure they count on us letting this slide though. It was the regime prior to Butch Caine so don't blame him although I have other issues with him. At least Butch's Daddy isn't pulling strings for him like the previous machine. "

jo in lake county wrote on Dec 17, 2007 11:24 PM:

" It is time for me to move back to Illinios . I have always know that Indiana is a state with no ethics and they are in the 19th century. There are corrupt and the gang violence and drugs are 10 times worse than the south suburbs. I for one will never come back to this state. There are alot of people who thing that they are little Chicago. Indiana will never be the least little bit of Chicago. They could never come close. Indiana needs to go back to the corn fields and work those fiels. They will never measure up to the Chicago area. "

To To Hey Andy wrote on Dec 17, 2007 4:09 PM:

" It only makes sense that Lake County get the second largest portion of the state money, being that it is the second largest county. "

To Hey Andy, wrote on Dec 17, 2007 12:17 PM:

" I have lived in a couple of Chicagoland locations. NWI, Cook County and Dupage County all have their plusses and minuses. However, your comments, "We don't like politicians fleecing us and we let them know it!" is laughable. Lake County is the most corrupt county in the United States and has been for generations. The only way the county is going to move into the 21st Century is to begin purging itself of all the government officials (elected and appointed) who have a sense of entitlement and only care about their immediate circle of family and friends. The state of Indiana sends Lake County the second most money of any county in the state. Most times when the budget is increased by the legislature, the Lake County officials look at as an opportunity to hire more staff (friends and family) or give themselves more perks. "

To: To All You Hoosiers wrote on Dec 17, 2007 11:40 AM:

" See ya! "

NO WAY wrote on Dec 17, 2007 11:22 AM:

" I would not ante up another 50 cents for the existing politicans! "

To all you Hoosiers who poke fun at us from across the border.... wrote on Dec 17, 2007 3:41 AM:

" You want to say "Go back to Illinois" and "Good Riddance"... at least we TRIED living in your state to see what it's really like. I'll move back to Illinois in a heartbeat. Why? Because I now KNOW it's better over there! You gripe about our home state but you don't know jack because you probably never lived there for a decent amount of time, if ever. At least I can make an EDUCATED choice to go back. "

Don't hold your breath wrote on Dec 16, 2007 9:31 PM:

" You can't help but be concerned with what leadership will come up with next. Chances are it will cost us even more! "

Andy wrote on Dec 16, 2007 8:07 AM:

" After reading the 2 post replies; it must be true- there really is a brain drain fron Indiana. "

Karras Quote wrote on Dec 15, 2007 9:35 AM:

" Paul Karras once said that if all of the Lake County real estate parcels would ante up $500.00 dollars each that would cover government. So Paul, how many property owners have you given passes to that the rest of us are paying for?? "

Chris Retson wrote on Dec 15, 2007 9:33 AM:

" I object to the idea of this article. Big government and tyranny are not the future, they are the past. Brain drain is caused by too much government, not too little - the resulting high taxes make the businesses that would offer the high-paying jobs that would give the "brains" a reason to stay in the state leave for more business-friendly states. What we are seeing with the tax increases and state forcing a county income tax is a grab of power by the higher levels of government. This will lead to more programs and more inefficiency. If Indianapolis feels that the problems of Gary should be taken care of by the Region, then I say what do we need Indianapolis for? Bring back the talks of secession from Indiana! If we have to pay for Gary's problems, then so be it - I would rather pay for Gary's problems than Indianapolis's. I would more gladly take care of people locally if we didn't have to pay tribute to Rome any more. If you doubt me, ask yourself this - what does Indianapolis do for us that our local governments can't do? "

TO:Andy wrote on Dec 15, 2007 4:41 AM:

" If it weren't for the unions, you wouldn't have that nice house, or would we be able to afford the things that we have.We also see that you morons from Illinois have screwed things up so bad over there, you decided to move over here. If you don't like the way we are over here, move back to Illinois. You won't be missed ! By the way, did you happen to change your license plates over to Indiana, or are you one of those not willing to pay their share, like so many of you do ? "

mike wrote on Dec 15, 2007 4:19 AM:

" The State plan won't work. Lake County needs to hire an outside "Ethics Guru" @ $60,000.00 to adopt anti-nepotism laws as well as go through each and every entity of County government and start trimming the fat. I bet I could trim 2 million from the budget just in Lake County vehicles, gas and insurance. "

Hey Andy wrote on Dec 14, 2007 6:40 PM:

" Move back to Chicago. You may be used to paying through the nose because Daley taxes the air you breath. We don't like politicians fleecing us and we let them know it! "

