Pelath pleased that common sense has prevailed: Camp Summit saved for now

INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana House Democratic Leader Scott Pelath from Michigan City today issued the following statement after Indiana Gov. Mike Pence announced that the state would not shut down the Camp Summit boot camp in LaPorte County:

“It has taken a few months for common sense to triumph over accountants, but I am delighted that the governor has seen the error in trying to shutter a program that has been influential in turning around the lives of troubled youths.

“When I first heard that the camp was going to be closed because it would save the state money, I asked the powers that be to look beyond the financial statements that so often seem to obscure the people affected by them. Consider the lives that are being saved from displacement and uncertainty, and the 70 people who would have lost their jobs if this decision had become reality.

“I am grateful the governor listened. I also am grateful for the teamwork shown by my colleagues in the Legislature, State Rep. Tom Dermody (R-LaPorte), State Sen. Jim Arnold (D-LaPorte), and State Sen. Karen Tallian (D-Portage), and Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter. We found that some things are more important than spreadsheets.

“Now Camp Summit can continue to be a place where youths can turn around their lives, resume their educations, receive counseling, and gain skills that will allow them to become productive members of society.

“Finally, I would hope that this affair will remind everyone that the bottom line doesn’t have to be the rule of thumb in every matter, and keep that idea in mind as we go forward.”