A mayor for Mishawaka

One state Republican official apparently is referring to northeast Indiana as “Land of the Caucus” for its frequent gatherings to fill GOP ballot and office vacancies. Maybe, but the action is moving north: GOP precinct officials are preparing to choose a replacement for Mishawaka Mayor Jeff Rea, who’s stepping down to lead the Chamber of Commerce in St. Joseph County.

Rea’s resignation has drawn eight hopefuls to the caucus on Thursday. The candidates include two city council members, Mishawaka’s information technology director, a city utilities manager and a retired truck driver.

Watchful eye on townships

From Huntington County comes more evidence that too many township governments have inadequate oversight.

A state audit discovered that former Union Township trustee Danny Jordan used township funds for $152 in printer ink cartridges – when the township has no printer. Many trustees pay themselves rent for office space, and Jordan was no exception – covering a period after he resigned. In all, the state says Jordan owes $1,900.

Such discrepancies should be noticed by the township advisory board, but such boards are too often perfunctory, with few meetings and no oversight. This is not true in all townships, particularly in urban townships with big budgets such as Allen County’s Wayne Township, where former advisory board member Ben GiaQuinta once caught irregularities that led to criminal charges.

But too often in too many townships, there is too little oversight.