The laudable ideas to reform government proposed in the Kernan Shepard may not make it out of this session of the Indiana General Assembly. It’s too bad, because the reforms would streamline government and perhaps reduce what it costs to provide services.

The reform proposals will be back: they are likely to be regular debate topics in the Statehouse for several years.

There are two major reasons they didn’t get farther this time: these are major changes, and they don’t seem all that topical right now.

The Kernan Shepard commission’s proposals are detailed at www.mysmartgov.com. It is safe to say that recommendations to eliminate township government, consolidate small library boards and double up some sheriff’s departments would change the way many people relate to local government. Stripping away a layer or two of government might reduce the time and red tape of conducting some official business, such as getting a zoning variance or licensing a business. On the other hand, removing some officeholder who may be friendly, or at least closer, to you may save money but result in less personal service.

Although influential Hoosiers from Governor Daniels on down have been talking up the Kernan Shepard reforms for months, they just don’t seem all that relevant to many Indiana residents right now. Unemployment is high, businesses are going bust, GM is axing workers by the hundreds, and the legislature is writing the state budget that will try to allow for sinking revenues and high demands for unemployment benefits. How to fund schools and public safety are way up on the priority list: who to call for a dog license is way down.

Deciding the number of local officials in our public employ seems like a sideshow right now. It is very important, but it is not the main event.

Guy Johnson