IU speaker says schools are the problem

By Keith Benman, Times of Northwest Indiana
keith.benman@nwi.com

The nation should start to pull out of the worst economic recession since the early 1980s later this year, but Northwest Indiana will remain mired in problems that have dogged the region since 1978, an Indiana economist told a business luncheon gathering Thursday.

"The number one economic development issue in Indiana: It's education. It's the schools," said Morton Marcus, director emeritus of the Indiana Business Research Center.

Marcus, who also writes a syndicated column that appears in The Times, offered those views as a featured speaker at Indiana University Northwest's 2009 Business Speaker Series in Merrillville.

Marcus turned the tables on the audience of 230 and said it was time to stop blaming politicians. Known for his punchy delivery and snide asides, Marcus said it was up to business leaders to bring about the required changes in schools.

"How is it going to happen?" Marcus asked. "It will happen by pressure from the private sector.

"You can get involved with the schools, and you would be surprised how fast changes in a high school can permeate throughout the community."

In a question-and-answer session after, several audience members, including Laura Kittle, wanted to know how schools could be changed without politicians being involved.

Marcus used the opportunity to take a swipe at the Indiana General Assembly.

"I just can't believe someone we elected in the 1970s can be at the top of his game anymore," he said.

He then blamed party-line votes and Indiana House leadership for much of the legislative malaise.

Marcus' talk was the fourth Business Speaker series event in five years hosted by Indiana University Northwest's School of Business and Economics and its associated Business Alliance, which seeks to create a partnership between the school and the local business community.

The Dean of the School of Business and Economics, Anna Rominger, said Thursday's event was one of the most well-attended yet.

"This is a challenging time, but challenging times often bring opportunities," Rominger said.