The Mail-Journal, Volume 27, Number 26, Milford, Kosciusko County, 10 August 1988 — Page 5

Letters to the editor

Figures wrong in article

Dear Editor: On Wednesday, July 13,1 opened my copy of The Mail-Journal to find Ron Sharp’s column, “Under the Courthouse Dome” discussing the subject of state spending. The figures quoted in the article, unfortunately, are erroneous and are a misrepresentation of state expenditures for'l9Bl and 1987. The state auditor’s report, from which these figures were taken, is not designed to be used as a gauge for state spending, because it includes monies from a variety of sources, such as local option income taxes, which are not intended for state spending. But I can understand how this report could be mistaken for an appraisal of state spending. In reality, state expenditures for fiscal year 1987 were $7.4 billion and not $14.6 billion. In addition, roughly $1.9 billion of the $7.4 billion are federal “passthrough” funds for programs including Medicaid and Medicare, and $2.1 billion are dedicated funds for such programs as highway repair. The estimate of state spending per person, therefore, was also in gross error. Indiana remains one of the lowest spending states, per capita, in the country. The state’s combined state and local tax burden per SIOO of personal income of $9.89 is 41st lowest in the country and is lower than any other Great Lakes state. Also, that figure is $1.50 below the national average. Indiana’s personal income tax rate is 48th lowest in the country and, on a per capita tax basis, is $320 below the national average.

A hidden treasure?

Dear Editor: As summer residents of Lake Wawasee, there have always been many attractive features here besides the lake that have drjpwft us from Cincinnati. I guess yOu could say I’m a bit more interested in theatre than the average person, having been “on the boards” in Cincinnati community theatre and having served as a board member of a group particularly dear to me. As avoid Police to issue citations for unsafe vehicles Syracuse Police Chief Robert Ziller announced that his department would increase enforcement and issue citations for equipment violations and unsafe vehicles being driven within town beginning August 20. Residents are advised to check their vehicles and make necessary repairs in the next 10 days to avoid being cited for a violation. Violations where citations may be issued include: Unsafe vehicle 01. C. 9-4-1-126); No, or inadequate, muffler (I.C. 9-8-6-36.6), and no, or improper, headlights (I.C. 9-8-6-5). Residents should also note that windshields and side windows that have been tinted in such a manner that the driver is not visible are also in violation of Indiana State Law (I.C. 9-8-6-38-e). Anyone having questions may contact the Syracuse Police Department.

Court news (Continued from page 4) no address given, versus Don M. Current, 19 N. Shore Dr., Syracuse. Plaintiff seeks $2,682.58 plus costs. Verified Complaint For Permanent Injunction Kosciusko County Board of Zoning Appeals versus Susan M. Metzger, 58179 CR 135, Elkhart, and William Reed, r 3 box 41,4, Syracuse. Plaintiff seeks penalties against defendants in accordance with terms of Kosciusko County Zoning Ordinance plus costs. Break-in under investigation at bowling alley A detective with the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department is still investigating the burglary of a Syracuse business as The MailJournal goes to press. A break-in and burglary was discovered at the Wawasee Bowl, SR 13, shortly after 8 a.m. The owner of the business has been contacted and an investigation is being conducted. No other details are available. if

During the Orr administration; state spending was increased upon two specific occasions, but that increase came in response to a call on the part of the public for improved services, such as better schools and roads. State spending also increased slightly because of growth in federal entitlement programs, such as Medicaid, Aid to Families with Dependent Children, and other welfare programs, of which the state must pay a portion of the cost. Nevertheless, these two tax rate increases did not adversely affect the tax burden that Hoosiers pay because our state and local tax bases have not grown nearly as fast as Indiana personal income. In reality, state and local tax burdens in Indiana are actuaHy-K>w§r than they were 10 years' ago. The fact that, relative to their incomes, paying less state and local taxes than they were in the 19705, is demonstrated by this fact: Indiana’s combined state and local tax burden per SIOO of personal income is actually $4.10 lower than it was in 1978. Also, property taxes, as a percentage of personal income, have declined by 53 percent in the past 13 years. The state auditor’s report is an enormously complex collection of data and it is understandable how those figures could be misinterpreted. However, because of the importance of state spending and state taxes to every Hoosier, I felt it was important that an explanation of this report be brought to light. Sincerely, Johnß. Augsburger State Senator

