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Government
Commentary: Here's the skinny on why we're fat
October 1, 2007
Tom HartonA week rarely passes without news of our obesity epidemic. Fattest-state rankings and the like are a staple of our news diet.
These stories are often served with dire health warnings, which politicians invoke when they encourage us to eat less and
exercise more. But does anyone really stop to think about why obesity has become our national obsession? Our infamous rotundness
isn't only a byproduct of poor eating habits and a reluctance to hit the gym. Chalk some of...
MoreNavigating the credit crunch: Will subprime woes leave you dry? Here's what to look for.
September 24, 2007
Scott OlsonFor months, we've been reading and hearing news about the so-called subprime mortgage crisis and the resulting "credit crunch."
For thousands of families who have lost their homes to foreclosure, the crisis is clear. For most people, however, the impact
isn't so obvious. Beyond those directly affected by mortgage defaults, who else should be concerned about the aftershocks?
Some economic forecasters are warning that the subprime mortgage situation and the ongoing weakness in the housing market
could linger long enough...
MoreVIEWPOINT: Avoiding Chinese 'fifth-shipment' follies
September 24, 2007
Benjamin A.The recent announcement by the Indianapolis company Gilchrist and Soames that it would recall its privately branded toothpaste
because of concerns regarding its diethylene glycol content is a small part of a larger global concern about the quality standards
of goods made in China. The same week, Mattel recalled more than 9.5 million U.S. toys over concerns about the use of lead
paint. Many Indiana firms rely on a steady stream of qualified products from China, so now seems a...
MoreCommentary: Get the smoke out of our eyes
September 24, 2007
Mickey MaurerAndy Jacobs Jr. wrote in an IBJ column that smoking is an expensive and painful way to commit suicide. He's right. But he
didn't go far enough. Breathing secondhand smoke at one's place of employment is also an expensive and painful way to go.
The world is beginning to read the smoke signals. Many countries have passed laws to protect their work force from secondhand
smoke. Today, you cannot smoke even in an Irish pub. In our country, 22 states...
MoreEYE ON THE PIE: Give tax relief to those who truly need it
September 24, 2007
Morton MarcusNo topic brings me more mail than property taxes. Some of this mail is silly, some is tragic. Many writers are concerned that
they or their neighbors will lose their homes because of propertytax increases. This is a serious, legitimate concern. However,
it is not a reason to abolish property taxes. Those who are hard-pressed to pay their property taxes are not different from
those who have problems paying utility bills, medical bills, and the costs of other necessities. These...
MoreVIEWPOINT: Why shouldn't churches pay taxes?
September 17, 2007
Jason SmithThough it probably should not have been, a recent headline in The Indianapolis Star-$2.7 billion in property untaxed in Marion
County-was a bit of a stunner. And more so was an adjoining article revealing nearly half of that property to be owned by
churches and religious institutions. In the article, the Rev. Kent Millard, senior pastor at St. Luke's United Methodist Church,
invoked the separation of church and state as justification for St. Luke's quarter-million-dollar annual tax dodge. And I'm...
MoreTownship wrestles with incorporation: As Greenwood, Bargersville annex commercial corridors, rest of township declines
September 17, 2007
Anthony SchoettleWhite River Township in northwest Johnson County is dotted with an increasing number of high-priced homes and anchored by
one of the area's strongest school districts. But the area, known as Center Grove, also is marked by crumbling roads, poor
drainage and an anemic parks system. To preserve its strengths and shore up its growing weaknesses, some in the area think
White River Township needs to incorporate into its own city. The township of more than 40,000 residents faces the...
MoreEYE ON THE PIE: Time to make government accountable
September 17, 2007
Morton MarcusThe biggest change the Kernan-Shepard commission could recommend for improving local government would be to focus responsibility.
Some folks want to consolidate government horizontally; that means combining units of the same type. It might take the form
of consolidating school corporations or bringing the number of library districts down from 238 to some smaller number. (It
could mean reducing the number of counties from 92 to a more realistic number, but I should not try to make you laugh.) Many...
MoreBRIAN WILLIAMS: Indiana needs to get energy-wise
September 10, 2007
As the 14th-mostpopulous state in the union, Indiana generates a gross state product that is 16th-largest of the 50 states.
Unfortunately, despite significant investments in equipment and processes by manufacturers and public-policy efforts to encourage
the attraction and growth of knowledgeand technology-focused industries, our economy remains energy-inefficient. In 2003,
Indiana was the country's sixthlargest consumer of energy per capita, according to the Indiana Energy Report. Ninety-seven
percent of Indiana's electricity is generated by coal. Indiana is the fifthlargest emitter of...
MoreECONOMIC ANALYSIS Mike Hicks: It's time for a little perspective on home foreclosures
September 10, 2007
A big financial crisis spreads the notion that the interests of Wall Street differ from the interests of Main Street. The
"liquidity crisis" of the past few weeks, with its difficult jargon and complex financial instruments, is a prime example.
