John Byrne

Do voters really care about political endorsements?

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 15:38:58 -0600

So we're deep into political season in Northwest Indiana, and party apparatuses and local officials are lining up behind candidates for everything from county surveyor to president of the United States.

Several local mayors have endorsed either Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama.

Every few days, a municipal Democratic organization will announce the results of its "slating," endorsements for all the offices on the May 6 primary ballot.

But does the average voter really give a hang?

Great Lakes Compact advances

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 10:19:46 -0600

The House Environmental Affairs Committee adopted the Senate's version of the Great Lakes Compact by a unanimous vote Wednesday, bringing the water conservation deal a step closer to becoming law.

Clay wants an out

Tue, 05 Feb 2008 11:06:36 -0600

Gary Mayor Rudy Clay said Tuesday he wants the ability to pull out of the Regional Development Authority, because he doesn't want Gary locked into paying for the South Shore commuter rail extension if the project won't benefit Gary.

Now, if the $1 billion project includes a rail spur linking the South Shore line to the Gary airport, the mayor would be much more likely to look on it favorably.

The RDA bill the General Assembly approved in 2005 includes no language about how a funding entity like Gary can back out. The bill does stipulate payors will fund the RDA for 10 years.

Visclosky comes calling again...

Tue, 05 Feb 2008 11:01:55 -0600

U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky of Merrillville will testify Feb. 12 at a hearing of the Senate Tax Committee about the benefits of a $1 billion extension to the South Shore commuter rail line.

The powerful Tax Committee and its chairman, Sen. Luke Kenley, R-Noblesville, will determine whether the South Shore bill has any legs this session.

Kenley has expressed problems with a funding plan for the South Shore project that would rely on $350 million in state sales tax revenue.

Visclosky argues the time to act is now, when he can promise $500 million in federal matching funds.

Elgin in Indy

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 13:31:06 -0600

Calumet Township Trustee Mary Elgin was at the Statehouse Tuesday. Elgin said she was there to show solidarity with members of the United Steelworkers as they lobbied lawmakers, and to speak to members of Northwest Indiana's delegation about a move to do away with township government.

South Shore vote

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 11:44:52 -0600

The House of Representatives is scheduled to vote today on a bill to fund extensions of the South Shore commuter rail line.

Hammond Mayor Tom McDermott is in the Statehouse today, talking to the local delegation about the plan. McDermott said he would not be supportive of any proposal in which trains travelling north and south along the proposed line to Lowell and Valparaiso do not stop in Hammond.

Third readings week

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 08:02:51 -0600

The House and Senate must complete third readings on all bills this week, so they can send the proposals over to the other body for consideration. This leads to long days in both houses of the General Assembly, as property tax overhaul packages vie with dozens of more specialized bills for the finite time left for each body to act.

This is also a week for legislators to eat terribly. The House in particular sets out an artery-calcifying array of sausage chunks, donuts, pizza and candy to give its members the energy to keep going until work is done each day.

South Shore extension extended

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 12:30:36 -0600

The House Ways and Means Committee has approved Rep. Chet Dobis' plan to pay for an extension to the South Shore commuter rail line using state sales tax revenue.

And the committee also approved an amendment Wednesday to include LaPorte and St. Joseph counties in the plan, allowing those areas to tap about $6.5 million in state money annually to pay for improving rail access to the South Bend airport and to move or improve the train tracks running through Michigan City to shorten the trip.

Another shot at an income tax?

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 10:26:12 -0600

The Senate Tax Committee kindly gave Lake County three new ways to distribute income tax revenue Tuesday.

Whither King?

Mon, 21 Jan 2008 09:39:37 -0600

By John Byrne

Indiana's property tax fracas could certainly use a non-politician approaching the stature of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to cut through the rhetoric and political jockeying which threaten to render attempts at reform ineffective.