The Mail-Journal, Volume 29, Number 34, Milford, Kosciusko County, 3 October 1990 — Page 5

STATE EXPENDITURES UP — According to a report released by State Auditor Ann Devore, the expenditures to operate the State of Indiana May 31,1988, to June 1,1989, increased by 7.9 percent. State officials spent Fifteen billion, nine hundred ninety-eight million, five hundred fifty-three thousand nine hundred twenty-three dollars and ninety-eight cents ($15,998,553,923.98) to operate the government during that period of time. TTie largest increase (37 percent) was in the out-of-state travel account. By far the largest of the state’s expenditures (80 percent) were for grants, subsidies, refunds, and awards. This account includes retirement funds, reimbursement of local taxing units, grants of all types, and some welfare funds. Below is the expenditures by divisions and the amount of increase during the year: Dept. Exp. % Inc. Personal Services $984,271,499 5.9 Services Other 63,808,615 6.7 Services by Contract 234,270,816 8.2 Materials-Supplies 125,332,458 11.7 Equipment 71,346,773 5.7 Grants Subsidies 13,594,170,265 8. Land and Structures 905,206,053 7.3 In-State Travel 17,371,728 5. Out-of-State Travel 2,775,717 37. Total $15,998,553,924 7J) Interesting items listed among the expenditures: Postage increased from $9,965,071 to $11,620,509. Gasoline credit cards showed a slight reduction to $1,845,384 from $1,858,308. Rental of land and buildings increased from $16,710,451 to $23,854,189. Software for computers from $1,723,571 to $6,231,531. Management Consultants decreased from $5,861,663 to $4,276,219. Salt and sodium chloride (for roads) showed a dramatic increase from $4,808,012 to $7,182,901. Bridge construction also showed a decided increase from $39,060,241 to $63,053,794. Road construction from $212,410,717 to $226,681,553. Federal road programs from $101,325,346 to $120,659,266. On grants to local units up from $320,524,734 to $334,424,290. Grants decreased from $282,686,537 to $270,272,803. Grants other than non-governmental increased from $83,759,600 to $139,895,294. Welfare also showed a large increase from $989,353,373 to $1,181,194,471. Student default loan account increased from $16,578,219 to $18,060,872. Legislative business accounted for most of the increase in the out-of-state travel account — from $39,248 to $47,755. TROUBLE COULD BE BREWING - The commissioners may have some problems with their recently-purchased buildings. On one plot are some gasoline tanks that probably will need to be taken up. Also, there may be an asbestos problem. The state and federal laws come into play, if you take down or renovate a building that has asbestos (and they all do). —o— SCHOLARSHIP COMPETITION — Semifinalists for National Merit Scholarships were recently announced. The interesting part is who passed the tests to qualify. Bethany Christian High School, a private school south of Goshen, had three winners — out of a senior class of 100. Fairfield High School, north of Syracuse, received two National Merit Scholarships. Fairfield’s senior class numbers about 100. The big winner was St. Joseph High School in South Bend with 11 students qualifying! Wawasee High School had one senior qualify out of more than 200 in the senior class. Penn High School (Mishawaka) had seven with more than 500 in the senior class. Valparaiso High School with more than 1,700 seniors also had seven.

Northridge (Middlebury) had four — with 150 students in the senior class.

Meeks examines drunk driving laws

Will Indiana decide to toughen its drunk driving laws during the 1991 session of the General Assembly? This was the topic as members of the legislative Interim Study Committee on Courts and Criminal Law met Wednesday, Sept. 19, to discuss various alcohol-related legislation, according to State Senator Robert Meeks (R-LaGrange). Meeks, a member of the committee, explained that a variety of alcohol-related subjects, including an open container law and increased penalties for deaths resulting from drunk driving accidents, where among the preliminary drafts that came before the committee for consideration. “Members of the committee adopted five preliminary drafts of legislation that will be forwarded on to the General Assembly for further study,” Meeks said. Legislative study committees meet during the interim between sessions of the General Assembly to focus on designated topics and to make recommendations that will go before the full legislature upon reconvening in January. Among the drafts adopted was a measure to stiffen the penalty for deaths that result from drunk driving accidents. Meeks explained that what would have been considered a Class C felony would, under this proposal, become a Class B felony. “In other words, a death caused by an intoxicated person, or whose blood level was at least .10 percent, could be punishable by a maximum of 20 years in prison rather than a maximum of eight years,” Meeks explained. Meeks said that while stiffer penalties will not guarantee an end to drunk-driving, he does feel confident that they will present a stronger deterrent for some who consider drinking and driving. “If we can save even a few lives by adopting stronger penalties, then it’s worth it,” Meeks said. In another measure adopted by the committee, a victim* impact program could be implemented

