Pence backs study of county government reforms

INDIANAPOLIS | State lawmakers are expected to study the structure of Indiana county government this summer with an eye toward establishing a single county executive.

House backs study on structure of county government

INDIANAPOLIS | The Indiana House wants to take another look at county government reforms recommended by the 2007 Kernan-Shepard Report on streamlining local government.

EDITORIAL: Study library mergers at county level

Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. has been pushing for a merger between the Hammond Public Library and the Lake County Public Library system. While we're not saying no, it's a complicated issue that merits a thorough examination.

Statehouse interest in local government reform fading

INDIANAPOLIS | The effort to reform local government in Indiana, prompted in part by a 2007 bipartisan report that recommended eliminating townships and making other changes, appears headed for the dustbin of history.

EDITORIAL: Push forward with library consolidation

Having jettisoned the Hammond Health Department a few years ago to cut costs, Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. wants the city's library system to merge with the Lake County Public Library system.

Daniels signs bans on local government conflicts of interest, nepotism

INDIANAPOLIS | Starting next year local government employees will no longer be permitted to serve as elected officials of the governments they work for.

Daniels expected to approve ban on conflicts of interest, nepotism

INDIANAPOLIS | Gov. Mitch Daniels will get to sign into law one of his top legislative priorities after the Republican-controlled House voted 62-19 Tuesday to ban conflicts of interest and nepotism in local government.

Indiana Senate votes to ban nepotism, conflicts of interest in local government hiring

INDIANAPOLIS | The Republican-controlled state Senate voted 39-11 on Monday to limit nepotism and conflicts of interest in local government employment.

EDITORIAL: Push for library district consolidation

A number of Gary residents are concerned about plans to turn Gary's main library into a cultural center. It's not as good as a library that circulates materials, but at least resources still would be available for public inspection while at the cultural center.