Many of us here at CollegeAvenueIndy.org have sought to understand the genesis of the Red Line. Some among us have noticed that the Red Line seems like a bird that was hatched full grown and ready to fly. Upon close examination, the Red Line plan really does seem to be the result of work that has been going on for a decade or more. For months, CollegeAvenueIndy.org has wondered why so many Indianapolis residents were completely unaware of the Red Line plan until relatively recently. To answer this question, we began to research the origin of the Red Line plan to determine its authors and to better understand their motives. Through our research , we came across a book that contained some interesting observations about the history of Indianapolis government. The book is entitled, Indiana History: A Book of Readings. It was written by a Fulbright Scholar named Ralph D. Gray. It provides insight into what Dr. Gray describes as a "shadow government" in Indianapolis. On pages 387-388, Dr. Gray informs readers about the Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee or "GIPC". According to Dr. Gray, the GIPC has over 300 members (including a 75 member board that is appointed by the Mayor). Dr. Gray suggests that the GIPC's strength has been to "marshal the talents of private sector leaders and volunteers in support of public endeavors." Its members include representatives from business, education, labor, government, religious bodies, social service organizations, and neighborhood groups. CollegeAvenueIndy.org wonders if this is why the same cast of local business and civic characters seems to endorse and lend vocal support to projects like the Red Line. In his book, Dr. Gray point out that the GIPC has been subject to the criticism that it is "controlled by a downtown business elite." Dr. Gray further warns that some view the GIPC as a sort of "unelected shadow government - an institution with tremendous influence over the City's agenda but accountable to neither the electorate nor the City-County Council." If Dr. Gray's assertions are correct, CollegeAvenueIndy.org wonders about the impact of the GIPC (and similar non-profits) on the local democratic process. Click the below link for more information about Dr. Gray's book.