CICP News & Updates

This is a topic I’ve been meaning to write about for a while now (I’ve been woefully behind on my blogging), and was finally prompted by this excellent column by Marilyn Schultz (Executive Director of MySmartGov.org) in today’s Inside Edge e-newsletter from Inside Indiana Business.

Earlier this month, voters across Indiana sent a clear message to the General Assembly – they demand reform of the state’s antiquated system of local government.  In 70% of the townships where the measure to consolidate township assessing duties into county government was on the ballot, Hoosiers spoke overwhelmingly in favor of government consolidation. 

These results clearly put momentum on our side as we work towards more sweeping adoption of the Kernan-Shepard government reform recommendations in 2009.  Election Day showed that Hoosiers “get it,” and expect local government that’s effective and efficient, delivering fair, consistent service to the taxpayers.  These outcomes weren’t about the township assessors themselves, many of whom are dedicated public servants doing their best within a broken system – as Marilyn writes, it’s about a broader appetite for reform that our legislators shouldn’t ignore.