Andy: to Jim from Chicago wrote on Dec 14, 2007 4:49 PM:

" As a real estate appraiser in Il. and In. there is a reason why your taxes are far less in Cook County than Porter County. Cook has over 400 times the number taxable properties than Porter. Thats right...400 !!! Also, having moved to a NEW house(220K)in Lake in 2005 from an older house(180K)in Cook, I know my property taxes are the same as in Cook but I have a bigger and newer house. TO ALL in Lake County.. quit griping about taxes, your taxes were subsidized by the mills and they are going down the tubes thanks to greedy unions, stupid businesses, and foreign compitition. quit gripping about taxes here in Lake County "

REMEMBER! wrote on Dec 14, 2007 4:37 PM:

" Remember all this at the polls Folks! Etch it in your minds. "

Highland Overspending wrote on Dec 14, 2007 2:34 PM:

" Highland gives us both Van Till, who takes from the county gas pumps, and the current school board, who takes a National School board convention as an opportunity to travel with family and spend taxpayer money. Get rid of all of them. "

Get their attention! wrote on Dec 14, 2007 11:19 AM:

" Hit them in the wallet like they do to us with their never ending tax increases, fire them all on election day. Watch them cry when they are booted off the tax payer gravy train and have to work for a living like the rest of us! Watch them squirm when they realize how far their income goes and they can no longer vote themselves a raise in pay! "

Randy in Munster wrote on Dec 14, 2007 10:15 AM:

" Property tax reform isn't so much about fair taxation as it is about politicians making sure that they get theirs. With the current mortgage crisis experts are predicting that property values will be falling in the near future. The State Government wants to make sure that it can continue to squeeze every last drop of blood out of us so they are attempting to diversify the way that they steal our money. This helps to ensure that they are partially insulated from declining property values. If the Government was really concerned about serving the public it could ensure high property values by providing good services, maintaining and improving our infrastructure, and by offering a top notch school system. The fact that the State and Local Governments are not doing these things is all the evidence that we need to draw the conclusion that they only care about what they can take FROM us not what they can do FOR us. "

Cut wrote on Dec 14, 2007 8:30 AM:

" Dump them all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Politicians should not be paid. See how many of them would remain. They all say there is not money in this but they remain. They do it because they "care". So don't pay them. See who remains. Daniels won't be here either "

East Chicago is the worst... wrote on Dec 14, 2007 6:37 AM:

" EVERY entity - civil city, school system, parks, libraries - you name it fails. Living here used to be fun. It's not Pastrick's fault now. As Hawk Harrelson would say, "He gone!!" The buck stops squarely at the desk of the mayor. He runs the city. He appoints the members of the boards. He controls the puppet strings of 6 of the current councilmembers (not Copeland, Gomez or Lindsay) and will have the puppet strings of 8 of the incoming councilmembers (not Orange). Pabey alone is responsible for the success or failure of EC. TO DATE, PABEY IS A TOTAL FAILURE - WISH I COULD SAY "HE GONE"!!! "

Hammond voter wrote on Dec 14, 2007 6:35 AM:

" It is about time . "

dyer voter wrote on Dec 13, 2007 10:39 PM:

" I read once that our politician view the American people as being to stupid to take care of them selfs, that's why we need goverment..We as voters better wise up.. This person also said that goverment can never go broke as long as they have the power to tax..I view that statment as not being complely true..They do have that power, but at their rate we will have nothing more to give...Is this when our tax system ends??????????? "

Mrs. Stupid wrote on Dec 13, 2007 9:41 PM:

" You are all correct about Indiana and their crazy system of checks and balances. There are not any that I can see. "

Hammond wrote on Dec 13, 2007 6:17 PM:

" This is just terrible and right before the Holidays. Bunch of Scrooges. Our Property Taxes have been screwed up since 2002. Time to kick out the dead beat, money grabbing politicians out of office. All they are doing is screwing around to see how much money they can get out of us tax payers to line their pockets with and give their city employed backers large raises. Hope all City, Concill and State politicians have a horrable Holiday season : ( "

Lake county taxpayer wrote on Dec 13, 2007 3:28 PM:

" We have convicted felons (who won't step down), gas thieves (who give county cars to their kids), and what else is going on (that we don't know about). Don't you think it's about time for "REFORM". I don't know about you, but I'm tired of paying for these "CROOKS". It's time to do something about this, and the TIME IS NOW !!! "

response to Uh Darrell..... wrote on Dec 13, 2007 2:16 PM:

