This has been a busy few days. Thursday was a very positive and happy day as Governor Mitch Daniels came to Peru to present two heroism awards to Miami County residents, Nolan Sturch and Michael Brooks. These citizens happened upon an auto accident where the car had started to burn, and they fought the flames to pull the driver to safety.
It was a nice gathering of supporters from the community, and we are all very pleased that our governor honored these men with a very rare award. The governor stated that very few people have received this award, and he emphasized how honored these men should be. I told the crowd that this was a great day for Miami County and its citizens. Their behavior is a testament to the quality of people who live here.
On Friday, Rep. Ruppel and I met with the administration of Tippecanoe Valley Schools for over two hours. They expressed their frustration with state finances and how they are affected. Rep. Ruppel and I expressed our frustration with the difficulties that Indiana is experiencing because of reduced revenues.
The meeting was productive and good information was exchanged. I shared with them that our state and local government are in a revenue contraction and a management mode. It is not easy to look people in the eye and say that there is no money for their program. The meeting concluded on a very positive note.
Saturday was an early morning meeting in Warsaw with the county Farm Bureau. The meeting was well attended by legislators. Sen. Stutzman, Sen. Mishler, Sen. Head, Sen. Dillon, Rep. Ruppel and I spoke and fielded questions regarding tax caps, education and ag issues.
No one is really happy with our current situation, but all of us understand the important of responding in a very positive way. It is good to interact with organizations that help to create solutions by effective discussions about policy.
Sunday, of course, was the Colts in the Super Bowl. The result was definitely a disappointment, but a reality check is necessary. There were 30 NFL teams that would have loved to be 2nd place in the biggest game of the season. Indianapolis has a great organization, and we are very fortunate to have them.
The sun comes up again, and life goes on. Our state and the many communities will continue to work hard to build a great state. Let's work to create jobs and an economy that will put Hoosiers back to work. Indiana has a great history, and it will prevail.
More later,
Bill Friend
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