A few weeks ago, I called for the resignation of Matthew T. Klein, executive director of the Department of Waterworks in Indianapolis. It was his office that allowed the public to lose out on $500,000.00 in stimulus money for infrastructure improvements. Not only would these funds have helped us improve our crippling water infrastructure, but they would have put many of our neighbors back to work.

It has come to my attention that Mr. Klein requested more than $900,000 from the DOW board to pay outside water management consultants. It is my understanding that these consultants would do the same job that Veolia Water was hired to do. Keep in mind, the department has requested another increase in water rates – this time by 35%.

The Ballard administration is considering the sale of one of our most precious assets – our water. This sale would create one of the biggest water utility transactions in North America.

The current administration has proven itself not to be trustworthy with their lack of transparency regarding this major issue. As a City-County Councillor, it is my responsibility to ensure your tax dollars are spent wisely. It will always be my top priority to work with my colleagues on the Council to guide our City through these tough economic times.

To know that $500,000 in stimulus funds have been completely disregarded by this department and its leadership is not only frustrating, but forces me to dig deeper for answers. Who will control our water? Who will set the rates? I encourage my fellow citizens to research the recent actions of our water department, question their decisions, and voice your concerns. Do not let the Ballard administration take away control of our water.