proponents of summer stock, my family has watched many fine performances over the years at Enchanted Hills Playhouse. And with each year, through many changes, trials and tribulations, the shows go on — each season somehow producing better and better casts and offering more variety. What astounds us is the seeming lack of support, not only from the “natives” and some lake people, but from the business community! Does this community realize what “The Fine Arts” means to all of us? It is our culture, our history, the very education of our children and we as adults. Does this community realize how lucky it is to have a totally independent stock company functioning in its back yard? Cincinnati does not have a single summer stock company working alone — all are subsidized by a university and/or endowment. And, I’m sure this can be said for many large cities. Does this community realize what a bargain it is to attend shows here? For one live theatre ticket in Cincinnati, one can see an entire season at the Playhouse! EHP has undergone a tremendous change this year. Thanks to the new owners, Bob Decker, Mike Algate, and Chris Helvey, the dedication of the Board of Directors, the Theatre Guild, a few businesses, and loyal theatreis some hope for the future. But I’m still amazed at the attitude of business people who do not take the time to become involved, to be supportive, to be true leaders in this community! An example was the large coverage in the “Warsaw Times-Union” welcoming back Wagon Wheel Playhouse this summer. Businesses were listed, and it was obvious Wagon Wheel is considered a treasure to the Warsaw business community. I kept looking for a similar banner for EHP from the Syracuse and surrounding communities — NOTHING! And when you look further into the Playhouse programs, the percentage of businesses who contribute to those who do not is unbelievably low! I’m further amazed at the apathy of the general publio who has never seen an EHP production, particularly those who call this area their home! The community now has a chance to redeem itself with the present fund-raising to aircondition the building. This would attract many people who find the heat intolerable, as well as provide comfortable working conditions for the cast. It also would help make the Playhouse a competitive force in summer theatre. If EHP is to continue, this indeed is of considerable importance. I have no vested interest in the Playhouse, other than to see it keep flourishing! My plea is to those who have not realized what a stock company contributes to our area. We are drawing talented performers from all over the country to our little “berg”. I’d hate to think we giving the impression we’re not receptive to the arts, that we are not culturally knowledgeable, or that we are not interested in continuing education for ourselves or our families. It’s time we give EHP the rightful place it deserves in this community —a treasure about which to boast — ANDSUPPORT! Carole L. Lichtenauer Runaway Bay Lake Wawasee

IB aH * M MEETING THE PUBLIC — Tom Ward (left), the third district Democratic candidate for U.S. Congress, and Dennis Sprunger (right), the thirteenth district Democratic candidate for the State Senate, made themselves available to the public last week during the Kosciusko County Fair. Other Democrats also present at the Democratic booth in the Merchant’s Building were Dale Tucker, a candidate for State Representative; John Rumple, running for State Attorney General; and Paul Onstott, candidate for Kosciusko County Treasurer. Evan Bayh, Democrat for Governor of Indiana, scheduled to attend the fair, was unable to be present due to a last minute change of plans. (Photo by Mary Jane Cox)

Accidents from county sheriff

Several area residents were involved in accidents investigated by the Kosciusko County Police Department recently. Failure to yield the right of way was the reason cited by police for a two-car collision on Old Road 8 in Turkey Creek township on August 2. Delos Marlatt, 26, r 2 box 89, Claypool, told police that he pulled out behind a truck pulling a loader and he swung too wide causing him to go into the other lane and colliding with a vehicle driven by Sherman Goldenberg, 39, r 2 box 434, Syracuse. Goldenberg told police that he attempted to swerve but he couldn’t avoid the accident. Damage to Marlatt’s 1988 Dodge Power Ram was estimated at under S2OO and Goldenberg’s 1988 Chevy sustained up to $5,000 in estimated damages. A motorcycle-car accident last Wednesday at 10:30 p.m. on SR 13 south of Syracuse resulted in injuries to and the arrest of the driver of the motorcycle. Witnesses told police that the motorcycle, driven by Michael Fletcher, 39, r 3 box 288, Syracuse, was southbound on SR 13 when it passed a car and then did not get back in his own lane in time to avoid sideswiping a car driven by Camela Zuniga, r 6 box 178, Syracuse. Damage to Fletcher’s 1980 Harley was estimated at up to $2,500 and Zuniga’s 1983 Chevy sustained between $2,500 and $5,000 in estimated damages. Fletcher was cited by police for driving while intoxicated. Driver inattention was blamed for a three-vehicle accident Wednesday, Aug. 3, that injured five persons. The accident was at 12:07 p.m. on SR 13,900 feet north of CR 800 N. Injured were Shirley A. Smith, 44, r 1, Leesburg, driver of one of the vehicles, and her passengers, Ruth Boyer, 82, no address given, and Jaimee Smith, 11, no address given; Melissa L. Stomm, 20, r 1 box 164A, Warsaw, driver of the second vehicle and Velma A. Clark, 68,583 American Way, Syracuse. Mrs. Smith sustained a fracture/dislocation of her lower arm; Mrs. Boyer sustained a fracture/dislocation to her lower arm and internal injuries to her chest. Jaimee Smith suffered injuries to her arm also. Melissa Theft of jewelry reported to police The theft of jewelry from a summer cottage on Lake Tippecanoe was investigated by Kosciusko County Police last week. Robert L. Christie, r 1, Urbana, reported last Wednesday that sometime on July 20 between 7 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. two rings and one set of earrings were stolen from his cottage.

