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BY BILL DOLAN
bdolan@nwitimes.com
219.662.5328 | Saturday, January 05, 2008 | (5 comment(s))
CROWN POINT | Lake County's top fiscal officers have to regroup after a bruising month in which they were vilified by tax protesters and lost one of their members to forced resignation.
The Lake County Council, which holds its first 2008 meeting Tuesday, will be faced with enforcing a budget freeze against requests for new hires and purchases and possibly revisiting a county income tax later this year.
"It's going to be a tough year," said Councilman Tom O'Donnell, D-Dyer.
The council failed in an attempt to enact a 1 percent personal income tax late in 2007. Council members fell one vote short of overriding a veto of the tax by the Lake County Board of Commissioners.
That issue isn't dead.
"I'm fairly confident the state Legislature will try again to force us to pass one," said O'Donnell, a tax opponent.
Former Councilman Will Smith Jr. worked behind the scenes last fall to pass the tax following his conviction on a federal tax fraud charge. Smith resigned last week after the tax failed. His sentencing is scheduled for Wednesday, although Smith is asking for a delay.
Smith departs after 14 years in office -- three of those years as council president.
Council President Elsie Franklin, D-Gary, said she expects a caucus of Democratic precinct committeemen from Smith's 3rd District to meet Jan. 17 to name Smith's replacement.
She said Gary City Councilman Jerome Prince and Gary School Board member Alex Wheeler have expressed interest in the job, and others are rumored to be running.
Franklin, who took over presidency from Smith, her mentor, said she will relinquish the post next week, setting off a new leadership scramble.
Councilwoman Christine Cid, D-East Chicago, said she is considering a run for president in 2008. Councilman Ernie Dillon, D-Hammond, said he would support Cid.
Councilman Larry Blanchard, R-Crown Point, said he will nominate himself but knows his status as the lone Republican on the council dooms his changes. O'Donnell, who has previously sought to be president, said he won't oppose any movement by Cid.
"I think I would be the best candidate for president, but I was so frustrated by last year's presidential election. And I'm sure Chris is lining up her votes," O'Donnell said.
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cj wrote on Jan 5, 2008 11:44 PM:
Joker wrote on Jan 5, 2008 5:47 PM:
Duh wrote on Jan 5, 2008 12:10 PM:
Voter wrote on Jan 5, 2008 9:05 AM:
Just what we DON'T need!! wrote on Jan 5, 2008 2:00 AM: