Indiana Attorney General Creates Special Mediation Unit
In his search for a solution, Carter asked Krauss to investigate different ADR methods that would be appropriate to resolve the dispute, and to serve as the state-appointed neutral. After holding a non-binding mini-trial and a mediation process, Krauss said the case was successfully resolved in February 2004.
Following that success, Carter adopted a policy requiring ADR processes be attempted in all inter-governmental disputes before money is allocated for litigation.
Krauss, who also directs the Indiana Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations as well as the IU Center for Urban Policy and the Environment, said Indiana has been interested for some time in using ADR more broadly in the public policy arena, but to date it has not taken off beyond the middle level. This new initiative – with key support from Carter’s Chief of Staff Greg Zoeller, and from Becky Walker of the Advisory Services Division – expands DR’s reach throughout state government, Krauss said.
According to Chief Counsel Zoeller, Carter plans to initiate ADR training for other state agencies, and has approached Krauss and ICRI Assistant Director Nan Stager about conducting mediation training for all his staff attorneys in the coming year.