Unfortunately, the notion that the tumult represents a failure of markets is exactly the wrong lesson to take away from this
experience. In a nutshell, here's why. In the past few years, mortgage lenders-ranging from the George Baileytype savings
and...
MoreIncreasing demand for land surveyors sparks changes: Despite some criticism, Purdue University moves program into different
department to attract more students
September 3, 2007
Scott OlsonPurdue University is mapping out a controversial strategy to produce more land surveyors amid growing demand for graduates
entering the profession. The number of Purdue students interested in pursuing a surveying career has dwindled to just a dozen
out of roughly 500 enrolled in the university's School of Civil Engineering. M. Katherine Banks, head of the school, attributes
the dearth to a lack of visibility the surveying program endures tucked within the larger department. "We need a fresh start,"
she...
MoreEYE ON THE PIE: Should we consolidate libraries?
September 3, 2007
Morton MarcusAt last, we have a commission working to see if we can improve government in Indiana through reorganization. Former Gov. Joe
Kernan and Supreme Court Justice Randy Shepard are leading the effort. Some of us are concerned that the commission has been
established to find ways not to improve government services, but to cut local property taxes. The two goals might not work
in the same direction. Public libraries are often cited as ripe for consolidation. There are 238 of...
MoreCommentary: Is this any way to run a government?
September 3, 2007
Abdul-Hakim ShabazzAs someone who writes and pontificates about the events of the day, summer is usually my slow season. I have to work hard
to find things to write and talk about for public consumption. However, this summer has been a whole different matter. We
have all been taken aback by the tax protests and subsequent government actions to mitigate the damage. But that wasn't the
big story that caught my attention. The story that stuck in my craw was the...
MoreVOICES FROM THE INDUSTRY: Indiana needs to develop more technology workers
August 27, 2007
James L.Far from its older perception of a backoffice function, information technology today is cutting edge and business savvy, driving
innovation in virtually every industrial sector. As an industry, IT in Indiana has seen significant growth in the past few
years. In fact, the state's tech nology sector has grown so quickly that the industry faces a new challenge-employers are
experiencing explosive growth and cannot find enough qualified individuals to fill these new positions. As documented by the
Indiana Department of...
MoreEYE ON THE PIE: Should fees replace property taxes?
August 27, 2007
Morton MarcusSo you want to be a boxer in Indiana? There's a $10 fee to be paid every other year for the privilege. That's a lot lower
than the twoyear fee of $100 paid by architects. A driver's license is good for five years and costs just $19.50. Whereas
your aircraft bears a $10 annual registration fee, your passenger car has a $20.75 annual state fee. If you want to support
a special cause, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles charges a...
MoreECONOMIC ANALYSIS: How Indiana's industrial economy looks to a newcomer
August 27, 2007
Mike HicksThis week marks the start of my tenure as director of Ball State University's Bureau of Business Research. I take over from
Pat Barkey, whose thoughts on the state's economy have long graced this column. His will be hard shoes to fill. I have read
over many of Pat's old columns, and the one thing that stands out is how much we agree on the issues facing the state-and
their solutions. Contrary to the old stereotypes, hard-headed economists usually come...
MoreSmall biz tax bills rising, too: Extra expense narrows margins
August 27, 2007
Jennifer WhitsonArea homeowners weren't the only ones to get a shock when they opened their 2007 tax bills. Some small-business owners also
saw their bills skyrocket-putting a strain on entrepreneurs who often operate on razor-thin margins. "It's catastrophic for
some businesses," said Kevin Hughes, state director for the National Federation of Independent Business's Indiana chapter.
Mike Hutson, owner of Westfield Lighting Co., certainly feels the pain. The bill on his commercial property-several acres
and a 22,500-square-foot building-increased from $42,000 in 2006...
MoreECONOMIC ANALYSIS: Parting thoughts on Indiana's strengths, weaknesses
August 20, 2007
Patrick BarkeyThe nice thing about economics is that we never really figure anything out. That hasn't stopped folks like me from writing
about economics and papers like this one from printing what we have to say. As I often have said to those who have remarked
on these writings, nature abhors a vacuum. Someone else will be filling that vacuum next week, because this is my last column-for
Indiana readers, at least. I am happy to leave you in the capable...
MoreVIEWPOINT: Helping ex-offenders helps all of us
August 20, 2007
Deborah DanielsIn the June 4 IBJ, Mickey Maurer wrote an insightful commentary on some of the difficulties faced by ex-offenders returning
to their communities. An editorial in the July 9 issue called for ex-offender re-entry into the work force as an important
next step for the city of Indianapolis. IBJ has focused on a critical issue, and has correctly identified several obstacles
faced by returning offenders seeking to reintegrate into society-from housing to willing employers to the need for mentors.
But...
MoreOneAmerica methodical in approach to new deals: Flush with capital, local insurer on the lookout for acquisitions
August 20, 2007
J.K. WallDon't expect OneAmerica Financial Partners Inc.'s purchase of a $700 million annuity portfolio last month to be its last big-ticket
buy. The Indianapolis-based insurance holding company says its executives and heads of its various product lines are constantly
on the prowl for acquisitions. But don't hold your breath for the company's next deal. Its purchase of annuities from Iowa-based
Transamerica Life Insurance Co., announced July 24, took two years to come together. So did its previous acquisition, the
2005 purchase...
