Election Board seeks legal advice on Biggs complaint

VALPARAISO | The Porter County Election Board wants more information before deciding how to deal with the anonymous complaints filed about county Councilman Jim Biggs's campaign finance reports.

EDITORIAL: Manage government workforce better

In county government, as with businesses, the employees are the biggest cost. But county government hasn't followed the private sector's lead yet in managing that cost, or those employees, well.

County government jobs desireable, tough to get

County government jobs in Northwest Indiana look attractive, if you can get one.

Porter County councilman corrects campaign finance reports

VALPARAISO | Porter County Councilman Jim Biggs, R-1st, filed amended versions Friday of campaign finance reports from his unsuccessful bid last year for county commissioner.

GUEST COMMENTARY: Porter County must manage workforce better

In 2012, Porter County government authorized a comprehensive study of our county finances. The report, which was submitted last December, warned that every major service delivered, as well as every major fund we currently manage, needs to be adjusted through acts of efficiency. Otherwise, co…

EDITORIAL: Porter County needs to hire HR pro

The Porter County Council's quest to hire a budget and finance specialist is misguided. If the council is looking to add to the payroll, though, there's a more pressing need.

Porter County Council ousts its leaders

VALPARAISO | The Porter County Council has a new president and vice president, after members voted 4-3 on Monday to oust their current leaders and elect new officers.

DOUG ROSS: Porter County Council, commissioners need to talk

This being the start of a new year, Porter County officials have a chance to start off on the right foot, right a few past wrongs, and set a good example for other counties.

Porter County adopts budget relying on reserve funds

VALPARAISO | A fractured Porter County Council approved a $38 million budget for 2013 that relies on reserve funding.

Evans defends participation in county insurance plan

VALPARAISO | Porter County Commissioner John Evans, R-North, is challenging calls for him and other members of the Board of Commissioners and County Council to drop out of the county health insurance plan because they only work part time.

MARK KIESLING: County insurance plans need an overhaul

Insurance is among the most important benefits that county workers have.

GUEST COMMENTARY: Take part-time elected officials off county insurance plan

Earlier this year, several members of our Porter County Council recommended reviewing the growing cost associated to our county’s health insurance program.

Jim Biggs

Biggs is best person to help Porter County's animals

Jim Biggs is a devoted pet owner who cares for his pets and wants the same feeling and compassion he shows them to reflect on the animals at the Porter County Shelter.

EDITORIAL: We endorse Evans for commissioner

Probably the hottest race in Porter County this year is is for the Republican nomination for Porter County commissioner in District 3, where incumbent John Evans faces former Commissioner Jim Biggs.

Jim Biggs

Porter County Councilman Jim Biggs, R-1st

Keep Evans in charge of Porter County Animal Shelter

Jim Biggs keeps asking how the Porter County Animal Shelter got in such bad shape. Under his control, the shelter was underfunded and overcrowded. Biggs' solution was to euthanize the animals at a rate of 10 cats and dogs per day.

Drainage relief funds tied up in Porter County tax revenue debate

VALPARAISO | Just more than $1.3 million for drainage improvements in Porter County is included in the local income tax revenue tied up in a procedural dispute involving the auditor's office, commissioners and council.

EDITORIAL: Poster child for county government reform

The feud between the Porter County Council and the Board of Commissioners would be settled if local government reform were to be enacted finally in Indiana.