Mitch Daniels deserves to be re-elected for his actions as governor in previous years. Recently, at the annual Delaware County Republicans' Lincoln-Reagan dinner, Daniels spoke about the progress of the state of Indiana and the importance of being informed voters. Though Daniels has drawn much criticism for some of his actions, the hallmark of his governorship has been financial awareness and putting Indiana back in black.
Daniels' transportation plan for Indiana has been criticized for the leasing of the Indiana East-West Toll Road. However, despite the negativity surrounding the issue, the Indiana Toll Road has been nothing but a sound investment. Although the agreement with the private, foreign-based company has only been in progress for a little over a year, results have been largely positive. The lease of the Indiana Toll Road created more than $200 million in interest for the state, which can be used for anything. Additionally, Indiana is the only state in the country to have a fully funded transportation investment program. Other states are forced to borrow money to pay for the necessary maintenance while Indiana is able to pay for its projects and, at the same time, earn $500,000 a day off of interest alone.
The benefits of the Indiana Toll Road are tremendous, yet people largely view the investment negatively. Because an outside company also benefits from the landmark deal, people believe Daniels and his supporters are selling the state. It's like people imagine the company picking up the entire road and moving it to Australia. Furthermore, all the fun-loving, flag-waving crowd members view the "selling" of the state as un-American. This inaccuracy has hurt Daniels' popularity tremendously because people simply don't understand.
The "lease" is only for 75 years, which in the lifespan of Indiana is absolutely nothing. Under agreement, the foreign-based company collects all the tolls received and maintains the road for a one-time payment to the state. Compared to other neighboring states like Ohio and Illinois, the Indiana Toll Road is relatively inexpensive. Paying $4.75 for a 157-mile trip isn't too much to ask when the state is now able to spend an expected $11.9 billion on road construction by 2015. Stepping back and looking at the big picture provides a more complete understanding for the positive benefits the state has received. Not only does Indiana benefit immediately, but it will continue to do so if the money is invested intelligently.
The Indiana Toll Road is one example of Daniels' commitment to improving Indiana. The governor has also created jobs throughout the state, made initiatives to resolve the property tax issue, encouraged a healthy lifestyle for all Hoosiers and improved the education system. Daniels and his administration should be recognized for making much needed changes to Indiana during his term. Daniels' has done exactly what he promised Hoosiers during his campaign by progressing the state. Indiana is now viewed as a leader instead of a follower because Daniels has done more for this state than what Frank O'Bannon and Joe Kernan did combined. Overall, he has kept his promise by greatly improving the quality of life for people across the state and making changes.
Under the leadership and guidance of Daniels, Indiana has turned a $600 million deficit into a $1.2 billion surplus. Hoosiers of all ages need to be informed when going to the polls this coming spring. Take time to look at some of the facts concerning the actions of Daniels and his administration. At the end of the day, Daniels will be My Man Mitch for many informed Hoosiers.
Write to Travis at tjoneill@bsu.edu
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