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Monday, December 27, 2004

Indiana Government - Locals bemoan loss of state's tax chief

This interesting story from today's Munster Times is headlined: "Locals bemoan loss of state's tax chief: Even GOP officials laud Democratic government finance commissioner." Some quotes:

CROWN POINT | Both Lake County Democrats and Republicans bemoan the likely replacement of the state's top tax official when Gov.-elect Mitch Daniels takes office in January.

Like other state department heads, Beth Henkel, commissioner of the Indiana Department of Local Government Finance, has penned her resignation letter and is preparing to box up her Indianapolis office.

"I am currently accepting a limited number of fabulous job offers. That's what my husband tells anyone who asks," Henkel said, laughing.

But county officials hope Daniels will reject her resignation letter and retain Henkel, the woman who led the county through much of the state's controversial 2002 property reassessment. * * *

"I'm a good Republican," said St. John Township Assessor Hank Adams. "But she is by far the hardest working and most knowledgeable person we have ever had in that post. I'd hate to see her go.

"I wish the new governor would reconsider this one. She's better than all the rest of the (former state commissioners) put together. It's so unusual that you find such a hard worker in a political job like that."

At a recent county Board of Commissioners' meeting Henkel attended, she received a standing ovation. * * *

"We will miss her a lot, and I am deeply concerned about what this means for the taxpayers of Lake County," Treasurer Peggy Holinga Katona said. "I'm a little nervous about this because (Henkel) has been here since day one. She really did spend an awful lot of time up here with us."

Henkel downplayed the significance of her role.

"The new commissioner will have to rely a great deal on my good staff," said the Indianapolis resident and mother of three. "I would be more concerned if changes were made with them."

Marc Lotter, spokesman for Daniels' transition team, said no decision has been announced on who will head the Department of Local Government Finance after the governor-elect takes office.

Posted by Marcia Oddi on December 27, 2004 12:00 PM
Posted to Indiana Government