My work on this blog has been later and lighter than I would like. I've been spending much of my working days on The JG's "When one party rules" series. Just when I think I've found some of the most flagrant examples of bad government in the county commissioners' office, more comes to my attention. Look for our Sunday editorial for more.
The commissioners just don't seem to understand why they should demand that their insurance broker reveal how much money he makes off the taxpayer-financed business. They don't know why they should see if another broker could give them a better deal. They can't imagine why it looks bad for all three commissioners to take a day off work and attend a golf outing with county contractors to raise money for their campaigns, and properly accounting for the money just doesn't seem to be a priority.
The County Council, on the other hand, gets it. Since three reform-minded challengers knocked of three old school incumbents in 2002, the council has made much progress. Six of the seven members have been on the council less than four years, and the overhaul was the best thing that's happened to county government in many, many years.
[...]
Cal Miller, Paula Hughes, Paul Moss and Darren Vogt have all displayed professional and progressive attitudes toward bringing county government into the 21st century. Roy Buskirk is an old school conservative, but he seems true to the conservative philosophy of saving taxpayer money, and county government needs someone like him. He's more concerned about saving money than accumulating power or putting his friends in higher places.
Buskirk is running against Linda Bloom in next spring's primary, and Bloom had better watch out. She will be better funded, but Buskirk may have the better message. And Bloom shouldn't cry for incumbent protection -- she defeated incumbent Jack Worthman years ago to win her seat.
Comments
In order to leave a comment, you must also leave your full name and a working email address in the event Fort Wayne Observed contacts you for confirmation. You may request that your email address not be published when your comment is posted.
Anonymous comments or those that include coarse language or personal attacks will not be tolerated.