VANDERBURGH CO., IN (WFIE) -
The referendum to reorganize Evansville and Vanderburgh County into a single subdivision picked up endorsements from two groups concerned about reducing bureaucracy and improving efficiency: the Southwestern Indiana Builders Association (SIBA) and the local Chamber of Commerce.
SIBA, with more than 500 members representing all aspects of the building industry, endorsed a "yes" vote on the referendum. In its statement of endorsement SIBA said:
"The issue of unified government has been debated for decades and the Builders Association believes now is the time finally to eliminate excessive bureaucratic layers to create a more accountable, responsive and efficient local government."
For additional information about SIBA or its endorsement contact SIBA executive director Bill Pedtke at (812) 479-6026.
The Chamber of Commerce also endorsed the referendum. Kathy Briscoe, incoming Chair of the local Chamber, said, "Our members continually relay the confusion and difficulty when interacting with both city and county government on issues related to development and permitting. Even though 13 joint departments do currently exist, the department heads still have reporting duties to both city and county officials. It is our hope that unified local government will fix many of these issues and reduce the cost of doing business in Evansville-Vanderburgh County."
The local Chamber of Commerce is made up of 1,200 members, primarily small businesses. For additional information about the Chamber or its endorsement contact Kim Ottillie, VP of Public Policy, at (812) 421-5888.
Greg Wathen, President and CEO of the Economic Development Coalition of Southwest Indiana, has previously endorsed the referendum in a Courier & Press Community Comment on August 29, 2012.
The Plan of Reorganization would merge county and city councils, and the executive branches of each district. However, city limits and city services would be kept in place so that taxes would remain unchanged. Other aspects of local government, like zoning and law enforcement, would also remain the same. For more information about YES! for Unification or to read The Plan of Reorganization in its entirety, please visit www.YesforUnification.com.
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