Editorial Roundup:

The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette. April 24, 2020

Far from '~all in'

Hoosiers from across state, political spectrum deserve task force representation

Gov. Eric Holcomb is doing many things right. His response to the COVID-19 crisis has shown genuine concern for Hoosiers throughout the state.

But not every decision has been wise. The Economic Relief and Recovery Task Force he announced two weeks ago is sorely lacking in both transparency and bipartisan representation. The high-powered panel includes well-qualified individuals, but they are overwhelmingly Republicans who don't reflect the state's diverse population and the life experiences of its residents.

After Holcomb announced the seven-member panel at his April 10 media availability, House Minority Leader Phil GiaQuinta sent a letter urging the addition of an appointee by each of the General Assembly's four caucus leaders.

'œThe creation of an economic advisory panel is wise given the vast economic consequences related to COVID-19 and the complex nature of the fiscal decisions that lie before us,'ť the Fort Wayne Democrat wrote. 'œI was, however, alarmed by the lack of bipartisan inclusion on the advisory panel, especially provided the significant tasks assigned to the committee. Now, more than ever, Hoosiers expect their government to work inclusively in order to achieve the best results for our state.'ť

Holcomb's office acknowledged it received the letter, GiaQuinta said. But the governor has not expanded the panel, which is tasked with planning, administering and accounting for the $2.4 billion in federal relief funds awarded to the state under the CARES Act.

The governor's task force is co-chaired by state budget director Cris Johnston and Secretary of Commerce Jim Schellinger. The other members are Al Hubbard, who was director of the National Economic Council for President George W. Bush; former state Sen. Luke Kenley; former state budget director Ryan Kitchell, now with Old National Bancorp; Kristin Marcuccilli, an Indiana Economic Development Corporation board member and Star Financial Bank executive; and former Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman.

Six of the seven members are Republicans. Schellinger sought the Democratic nomination for governor in 2008, but he and his wife have made multiple $5,000 contributions to the governor since he was appointed secretary of commerce.

While northeast Indiana is fortunate to have a representative, the panel is largely made up of central Indiana officials. Heavily populated northwest Indiana is left out entirely. GiaQuinta's suggestion would likely add two more Republicans to the task force, but it also would add two Democrats, who overwhelmingly represent residents in the state's larger communities.

'œI represent the urban areas, the inner city, the large public school system '“ the things that are going to be affected the most,'ť GiaQuinta said. 'œWho do I go to? Who is my contact person on this task force?'ť

GiaQuinta said he has received many questions about where the relief money for businesses is going.

'œThese big corporations have lawyers '“ they know what to do to get the money,'ť he said. 'œBut these small restaurants, for example '“ do they have the money to hire a lawyer? Really, it's experience and know-how for those who were able to jump on it and get the money.'ť

Holcomb was asked about the task force's work during a recent news conference. He said the members were participating in daily phone calls.

All of the members have fine public service records, and we trust they are working in our best interests. But the handling of billions of dollars in public money demands full transparency and oversight. The House minority leader hasn't called for equal representation on the task force '“ just a seat at the table.

'œWe're supposed to be '~all in,' 'ť GiaQuinta said, referring to the state's COVID-19 public service campaign. 'œWell, frankly, we're all left out.'ť

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(Terre Haute) Tribune-Star. April 21, 2020

Pay attention to work zones

Road construction demands awareness from all motorists

It was a strange sight in Terre Haute around midday Monday on Wabash Avenue.

Vehicles lined the street. Lots of them. Many were semi trucks.

With stay-home orders and social-distancing guidelines still ruling life amid the coronavirus pandemic, vehicular traffic has been light on city streets or, in some cases, nonexistent.

Leave it to a traffic problem on Interstate 70 to change all that.

The Indiana State Police posted on social media that a semi truck carrying an oversized load got stuck in the construction zone on I-70 near the Indiana 46/U.S. 40 exit. It took a couple hours to get the problem resolved. Meanwhile, traffic was rerouted from the interstate into Terre Haute, to Wabash Avenue, then back out to the freeway.

Fortunately, it wasn't a serious mishaps. No one was injured. Given the circumstances, traffic congestion through Terre Haute was more of a curiosity than an inconvenience.

But it highlights an issue worth raising awareness about.

In fact, Indiana is recognizing National Work Zone Awareness Week this week as highway construction season ramps up. Trucks carrying oversized loads aren't the only vehicles that need to pay more attention to what's ahead on the highway. It affects every motorist and every worker.

The danger is real. In 2019, nearly 30 people were killed in Indiana Department of Transportation work zone crashes, which was the highest loss of life in the last 15 years.

More than 1,100 INDOT projects are planned across the state this year, including the major patching project now underway on I-70 between the Illinois-Indiana border and the Indiana 59/Brazil exit.

INDOT has safety plans and procedures in place to prevent crashes. But drivers need to do their part. Respect the conditions and follow traffic laws. Local drivers should even consider finding another route rather than using I-70.

Don't estimate the dangers of work zones. Take your time. Stay alert. Be safe.

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Kokomo Tribune. April 23, 2020.

Hard work will pay off

This time of year, parents of high school and college seniors usually had our sympathies.

There were 'œsenior boards'ť to finish, carpets to clean, yards to mow, bushes to trim, weeds to pull and menus to complete in preparation for the many open houses across the area.

But those celebrations could be delayed or even canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic and concerns of infection. The Class of 2020 and their parents must be terribly disappointed.

Still, the parents of our local high school seniors have our sincere thanks. The 12 years of shuttling children to school, the band and choir concerts, the many after-school practices and activities, the homework checks, the teacher conferences and driving lessons finally are about to pay off.

To the many area high school seniors, congratulations. Graduation is one of those seminal moments. It's the end of childhood and the beginning of a new and - we hope - exciting chapter of life.

Though you've completed high school, your education is not complete. Just ask any IU Kokomo senior. In our information-based economy, post-high school training is required to earn an income that can support a family - most likely, even a job.

We're fortunate to have several colleges right here where such training is available and much more affordable than at a residential campus.

These next few weeks, however, savor your achievement.

But above all, take a moment to thank your parents for their sacrifices and encouragement over the years. You wouldn't have earned your diploma without their love and support.

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