as part of rehabilitation for persons convicted of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. According to Meeks, the program would require the defendant to go before victims of the crime they committed while intoxicated. “A person badly injured as a result of an accident involving alcohol or perhaps a family member of someone who died as a result of a drunk driver, would have the opportunity to discuss the consequences of the defendant’s drunk driving action,” Meeks said. This procedure, he added, is presently being used in Oregon and has been very successful. Also adopted was a bill to require every impaired driving arrest to be reported to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). This measure, according to Meeks, would place a degree of accountability on those making and prosecuting the arrests. “By requiring every impaired driving offense be reported to the BMV, the state can keep accurate statistics on counties across the state and the arrests that they are making,” said Meeks. “This will allow a monitoring system that presently is not available,” he added. While measures aimed at prohibiting open alcohol containers in automobiles, and reducing the legal blood alcohol intoxication level from the current .10 percent to .08 percent were not voted upon by the committee, comments were heard concerning the two proposals. Meeks explained that he expects a vote to be taken vote on the remainder of the bills during the committee’s next meeting tentatively scheduled for October 9. The committee heard testimony from a variety of groups interested in drunk driving laws, including representatives of the Governor’s Task Force to Reduce Drunk Driving, Mothers Against Drunk Drivers and the Indiana Department of Corrections.

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Hogsett compares his political philosophy to Mayor Hudnut’s

“The election for secretary of state offers the people of Indiana a very clear choice between two fundamentally different philosophies of government and

Consumer Federation of America endorses Roemer

Consumer Federation of America, the nation’s largest consumer advocacy organization, announced its campaign committee’s endorsement of Tim Roemer’s bid for election in the Third Congressional District. “Tim Roemer believes in protecting the American consumer,” said Peggy Miller, CFA legislative representative. “He will work hard to defend the consumer’s interest in Congress and fight to protect middle-class workers — whether it’s preventing another S&L crisis, getting stronger product safety regulations or pursuing a broader health care program for the 37 million Americans without health insurance.”

Letters

Recommendations are made

Dear Editor: Following are recommendations for the study committee on for use of the old Syracuse High and Middle School Building: 1. First move the superintendent’s office to this building. Mr. Thornton told at a board meeting the building would be good enough for him (on tape) 2. Use rooms for adult education classes in the daytime taught by retired or part-time teachers: typing, reading for I-Step, painting classes, dance lessons, crafts, and more exercise programs for retired persons, walking, etc. 3. Put Latch Key kids back in school, not the Scout Cabin 4. Put the kids who are at the town hall back in the schoolroom 5. Use the gym full time to keep the kids off of the street and out of trouble: basketball, inside tennis, skateboard ramp, shuffleboard, soccer. Janitors are hired full time, so put them to work 6. Replace the bleachers for

Samaritans On-Standby

Dear Editor: This letter was sent on Sept. 29 to Mr. Naab, elementary school principal and chairman of the study committee to save the old Syracuse High and Middle School Building. Dear Mr. Naab: In answer to your invitation for ideas regarding the use of the former Junior High School Lame duck not removed Dear Editor: This summer I called the Syracuse Police Department about a lame duck. The duck had not moved from where she was lying for about 10 hours when I called. They said they would have to get back to me about it. They called back and told me that there was nothing anyone could do about it — just let nature take its course. The duck was still there the next morning. No one would even come take her away. We had to more or less watch her die. Is that humane? But, they get notified about a domestic animal. They’ll go pick up that animal, which was obviously a pet, and they’ll take that animal out and shoot it. Why didn’t they let “nature take its course?” Animal Lover

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public service,” Secretary of State Joe Hogsett said. Hogsett is running against Indianapolis Mayor William Hudnut to retain his position as secretary of state.

