Letters to the Editor 04-18-1997
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Tabloid Journalism - Winona Benefits - Renaissance Man - Winona Progress - Poor Journalism
Tabloid Journalism
Editor, Times-Union:I am writing in response to your article titled "Winona Lake's Wilcoxson Disputes Conflict of Interest Accusations," published on the front page of the April 15, 1997, Times-Union. As many in the community know, I am financially involved with Brent Wilcoxson in the Winona restoration project. There is no one else in this area that is more committed to this community and its betterment than Brent Wilcoxson. There is also no other person in this community who has better served it, as a member and president of the town council. Brent has worked diligently to avoid any financial conflict in his duties as president of the town council, while costing the owners of the project many expenses that should have been paid by the town.
If it was the intention of the newspaper to report the facts, you should have pointed out that the sidewalks, street lamps and curbs in the front page picture were, in fact, paid for by Brent Wilcoxson and I. You should have also pointed out that our total investment in infrastructure, monies we have put into this project for things that can never be sold, total approximately $75,000. You should have also pointed out that the increased tax base coming from the combination of projects Brent and I have initiated will result in tens of thousands of dollars in increased tax revenue per year.
In any other community, the community leaders would have rolled out the red carpet by offering tax abatement, infrastructure investment and many other things for developers willing to do what we are doing. I find it interesting that members of the town board who seem to have some conflict with Brent Wilcoxson have come to us and requested that a substantial contribution of land be made to the city to allow the extension of a roadway from Boys Club Drive to the South Town Addition. This is the same community that came to us and requested contributions to purchase a computer for the Police Department and for the repainting of police cars.
I find it interesting that the conflicts you point out start with something that occurred before Brent Wilcoxson even had any authority as an elected official.
Your article also fails to mention that as plans for the project unfolded, we invited the community to participate and provide input to this project being paid for with private funds. Throughout the planning process, which began several months ago, involving concept architects, the community was invited, provided input, and we listened and responded with various components of the project modified to meet the wishes of the community.
When Brent and I began reviewing possible development opportunities for the property involved in this project, a number of alternatives were considered, including the complete demolition of all structures and the building of a top quality apartment or condominium project. This approach would have involved the lowest risk and highest potential return on our investment. This approach, however, was abandoned in place of the current renovation project. We have therefore taken the most community-minded approach which at the same time involves the highest risk of failure.
It is unfortunate when a simple poor news day at the Warsaw Times-Union can lead to such a tabloid and damaging front page article on the best thing that has happened to the town of Winona Lake in decades. Maybe we should simply let the older historic structures around Winona Lake crumble and fall to the ground and ultimately go the way of the Billy Sunday Tabernacle. When passing through the check-out line at the grocery, I am always embarrassed if someone notices me trying to read the front page articles on the tabloid rags available there. I certainly hope no one noticed me read the April 15 edition of the Times-Union.
Dane A. Miller
Winona Benefits
Editor, Times-Union:So what if it looks bad. So do my flowerbeds before the tulips come up.
How anyone can sit back and say Mr. Wilcoxson is only doing himself any good, hasn't thought of the benefits he's doing the entire town.
We finally have someone with the moxy and the stamina to undertake a restoration this size. The money spent far outweighs any profits from the sale of the Terrace Drive properties. I really don't care when it was paved, I only care that it was paved.
I myself am grateful for new streets, curbs, sidewalks and street lights. It makes my daily walks much more enjoyable. I'd really rather see beautiful Terrace Drive from a smooth walk than a row of sleazy tenements.
When did having a part of a beautiful neighborhood and historic community become a reason to whine?
This Winona resident doesn't care if our officials make a little money from this restoration. I believe they deserve it.
M.B. Mullins Winona Lake
Renaissance Man
Editor, Times-Union:My neighborhood would certainly like to know who the Winona residents are who are complaining about Brent Wilcoxson. We live on Court Street and cheer Brent's work and vision. The unnamed woman you quoted does not represent any of the people I know.
Let's see, you are referring to the same Brent Wilcoxson who is helping to dig the foundation for the Administration Building; the same Brent Wilcoxson who helped us when we had the flood. Brent who was out in the rain and snow Saturday checking the dredging of the swan pond; the visionary Brent Wilcoxson who singularly gave the impetus to revitalizing Winona Lake before anyone else thought it could be done; the Brent Wilcoxson who had to be begged to chair the town council.
The progress on the island, as I write this, is moving rapidly. We think Brent Wilcoxson is a Renaissance Man, and he gets cheers from Winona residents with names.
You've missed the point if you think there is conflict of interest. The interest is compatible, and we residents are the happy recipients.
Jane Cook Winona Lake
Winona Progress
Editor, Times-Union:The progress that is being made in Winona Lake is simply fantastic, and property owners and residents alike can thank Brent Wilcoxson. There is absolutely no conflict of interest but rather a mutual interest to everyone living in Winona Lake.
