Representatives from the state, county and city levels spoke at the Kosciusko Leadership Academy meeting Tuesday.
State Rep. David Wolkins, City Councilman Joe Thallemer and County Councilman Brad Tandy shared on both the opportunities and challenges the state, city and county are facing.
Thallemer shared some city government issues. He stated that more roadwork is scheduled. Unfortunately, the price of asphalt is going up. This puts the area in a position of working with less revenue along with increased prices. Thallemer also stressed the need for shovel-ready ground to provide a climate for business. The aging infrastructure was also mentioned, giving an example of some older water pipes bursting due to increased water pressure.
Tandy covered the structure of the three commissioners and seven councilmen (three at-large and four geographic specific). One of the issues they have been dealing with lately has been 911 funding. Funds come from land-line phones. Unfortunately, people are dropping them and switching to cell phones resulting in decreased funding. Another significant issue is road repairs with less state and federal funding. Tandy concluded by announcing that they have been building a new Internet site to make city government more accessible. The website is now up.
Wolkins updated the class on the most recent session in Indianapolis and highlighted issues related to education and collective bargaining, new taxes that may impact the orthopedic industry, streamlining government and other topics of local interest.
The meeting ended with the opportunity to network and brainstorm white paper project ideas.
The next KLA session is Oct. 11 at the Bowen Center and will focus on understanding leadership style and personality type.
