Carl Drummer to leave trustee position

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Carl Drummer plans to step down from his post as Center Township Trustee. Drummer may be the most recognizable township officeholder in Indiana and he leaves in the middle of a fight over the future of township government.

For the past 12 years, Carl Drummer administered the emergency poor relief at the Center Township Trustee's Office. It's a job he learned from the late Julia Carson, who used the trustee's office as a launching pad to Congress. Drummer leaves it at a time when the mayor advocates doing away with township government -- a position that echoes that of the governor, whose Kernan-Shepard report calls for the county to take over the duties of the trustee.

"I've been a trustee for 12 years. Eleven of those years I have lowered taxes in Center Township when it comes to poor relief," said Drummer.

In a radio interview, Drummer touted his record. At the same time, he insisted that he's not running from a fight.

"At the end of the day I'd like to think this gives me a bigger voice, better opportunity," said Drummer.

He takes a new job next month as a lobbyist with the law firm Ice Miller.

"Township government, in my opinion, is much needed. But also, I have an opportunity to go on and do some bigger and better things and also continue to advocate for township government," said Drummer.

He also gives up the position of President of the United Township Association. Drummer hopes to be replaced by Deputy Trustee Bill Douglas, but it's not up to him to decide. A special election by precinct committeemen will fill the vacancy.