VANDERBURGH CO., IN (WFIE) -
On Wednesday night, parties on both sides of the city-county consolidation debate on the campus of USI.
As some early voters have seen, consolidation is the first question on the November ballot, and it's such an important issue that both sides are continuing to debate it as we near election day.
Shall the city of Evansville and Vanderburgh County reorganize as a single political subdivision?
That's the question that needs your yes or no.
"The plans give these high power people we elected to these posts the best set of tools to be the most effective," said Sheriff Eric Williams, who was speaking for Yes! for Unification.
"To say this is going to help us when the unemployment rate of the cities we're using as a model have higher employment rates just seems a little inconsistent," said Rev. Adrian Brooks, who is not in favor of reorganization.
At the center of the debate is representation. Those in favor say one common council and mayor will provide better representation. Those against consolidation say it will make for less representation.
Both sides also butted heads of what a merger will mean as far as taxes, something that is not clearly outlined in the plan.
Those against consolidation say studies show a merger will end up costing more money and will limit funding the city needs for the urban core.
Those in favor of a merger say it will streamline government leading to cost savings and economic growth.
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A large crowd turns out to hear the debate between both sides of the city-county consolidation.
