Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
AKRON - Governor Mitch Daniels visited Akron Tuesday, stopping by Sloane's restaurant for a discussion with local media.
Topics ranged from Indiana's new ethanol production plants to Major Moves to illegal immigration.
Even the April 2 move to daylight-saving time was mentioned, though Daniels believed the early reactions from Hoosiers will change given time.
"It's still pretty early to know how people will truly feel about this," Daniels said. "People that are against something are a little more passionate about it."
And when asked about his popularity in the state and recent criticism of Indiana's time change, Daniels said he has been achieving goals he first addressed during his election campaign.
"We're not in this for the elections. We're here to build a better state," he said. "I'm focused on trying to keep my commitments. We are being true to what we said we were going to do. The rest will take care of itself."
One of the major goals of Daniel's role as governor is the strengthening of Indiana's economy. With the Indiana Economic Development Corporation established during his leadership, he said his office is striving to bring new, diversified businesses to Indiana in order to bolster the state's workforce and encourage educated youth to remain employed in the state.
With Louis Dreyfus to break ground in Claypool April 20 for the world's largest ethanol and biodiesel production plant, Daniels said Indiana has "gone from nowhere to leader in just a year." Currently, three new plants are in construction in the state, with locations in Claypool, Hammond and Morristown.
"Renewable fuels' time has arrived," Daniels said. "And I want Indiana to be the leader there. I want Claypool to be the first of many more.
"If we make the next step in technology, which I think is going to happen, how great would it be for Indiana to be ahead of that?"
Many companies move to Indiana because of the quality of the state's roads and infrastructure, Daniels said, which plays a tremendous role in these businesses' decisions.
With the $3.85 billion received from the 75-year lease of the Indiana Toll Road, Daniels said the road qualities can be improved upon even more, but the state has to be careful with how the new funds will be handled.
Major Moves will implement a 10-year, $10.6 billion transportation plan which Daniels believes will "boost job creation and fuel economic growth."
"The idea is to get that money and get it back in the ground for investments in the future.
"Sometimes the problems don't occur in the hard times, but in the flush times. The question is: Can we spend this money quickly and wisely? We need to stay disciplined on where this funding will go."
Major Moves projects include the construction and improvement of U.S. 31, the construction of I-69 from Evansville to Indianapolis, modernization of the toll road as well as more than 200 projects throughout the state.
Daniels also was asked about his opinions on illegal immigrants and the recent marches that took place in Indianapolis and South Bend Monday.
"I don't think I know anyone that doesn't want the law obeyed," he said. "But these folks are vital for businesses. I'm hopeful the federal government will find a way to tighten borders and address the issue of citizenship.
"I'm all for people with hopes and dreams who want to come here and work, but I think they should have requirements. They need to be a good citizen, a contributing citizen. They need to learn English and pay taxes.
"It ought not be under conditions of illegality."
When asked about his overall performance as governor, and how he felt about his progress over the last two years, Daniels appeared optimistic, saying he would continue to boost Indiana's economy, ending corruption in state spending and continuing to run a tight, efficient budget.
"We started with a dysfunctional government, and we have a long way to go," Daniels said. "I'm happy with my crew and where we're at. We'll continue to move forward."