" I am sorry to tell you but you are wrong. EC is the worst in the state. Look at the graduation rates of the High School. They aren't even graduating 40%, but EC receives the most federal tax dollars and has the highest poverty rate in NW Indiana. "

The Governor should make the appointments wrote on Dec 13, 2007 12:22 PM:

" No one currently involved or related to any current elected county official should be allowed to participate. They have all proven they are thieves and are incompetent/worthless. Appointees should be allowed to serve for 6 years and then a new crop should automatically be appointed. Further, if a person has served their 6 years as, lets say, surveyor, they are not allowed to serve again for any position. The governor should also look to fill positions in Lake County from applicants nation wide, or at least statewide. "

Allison wrote on Dec 13, 2007 12:14 PM:

" The idea of allowing one elected county executive the ability to "appoint" a sheriff is a scary prospect. The county Sheriff is the highest law-enforcement officer in said county and should not be a political crony appointment of the executive. We need law-enforcement held accountable to the people, not to the political spoils system. County government has its inefficiencies, but should not be reorganized into a draconian feudal system with fewer representatives directly accountable to the people. "

You Have Our Attention and... wrote on Dec 13, 2007 11:49 AM:

" don't waste the window of opportunity here. Aside from some jokes, it appears most people are awake, alert and ready to make changes. You can do this. We can set an orderly meeting to start. "

Taxpayer wrote on Dec 13, 2007 10:47 AM:

" When Mayor of County X hires Brother Bob and Cousin It - how do we get them out when there is a problem??? SHOW me where all this is going to save me money!!! "

Kiesling-ite and proud of it wrote on Dec 13, 2007 10:46 AM:

" Kiesling for President !!! "

John wrote on Dec 13, 2007 10:43 AM:

" I agree with the reform because Lake County has a total of 500,000 people or less and is shrinking daily. There is really no need to have duplicate services everywhere. Chicago services millions of people under one tranportation umbrella. So the regional transportation thing is a nobrainer. Library consolidation into a county system with satellite branches would SAVE money that way there would be more MORE money to provide better services for EVERYONE. I go to different libraries all the time and the services are not the same, especially in the urban communities. The state as whole is behind on the times, but Lake County has to be one of the worst in the state. I have visited Marion, St. Joseph and LaPorte County's government centers and Lake County's doesn't even come close as far as organization and customer service. Even Porter County is more organized. Most people are concerned with their kids education so they move from NWI altogether. It seems like we have so many foreclosures and abandoned homes. The vacant homes are probably from fed up people leaving the area. Somebody has to step up or it will continually get worse. "

VOTERS WANTED wrote on Dec 13, 2007 9:56 AM:

" Everyone agrees that the incumbents are not trained to do their job, are getting re-elected and therefore getting richer. BUT, voting is a privilege that most people ignore. Sure you complain about who gets elected, but did you vote in the first place? How many times in the past 10-20 years have we read about "low voter turnouts". And if that's not bad enough, let's look at the bigger picture of which "candidate" to vote for. There will always be those who vote for the "party rather than person". But, what happens when it comes down to picking between the "lesser of 2 evils" wherein neither candidate is qualified and both have a tarnished image. How do we justify voting for someone not worthy? By not voting at all! In the long run, we are still stuck with the "same olds" and the corruption will never end. If you really are fed up - then make time to vote during the next election. Don't count on others to get it done, and don't complain when the "same olds" are re-elected and you didn't vote at all. "

Thanks Mark wrote on Dec 13, 2007 9:31 AM:

" You comments are true and right on point. Thanks for another well written piece. Jeffrey L. Crook "

To: Royko Fan wrote on Dec 13, 2007 9:30 AM:

" You really need to get out more, "Where's mine" is new to you? Get a life! "

Royko Fan wrote on Dec 13, 2007 9:22 AM:

" Hey Mark, nice work stealing from Mike Royko with your "Where's Mine?" comment. Cant you come up with your own catchy sayings? "

Its the worst! wrote on Dec 13, 2007 7:18 AM:

" WE HAVE to get rid of these "officials". They are giving themselves raises and then complaining about how high the taxes are. How can my house which is worth about $100,000 be taxed at $10,000 yearly? That is just crazy! "

Highland Resident wrote on Dec 13, 2007 7:10 AM:

" Way to go Mark Kiesling, I hope these blood sucking elected officials read this and learn..but they won't "

Uh, Darrell........ wrote on Dec 13, 2007 7:10 AM:

" Gary is the worst system. EC maybe#2 "

Lake County Resident wrote on Dec 13, 2007 5:03 AM:

" I've never liked Mitch Daniels, but in this case I have to agree. He has a valid point. "