The fact that Wilcoxson serves as president of the Winona Lake Town Council and is also an independent real estate developer is exactly the reason things get done. And if one has any doubts if things are getting done, just take a look at Terrace Drive. You might also take a look at the Administration Building, the duck pond and the Winona Hotel. Would you want to pay a sewage bill for a service you were not receiving? Probably not. The old Wheel House has been demolished and I'm sure something nice will rise on that site. The island has a new sewage system and a new bridge. All of these improvements have been a result of Wilcoxson's dual role as president of town council and a real estate developer.
It's also interesting that the complaining persons quoted in the article preferred to remain anonymous. The only person quoted in the article was Wilcoxson. The Times-Union has a policy of printing names on all letters to the editor. Why not on front page articles that cast aspersions?
The entire article smacks of a hatchet job by a few disgruntled residents and staff writer Laurie Hahn. Hopefully Ms. Hahn can write a followup article that shows the positive aspects of Wilcoxson's efforts as president of town council and an independent real estate developer and the mutual benefits to all residents of Winona Lake. Many of the shabby houses have been demolished, many of the homes have been restored to their original beauty, the drug dealers and the riffraff have moved from Winona Lake.
I for one am glad that Wilcoxson has taken such an active interest in Winona Lake. What conflicts of interest?
Michael Lockwood Winona Lake
Poor Journalism
Editor, Times-Union:I have been a resident of Kosciusko County for 31 years, and I have never felt the need to write a letter of disagreement to the editor. But Laurie Hahn's recent front-page article in the Times-Union concerning the restoration of Winona Lake was, in my opinion, such an uncharacteristically misguided example of poor journalism that I am compelled to respond to it.
When Laurie authoritatively tells your readership exactly "what most Winona Lakers want to know," I believe that she is not accurately portraying the truth. "A resident who asked not to be named," "a woman" and "another resident" are neither sufficient nor credible enough sources to support a professional piece of journalism that calls into question the ethics and the motives of an elected official.
We citizens of Winona Lake should debate the future of our town among ourselves, on the street corner, in open board meetings and at the ballot box. I am personally convinced that when we do we'll discover that most of us are overwhelmingly appreciative of Brent Wilcoxson and Dane Miller's superb efforts (at financial risk to themselves) to restore one of the most historically significant communities in Indiana. I am also convinced that all Winona Lake residents (as well as Kosciusko County on the whole) benefit from the refurbishment of our town, certainly not just Brent.
But I'd rather discuss those issues personally with "a resident who asked not to be identified," "a woman" and "another resident" rather than allow a reporter to inaccurately interpret for us "what most Winona Lakers want to know."
Steve Grill Winona Lake
[[In-content Ad]]
- Tabloid Journalism - Winona Benefits - Renaissance Man - Winona Progress - Poor Journalism
Tabloid Journalism
Editor, Times-Union:I am writing in response to your article titled "Winona Lake's Wilcoxson Disputes Conflict of Interest Accusations," published on the front page of the April 15, 1997, Times-Union. As many in the community know, I am financially involved with Brent Wilcoxson in the Winona restoration project. There is no one else in this area that is more committed to this community and its betterment than Brent Wilcoxson. There is also no other person in this community who has better served it, as a member and president of the town council. Brent has worked diligently to avoid any financial conflict in his duties as president of the town council, while costing the owners of the project many expenses that should have been paid by the town.
If it was the intention of the newspaper to report the facts, you should have pointed out that the sidewalks, street lamps and curbs in the front page picture were, in fact, paid for by Brent Wilcoxson and I. You should have also pointed out that our total investment in infrastructure, monies we have put into this project for things that can never be sold, total approximately $75,000. You should have also pointed out that the increased tax base coming from the combination of projects Brent and I have initiated will result in tens of thousands of dollars in increased tax revenue per year.
In any other community, the community leaders would have rolled out the red carpet by offering tax abatement, infrastructure investment and many other things for developers willing to do what we are doing. I find it interesting that members of the town board who seem to have some conflict with Brent Wilcoxson have come to us and requested that a substantial contribution of land be made to the city to allow the extension of a roadway from Boys Club Drive to the South Town Addition. This is the same community that came to us and requested contributions to purchase a computer for the Police Department and for the repainting of police cars.
I find it interesting that the conflicts you point out start with something that occurred before Brent Wilcoxson even had any authority as an elected official.
Your article also fails to mention that as plans for the project unfolded, we invited the community to participate and provide input to this project being paid for with private funds. Throughout the planning process, which began several months ago, involving concept architects, the community was invited, provided input, and we listened and responded with various components of the project modified to meet the wishes of the community.
When Brent and I began reviewing possible development opportunities for the property involved in this project, a number of alternatives were considered, including the complete demolition of all structures and the building of a top quality apartment or condominium project. This approach would have involved the lowest risk and highest potential return on our investment. This approach, however, was abandoned in place of the current renovation project. We have therefore taken the most community-minded approach which at the same time involves the highest risk of failure.
