Letters to the Editor 02-02-1998
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Barbee Sewers - Trust Laws - Disbro Thanks - Robbery - Iraq
Barbee Sewers
Editor, Times-Union:The recent letter to the editor by Mr. Thompson concerning high water and the proposed new sewer system leaves me rather perplexed.
A new sewer system is not going to do anything for the high water problem at Barbee Lakes (as well as Ridinger Lake, Tippecanoe Lake, etc.). I do certainly agree that the high water problem needs to be addressed and has needed addressing for over 20 years. Cleaning the Tippecanoe River several years ago at a cost of several hundred thousands of dollars obviously did little or nothing to solve the high water problem.
Even given a new sewer system, the high water problem is going to continue to dump more farm chemicals and other refuse into the Barbee Chain from Putney Ditch and Elder Ditch. In addition, the septic tanks that were bashed in and filled with sand will play their part in lake contamination from flooded ground runoff and seepage.
I don't entirely disagree with having a sewer system. What I (and I know many others) do disagree with is the proposed cost of this system. Using Bonar Group's own figures, this system is proposed to cost a minimum of $4,236 the first year ($1,500 hookup feed, $2,000 connection fee and $736 in monthly fees). The estimated fee of $61.30 per month really is at least $73 a month if the full 30-year plan is considered. The $61.30 a month is based on 20 years, but a balloon payment of $7.3 million is due at the end of the 20 years. Using Mr. Thompson's rhetoric "This is ridiculous." Does anyone think these monthly rates, as high as they are, really won't increase during the next 20 or 30 years? I think not!
Why should I or any other property owner have to pay two to three times what neighboring areas are paying for sewage treatment? Bring it down to $35 or $40 a month and I (and many others) will be more receptive.
The only people salivating over this plan is the real estate connected people who can't wait to see all the real estate go up for sale. Smaller properties will be sold so someone can build bigger places. This will have a tendency to further pollute the lakes - more people, additional roof areas and more boat traffic. The additional roof areas, driveways, etc., will also help add to the high water problem.
The Barbee Conservancy District needs new blood and a different sewer proposer and/or proposal.
James S. Shepherd
Warsaw
Trust Laws
Editor, Times-Union:In Indiana, two classes of citizens exist - one that has an absolute right to petition for a change in its relationship with a banking institution and one that does not.
Under current Indiana law, a class of citizens, one comprising beneficiaries of trusts established before June 30, 1996, are powerless to change the administrator of their trust if the trust's administration changed hands as a result of a change in ownership of their bank. They are forced to deal with the new financial institution regardless of how unhappy they may be with this arrangement. This is the only instance where citizens have no control in the relationship with their financial institution.
This problem was magnified when many Indiana banks were purchased by out-of-state banks that moved administration of trusts away from Indiana. Unfortunately, this has often created for Hoosier families a situation of "long distance" trust administration - a far cry from the service we grew to expect from our corner banks.
Families United for Probate Fairness Inc., a coalition established to advance probate legislation from the standpoint of families and the administration of their trusts, believes the readers of this newspaper should be concerned with this situation.
Families United for Probate Fairness Inc. supports Senate Bill 57, legislation introduced in the Indiana Senate to bring equal treatment to all Hoosiers. We hope that everyone interested in fairness will take the opportunity to contact their state legislators to voice their support of this bill.
A large class of Hoosier citizenry, one that comprises many elderly and disabled individuals, is trapped and can only be helped through the support of the people. Please contact your legislator and voice your support of S.B. 57. Many Hoosier families are counting on you.
Ben Gates, Chairman
Families United for Probate Fairness Inc.
Disbro Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:Thank you Times-Union, WRSW and Warsaw Area Chamber of Commerce for honoring me as 1997 Man of the Year. As I pause and relive that night in slow motion (and catch my breath), I am thankful that Pat Collyer introduced me to photography at the Boy's Club in Rushville. Pat was Lynn Collyer's father and Rushville's Pete Thorn. I think of all the organizations over the years I've visited and filmed: the fire departments, the police, the sheriff, MTEMS, the United Way agencies and service clubs. Gary Nieter and I are probably the few that have the opportunity to witness all of the dedication, training and hard work that go into each of these organizations. I believe in every one of the United Way agencies and the quality of life they instill in each of us. This same dedication is clearly seen in the fire departments, police, EMS and Kemrad as they work in unison responding to rescue and help. This is a caring and giving county and I am so proud to be a part of it. Thank you.
Al Disbro
Robbery
Editor, Times-Union:To the person responsible for the robberies on Harrison Street Tuesday night...
I do not know, nor do I care, what the reasons were for your actions. I can find peace of mind in the assumption that for whatever reason, the items you took will somehow serve you better than they were intended to serve me. I ask only that you send me the 8mm videotapes that were in the camera and the bag. Include with the tapes a post office box number, and I will send you a confidential $200 cash reward for the return of the tapes. This will cover both your inconvenience and the cost of a battery charger, without which your camera is useless. Please send the 8mm tapes and I will send the reward.
D. Allen
Warsaw
Iraq
Editor, Times-Union:Why do we think we have to head up the weapons investigations in Iraq? Iraq hates the Americans, and can you blame them? Who gave us dominion over the entire world? They don't seem to have a problem with the other participants in the team, so let the inspection be carried out minus the Americans.
I believe Iraq may be correct in their belief that the United States is intent on a military strike against their country and doesn't really want a diplomatic solution. If Mr. Clinton orders such a strike I say he had better be prepared to lead it himself to clear his draft-dodging status. Why should he send others to do something he refused to do?