Calling all honest public servants wrote on Dec 13, 2007 4:23 AM:

" While it appears all the incumbents will be voted out, they'll steal all they can prior to being ousted. How can the true honest do-good candidate get his message across and get elected when it will be the kids of, and the cronies of the current elected cooks who will seek office. The real problem is filing to run for office. Only theifs file to run! We need good candidates, not another connected GVT Jr wanna be with an inside line to the trough. Is there such a way to call on these good folks and get them to file for election? "

Mrs Stupid wrote on Dec 13, 2007 12:31 AM:

" Also the taxes are way out of line for this area. This is Northwest Indiana not Chicago. We hae nothing here to compare to Chicago. We need a clean sweep of goverment in Northwest Indiana or we need he state to take control. Things are not good for any of us. God help us in the future "

Mrs Stupid wrote on Dec 13, 2007 12:28 AM:

" Lake County better wake up to the fact that the police are honning on to things like underage tobacco sales/and not to the real problems in Merrillville. Such as drugs and gangs. I am tired of the police honning in on busnisses that are trying in the Merrillville area to be upstanding and honest just to have the Lake County Sherriff bust out the gang bangers buying tobacco. This county needs to really wake up to the really problems and address the problems soon before the whole Northwest Indiana is much worse than Illinios has ever been. Drugs and gangs and at a all time high in the area around 30 and Whitham and nobody seems to see the real problems. Tobacco sale is not the real problem. It is the guns and the selling of cigars that are used as pot holders. WWhy doesn't any of the Lake County officers do something that could help the youth. Get the drugs busted. The tobacco is not the problem. "

Only in Lake County wrote on Dec 13, 2007 12:00 AM:

" Can a home in the EC Indiana Harbor assess for $207,000 owned by a 82-80 year old couple on the 3700 block of Fir, cost them $15,000 in taxes. The assessor says, fair mkt value. Who are they kidding? "

response to Darrell.... wrote on Dec 12, 2007 9:57 PM:

" AMEN to that BROTHER!!!!!! Did you hear that the school city isn't getting paid on Dec 28th, but administration gave themselves a raise and are continually cutting more and more "little staff". The kids are suffering and this years ISTEP scores are in the toilet AGAIN!!!!!! "

P Miller wrote on Dec 12, 2007 9:24 PM:

" We need to let our elected officials in Indianapolis know just how many of us in NWI are in favor of these reforms. So what organizations will be writing and circulating petitions for presentation to the Indiana General Assembly? I want to be one of the first to sign. "

Don wrote on Dec 12, 2007 9:11 PM:

" Quit complaining you idiots. You will still vote for the same dummies you always do because of your stupid mindset on them being democrats. I worked in the mills for 40 years and believed this crap. not until I retired and moved away did I see how stupid we were and how the press manipulated us for the Great Democratic Machine. So, just shut up and vote the way you are told. Remember to vote early and vote often IDIOTS. "

Checks and Balances wrote on Dec 12, 2007 8:36 PM:

" Finally the State will blow up the Lake County, Indiana system! There was no checks and balances. Take the County Assessor and township assessor's offices. Township Assessor's assessed property low to be re-elected. County Assessor did nothing. Not trained to assess. That is why for the tax mess! For the Corner's the elected Official has no Medical background. He is an Undertaker no Medical Degree. Surveyor is not trained or educated in surveying or engineering. As I was growing up. I could not understand why the candidates that ran for theses offices did not have backgrounds in these positions. In the private sector you need experience and education to qualify for these jobs. There needs to be a recall on all these office holders now!!! "

Real Problem is over Looked! wrote on Dec 12, 2007 8:27 PM:

" It appears that governor Daniels has overlooked the real problem in local government, which is the out of control court system and their over bloated patronage armies. The study does not create or call for a uniform pay system for court employees,nor does it restrain courts from arbitrarily hiring additional personnel(friends). "

WoW.. less vermin at the FEED TROUGH ~! wrote on Dec 12, 2007 8:24 PM:

" We, the PEOPLE gotta SEE this to BELIEVE it! If it does happens, there will be dancing in the streets! "

BOSTON TEA PARTY...FORTHCOMING? wrote on Dec 12, 2007 8:21 PM:

" This is GREAT NEWS for the lowly taxpayer. let's make sure this happens! "

Dan from Highland wrote on Dec 12, 2007 8:14 PM:

" I can hear the squeals now, from the fatten elected goverment officals in office. The people of Indiana must make there voice heard and insist that the House and Senate ratify this proposal. Write, call, email your congressman and senator and demand they take action. "

