Indiana

Water World

By Abdul Hakim-Shabazz

It’s not very often I see tri-partisan support for somewhat controversial measures down at the City-County building, but by a vote of 19-10, the Indianapolis City-County Council approved the nearly $2 billion deal to transfer the city’s water and waste water facilities to Citizens Gas.  All 15 Republicans, three Democrats, and one Libertarian all supported the measure.

I’ve supported the water deal for a number of reasons, it addresses two major issues.  It helps mitigate the 400% anticipated rate increase while providing badly needed funds for infrastructure.   And no offense to some of my Democratic friends, they never offered up a viable alternative to the deal, except for some who wanted to nothing.  There are a number of things they could have done with respect  to the deal, but if you’re not smart enough to figure it out, I can’t help you.

Meanwhile, here are soundbites from some of the key players from Monday night’s meeting.

Carey Lykins, Citizens Gas CEO

Ed Coleman, Libertarian

Joanne Sanders, Minority Leader

Jackie Nytes, Democrat

Full post as published by Indiana Barrister on July 27, 2010 (boomark / email).