Speedway Corporations Neutral on Consolidation


(posted Jan 12)

The Town of Speedway's existence is at stake with the Kernan-Shepherd report's recommendation for consolidation that would eliminate our public safety and public schools as they currently function. Not only is the town concerned about consolidation, but the threat of abolishing property taxes could alter the redevelopment effort that is designed to fund projects with the increase in property assessments.

Although all eyes are turned toward the property tax situation, corporate businesses of Speedway have yet to state a position about the matter.

Bill Marty of Coca-Cola Bottling of Indianapolis Inc. continues to monitor the committee meetings at the State House. He said the company is "not oblivious" to the consolidation issue but is taking a neutral position when it comes to the schools.

However, he said Speedway is one of the unique school systems that has lower costs because it is a neighborhood community school system where children walk or find their own transportation.

Marty continues to monitor different bills that include abolishing property taxes or the governor's plan of adding caps to property taxes.

He also noted that the legislators are so consumed with property taxes that other bills might not make it out of committee because they do not have time to devote the necessary effort that is required. Marty been tracking Senator Gard's bill SB 45 that deals with water consumption in Lake Michigan to prevent the ecological destruction of the lakes. He noted that this is an important bill for the bottled water industry too. However, he said that the Speedway facility has two wells that provide its water needs. He also noted that these wells are the source for Dasani Water.

According to Ron Green of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the company has not taken a position on the consolidation issue or property tax legislation. "Rarely, if ever" is the Speedway active in lobbying. Green explained that some employees are residents of Speedway and have strong opinions about the matter, and they should, but the company is not taking a position.

Eric Dickerson of Allison Transmission said the corporation does not have a position or put out a comment because GM use to handle Allison's government affairs before the selling the company last year.

Dickerson just joined the firm within the month, so he has not even had time to go to the State House or really assess the situation. He said one of his goals in public relations is to have Allison Transmission become more involved and increase its activities in the town.

Wendy Chance of Praxair Surface Technologies said the company does not have a stated position concerning the abolishing property taxes or the consolidation plan.