A problem we should all share

Sometimes it seems Indiana is two states: Indianapolis and the rest of us.

That's especially been the case where state government is involved

So there's a temptation, now that the government body in charge of Conseco Fieldhouse and Lucas Oil Stadium is bleeding millions of dollars, to tell Marion County to deal with its own local problems and leave the rest of us out of it.

But that, we think, would be a mistake.

While the ideas floated so far - a big boost in the alcohol tax, for one - aren't particularly appealing, they do have one thing going for them: They approach the problem from a statewide basis.

These two facilities are home to two teams whose identities aren't limited to Indianapolis or Marion County or even the greater metropolitan area.

It sounds corny, but those are our Colts and our Pacers.

And while there could be plenty of second-guessing of the decisions that got the Capital Improvement Board into its current fix, it's in the best interests of all Hoosiers, not just those in Indy, to get this thing resolved in a way that keeps that relationship going.

Fixing this mess isn't going to be easy, and so far the only person who seems prepared to do any heavy lifting is Sen. Luke Kenley from Noblesville.

Deals are going to have to be re-negotiated with both teams. Some local taxes and fees are going to have to be raised to cover the shortfall. And, like it or not, some state tax revenues are going to have to be kicked in, at least in the short run.

Who knows? If we approach this problem thinking like one state instead of two, maybe some good can come from the whole mess. - J.R.

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