DORIOTS' INC. 533-1369

Stomm complained of pain to her neck as did Velma Clark. Mrs. Smith told police she was north bound on SR 13 and came over a hill when she saw some cars with no tail lights and did not think they were stopped until it was to late, hitting the back of the Stomm vehicle which in turn hit the back of the Clark vehicle. Traffic was stopped for road construction on SR 13. Mrs. Smith told police she had observed the construction signs all summer but did not pay any attention to them. Damage to the 1983 Dodge Colt driven by Smith and 1979 Ford Fiesta driven by Stomm were listed up to $5,000 and up to S2OO to the 1985 Chevrolet driven by Clark. One person was injured following a two-vehicle accident Saturday, Aug. 6, at 2:56 p.m. on CR 1300 N, east of CR 300E. Iris Green, 31, r 2, Syracuse, complained of pain to her neck and shoulder area. She was a passenger in a vehicle driven by Lisa A. Domer, 22, P.O. Box 56, Syracuse. Lisa Domer told police she was traveling west on CR 1300 and looked down for a second and when she looked up she heard a loud explosion and attempted to keep the car on the roadway. Her 1982 Pontiac had sideswiped a east bound truck driven by James I. Dougal, 41, 218 W. Sycamore, VanWert, Ohio; Dougal was driving a 1988 Ford owned by Schwans Sales Enterprises, P.O. Box 350, Decatur. Damage was estimated up to $5,000 to Domer’s vehicle and up to SI,OOO to the truck. Jason T. Matthias, 16,15324 Canyon Glenn, Fort Wayne, complained of pain to the head following a one-vehicle accident Sunday, Aug. 7, at 7:45 p.m., onEMS Lane II just south of CR 750 N. Matthias told police he was traveling north on the private lane at a high rate of speed and lost control of the vehicle, hitting a tree. Damage tP the 1977 Buick was estimated up to $2,500. An accident early Tuesday morning, Aug. 9, injured two Syracuse teehs. Kacy L. Yoder, 16, r 1 box 122, Syracuse, complained of pain to her face and Jan Gramme, 17,1 r 4, Syracuse, complained of pain to her head

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following a one-vehicle accident at 6:15 a.m. on Warner Road near the Eli Lilly Estates. Both were taken to Goshen Hospital and released. Miss Yoder told police she was west bound and the vehicle had dropped off the north side of the road. The car struck a telephone junction box and telephone pole before spinning around and hitting a tree. No damage estimate to the 1985 Ford was available. Improper passing has been listed as a contributing circumstance in a two-vehicle accident Thursday, Aug. 4, at 4:35 p.m. at CR 700 N and CR 200E. Michael Vandiepenbos, 19, 724 East Chicago, Syracuse, was traveling west on CR 700 N and attempted to pass a van driven by Richard L. Hardwick, Jr., 30, r 9 Suburban Acres Lot 65, Warsaw. Vandiepenbos told police he did not see any brake or turn lights on the Hardwick vehicle and passed the vehicle. As he began to pass, Hardwick made a left turn and the vehicles sideswiped. Damage was estimated up to $2,500 to each vehicle. Unsafe speed and failure to yield the right of way caused a two-vehicle accident Saturday, Aug. 6, at 10:38 p.m. on Defreese Road, west of CR 500E. William G. Koschnick, 17, 8282 North Penn, Indianapolis, was traveling west on Defreese Road and told police he was unfamiliar with the road and came to a curve before he knew it and struck another vehicle. The second vehicle was driven by William N. Pyle, 55, 5335 North 352 W, Huntington. Damage to the 1986 Mercury driven by Koschnick was estimated up to SIO,OOO and up to SI,OOO to the 1981 Mercury driven by Pyle. Mark L. Dalton, 16, r 10 Blue River Estates, Columbia City, was not injured in a one Vehicle accident Saturday, Aug. 6, at 11:53 p.m. on CR 600 N, east of CR 950E. Dalton told police he was traveling east, looked down at his tape player and when he looked up he was unable to make the turn and ran into a fence owned by James Mullins, r 1 box 314, North Webster. Damage to the 1988 Chevrolet truck was estimated up to SI,OOO and up to SI,OOO to the fence.