Term limits don't work wrote on Dec 12, 2007 7:33 PM:

" Check out what a mess term limits proved in Michigan. Looks good on paper, great in theory, but creates an unmanageable mess. The institutional knowledge of the effective, experienced elected officials is forsaken because of the need to protect people from the loosers who should have never been elected in the first place. There's no replacing due diligence on the part of the electorate. It's the old... you get the government you deserve and no law will protect you from that. "

Hey "Jim from Chicago" wrote on Dec 12, 2007 7:08 PM:

" Howdy, in case this issue falls through, what area do you live in that you are bragging about? I might want to pack up & head your way. Indiana SUCKS! Thanks. "

Hey! wrote on Dec 12, 2007 7:04 PM:

" Could Indiana also add to this legislature dedicating an ANNUAL PARADE in every town on the date this "wonderful thing" would happen? Of course, NO politicians would be allowed to be in it. (throwing their taxpayer bought candy & their "VOTE 4 ME" smiles.) Just common hard working people rejoicing in the streets! BRING IT ON! Wow....history in the making...could this be real? "

I LIKE THE WAY YOU THINK, REAL MONEY! wrote on Dec 12, 2007 6:51 PM:

" I like Mitch's idea and your suggestions would help to ensure we don't end up back to where we are now. "

Good start; some issues need to be resolved wrote on Dec 12, 2007 5:20 PM:

" First, eliminating township government is an excellent idea as is making the positions of coroner, auditor, assessor and treasurer appointed. I do think, though, that some of the changes proposed need further review. First, one all powerful Super County Mayor is scary. Unnecessary, in my opinion. Consolidating all library systems? Unnecessary. Here's the scary thing folks; one committee in charge of all emergency services for the whole county, with only the mayors of the cities and the Super County Mayor as voting members. Residents of Munster, Highland, Griffith, Merrillville, Schererville, Dyer, St. John, Winfield, etc. would have no input into how their communities were protected. Scary? You bet. "

Hopeful Taxpayer wrote on Dec 12, 2007 5:05 PM:

" It is heartening to see so many people really angry about these worthless pigs feeding at the trough. I can't help but think it is our money and our government that has been hijacked by ever-increasing layers of parasites. It may finally reach the breaking point. We can't let this momentum die out. "

real money wrote on Dec 12, 2007 4:27 PM:

" thge govenor says we must make progress,,lets starte with term limits for anyone elected,,,how about recall for horrible elected officals,,uniform state civil service act for all police and fire bar none,,,sound affordable hospitalization insurance for all medicare retired employees,,,lets switch to a unicameral legislature,,,non partisan,,,legislators would have to run on principle not on party affilation,,,elected non partison school boards,,, how about same for the prosecutor,,,, how about Hatch Act protection for all indiana employees,,now to the county czar,,,one six year term,,non partisan,,,,,ill bet the forward looking govenor will never mention these suggestions "

Your money is their money wrote on Dec 12, 2007 3:34 PM:

" Our politicians promise you that if elected they will care for your wallet as they would their own. Once they get in office that's exactly what they do. "

Jim from Chicago wrote on Dec 12, 2007 3:02 PM:

" Geez! My wife and I may actually move back to IN if the "blow up " plan is implemented. Here in Chicago, Daley and his political hacks are angels when compared to the politicians in Porter and Lake Counties. And believe it or not, my 2007 real estate tax in Chicago is 50% less than it was when I lived in Porter County for property that was similar in cost to my Chicago property. "

MITCH STAYS EVERYONE ELSE, YER OUTTA HERE! wrote on Dec 12, 2007 2:47 PM:

" The party is over. Dobis, Visklosky, all state reps and senators that "serve" NW Indiana, ALL Lake County politicians in Crown Town, you folks need to start looking for a new gig. This includes the elected judges, sheriff, and you to, Bernie! Jeffrey L. Crook "

Unhappy with your decisions wrote on Dec 12, 2007 2:15 PM:

" The pay to the employees should reflect what you feel is reasonable for all these taxes to put Crown Point into the 21st Century!!!! "

To: See Thru the Bull wrote on Dec 12, 2007 1:39 PM:

" Gosh Mr. Repay, looks like you won't get to board the county gravy train if the governor's plan is put into place huh? What kind of a flake are you? You say there is no graft/corruption in Crown Point? Who supports your position, Wil Smith and George Van Til? I thought so. "

Moral Authority - part 2 wrote on Dec 12, 2007 1:15 PM:

