Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 7 February 2004 — Page 2

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THE INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2004

TOWNSHIPS

► Continued from Page 1 average of 90 cents of overhead expense per $1 of aid. Statewide, that means $ 29.3 million has been spent to operate a system that delivered relief to the poor in 2003. Marion County’s nine townships are said to have spent $1.94 in administrative cost for every $1 given to the poor. These numbers and last year’s property tax reassessment has prompted some observers to take a second look at townships to see why administrative costs are greater than the benefits that are distributed. Indiana State Representative Robert Kuzman (D-Crown Point) was alarmed by some of the financial activity in his Lake County township. “I wanted to look at the possibility of streamlining township government and maybe even shifting some of its responsibilities to

the county and reduce cost,” Kuzman said. “It seemed as though we needed to add a stronger structure to townships and make sure they wouldn’t lose federal funding.” During the current session of the Indiana General Assembly, Kuzman introduced House Bill 1155, which would have eliminated township government and called for the study to see how its functions could be transferred to counties. The bill never made it out of conference committee and won’t be presented for consideration this session. “We’re not saying this is the beall, end-all of weather township officials are doing their jobs right,” said the Indiana Chamber of Commerce’s Stan Pinegar during a recent interview. “We wanted to create a debate.” Other critics have the view that

some township governments would be bankrupt if they were corporations. Various township trustees, particularly those in Marion County, were more than abit unhappy with claims made by the Chamber. They dare critics to try their job for just one day and find a way of providing services without using a substantial amount of property tax revenue. “Speaking for my township, we have saved several thousands of dollars on the cost of poor relief and firefighting,” said Lula Patton, Pike Township Trustee. “Many people don’t really understand what township government does. But ifyou look at the budgets of all these townships in Marion County’ you will see that none of us ever go over budget because we are mandated by law to spend no more than allocated. We are regulated by an elected board who sets our

budget. Runaway spending is not thecase at all, because we are given budgets that we must abide by.” The chamber accused the office of Center Township Trustee Carl Drummer of spending $8.9 million to offer $3.8 in aid to the poor, and spending $2.35 on each dollar of aid in 2002. “In the business that I’m in $2.35 is a good number, even if that’s what we were really spending,” Drummer said. “But I dispute what the report is saying because the true number for us is $1.74and I have the paper work to prove it. Once the Chamber’s report is released, everyone will see that it is inept and inaccurate.” Drummer added that $8.9 million is what Center Township asked for, but only spent $3.8 million that year. “The chamber never contacted us or asked us about this information,” he asserted. “They just took

a figure they didn’t really understand and ran with it Ifthey would have just come over and talked to us they would have saw that the cost is much less.” Indiana township officials met with Kuzman and other lawmakers recently to educate them about the process of township government. An agreement was leached that should lead to better communication between state and township officials. “In particular, Drummer assured me that he would look into ideas that would make government operate more efficiently and reduce the use of property taxes,” Kuzman said. Patton and Drummer agreed that state representatives and senators from Marion County have done an excellent job of learning about the role township officials play as frontline soldiers in the battle to combat hunger and

homelessness. They encourage lawmakers from other parts of the state to establish a closer relationship with townships. In the end, however, Drummer believes it’s not about playing “number games,"but ensuringthat services are provided to the poor. “If you know anything about township government you know that we’re a very small part of the pie,” Drummer said. “To eliminate township government, the closest help to the people, would be a disaster. Who’s gonnaing tolp individuals when they need to buiy their loved one and there’s no assistance to help pay for a proper funeral? Who will be there to help those who need food, shelter or money to pay rent? No one ever talks about how we go and give out food and blankets to those in the cold. If we get rid of township government what would we replace it with?”

Group address needs of students

The Success Prep Focus Group recently held a meeting at the S. Henry Bundles Center for Leadership Building. Randall Flagg, managing director of Inroads Indiana was one of more than twenty panelists who addressed issues such as the success of African American youth in high schools. Dr. Bill Dunn, a concerned parent and Carole Craig, chief of human resources for Indianapolis Public Schools were also among the Success Prep Focus Group. (Photos/J. Hurst)

AKA ► Continued from Page 1 ■ * fied students. In addition, they also provide books to local children and purchase gifts for newborns, then donate them to mothers-to-be. Butthegivingdoesn’tstopthere. “Ourmembersbringin gently used business attire that we give to the IndyPendence Center. It helps women who are training for jobs to have different attire to wear for interviews and to start their careers,” said Bowman. “We work the food pantry at St Bridget’s and St Phillips, which helps seniors at Goodwin Plaza.” Members also participate in various health walks and college fairs. TTie theme for Friday's reception is “Diamonds and Pearls: The Legacy Lasts Forever.. .75 Years of Service.” Linda White, national president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc, will be the special guest and Martin University has the distinct honor of being the recipient of Alpha Mu Omega’s Diamond JubUee contribution. "We are going to ghe Martin University a monetary gift.. .a contribution in celebration of our 75 years,” said Bowman. “In addition to that, we’re asking our guests to contribute

as well.” Those individuals that contribute a minimum of $75 will be eligible for adrawingthat’ssponsored by American Airlines. The winner, which will be drawn that night, will receive two tickets to anywhere American Airlines flies within the Caribbean. During the special reception, members ofthe Chapter will also pay homage to Frances Stout who passed away last month at the age of 97. Stout was the last surviving charter member of Alpha Mu Omega Chapter. She was an active Alpha Kappa Alpha woman for over 80 years. Ula Barton and Alicetine Parker will also be recognized for 75 years of service. Currently, members of Alpha Mu Omega are preparing to host Alpha KappaAlpha’s Regional Conference, which will be held next year. The conference is expected to bring over two thousand members from nine states in the region. “Diamonds and Pearls: The Legacy Lasts Forever...75 Years of Service,” will take place Feb. 6 at 6 p.m. at the Westin Hotel, 50 S. Captitoli e.

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Throughout February, w atch for special cov erage on Channel 13

Weekly Spocuil Reports on Channel 13 Eyewitness Nevys at 5pm f i-tv -ith Jireh Spoils An homo Acrobatic Team ( oh Hth Dirt\ Po/on Fishing Club) I -h Ihth State •Representative Carolene Mays 1 oh .'nth Virtue eL Aletra Hampton of the "1 tampton Sisters" Weekly "Focus" sopmonts with Angela Cain on Eyowitnoss Nows at Noon

s:i Daily :30 vignettes profiling great African-Americans and their achievements locally & nationally s:s Coverage of Black History Month events & celebrations on Eyewitness News throughout February Black history Month events calendar on wthr.com Special Program: "We Have a Dream" airing Saturday February 21st at 3pm on WTHR. Channel 1 3

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