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Rep. Bauer’s letter to the USDOT

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Representative Bauer sent his letter (PDF) to the United States Dept. of Transportation urging inclusion of St. Joseph County in the central time zone. It’s nice and succinct. I don’t have any direct experience with Rep. Bauer, but I’ve heard that his approach to the legislative process has a tendency to be roundabout. I’m glad to see him charge right at the target on this one.

His points:

  • Indiana’s own Department of Transportation groups St. Joseph County in the “LaPorte District” with Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties. All of the aforementioned counties currently observe central daylight saving time.
  • In addition to the counties mentioned above. Marshall, Fulton, Pulaski, and Starke counties voiced strong support for Saint Joseph County at the Department of Transportation hearing in South Bend.
  • The South Shore railroad (Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District) runs through Lake, Porter, LaPorte and St. Joseph counties. The 1918 Uniform Time Act, updated in 1966, allows South Shore (NICTD) to request a uniform time on their route. They have petitioned for uniform time-central time.
  • Elected officials from Lake, Porter, and LaPorte counties have all voiced their support for St. Joseph County’s move to central time. This coalition (including St. Joseph County) represents close to 116 of the total population of the state of Indiana.
  • There is a tremendous amount of economic potential for business growth between South Bend and Chicago if St. Joseph County moves to central time. The relationship with the South Shore Railroad and it’s link to both Chicago and South Bend, is vital.
  • I.C. 1-1-8.1-3 clearly states that “the state supports the county executive of any county that seeks to change the time zone in which the county is located under the procedures established by federal law.” As a State Representative of St. Joseph County I am carrying out the will of my constituents under the law. (Glad to see someone thinks that statute isn’t just so much wasted ink.)

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