" Much like judge merit selection, in the proposed system, The “County CEO” will then appoint top officers. Nothing will prevent this highly political CEO (who will have MANY favors to repay to MANY people for helping him/her get elected) from appointing similar folks who will continue to abuse their privilege of office. Currently, the electorate can decide to vote a candidate out of office. We, as an electorate, have been asleep at the wheel. We need to look at ourselves and ask; “Why do we collectively continue to vote for these "scam artists."” The answer lies within. We vote for them because many of us will benefit from having friends in office. For every tax payer that is screwed by a "Van Til," there is another taxpayer who gets certain privileges because they support the office-holder. A candidate only loses when the number of people he/she helps drops below the number of people he/she ticks off. True change can only come when the electorate casts their votes by thinking about the greater good, vice what they can gain by having their "buddy" in office. "

Moral Authority pt 1 wrote on Dec 12, 2007 1:10 PM:

" Is the current system subject to breakdowns? Of course. Does another system sound better on paper? Of course. Here's my concern: Judges become "merit selected" which was designed to get higher quality judges on the bench. What happened was that the power to elect certain judges was pulled away from the people and placed in the hands of a selection committee. Therefore, an attorney need only get into the good graces of this committee to be selected as a finalist for the judgeship. Once three finalists are selected, the names are submitted down-state and the governor appoints the “merit selected” judge. A judge's selection is in the hands of an elite class who tell us who our judges will be. Politics is played at a higher level where the citizens can't affect it. The most “qualified” attorneys aren't always submitted because the committee decides who is "qualified." "

rs wrote on Dec 12, 2007 12:36 PM:

" If people continue to blindly vote as they do, we will never see change. The slugs we are trying to get rid of are the same slugs that make the decisions. God help us. "

Schererville Resident wrote on Dec 12, 2007 12:23 PM:

" While visiting my siser this summer, we took things to the recycle center there. What do you think thier bins were full of..... Good new and used library books from Lake County. Why did you take them to Newton County???? You need funds to operate our schools and libraries. It makes me sick what I saw that day. Wake up taxpayers!!!! "

realistically speaking wrote on Dec 12, 2007 12:11 PM:

" The comments in this article are true (although a bit harsh), but I despair of the changes ever coming to fruition. Elected officials don't walk away from the "money tree" that easily, and there's very few who will support these measures. Unless the State plans on coming into the county and making the changes themselves, they will not happen. Remember, this report is full of "recommendations", not "mandates". We will remain in the grasp of control by the very people we elected to office, and who will fight tooth and nail to maintain their cushy and useless positions. People who have had an easy life given to them will not nicely walk away from it - a large % of the population of Gary, Hammond, and E.C. is proof of that "

Solve a Problem Without Raising Taxes? wrote on Dec 12, 2007 12:10 PM:

" Unheard of in Lake County. In fact, a plan that could actually LOWER taxes? Doesn't Mitch know he is really going to rock the boat with this novel idea? Doesn't he know that George Van Til and others like him enjoy getting a county paycheck and all the gas thye can burn for free without actually having to do any work? Doesn't he realize we may never have another Sheriff, Dominguez, or Buncich, or Bart again? Doesn't he know that certain mayors and their fathers depend on corruption and graft to ensure their wife/daughter-in-law get hired by an equally corrupt judge and folks look the other way while they get rich by using junior's position as a mayor? It's all gonna come crashing down! "

Sandi Cogan wrote on Dec 12, 2007 11:56 AM:

" Santa, Baby. "

G Davis wrote on Dec 12, 2007 11:42 AM:

" This report doesn't mean diddly,I can assure you our elected officals have been doing political Business the old Lake County way, and they don't need any tin horn from down south drumming up disharmony and trying to change the way WE do business up here! Do they have Robert Pastrick? "

Helpless in Griffith wrote on Dec 12, 2007 11:29 AM:

" As long as Griffith is stuck with Gary in Calumet Township there's no hope. I can't afford it much longer unless the state does away with townships. "

Kiesling For President! wrote on Dec 12, 2007 11:26 AM:

" Amen, Brother! Thanks for having the nads to speak the truth... hurts don't it? "

Pipe Dreams wrote on Dec 12, 2007 11:12 AM:

" You people keep harping about losing local talent. If they stay here , where are they going to worl and at what sslary level. As far as reform doing away with crooks in politics,look at your next door neighbor "illinois". "

JP wrote on Dec 12, 2007 10:53 AM:

" Everyone needs to start hounding their state legislator to approve this plan. Unless our elected officials in Indianapolis zip in their spine and push this through we will all be bankrupted just so a small group of people can hold onto their power. "

