Daniels wants to eliminate township government

Citizens have even more reason to become involved in merger process

If the Governor is successful, among other changes, the legislature will eliminate township governments during the 2009 session, starting in January. While the plan is not without its opponents, some simply arguing there are more important items to address this year, if passed it could have a significant impact on White River Township (WRT). As we prepare for reorganization discussions with Greenwood it is the Township Board who is responsible for appointing those who will represent the citizens of WRT. I recently learned that if the Board was dissolved during the year long study it would likely not have an impact on the ability of the WRT members to participate. However, the recommendations of the study team do have to go back to the Board for final review before they are presented to the voters for final approval or rejection. It is unclear who, if anyone from WRT would review the proposal should the Board be dissolved.

Regardless of how this is resolved, it underscores the importance for active involvement of WRT citizens in the process. Once the study committee comprised of four representatives chosen by Greenwood and three from WRT are chosen, they will be setting up a variety of subcommittees to study essentially every aspect of municipal services and tax structure. Only through strong participation by WRT citizens can we ensure that the resulting recommendations truly meet our needs. Prepare now to serve when asked. Better yet, contact a WRT Board member and let him know you skills and how you would like to participant in this process which could very well determine the future of more than forty-thousand residents of White River Township.

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