WTHR |Two important proposals face City-County Council

Two important proposals face City-County Council

Mary Milz/Eyewitness News

Indianapolis, Dec. 19 - It's five weeks after the police merger failed by a single vote and the Indianapolis City-County Council takes it up again.

Republican Scott Keller says this time he'll vote yes, presumably giving it the votes it needs to pass. "It's effective, efficient and particularly, as time goes, no it doesn't make sense to have two police forces in a county 20 miles wide by 20 miles deep."

But opponents say nothing has changed, the merger will drive up taxes and jeopardize public safety. "There's a committee that found no savings whatsoever," says Councilman Jim Bradford. "The FOP overwhelming does not support it."

The council also votes again on expanding the city's anti-discrimination policy to include gays, lesbians and transgenders. Last time it fell short by four votes.

Council President Steve Talley, a no vote last time, is among those now supporting it. "I always knew there was discrimination, but did not know it rose to the level where it ought to be written into law."

Those on both sides have since stepped up the lobbying. Supporters packed a recent council meeting.

Sarah Patterson is one of those supporters. "We believe in family and we want our children to be treated like everyone else."

Opponents held a prayer vigil inside the City-County Building.

Reverend Terry Webster says, "They say it's human rights. We say it's an attempt to elevate homosexuality."