Letters to the Editor 06-27-2000
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Competition - Meijer - Not Enough Fox - Resisting Change - Being Fair - Glen Terrace - Mr. NIMFY - Animal Welfare
Competition
Editor, Times Union:For 28 years, I worked at a small local grocery store. During most of that time, we had to try to explain to our customers why some of the advertised items that they saw on Fort Wayne and South Bend television and newspapers were not in effect here. The answer was and is, that there is no real competition in the Warsaw grocery market. We presently have Marsh and Kroger (disguised as Owens to avoid paying union wages and benefits). Neither company has ever shown an interest in pushing for a bigger slice of the business pie. Owens was the same way when they were a separate entity. The area was growing and the business was growing without the stores spending money to entice people to change stores.
In the Fort Wayne and South Bend markets, they are fighting for business. Why? Competition! Drive 20 miles east and you will find that they double $1 coupons every day. They acceptÊother stores' coupons every day. They honor other stores' ads every day. Why? There isÊcompetition in this area.
Now Meijer wants to come in and give us the competition that will give you lower prices and larger choice of products and stores. They are willing to spend 3/4 of a million dollars to alleviate a traffic problem that will have to be taken care of whether Meijer is in Warsaw or not. The powers that be have turned them down because of a few NIMBYs. I have news for them. That area will have commercial development of some kind sooner or later, and there are a lot worse things that could come in. Meijer is not the business that they are because they run unattractive, dirty stores. And for the argument about semis fueling there, when have you seen semis fueling at the other gas stations along 30? They go to truck stops, where they can fuel quickly and not be hassled by private vehicles. I hope the Council will rethink their decision. The consumers in Warsaw have an excellent opportunity for better prices and selection with the addition of a Wal Mart Superstore and Meijer. It will be a shame if this opportunity is thwarted.
Ronald Sellers
Winona Lake
via e-mail
Meijer
Editor, Times-Union:When I first read the newspaper account of the recent City Council meeting that voted on the Meijer issue, I was disappointed. Not in the decision, but in the one-sided view that was portrayed. The City Council members have listened to all the facts and made a decision based on the information that was presented by both sides of the issue. The reporter chose to write an article that was primarily comprised of the points made, by Mr. Snyder, in an effort to win a favorable vote to zone the selected area (C5). The only quotes for the other side, was to quote Mr. Silveus, expressing concerns about Meijer coming to town and being bad for the local businesses. The author then made mention of the people that spoke up at the meeting against the rezoning, but offered no valid quotes as to why they saw the location at Husky Trail to be a bad choice.
The City Council and the Planning Commission did not vote against this proposal because there was an outcry from the local residents in the area. They voted against the rezoning because there were many valid points that made this location undesirable for this size business. The vote was about location and rezoning, NOT about whether Meijer would be welcome in Warsaw or not. In fact I would guess that the majority of the City Council and the people that were at the meeting would like Meijer to build a store in Warsaw. Just not on Husky Trail, near an intersection that serves our hospital, an elementary school and a major residential area.
To those that want to write to the editor, focus on the pros and cons of the chosen location and encourage Meijer to look at relocating their store a half mile west on 30. Where there is a great location with access directly off of 30 and options for reasonable traffic flow.
Finally, I can't believe that Meijer has the audacity to push ahead on developing the 19 acres. This shows a lot of disrespect for the City Council, the Planning Commission and the residents of Warsaw. I don't think this type of action supports Meijer's claim to be a good neighbor. Furthermore it will not allow them to be competitive with the new "Super" Wal-Mart that will be building at the intersection of 15 and 30.
Charles Woodling
Warsaw
via e-mail
Not Enough Fox
Editor, Times-Union:First I would like to congratulate Gary Gerard on his article this morning concerning the growth of Warsaw ... I agree ...
My letter to the editor is about Rick Fox, a graduate of Warsaw High School and an NBA champion. I have followed Rick Fox and his career with great interest, first with North Carolina, then with the Boston Celtics and Larry Bird, then to the L.A. Lakers for millions less than he could have made going to two other teams. This made NBA news and still is ...
In the past few weeks, during the NBA playoffs, I have read numerous articles about Rick in the South Bend Tribune, the Indianapolis Star, Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, USA Today, items on the Internet ... Yesterday I received my Sports Illustrated and an article about L.A. winning the title, "Rick Fox drained a crucial fourth quarter three pointer." "We played our hearts out tonight," Fox said. "No one can say we took an easy route to the championship." Another article read "Crazy Like A Fox." This was all about Rick.
