A Public-Private Partnership Gone Bad
For release Oct. 1 and thereafter (702 words) A trusting relationship between private and public leaders is a requirement if Indiana is to deal with its immediate challenges, let alone emerge as a state known for its quality of life and economic prosperity That is why several in my business community were overwhelmingly supportive when Read the full article…

Property Tax Reform: Constitutional Amendment or Not?
For release Sept. 24 and thereafter (641 words) by Andrea Neal The 2008 Legislature took a first step toward putting a permanent property tax cap into the Indiana Constitution. Depending on what happens Nov. 4, the fate of that cap could be very much in jeopardy. Only one of the three candidates for governor supports Read the full article…

An Alaskan Model for Hoosier Reform
For release Sept. 17 and thereafter (505 words) We are told by promoters of the stadiums, convention hotels and other Potemkin projects throughout Indiana that we cannot attract the investment our cities need, that public subsidy is required. The argument is politically effective because it plays on our economic fear. And like any bogeyman, it cannot Read the full article…

State School Candidates: Cautious, Optimistic
For release Aug. 11 and thereafter by Andrea Neal After 16 years under Suellen Reed, Hoosiers will get a new school superintendent next year. While neither the Republican nor Democratic candidate appears ready to suggest radical change, both say Indiana schools should be better. Republican Tony Bennett, superintendent of Greater Clark County Schools, considers Indiana Read the full article…

The Presidential Race: Another Lost Opportunity for Education Reform?
For release Sept. 3 and thereafter (572 words) by Dr. Jeff Abbott Many Americans believe the nation’s public education system is broken and needs repair. John McCain joins the chorus of critics by announcing “the deplorable status of preparation for our children . . .” and believes that public schools are “safe havens for the Read the full article…

Taxpayers’ Lament: Where’s Our Money?
For release Aug. 27 and thereafter (725 words) by Andrea Neal For a recent example of government officials playing fast and loose with taxpayer money, consider the case of the Pan Am Plaza in Downtown Indianapolis for which taxpayers should have received $6 million. The operative word is “should.” Last year, Indy’s powers-that-be decided that Read the full article…

