Thursday, October 14, 2010

Indianapolis Star Editorial Board Wonders About Its City's Priorities


Link to October 13 Indianapolis Star editorial, "Bridge the gap for buses, library".

Excerpt: City government is steering tens of millions of tax dollars to the convention business, Downtown decoration and for-profit sports, retail and hospitality purveyors while the most basic of amenities, particularly libraries and mass transit, struggle for want of a fraction of those dollars.

The Ballard administration insists that legalities make the argument moot; but members of the City-County Council are right to challenge that assertion and to demand that it be debated before approving the Capital Improvement Board's budget.

One rubber stamp is enough for the time being. The Metropolitan Development Commission recently gave unanimous permission to divert $8 million a year from the tax-increment finance fund to the CIB, over protests that the move amounts to giving that body property tax revenue for the first time. Critics say state law requires City-County Council review of that maneuver. The city says no.


Related articles:
Cuts in library hours, materials budget.  (9/15/2010)
Library announces 26% cut in hours.  (9/14/2010)
Indianapolis resident recommends book to local officials.  (9/6/2010)
Library board votes to include 'shortfall appeal' option.  (9/1/2010)
Library board to consider 'shortfall appeal'.  (8/30/2010)
In close vote, library board cuts hours, staff.  (8/20/2010)
Library grapples with its sustainable future.  (8/16/2010)
Library projects a $7.3 million deficit by 2014.  (7/29/2010)
Library board sez no branch closings in 2011.  (7/15/2010)
Library supporters question Pacers deal. (7/15/2010)
High performance government team report.  (7/11/2010)
Library board delays decision on libraries.  (6/5/2010)
Another big turnout for libraries.  (5/13/2010)
Mayor vows to keep library branches open.  (5/12/2010)
Residents speak up for their libraries.  (5/11/2010)
The neighborhood library as refuge.  (5/2/2010)
Indianapolis Star editorial board keeps library funding issue front and center.  (4/25/2010)
Efficiency experts look for ways to keep branch libraries open.  (4/23/2010)
More than 1400 sign petition to keep Glendale branch open.  (4/20/2010)
Editorial:  Find resources for library.  (4/19/2010)
What's in store for Indianapolis-area libraries?  (4/17/2010)
Indiana Pacers bailout talks continue.  (4/16/2010)
Postscript.  (4/15/2010)
Look what's at the top of Indianapolis's to-do list.  (4/14/2010)
A Challenge to Indianapolis-Marion County:  Stand Up for Libraries.  (4/13/2010)
Library rally caps?  Get real, sez IndyStar editorial.  (4/12/2010)
Will Indianapolis rally for its libraries?  (4/12/2010)
Library considers branch closings.  (4/9/2010)

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