All this is to say that it is amazing to me that the only thing that has been in the Times-Union except one small box has been AP, UP or whatever. I can quote a lot of Warsaw sports fans that agree with me that it is time that Rick Fox is recognized in your sports page with a full story about the championship ring that he will wear reaching a goal, that Warsaw High School and the community of Warsaw should be proud. Warsaw had been mentioned on several news stories as well as Warsaw High School. Thanks.
N. Bruce Howe Jr.
Warsaw
via e-mail
Editor's Note: The Times-Union ran two columns in the sports section featuring Rick Fox during the NBA finals. The first, which ran approximately 25 column inches, highlighted his basketball career and his connection to Warsaw. It appeared June 12. It was written by former Times-Union intern Jim Walker. Walker is sports editor for the Greenfield Reporter. The Reporter, located in a suburb of Indianapolis, routinely covers the Pacers. Walker had credentials to the NBA finals and interviewed Fox for us. On June 14, a second column about Fox highlighted his acting career and gave other insights into his personal life. Additionally, Fox was quoted or mentioned in seven other stories between June 8 and June 20.
Resisting Change
Editor, Times-Union:I have never written a Letter to the Editor before, but recent events compel me to do so. The Warsaw area has an opportunity to gain jobs, tax revenues and road improvements without taxpayer expense. Most communities would view this as a bonanza.
Meijer has gone to extraordinary efforts to appease those who oppose their plan but the NIMBYs have prevailed. In addition, as reported in Gary Gerard's News Views last Saturday, efforts are underway to thwart Wal-Mart's plan to build a store on Ind. 15N.
Those who resist change inevitably fail to keep pace with those who are more forward-thinking. Businesses providing lodging and restaurant services have come to Warsaw and local businesses appear to be continuing to thrive. Why can't we expect a similar result with the addition of a Meijer store and an enlarged Wal-Mart?
Bill Achenbach
Winona Lake
Being Fair
Editor, Times-Union:One of the first things we teach to our children is to be fair. You know the quote, "That's not fair." Such a false sense of security. Life is not fair.
It wasn't fair that Josh Elkins lost his life 6-2-00 and gee, I guess it wasn't fair that the Times-Union chose to feel it was noteworthy news to share Josh Elkins' toxicology report on its front page of its newspaper. Wow! Now wait ... without failing to mention that Josh was a donor and now a few burn victims' recovery will be easier and sight has been regiven because of the gift of Josh.
The word accident is a funny word. "Oh, it was just an accident." Is that all your Times-Union subscribers need to read about? You know, Josh only injured himself 6-2-00. It's not like the youth have anything profound to learn about his accident.
Josh was like a lot of young adults his age. He was finding who he was by finding out who he wasn't. God has given us many, many options in life and I'm sure that there has not been one person reading this that, at one time in your life, you would not have been very proud being caught up in. I know 20 years ago, I could have been Josh. How about you?
Thank you, Larry and Diane, for giving Josh to us. His life may have been short but the impact he made will be left with us forever.
Tina Minnix
Warsaw
Glen Terrace
Editor, Times-Union:I didn't hear the start of the Glen Terrace saga, but it seems to me that someone dropped the ball here. If these buildings are out of code now, they have been out of code from day one. So who approved these buildings for occupancy? Isn't there a process of approval for construction of new rental buildings? Just wondering.
Ben Shafer
Warsaw
via e-mail
Mr. NIMFY
Editor, Times-Union:After reading your comments in Saturday's Times-Union, I felt compelled to write to you once again. The first thing I would like to say is "Thank You" to the mayor and city council for their unanimous vote turning down Meijer's request for rezoning the 41 acres to C-5 for the Meijer complex. Please note I said complex and not store, for that is what was proposed by Meijer. But Mr. Gerard, neither you or any of the other people complaining about the city council vote, would have had to contend with the noise, lights, traffic, trash or loss of property value due to the Meijer complex, but I would have to.
I must say, Mr. Gerard, that I am disappointed in you, for once again you resort to name calling and labeling, i.e., NIMBYs and ACACs. You see, Mr. Gerard, I don't necessarily believe you are unbiased because of the possible income your newspaper would receive in Meijer advertising. Let me pose a hypothetical question to you, Mr. Gerard: Let's suppose that another newspaper wanted to rezone the same area to industrial so they could publish another newspaper in Warsaw, would you still be in favor? Since you and your newspaper would have to go up against competition of which, I might add, you have little or none.
