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Truth Editorial: Time issue only getting muddier Published: Tuesday, August 02, 2005 -- The Truth, A4 Last updated: 8/1/2005 11:26:01 PM The Elkhart County commissioners took the position Monday that Eastern time was best economically for the county. Last week, we took the opposite position, arguing that the Central time zone best served the area's economic interests. On every other point, though, the commissioners' position and ours are nearly identical. For example, we do agree with the commissioners that time-zone changes should be considered on a statewide basis with the involvement of the Legislature and that it's "poor public policy" to divide north-central Indiana into different time zones. We also agree that Elkhart County's economy is tied to adjacent counties such as St. Joseph, Kosciusko and Marshall counties. The adopted position statement says, the commissioners "will not take actions that will purposefully separate Elkhart County from the majority of counties in this economic region." Commissioner Phil Stiver added, "In the final analysis we do a tremendous disservice if we do a split between Elkhart and St. Joseph counties. My personal feeling is it's predisposed." Unfortunately, the commissioners' decision to support Eastern time could cause a split, as it appears St. Joseph County (and maybe Kosciusko and Marshall counties) may opt to try and switch to Central time. Commissioner Mike Yoder.

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