MoreECONOMIC ANALYSIS: State economy began year with an impressive spurt
August 13, 2007
Patrick BarkeyThe economy constantly is serving up complex puzzles for us to solve. Have energy prices peaked? How much longer will mortgage
markets continue to bleed? How will the dollar's decline affect the low prices for imported goods? These are complex issues,
and some of us actually earn a living trying to sort them all out. But sometimes we need to step away and address the simpler
questions-such as: How does the economy grow? Of course, some might say "not at...
MoreNOTIONS: Health: another troubled bridge over U.S. waters
August 13, 2007
Bruce HetrickOn a bookshelf in my office, I display a box of Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, three packs of Benson & Hedges cigarettes and the
program from my late wife's memorial service. I display the pasta because, until the company was spun off earlier this year,
Kraft Foods was part of Altria Group. I display the Benson & Hedges because that brand is part of Phillip Morris USA, which
is also part of Altria Group. I display the memorial-service program because...
MoreCommentary: It's way past time to complete Unigov
August 13, 2007
Brian WilliamsThe property-tax disaster in Marion County and around Indiana is composed of two dependent parts: the manner in which property
is assessed and the government infrastructure that establishes tax rates or levies and whose operations are funded in large
measure by property-tax assessments. The state has improved the manner in which property is assessed. Unfortunately, the state
has not done an adequate job of training assessors in all 92 counties. In Indianapolis, the challenge of accurately assessing
property is compounded...
MoreVOICES FROM THE INDUSTRY: So, you really want to be a real estate developer ...
August 13, 2007
Brian MannReal estate developers have a secret: We're not evil. OK ... we're not all evil This runs contrary to the perception that
some people seem determined to promote. They opine that "good development" is an oxymoron. Development is a humbling business.
It turns out that a lot of people know a lot more about the right way to do development than we do, and they're not shy about
letting us and everyone else know this, in public meetings, private conversations,...
MoreMICKEY MAURER Commentary: The right men for a tough job
August 13, 2007
In response to the sticker shock experienced by many Hoosiers upon opening the envelope from the property-tax assessor, Gov.
Mitch Daniels announced a number of major moves. He ordered new assessments in Marion County and other counties throughout
the state; a tax bill freeze in these counties to the 2006 levy; and the creation of a commission on local government reform,
co-chaired by Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Randall Shepard and former Gov. Joe Kernan. The mission of the commission...
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So the Mayor adds another non value added layer to having a vehicle towed? Whereby the City Government RECIEVES AN ILLEGAL KICKBACK FROM A LGOISTICS COMPANY THAT SUBS THE WORK TO LOCAL TOW COMPANIES? What is the service the City performs for receiving the "tribute"? This is RICO!!!!! What a corrupt and unnecessary layer. What a dirtbag Mayor and his cronies.
Owner occupied housing. Clear enough?
So people think I am paranoid. It's from experience in dealing with puds requested by developers who make major donations themselves to representatives, have nice fund raisers for those running for office and hide through pac's. then there are the public relation firms. You will note some pr comments below. You there Clyde Lee? My opinion. Commercial along 421, great. Multifamily housing, terrible idea that will change the town. Senior condos or zero lot line homes west, great. I suggest keeping all entries to commercial areas at 421. All entries to owner occupied on sycamore. Will keep the traffic on sycamore down some. Two other things. You can't trust what will be there in 10 years. Steve builds quality stuff, but areas change over time. Look at the changes at the wall mart center at 86th and 421 over the last 10 years. Look at the apartments and neighborhoods behind St Vincent's. Raintree properties WILL decrease in value if commercial and multifamily goes in near. It has already been happening around the bridges area. The houses that have been sold recently are way below market. Several deals not closed due to the Illinois construction and the whole unsurety of the bridges. It's pretty simple, Zionsville will approve the whole thing because the city council has been groomed over a LONG period of time for this. I might even suggest some are in their position as a result of this.
Esta, do you have a dog in this fight? You seem to really want to knock anyone against this project. No, I didn't move to Indiana for the architecture. I moved here for that red barn in the field. The horses and fields of corn. A place that is NOT overdeveloped. There are plenty of nearby places in Indianapolis that could be REDEVELOPED instead.
RKW - OK, we get it, you're paranoid. The question is, are you paranoid enough? Greg - Yes, Pittman(s) is (are) at it again. They are developers, they build things. It's what they do. So when you go to work tomorrow, Greg, you're at it again too. Cliff - Really? You moved to Indiana for its progressive architecture? That's like moving to England for the cuisine. Zionsvillain - The house you moved to was once a field or woods. I'm willing to bet folks were upset when that ground was plowed under and a house was built. But I guess now that you are in, everything should stop? "My house was OK, but the next one is sprawl." SE Guy - Please don't paint us with such a wide brush. Most reasonable Zionsville residents welcome planned, measured development.