Not going to Happen, so forget it! wrote on Dec 12, 2007 10:52 AM:

" The study said get rid of the local health Dept. The Mayor of Hammond got SLAUGHTERED for doing just that. Four Hammond Council members are STILL trying to keep it. R.M. (one of them) is thinking of running for County Commissioner! Nothing is going to get better! "

Jack from Munster wrote on Dec 12, 2007 10:48 AM:

" The time for this plan is now. Obviously the non-suveyor surveyor and non-doctor coroner do nothing for their high salaries. Get rid of all these high priced elected positions. "

See Through The Bull wrote on Dec 12, 2007 10:48 AM:

" Where is the State Cutting? It costs about $110mil to run the county of which $80 mil is the justice system. Want to save money, have less police on the street, want security, put more out there. The positions will be appointed not eliminated so there is no cost savings. Now, the state just increased their budget by $1.5 Billion, NOT Million, and NOT their total budget. You want REAL tax saving, CHANGE the way state government is run! Why can't we cut in half the number of state reps, state senators?? Why not appoint the attorney general and secretary of state?? Why do the state reps and senators have such lucrative health plans, retirement plans, and per diems?? The real money is wasted at the state and federal level, Lake County is peanuts as are the rest of the counties. This is another Mitch Daniels Toll Road (Slight of hand because my approval rating is 39%). The STATE NEEDS to FIX itself 1st! Then we can move onto the county. By the way, shouldn't all state reps need to be full time Indiana residents-Chet Dobis lives in Florida "

RAY wrote on Dec 12, 2007 10:36 AM:

" Makes me wonder why I ever moved to Northwest Indiana? "

BJ wrote on Dec 12, 2007 10:20 AM:

" elected county officials are not accountable, they believe they have a never ending source of money at there disposal and it comes from my pocket. Even if you elect someone you believe to be honest, it doesn't take long for them to start looking for Their Portion of the Pie. It is way past time for change. It is way past time to cut goverment spending and free handouts to county personel. "

All in wrote on Dec 12, 2007 9:42 AM:

" This is what we need. accountibility. Not excuses. The state, county, towns and city should be ran as a bussiness by professional business personal. Not people who can not hold a real job.Ask yourself this. If you had no education or expereance for your job would you be working right now? You would if you got elected in Lake county.Do your homework before you vote in May. Professonals not slugs. "

nwi wrote on Dec 12, 2007 9:28 AM:

" Please, Please, Please lets not let this opportinity pass us by! Lets make real change and do it now! Yes there will be pain but as the saying goes no pain no gain! "

A Nice Dream...but it will never be implemented wrote on Dec 12, 2007 9:06 AM:

" This plan would be great, however nothing will ever change in this state. The populace vs. the political establishment.The common people do not have a say anymore in local, state or national politics. "

Excited!! wrote on Dec 12, 2007 8:55 AM:

" Although no plan is foolproof, at least someone is trying to fix the problem. This is the best idea I have heard on how to fix our government problem. Like another poster, however, I do have a bit of apprehension about the one, all powerful person being able to appoint family and friends to influentual posts within the government. I imagine the only way to keep this to a minimum is to encourage the downstate lawmakers to keep a hand and eye on the local political scene. I think it's time for Indianapolis to realize that we in the region are part of their state too, and not part of Illinois. Best of luck with the plan!! Let the change begin!!!! "

Griffith Resident wrote on Dec 12, 2007 8:46 AM:

" I say it again Mary Elgin......Bu-bye to you and all of your useless workers down at Cal. Township Trustee office!!!!! "

L Bright wrote on Dec 12, 2007 8:33 AM:

" AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! "

Finally! wrote on Dec 12, 2007 8:30 AM:

" I'm all for reform in our government...especially locally. Hopefully, this standard will push our city and county governments into fiscal responsibility...what a concept, lol. As far as appointed positions...uh oh...this part could get ugly as far as nepotism goes. We had better watch out for these sorts of issues. I sure do hope it works! And btw...Mark...fine job on following this plan and writing excellent articles to keep us all well informed...unbiasedly...well done. "

TOO LITTLE TOO LATE wrote on Dec 12, 2007 8:24 AM:

" Our current crop of thieves will scuttle this ship before it ever gets out of port....this useless bantering about how we will benefit from this will cease approx 30 seconds after the election results are tallied....this region is doomed.... "

D Chicago wrote on Dec 12, 2007 8:21 AM:

" Truth hurts. "

thumb tax wrote on Dec 12, 2007 8:20 AM:

