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REGULAR MEETING APRIL 23, 2012 <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />April 23, 2012 <br /> <br />Commissioner Andrew Kostielney, President <br />Board of Commissioners of St. Joseph County <br />th <br />7 Floor County-City Building <br />South Bend, Indiana 46601 <br /> <br />Mr. Rafael Morton, County Council President <br />St. Joseph County Council <br />th <br />4 Floor County-City Building <br />South Bend, Indiana 46601 <br /> <br />Re: Vote Centers <br /> <br />Dear President Kostielney and President Morton: <br /> <br />Recently, it was reported by the news media that the current 220 polling places in St. <br />Joseph County may be reduced to a total 25 vote centers. The new media also reported <br />that the Board of County Commissioners welcomed input on this proposal. <br /> <br />As you are well aware, the City of South Bend typically budgets over a two-year period <br />the required monies to cover the election costs involved with city elections. Such costs <br />are typically calculated by the County Auditor and then sent to the City Controller who <br />then includes the appropriate line-item in the city budgets. Although there are studies <br />which show that vote centers may help control local government costs, the overall impact <br />on voter turnout may also a valid criteria which should be further studied. <br /> <br />The undersigned members of the South Bend Common Council believe that a broad- <br />based Study Committee which includes a representative of our Common Council, should <br />be appointed to carefully study whether a vote center concept would be appropriate in St. <br />Joseph County. <br /> <br />We have had the opportunity to review many of the items posed on the Indiana Secretary <br />of State’s website on Vote Centers, which are available on line at <br />www.votecenters.IN.gov The 7-step process which is outlined on that website which <br />includes a study committee as well as a proposed plan, we believe would be a good way <br />to gather input from residents of St. Joseph County. <br /> <br />We look forward to being included on this important matter, and look forward to your <br />update. Thank You. <br /> <br />Most sincerely, <br /> <br />Tim Scott Dr. David Varner <br />stth <br />1 District Council Member 5 District Council Member <br /> <br />Henry Davis, Jr. Oliver J. Davis, Vice-President <br />ndth <br />2 District Council Member 6 District Council Member <br /> <br />Valerie Schey Derek D. Dieter, President <br />rd <br />3 District Council Member Council Member At Large <br /> <br />Dr. Fred Ferlic Gavin Ferlic <br />th <br />4 District Council Member Council Member At Large <br /> <br /> Karen L. White <br /> Council Member At Large <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> 26 <br /> <br />