By DeAntae Prince
TERRE HAUTE — Neil Garrison, city councilman, has implemented a new plan that fosters unity between communities similar to Terre Haute.
His G.I.S.T. initiative, which stands for Governments Informational Sharing through Technology, calls for cities to help others deal with issues that have plagued them in the past. Cities similar to Terre Haute in size were contacted by Garrison to join through mass e-mail. Garrison’s goal is for Terre Haute and other cities to become more efficient through collaboration.
He said being a new member of the City Council gave him a perspective that allowed him to realize Terre Haute could benefit from instituting conversation with places like itself.
“I noticed a trend where we needed to find out if other counties have had the same problems we have,” Garrison said.
In a news release, Garrison stressed the fact that the new idea will not add to the city’s budget, while being an asset.
“The best part is, we can benefit from the exchange with absolutely no cost to taxpayers,” Garrison said. “With the continual reminder that our budgets are decreasing, we need to look at no-cost or low-cost solutions.”
His policy relies on conventional wisdom, as it is simply a program to avoid the mistakes others have made.
“In many cases in local government, there are some real efficiencies in sharing successful and even unsuccessful results,” Garrison said in the release.
In order to keep neutrality between the cities, Garrison has decided to avoid competitive topics, such as tax incentives and economic development. Instead, the focus will be on such areas as implementing policies in animal control, graffiti and fuel reduction.
Garrison said there is no reason neighboring communities shouldn’t get involved.
“It’s a no-cost idea,” Garrison said. “I’d be surprised if at least one person from each city wouldn’t be willing to get involved.”
Susan Sandberg, president of the Bloomington City Council, and representative at large, replied to Garrison’s message on Friday morning, agreeing to be part of the initiative.
“I certainly don’t think it’s a bad idea,” Sandberg said. “If we can pick the brains of other council members and benefit, I think it’s a great idea.”
Though she didn’t see any downside to the idea, Sandberg stated there is not much that she saw possible. Because major issues such as economic development may cause a conflict and the council members hold full-time jobs, the affect of Garrison’s plan may be limited. She said it may be hard to keep in close contact given the council members’ schedules.
She said, however, that she would reserve judgment on what she thinks may be the outcome of the program.
None of six other neighboring cities contacted have had council members yet respond.
DeAntae Prince can be reached at (812)231-4214 or deantae.prince@tribstar.com.