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Those responsible for computer mess should apply for Pentagon work

Indiana Democratic Party Chair John Livengood says the people responsible for buying a computer system for the Indiana Department of Employment and Training Services could probably move on to jobs at the Pentagon. After spending nearly $1 million of taxpayers’ money over the past two years, a project designed to match prospective employees with jobs at IDETS has been put on indefinite hold. The computer system simply did not work. “Those responsible for buying and overseeing the im-

Mutz/Goldsmith plan to fight government waste, corruption

Republican running mates John Mutz and Steve Goldsmith announced recently a set of sweeping ethics proposals that they vow will be the pillar of their administration. “We will set the highest, most exacting standards possible for the conduct of state government,” said Mutz. “The focus will expand beyond the prevention of criminal activity to also include unethical behavior. We will ensure integrity beyond reproach in all aspects of government, and we’ve outlined specific measures to do so.” Highlights of the Mutz/Goldsmith ethics plan include a citizens’ hotline for reporting complaints of misconduct; an “Inspector General-type approach” to pursuing misconduct complaints; more use of special prosecutors in public corruption cases; and financial disclosures by a wider group of policymaking state employees. According to Goldsmith, waste and corruption will be easier to ferret out and to prosecute under the new proposals. He said that any state employee convicted of a misdemeanor involving his or her job will be immediately terminated and all state pension contributions will be rescinded. Likewise, any vendor found guilty of unethical behavior will be fined and prohibited from bidding on future projects for a specified period of time. “Because our proposals would rely heavily on existing state resources, such as the state police, board of accounts and ethics commission,” Mutz said, “we could implement these

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Wed., August 10,1988 — THE MAIL-JOURNAL

Political notes

plementation of the system might go over big at the Pentagon,” said Livengood. “We all know the stories of the millions and millions of dollars spent on weapons systems that don’t work. It seems to me that after two years and just about $1 million, the taxpayers have a right to expect something for their money.” The state plans to get an updated version of the software when it becomes available and try again. In the August 4 issue of

reforms with a modest annual budget of $200,000.” He added that a small annual registration fee of $25 assessed to all government vendors, plus the recovery of special damages from wrongdoers, would provide the necessary revenue. The comprehensive plan, titled “Integrity in Government,” was detailed in the third position paper released by the Mutz/Goldsmith campaign. Coming closely on the heels of the second campaign white paper —a plan to totally reorganize state government through the creation

Hiler named Taxpayer's Friend'

Congressman John Hiler has been named a “Taxpayer’s Friend” by the National Taxpayers’ Union. The non-partisan organization monitors and analyzes every vote in Congress that affects the federal budget, and gives its Taxpayers Friend awards to congressmen who consistently vote to reduce spending. Hiler has received the award five times before in 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, and 1985. In 1987, he scored 60 percent, one of the best scores in Congress. The average score of the Indiana delegation was 42 percent. Congressman Dan Burton, Indianapolis, scored a 63 percent, making him the only Indiana member who scored higher than Hiler. “It’s very easy for politicans to talk about the need to reduce government spending,” Hiler said. “But talk is cheap if you

the “Indianapolis Star,” Lt. Governor John Mutz was quoted as saying, “Our assumption is that the new software will work.” Livengood says that’s not enough. “We’ve already spent just about $1 million. Either the state should get what it paid for or get the month back.” He went on to say, “Mutz and the top officials at IDETS should have more than assumptions to go on when they make decisions like this. The citizens of Indiana deserve leaders who will act on more than just assumptions.”

of a cabinet structure and regional offices throughout the state — the ethics proposal signaled the determination of the GOP candidates to, as Goldsmith put it, “shake-up state government and bring it into the 21st century.” “Our message today is very straightforward,” Mutz said. “To citizens who have grown skeptical about the integrity of public servants, we say, we are going to win back your trust. To any public servant who would betray that trust, we say, think again because public wrongdoing will be uncovered and punished! ”

won’t cast the votes. If we are ever going to control the deficit, more members are going to have to be willing to vote ‘no’ on federal spending.” Jontz-Ward fund-raising dinner Aug. 22 A fund-raising dinner for Jim Jontz/Tom Ward will be held on Monday, Aug. 22, in the Shrine Building. Social hour will be at 6:30 p.m. with dinner at 7 p.m. This year’s guest speaker will be Tim Penny, congressman from the first district of Minnesota. He serves on three committees: agriculture, veterans’ affairs, and education and labor. Both candidates are running for Congress; Jontz from the fifth district and Ward from the third district.

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