Craig Davison, For The News-Dispatch
LA PORTE - There won't be a November election after all on a regional transit authority ... at least, not in La Porte County.
The county Election Board issued a statement Wednesday that after being informed by two county boards there will be no funds for an election, no such process can be held.
"An election cannot take place without the necessary appropriations and funding," the statement read. "The Election Board cannot take any further action regarding the special election."
By state law, a November special election is set for La Porte, Lake, Porter and St. Joseph counties about the formation of a regional transit authority. If approved, the four counties would be part of a regional transit authority that includes a rail system. It also would allow La Porte and St. Joseph counties to join in the regional bus system in Lake and Porter counties.
"At this point, we have no choice," Election Board member Robert Szilagyi said. "The Election Board can't go any further."
On Monday, the board voted to have the election, as mandated by law. Later that day, the County Commission informed the board it was not going to approve any funds for it.
On Tuesday, County Councilman Earl Cunningham told the commissioners he represented a majority of the council when saying they were not going to fund any appropriations for an election.
State Sen. Jim Arnold, D-La Porte, previously has stated the law requiring the election did not include a penalty clause for not having it.
The May referendum by the Michigan City Area Schools cost $60,000. That election had two polling locations. The planned November election would have a minimum of eight, requiring more staff, security and voting machines.
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