The Mayor’s proposal, dubbed Indianapolis Works, is without a doubt, the biggest news to hit Indy all year. While the details are still sketchy, the proposal is on a fast track to the next Legislative session.

This issue of Common Ground is an effort to get the initial perspective of the proposal into the hands of Neighborhoods throughout Marion County. To that end, I have posed the following question to a number of people in a position to offer their view from an educated perch:

“What do you want the Neighborhoods of Marion County to consider in reaching their own conclusions on the merits of Mayor Peterson's proposal to further consolidate Township services into the City/County government (Indianapolis Works)?”

Five people have been gracious enough to participate. All came in under their word count, so I must assume they did not compromise with their message. The articles they submitted are entitled with the author’s name and position.

Participating are:

Mayor Bart Peterson, City of Indianapolis, who is the author and primary proponent of the consolidation plan proposal

Mike Reeves, President of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Professional Fire Fighters Union, Local 416

Paul Ricketts, Lawrence Township Assessor

I do extend my thanks to these gentlemen for sharing their thoughts with us. I am sure that McANA will continue to stay in touch with them as more data and analyses are forthcoming and we will post as much as possible on our website: www.mcanaindy.org.