Letters to the Editor

It's a dead end

ahead for I-69

To the Editor:

Contrary to the story that it's full steam ahead for I-69, there are some cold-hard facts that need to be understood. INDOT's plan to start at Washington and build north to U.S. 231 depends upon completion of on-going studies, which are still not finished, nor has it been submitted for approval by the Federal Highway Administration.

INDOT and the Governor are in a big hurry, that's why they have blanketed Greene and Daviess counties with every engineering firm they can garner political contributions from. But in their rush, they are trampling the property rights of those in their path while at the same time ignoring Federal guidelines for conducting a proper study.

The studies for the section between Oakland City and Washington are even further from completion.

The Governor and INDOT both know they do not have the money to complete the highway from Crane to Evansville. INDOT finally was forced to admit that their cost projections were wrong when they announced the project was now expected to cost $3.1 billion. They have been touting the $700 million that was set-aside in Major Moves since the funding was passed in 2005. INDOT's been spending those funds ever since, so there's not much left. Only enough to start, but not nearly enough to finish.

Greene and Daviess counties, as well as every other county in the state are hurting badly, along with every farmer with crops in the field, yet the Governor continues to spend money on an unneeded highway. A wiser and cheaper alternative exists, the common-sense I-70/U.S. 41 option. Why is the state spending all this money on new terrain I-69 when it is cutting budgets, services and jobs across the board in Indiana? Why is this highway so important that it is to be "... the largest undertaking of its kind in the United States next year?"

The Governor has hired a firm reported as being based in New York. This firm Parsons-Brinckerhoff is actually owned by a London based firm -- Balfour Beatty. Their Web site states they are a leader in the development and "operation of infrastructure" to meet the needs of communities around the world. Translated, this means a Toll Road, an idea the Governor has floated before.

Attempting to build this project using thinner asphalt in lieu of concrete, narrower medians, and worse yet, eliminating intersections is simply poor judgment on the Governor's part. It also flies in the face of the whole purported reason for the highway, which was providing greater "personal accessibility" for area residents and creating economic opportunity. Guess what, no intersection, no development.

Daniels tells us that maybe in 20 years or so we might see something, maybe. But will any of our current elected officials be around when the promises don't develop? Don't look for them, they've cashed-out and are gone, leaving destroyed lives and family farms in their wake.

INDOT has a history of sending residents of Greene and Daviess counties I-69 Christmas gifts. This year many will be receiving eviction notices courtesy of the Governor and INDOT. Given in the holiday spirit of course. With INDOT's track record they might even deliver them on Christmas Day. What Joy INDOT doth bring.

The only sign you'll likely read at Crane and Washington is "FREEWAY ENDS" if this folly of a road continues. Gov. Daniels wants to leave this highway as his legacy, but the only record that will be made into Daniels' history book is that he was the most liberal spending Governor this state has ever seen.

What happened to "the Blade"?

William A. Boyd

Indianapolis/Bloomfield

Benefit was a success because of help

To the Editor:

The Love Thy Neighbor as Thyself Benefit on Nov. 7, 2009 was a success.

Special thanks to the New Creations, Chris Bush, Faithful, Titus II, Ida Sherman and Randy Killion.

Thank you to all our sponsors and donors: Dominos, Scott's Tree Service, Subway, Shear Glamour, Puddy Tats House of Ink, Patrick's, Sound Decision, Jay's Auto World, Fifth Third Bank, WNDI, McCammon's Barber Shop, Old 41Diner, Sullivan Furniture, Uptown Deli, Burger King, Shirley's Restaurant, Dairy Queen, Toys Auto Parts, Springer's Insurance, First Financial Bank, Burris Flower Shop, Angell's Food Center, County Seat, Just Hair, Gregg Smith, DDS, Kat-A-Korner, Access Real Estate, Wal-Mart, Cut and Dry, Cords for Cause, Hauck Muscle Therapy, China Wok, City Glass, Save-A-Lot, McDonalds, and Greene County Daily World.

Thank you also to all of those who donated baked goods and helped with the benefit: Dinah Ridge, Betty and Mark Brown, Sue Shew, Marilyn Manuel, Joe and Denise Kean. Everyone really helped. God Bless you!

Donations can still be made by calling (812) 383-4044.

Melvin Pinkston

Hymera

Thanks for putting up Linton Miner flags

To the Editor:

I just wanted to thank the firemen for putting the Linton Miner flags up. I had missed seeing them on home football nights.

It's just a small way to show our support. Thank you again

MarySue Ensing

Linton