According to Miller, Roemer’s opponent, incumbent John Hiler, has repeatedly voted against the consumer on vital pocketbook, health and safety issues. “John Hiler’s lifetime voting record on consumer issues is 19 percent — that proves how poor his representation has been for consumers’ interest,” Miller said. Miller specifically noted Hiler’s S&L votes, “Hiler has voted wrong on all major legislative efforts to restrict risky, costly lending practices, including restrictions on junk bond S&L investments,” Miller said. “In addition, he was one of the few members of Congress who voted against a suc-

to the editor

seating (for comfort). Mr. Kryder said the old seats were not safe. He certainly forgets that nuts and bolts and replacing bad seats is not hard to do. Where did the bleachers go? 7. Use the stage for theatre groups, dance groups, entertainment, bands, civic programs, etc. 8. Use for banquets for school and public (nice kitchen, restrooms and space available) 9. Storage!! There is a need for more storage — one reason for

Syracuse home abandoned

Dear Editor: The house at the end of Boston Street, nextt.o. Michael’s Pier Shop and Boat Repair, has been abandoned since October 1, 1989. The house has been in great disrepair for quite sometime and it’s not getting any better, in fact, it's getting worse. About a month ago, a few

Building we, who represent the board of directors of Samaritans-On-Standby, offer the following suggestion: There are five local organizations concerned with the needs of the older people in our area — the Nutrition Site, LAFF Program, Senior Citizens’ Club, For Fun Group, and Samaritans-On-Standby. Individually, we reach a small percentage of the eligible population of Turkey Creek Township. Combined, our efforts could create a senior center that would provide limitless opportunities for socializing, learning and sharing ideas. The Junior High School home economics department could accommodate the nutrition site, while an audio-visual program, discussion, instruction and support groups, as well as game, hobby and craft activities would fit into the classroom areas. Nappanee, Milford, North Webster and Warsaw have senior centers. Why not Syracuse? We are excited about this possibility, and hope that our idea sparks community cooperation necessary to the completion of such a project. Sincerely yours, Norma F. Rush, Chairman Janice Baumgartner Evelyn Tolliver Pauline Firestone Gerry Bauer Priscilla Rhode

about fiscal responsibility; one is fiscally responsible. Both candidates talk about the need for lower taxes; one is actually lowering his budget. Both can-

cessful endeavor to close the loophole on thrifts that used phony accounting practices. “John Hiler has failed to represent middle-class consumer concerns on the S&L fiasco,” Miller said. “He has failed to work for a decent minimum wage, and, through his support for a capital gains tax cut for the wealthy, John Hiler refused to fight for fair tax burdens for all consumers. “The people of the Third District deserve a representative who will stand up for their interests and concerns in the U.S. Congress, and Tim Roemer will. We strongly endorse Tim’s bid for election and encourage consumers in the Third District to do the same.”

the 24 more rooms at the high school

10. Rent rooms for office space, etc.

There was a petition to preserve the old high school beginning in May, 1990. There were 700-plus signatures that were given Mr. Naab, Syracuse Elementary School principal and chairman of the study committee. There were 623 signatures that were given to the Wawasee School Board members. A Concerned Taxpayer

sheets of siding were put on the back and front of the house and a few windows were boarded shut. The basement has water leaks after heaving rain falls, the bathroom has two jacks under it to keep from collapsing due to water leaks and dampness. The back yard needs to be cleaned up and so does the west side of the house. The house does not have electricity, it was shut off. Before we had a rain storm in August, someone jerked a wire above the meter on the house and NIPSCO came down and cut the wire off. At that time there were power outages in the area. At this time, not that much has been done. We need to find out why the town council hasn’t done anything. The neighbors New ailment The latest “new” ailment is pizza cutter’s palsy —a weakness of hand muscles, stemming from pressing the handle of a roller-blade pizza cutter. This puts sustained pressure on the ulnar nerve. — Health News Network