" Lake County will never be reformed. That's right, NEVER! The city politicos have perfected the art of buying votes with my money and I am out voted. The one and only solution is splitting the county. Lake County will continue north of I-80ish. New County, south of I-80ish. The receivers of favors can continue their ways in the land of squalar. The reformers for good and honest government can have their way and prosper. "

We Need Change wrote on Dec 12, 2007 8:10 AM:

" I AGREE with you Mark. Vote everyone out of office. "

Jeffrey L. Crook wrote on Dec 12, 2007 8:06 AM:

" I'm all for this! These elected county officials are not accountable to any one as it stands, least of all the voters. Van Til's recent escapades demonstrate the "see no evil" attitudes of the sheriff and and all others in county government who have failed in demanding Van Til step down at once and/or face theft charges. Then you have Wil Smith's failure to resign from the county council and the rest of county governments failure to force him to resign after his recent tax evasion conviction. Even if this does not go into effect for another year or 2 we need to vote all existing incumbents out in May. No more business as usual. GVT you need to resign today! You are an embarrassment. "

P Miller wrote on Dec 12, 2007 7:40 AM:

" I support the plan 100%. It needs to be implemented as quickly as possible. My only concern is that Lake County has a history of "jobs for favors" and I'm wondering how to prevent the elected county executive officer from appointing his "friends and family" to these formerly elected positions. Who will set the criteria for those being considered for positions. Without some kind of controls in place this could end up being business as usual in Lake County. "

yaptown43 wrote on Dec 12, 2007 7:06 AM:

" This is the time for a revolution in the region. A thorough, complete revolution. It can be done if the good people really want it. But first,true leaders need to emerge to take initiative to do this. Are there these kind of individuals ready to commit? The majority of the politicians currently in office should be "excommunicated" for the good of the community and its people. Region patronage and entitlement is a disgrace. "

concerned Griffith Property Owner wrote on Dec 12, 2007 6:41 AM:

" Thank you for giving a very accurate editorial! The residents of Griffith are looking forward to this reform badly! "

Bravo wrote on Dec 12, 2007 6:17 AM:

" Now the Newspaper needs to remember also. Remember to report the corruption when they see it. Remember that the politicians will threaten not to talk to the Media if the Media reports bad things. But most of all remember that politicians need the press more than the press needs the politician. "

cj wrote on Dec 12, 2007 6:02 AM:

" Well put, graft, corruption are not only rampant in county government, but look at some of the antics of East Chicago, Gary and Hammond. I just amazes me how and why the voters keep voting the same individuals in over and over and over again. "

Tw wrote on Dec 12, 2007 5:40 AM:

" Good job. Good writing and good insight. It was indeed the 2003 incident and 2004 election that proved, without any doubt, and forever and ever, that the voters simply want to complain. "

Taxpayer wrote on Dec 12, 2007 5:01 AM:

" The county coroner is a podiatrist (foot doctor). What the heck does he know about cause of death ? "

I.M. Curious wrote on Dec 12, 2007 4:48 AM:

" I.M.Curious. Will Scheub go back to selling cadboard boxes? No more free stuff. And it was he that made so much noise when it was discovered that GVT was stealing gas. Nobody can tell me Scheub didn't know all along. And when the press asked him what happened to the two Gazebos that were build with Federal Funds for the Senior Citizens that lived at the convalescent home . . . his response was, "the Gazebo at my place was built by my son". Funny that he answered that way. That question was never asked. These Gazebos were worth thousands of dollars. He never did say what he did with them. One is illegally placed at the County Park . . .the other one is MISSING. Where did you take it Gerry? The press didn't follow up on that one. Perhaps it's time to fess up. Nail him. I.M. Curious "

Len Peruski wrote on Dec 12, 2007 2:54 AM:

" Your commentary is excellent and sound. Unless these sorts of changes (and many more like them) are implemented and soon, Northwest Indiana will continue to lose local talent and emerging young professionals. Our children are either in or nearing college. All do or will likely attend Indiana universities. None of them are planning on staying in the area after they graduate. None are lacking for job prospects, either, just not in this area. "

Darrell London wrote on Dec 12, 2007 2:13 AM:

" E. Chicago school system should be impeached. Explain to me how a system can be the worst in the state and NO one is doing anything to change it. Administration cost are ridiculous. Get rid of the whole office and start over with someone who has let say "a plan". A proven administrator. The kids deserve a chance at a good life. I bet the school boards members kids dont go to school here. Why keep paying people top dollar for failure. Its time to get rid of these parasits. "

mr sucker wrote on Dec 12, 2007 2:04 AM:

" thank God for people in office like Larry Blanchard, too bad there is only one of them "

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