IACC Position on the Single County Commissioner
There was a bill filed on Allen County Single Co. executive in the House. The bill was assigned to the House Committee on Government and Regulatory Reform. Chairman Mahan choose not to hear the bill. We were surprised last week to learn that the amendment was being considered in elections -- and not the subject matter committee of local government where the issue has been debated over the last several years.
Please let me offer some of the Association's thoughts on the bill:
• Over and over again, the IACC has surveyed members on the various proposals related to single county commissioner and single county executive. Each time, IACC members have indicated their strong opposition to such proposals.
•Many legislators indicate the public wants this change – but we speak to our constituents on a regular basis and these individuals support the valuable role we play for our local government. We are not faced with public outcry for change and we are accountable to our constituents on a daily basis.
• From time to time, some of you ask our members about how we can be opposed to a local option – especially in light our routine requests to make decisions at the county level. IACC does not believe this proposal is about doing what’s best for county government and we don’t believe that this is the best option for the citizens of this state. Let me share a few reasons why we take our position:
o A single individual serving as the county executive has been shown by independent studies (like the Ball State Study) to be less cost efficient. Such studies sight that there is no evidence that such a proposal will save taxpayers money and in fact is likely to increase costs. This bill will likely cost people more money.
o Further, a single county commissioner decreases the ability to debate important proposals that impact the citizens of the county. Instead of debating important proposals in a public session, a single individual is able to unilaterally enact change. The proponents of the bill have said that unilateral change is a good thing – tell that to the citizens that disagree with the proposal. Not only are you eliminating the right to debate – you are eliminating the right for citizens to have input into decisions that impact them and their wallet.
o A single county commissioner structure reduces the transparency of county government and possibly opens the door for abuses of power and political favoritism.
o This proposed single county commissioner structure removes power from the voters to choose all of their local leaders. This proposal restricts citizens to vote for only one council member that will be making legislative changes for the entire county. We ask how this is good for voter input into the decision to determine who represents them.
• Proponents of the amendment argue that a three county commissioner structure can stall the progress of counties – yet in the last eight years some of the largest economic development deals in this state were initiated at the county level.
• Further, proponents of the amendment state that the three county commissioner structure leads to an uncooperative environment where progress can’t be made. We strongly disagree and we believe the current structure promotes cooperative leadership – requiring people with different opinions, backgrounds and political beliefs to work together on behalf of the citizens of the county.
• The current structure provides our communities with a diverse representation. Having three commissioners brings more qualifications, experience, and skills to the office and promotes a broad range of ideas to the decision making process. We have business professionals, homemakers, farmers, clergy, and educators just to name a few representing our communities. Some proponents argue that this allows individuals that to serve as commissioner that are not qualified to run the business of the county – we believe it allows for citizens to choose the best individuals to serve their interests and we ask – are the members of the general assembly ready to set qualifications for who can run and represent citizens at the statehouse? Diversity in opinion is what democracy is built on – checks and balances work and we don’t want to see a structure that diminishes the ability to debate important issues. A three member board compliments each other and brings great wisdom and strength to decision making. The current structure is a true representative government structure.
• The current structure allows the commissioners to divide the responsibilities between three members allows for greater time management and representation due to the fact that commissioners are often required by statute to sit on different board and commissions.
• The three member board with election cycles alternating brings continuity to the business of the county. The Amendment to 1318 compromises this continuity.
• Our members have many concerns with this legislation – both philosophical concerns and technical concerns. We feel this amendment is an attack on local government.
• Last session, the majority of members of the House stood in support of county government when they voted in opposition to a single county executive proposal on the House floor. We hope these members and other legislators will continue to stand in support of strong county government and support a three member commissioner structure. We ask for your strong opposition to the Amendment.
• Lastly, you may question why we are weighing in on an amendment that only impacts Allen County. We are voicing our strong support because we believe this is just the tip of the ice berg and we believe strongly it is the wrong policy for our state.