Friday, March 23, 2007

GOSH

This column appeared in the Register this week.

GOSH

by Helen Kremer
Logan Township

On March 14, 2007, the Dearborn County Council was trying to decide whether or not to hire Vieste, a company from Indianapolis, to assist the County Administrator with plans to coordinate services, and market our county at a cost of $780,000. Well, the thought came to mind—why not hire us, the citizens of the county? Hey—we could keep that money right here, especially since not everyone was exactly thrilled with an earlier Vieste report targeting farmland in the NW quadrant for future development. Vieste also donated to one candidate in the last election, and not the other—not a good idea.

In fact, speakers from the NW quadrant gave pertinent information to allay the fears of the “we need economic development, lower taxes, and keep our children in jobs in Dearborn County” group. The speakers said these fears were unfounded and provided facts to support their findings, and they did not believe we needed to hire Vieste

One of the Council members said that is how it’s done, governments hire outside people to do this kind of work. Another Council member differed—he thought maybe this money could be better spent by hiring local people to do the job, and he was worried about eminent domain. Then, a third Council member, questioning a Vieste employee about The Indianapolis Star article concerning a water utility in Indiana, didn’t care for the response he received. This caused the chairperson of the Council to table the matter for discussion at a later date.

We need to help these people. The time has come for us to rescue our county. We are local citizens, and we can do this job! We promise eminent domain will never be an issue. The name of our firm is the Government Outsource Specialist Helpmates (GOSH). Whatever the county needs—we’ll do it, and cheaper too. Our motto will be “Remember you are a public servant!” Two signs in our office state our mission goals which read as follows:

Responsible Public Officials
- believe all meetings should be open to the public,
- listen carefully to what people are saying—do not make up your mind until you have all the facts,
- realize zoning ordinances were put in place for a reason—respect the land,
- when considering zoning changes make sure if it’s not good for most citizens maybe it’s not a good idea, and don’t jeopardize land that belongs to others,
- never hire outside firms that have been investigated for unethical activities.

Economic Development Department
- Hire people with excellent math skills!
- Get real figures regarding the benefits, and costs of economic development.
- Study incentives and tax abatements for economic development—how much tax money will be collected for county government use?
- TIF areas pay current taxes for 30 years (what will the cost be for taxpayers to make up the difference, i.e., 25% or more, over 30 years?)
- Find out how much taxes increase/decrease due to residential development because of cost of services?
- Ask school superintendents to explain why they believe TIFS are hurting our school funding, and the amount of tax dollars needed to keep topnotch schools?
- Establish needs/projected costs for fire and police protection, and equipment.

Simplistic—you bet. Silly--maybe, but the above items do focus on legitimate issues. Did you know citizens in this county, while they were just going about their lives, were unaware their property was being targeted for development in closed-door meetings? Certainly, public officials cannot be comfortable with that type of behavior. And, do you think we should consider hiring firms with a checkered past? We hope not.

There are smart people in this county who can be hired for whatever job needs to be done, at less cost. We want our public officials to demonstrate they can do what is best for all of us, or GOSH—you’re going to have to hire us!


Helen Kremer has an MA in Education from the College of Mount St. Joseph. She retired from Kilgour Elementary School, Mt. Lookout, a Cincinnati Public School, where she taught Enrichment classes, and 6th grade Language Arts and Social Studies. She is a member of the Dearborn County Land Use Advisory Committee.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Did you know citizens in this county, while they were just going about their lives, were unaware their property was being targeted for development in closed-door meetings?


It would seem, only the Vocal Minority are troubled with the fact that faceless, nameless, behind the scenes, surreptitious and clandestine emissaries of the few and politically connected, are making determinations, with no input from the average, taxpaying, citizens, that would have long-range and dramatic affect on these very same, average, taxpaying, citizens.

Or so Rozow, West, Fehrman, Lehner, Fox, Hughes and all their accessories before and after the fact, keep telling us!!!

Anonymous said...

The very fact and fundamental truth, that there are folks who view themselves as tremendously fortunate and privileged stewards of the land that they own, not just “place-holders,” holding out for the highest bidder, is lost on the DCEDI mentality.

Anonymous said...

- when considering zoning changes make sure if it’s not good for most citizens maybe it’s not a good idea, and don’t jeopardize land that belongs to others...


Thus, illuminating the DCEDI’s unmitigated and all-embracing antipathy and enmity regarding “public comment” at “public” meetings.

Anonymous said...

- Find out how much taxes increase/decrease due to residential development because of cost of services?

Lisa Lehner: ”Objection! Objection! Objection!” (As she reaches down deep in her briefs, endeavoring to stumble upon something novel and unique, that she has not already and habitually shared with nearly everyone of her powerful and prominent patrons.)

Anonymous said...

GOSH where is Mitter living now?

Anonymous said...

"GOSH where is Mitter living now? "

Hopefully, Mr. Mitter will be moving into the Dearborn County Commissioners race next election cycle!

He will get along very well with at least one new neighbor on the board!

Anonymous said...

GOSH
Is West a legitimate resident of Dearborn County? Or is this a second home?

Anonymous said...

GOSH
Do Fox and Hughes receive flowers and candy on Valentine's Day from the DCEDI?

Or is their relationship more the "Slam! Bam! Thank you! Mam! variety.

Fox and Hughes:

Putting the "service" into public service! Especially when servicing the DCEDI!

Anonymous said...

GOSH we all know that he will get
along very well with Mr. T.

Anonymous said...

GOSH we all know that he will get
along very well with Mr. T.

Anonymous said...

GOSH we all know that he will get
along very well with Mr. T.

Anonymous said...

Mitter and T.

For the people they be.

Anonymous said...

To Be or not to be
That is the question.

Anonymous said...

To be corrupt or not

That is the question.

Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous political sleaze, Or to take arms against a sea of troubles, bought about by cozy and expedient relationships between elected officials and mendacious realtors, developers and bankers…

To sleep: perchance to dream…of elections to come…