Deanna Newton
Warsaw
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- Barbee Sewers - Trust Laws - Disbro Thanks - Robbery - Iraq
Barbee Sewers
Editor, Times-Union:The recent letter to the editor by Mr. Thompson concerning high water and the proposed new sewer system leaves me rather perplexed.
A new sewer system is not going to do anything for the high water problem at Barbee Lakes (as well as Ridinger Lake, Tippecanoe Lake, etc.). I do certainly agree that the high water problem needs to be addressed and has needed addressing for over 20 years. Cleaning the Tippecanoe River several years ago at a cost of several hundred thousands of dollars obviously did little or nothing to solve the high water problem.
Even given a new sewer system, the high water problem is going to continue to dump more farm chemicals and other refuse into the Barbee Chain from Putney Ditch and Elder Ditch. In addition, the septic tanks that were bashed in and filled with sand will play their part in lake contamination from flooded ground runoff and seepage.
I don't entirely disagree with having a sewer system. What I (and I know many others) do disagree with is the proposed cost of this system. Using Bonar Group's own figures, this system is proposed to cost a minimum of $4,236 the first year ($1,500 hookup feed, $2,000 connection fee and $736 in monthly fees). The estimated fee of $61.30 per month really is at least $73 a month if the full 30-year plan is considered. The $61.30 a month is based on 20 years, but a balloon payment of $7.3 million is due at the end of the 20 years. Using Mr. Thompson's rhetoric "This is ridiculous." Does anyone think these monthly rates, as high as they are, really won't increase during the next 20 or 30 years? I think not!
Why should I or any other property owner have to pay two to three times what neighboring areas are paying for sewage treatment? Bring it down to $35 or $40 a month and I (and many others) will be more receptive.
The only people salivating over this plan is the real estate connected people who can't wait to see all the real estate go up for sale. Smaller properties will be sold so someone can build bigger places. This will have a tendency to further pollute the lakes - more people, additional roof areas and more boat traffic. The additional roof areas, driveways, etc., will also help add to the high water problem.
The Barbee Conservancy District needs new blood and a different sewer proposer and/or proposal.
James S. Shepherd
Warsaw
Trust Laws
Editor, Times-Union:In Indiana, two classes of citizens exist - one that has an absolute right to petition for a change in its relationship with a banking institution and one that does not.
Under current Indiana law, a class of citizens, one comprising beneficiaries of trusts established before June 30, 1996, are powerless to change the administrator of their trust if the trust's administration changed hands as a result of a change in ownership of their bank. They are forced to deal with the new financial institution regardless of how unhappy they may be with this arrangement. This is the only instance where citizens have no control in the relationship with their financial institution.
This problem was magnified when many Indiana banks were purchased by out-of-state banks that moved administration of trusts away from Indiana. Unfortunately, this has often created for Hoosier families a situation of "long distance" trust administration - a far cry from the service we grew to expect from our corner banks.
Families United for Probate Fairness Inc., a coalition established to advance probate legislation from the standpoint of families and the administration of their trusts, believes the readers of this newspaper should be concerned with this situation.
Families United for Probate Fairness Inc. supports Senate Bill 57, legislation introduced in the Indiana Senate to bring equal treatment to all Hoosiers. We hope that everyone interested in fairness will take the opportunity to contact their state legislators to voice their support of this bill.
A large class of Hoosier citizenry, one that comprises many elderly and disabled individuals, is trapped and can only be helped through the support of the people. Please contact your legislator and voice your support of S.B. 57. Many Hoosier families are counting on you.
Ben Gates, Chairman
Families United for Probate Fairness Inc.
Disbro Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:Thank you Times-Union, WRSW and Warsaw Area Chamber of Commerce for honoring me as 1997 Man of the Year. As I pause and relive that night in slow motion (and catch my breath), I am thankful that Pat Collyer introduced me to photography at the Boy's Club in Rushville. Pat was Lynn Collyer's father and Rushville's Pete Thorn. I think of all the organizations over the years I've visited and filmed: the fire departments, the police, the sheriff, MTEMS, the United Way agencies and service clubs. Gary Nieter and I are probably the few that have the opportunity to witness all of the dedication, training and hard work that go into each of these organizations. I believe in every one of the United Way agencies and the quality of life they instill in each of us. This same dedication is clearly seen in the fire departments, police, EMS and Kemrad as they work in unison responding to rescue and help. This is a caring and giving county and I am so proud to be a part of it. Thank you.
Al Disbro
Robbery
Editor, Times-Union:To the person responsible for the robberies on Harrison Street Tuesday night...
I do not know, nor do I care, what the reasons were for your actions. I can find peace of mind in the assumption that for whatever reason, the items you took will somehow serve you better than they were intended to serve me. I ask only that you send me the 8mm videotapes that were in the camera and the bag. Include with the tapes a post office box number, and I will send you a confidential $200 cash reward for the return of the tapes. This will cover both your inconvenience and the cost of a battery charger, without which your camera is useless. Please send the 8mm tapes and I will send the reward.
D. Allen
Warsaw
Iraq
Editor, Times-Union:Why do we think we have to head up the weapons investigations in Iraq? Iraq hates the Americans, and can you blame them? Who gave us dominion over the entire world? They don't seem to have a problem with the other participants in the team, so let the inspection be carried out minus the Americans.
I believe Iraq may be correct in their belief that the United States is intent on a military strike against their country and doesn't really want a diplomatic solution. If Mr. Clinton orders such a strike I say he had better be prepared to lead it himself to clear his draft-dodging status. Why should he send others to do something he refused to do?
Deanna Newton
Warsaw
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