November 13, 2008

The duo who led the bipartisan Indiana Commission on Local Government Reform in pushing for a smarter and more effective system have each garnered the Indiana Chamber of Commerce’s 2008 Government Leader of the Year award. Former Indiana Gov. Joe Kernan and Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Randall Shepard received the honor tonight at the Chamber’s 19th Annual Awards Dinner before a crowd of more than 1,200 business, civic and political leaders at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis.

“Under Kernan and Shepard’s guidance, the commission produced 27 bold recommendations in areas in which Hoosiers could realize better delivery of services and set the stage for Indiana to restructure local government for the benefit of all citizens,” praises Indiana Chamber President Kevin Brinegar.

Among the report’s suggestions: eliminate township government, realign county government by reducing the number of elected officials and by creating a single county executive for more accountability, increase countywide coordination of the delivery of emergency response services and encourage joint purchasing among school corporations.

Read the full Nov. 6 press release issued by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce (PDF)