It is unfortunate when a simple poor news day at the Warsaw Times-Union can lead to such a tabloid and damaging front page article on the best thing that has happened to the town of Winona Lake in decades. Maybe we should simply let the older historic structures around Winona Lake crumble and fall to the ground and ultimately go the way of the Billy Sunday Tabernacle. When passing through the check-out line at the grocery, I am always embarrassed if someone notices me trying to read the front page articles on the tabloid rags available there. I certainly hope no one noticed me read the April 15 edition of the Times-Union.
Dane A. Miller
Winona Benefits
Editor, Times-Union:So what if it looks bad. So do my flowerbeds before the tulips come up.
How anyone can sit back and say Mr. Wilcoxson is only doing himself any good, hasn't thought of the benefits he's doing the entire town.
We finally have someone with the moxy and the stamina to undertake a restoration this size. The money spent far outweighs any profits from the sale of the Terrace Drive properties. I really don't care when it was paved, I only care that it was paved.
I myself am grateful for new streets, curbs, sidewalks and street lights. It makes my daily walks much more enjoyable. I'd really rather see beautiful Terrace Drive from a smooth walk than a row of sleazy tenements.
When did having a part of a beautiful neighborhood and historic community become a reason to whine?
This Winona resident doesn't care if our officials make a little money from this restoration. I believe they deserve it.
M.B. Mullins Winona Lake
Renaissance Man
Editor, Times-Union:My neighborhood would certainly like to know who the Winona residents are who are complaining about Brent Wilcoxson. We live on Court Street and cheer Brent's work and vision. The unnamed woman you quoted does not represent any of the people I know.
Let's see, you are referring to the same Brent Wilcoxson who is helping to dig the foundation for the Administration Building; the same Brent Wilcoxson who helped us when we had the flood. Brent who was out in the rain and snow Saturday checking the dredging of the swan pond; the visionary Brent Wilcoxson who singularly gave the impetus to revitalizing Winona Lake before anyone else thought it could be done; the Brent Wilcoxson who had to be begged to chair the town council.
The progress on the island, as I write this, is moving rapidly. We think Brent Wilcoxson is a Renaissance Man, and he gets cheers from Winona residents with names.
You've missed the point if you think there is conflict of interest. The interest is compatible, and we residents are the happy recipients.
Jane Cook Winona Lake
Winona Progress
Editor, Times-Union:The progress that is being made in Winona Lake is simply fantastic, and property owners and residents alike can thank Brent Wilcoxson. There is absolutely no conflict of interest but rather a mutual interest to everyone living in Winona Lake.
The fact that Wilcoxson serves as president of the Winona Lake Town Council and is also an independent real estate developer is exactly the reason things get done. And if one has any doubts if things are getting done, just take a look at Terrace Drive. You might also take a look at the Administration Building, the duck pond and the Winona Hotel. Would you want to pay a sewage bill for a service you were not receiving? Probably not. The old Wheel House has been demolished and I'm sure something nice will rise on that site. The island has a new sewage system and a new bridge. All of these improvements have been a result of Wilcoxson's dual role as president of town council and a real estate developer.
It's also interesting that the complaining persons quoted in the article preferred to remain anonymous. The only person quoted in the article was Wilcoxson. The Times-Union has a policy of printing names on all letters to the editor. Why not on front page articles that cast aspersions?
The entire article smacks of a hatchet job by a few disgruntled residents and staff writer Laurie Hahn. Hopefully Ms. Hahn can write a followup article that shows the positive aspects of Wilcoxson's efforts as president of town council and an independent real estate developer and the mutual benefits to all residents of Winona Lake. Many of the shabby houses have been demolished, many of the homes have been restored to their original beauty, the drug dealers and the riffraff have moved from Winona Lake.
I for one am glad that Wilcoxson has taken such an active interest in Winona Lake. What conflicts of interest?
Michael Lockwood Winona Lake
Poor Journalism
Editor, Times-Union:I have been a resident of Kosciusko County for 31 years, and I have never felt the need to write a letter of disagreement to the editor. But Laurie Hahn's recent front-page article in the Times-Union concerning the restoration of Winona Lake was, in my opinion, such an uncharacteristically misguided example of poor journalism that I am compelled to respond to it.
When Laurie authoritatively tells your readership exactly "what most Winona Lakers want to know," I believe that she is not accurately portraying the truth. "A resident who asked not to be named," "a woman" and "another resident" are neither sufficient nor credible enough sources to support a professional piece of journalism that calls into question the ethics and the motives of an elected official.
We citizens of Winona Lake should debate the future of our town among ourselves, on the street corner, in open board meetings and at the ballot box. I am personally convinced that when we do we'll discover that most of us are overwhelmingly appreciative of Brent Wilcoxson and Dane Miller's superb efforts (at financial risk to themselves) to restore one of the most historically significant communities in Indiana. I am also convinced that all Winona Lake residents (as well as Kosciusko County on the whole) benefit from the refurbishment of our town, certainly not just Brent.
But I'd rather discuss those issues personally with "a resident who asked not to be identified," "a woman" and "another resident" rather than allow a reporter to inaccurately interpret for us "what most Winona Lakers want to know."
Steve Grill Winona Lake
[[In-content Ad]]
Have a news tip? Email [email protected] or Call/Text 360-922-3092