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didates talk about experience, leadership, vision, accomplishment, and the courage to face tough decisions; one puts those concepts into daily practice. “I believe tax dollars should be used for programs for people, not perks for politicians. “That is why I refuse to accept the perks that traditionally come with elected office.” Specifically: 1. Joe Hogsett refuses the use of a taxpayer-paid-for state car. He refuses to accept state license plates. 2. Hogsett does not travel at taxpayer expense, and refuses the use of a state credit card. 3. Joe Hogsett says “no” to increases in his salary. The salary for secretary of state has not increased since 1984. 4. Joe Hogsett does not believe the public should have to pay for a self-promoting public relations staff. He employs only one public information staff person, who doubles as a legislative director. Light sleeper Napoleon was a well-known insomniac and had to get by on three or four hours of sleep a night.

Appeals court judge faces

1990 retention ballot

When Kosciusko County voters go to the polls on November 6, they will have before them the candidacy of an incumbent judge of the Indiana Court of Appeals for continued service. Standing for retention on the intermediate appellate court will be Judge Stanley B. Miller, 61 years old, Indianapolis, presiding judge of the Fourth District. Initially appointed by Governor Otis R. Bowen in 1978, he was confirmed for a 10-year term in the 1980 general election. This term will expire Dec. 31, and a new Two arrested for harvesting marijuana Two persons were arrested on Thursday, Sept. 27, for harvesting marijuana in the Milford area. Milford Officer Ron Kreider arrested the two Goshen residents at 2 a.m. Tim Emily, 40, US 33 East, and Ellen Marie Huff, 21, US 33 East, were both charged with possession of marijuana and flight to avoid prosecution. Bond was set at $5,000 for both individuals.

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Wed., October 3,1990 — THE MAIL-JOURNAL

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FOURTH DISTRICT, INDIANA COURT OF APPEALS — Judge Stanley B. Miller, 61 years old, was named to the court of appeals on Aug. 1, 1978, and currently serves as presiding judge of court’s fourth district. In 1969, he became United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, and in that capacity represented the U.S. government in civil and criminal matters for five years. A lifelong resident of Indianapolis, he completed his undergraduate education at Butler University and was graduated in 1953 from the Indiana University School of Law at Indianapolis. He served in the Army Counter Intelligence Corps during the Korean War. From 1955 to 1965, he served various state agencies as a deputyattorney general, including two years as chief trial counsel for the highway condemnation section. Entering the private practice of law in 1965, he also served as a Marion County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney assigned to the felony courts for two years. Then from 1967 to 1969, he was chief counsel for the prosecuting attorney.

10-year term requires approval in the Nov. 6 public vote. Judge Miller is a former United States attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. During the Korean War, he served in the Army Counter Intelligence Corps. He will stand unopposed on a ballot which asks: “Shall Judge (name) be retained in office? Yes or No?” His ballot „will be separate from partisan contests for public office and is voted on in the manner of Constitutional Amendment questions. Voting on Judge Miller will be statewide because his Fourth District is an at-large or statewide district. The 1990 retention ballot will be the ninth since 1972 when an amendment to the State Constitution replaced partisan election of appellate-level judges with a merit system of selection and tenure. Under that plan, incumbent judges stand for retention without opposition and party label. If the voters should reject a judge, the office is declared vacant. Vacancies on the Supreme

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Court and Court of Appeals are filled by appointment by the governor from persons recommended by the non-partisan Judicial Nominating Commission. Those appointed serve a minimum of two years and stand for retention in the next general election. Currently there are 12 judges — or four districts of three judges each — who sit on the Court of Appeals. The General Assembly authorized a new three-judge Fifth District, effective Jan. 1, bringing the number of judges to 15. The court hears criminal case appeals in which trial court judgments have imposed minimum sentences of 50 years or less and appeals from the denial of post-conviction relief in which the sentence was not death or life imprisonment. Its jurisdiction also includes all civil cases except those specifically reserved for the Supreme Court. The Court of Appeals reviews decisions of administrative agencies, including the Worker’s Compensation Board, Department of Employment and Training, and Utility Regulatory Commission.

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