Also I would like to ask if anyone of the people, including yourself, that are whining and complaining if they would welcome a 35,000 square foot retail business or restaurant across from their front door? I'd bet not. Furthermore, you whine about the improvements Meijer was willing to pay for at the Parker Street, Husky Trail, Patterson Road intersection. We only have the word of the consultants hired by Meijer that it would improve traffic flow, what if it didn't? Then who would be stuck with the bill? The same taxpayers that you talked about in your column. You talk about the shift in attitude against big box stores or any large retailer coming into Warsaw. I don't believe that, Mr. Gerard, because I, unlike you, attended the May meeting of the Warsaw City Council when the rezoning for the new Wal-Mart Super Center and the Lowe's Home Center was approved, there wasn't one. Why? Could it be because they are building in the proper LOCATION?
Have you ever considered that maybe people are getting tired of being told by government, big industry or big stores what is going to be and there is nothing they can do about it. Example: Hummer/GM plant in Mishawaka and all the families that are being FORCED to move!
Well, Mr. Gerard, some of us are mad as hell and we're not going to take it anymore! And as for the people who already drive to the various Meijer stores in the surrounding area, what's the problem since you already feel the savings to be had are worth the drive and the cost of gas. As in my previous letter my name is Larry Buckmaster and I still live on Patterson Road and I am still a vociferous NIMFY (not in my front yard).
Larry Buckmaster
Warsaw
Animal Welfare
Editor, Times-Union:The Animal Welfare League is a small group of individuals who give precious time and devote their lives to cleaning up a mess an entire community creates. Millions of healthy, loving animals are put to death across the country every year and thousands of them are the responsibility of the people of this country. We have worked tirelessly to educate the public about this issue which so many have chosen to ignore. The recent events at the shelter have evoked a sanctimonious outcry for animals for whom it is already too late to change the outcome. I would plead with the people of this community, as well as the media, to apply this same outrage towards the animals for whom there is still a chance. It's hard for a group, such as the AWL who work directly with these animals every day and are asked to "dispose of the problem" quietly, to understand a demand for the better treatment of euthanized animals when those who are alive are in such desperate need every day without the benefit of this same passionate outrage.
The truth of the matter is there's no way to hide the ugliness of this issue. As all shelter employees and many AWL members and volunteers can attest, the sad eyes of a dog or cat who wants for nothing but the touch of your hand or a walk in the grass being led into a room and given a lethal injection are nothing less than heartbreaking. This is the true tragedy and, without question, should be the news story the media so actively seeks.
Although the board of directors would never amend the policies of the AWL to include burning of euthanized animals as standard procedure, we believe as animal lovers that the "accepted practice" of storing an animal in a freezer, throwing it on the back of a truck like a discarded picnic plate, and sending it to the nearest fertilizer plant is no more dignified than that of cremation. The indignity starts the moment these gentle creatures are allowed to be born into a world in which there is no place for them. In our "perfect world" there would be no need for the euthanization of any healthy animal, which would altogether eliminate the need to discuss what happens to their lifeless bodies.
Pets are brought to the AWL Center for many reasons, few of which with adequate education and responsibility could not be prevented. We work painstakingly to ensure that the animals in our care are given the basic needs that all God's creatures deserve. We are their last hope. However, by the time they walk through the doors of shelters across America, many of these innocent animals already have their fate sealed. Quite simply, there aren't enough homes for them all. By taking the responsibility to have your pet spayed or neutered you can become part of the solution to the real problem - overpopulation. The AWL is always short of volunteers, money and exposure ... you can help. My heartfelt thanks to those who do. We can no longer choose to believe that someone else will clean up this mess for us. Each of us needs to face the truth and become involved at a point that counts ... not wait until dead animals have been disposed of to become outraged.
Lisa Barber
Warsaw
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- Competition - Meijer - Not Enough Fox - Resisting Change - Being Fair - Glen Terrace - Mr. NIMFY - Animal Welfare
Competition
Editor, Times Union:For 28 years, I worked at a small local grocery store. During most of that time, we had to try to explain to our customers why some of the advertised items that they saw on Fort Wayne and South Bend television and newspapers were not in effect here. The answer was and is, that there is no real competition in the Warsaw grocery market. We presently have Marsh and Kroger (disguised as Owens to avoid paying union wages and benefits). Neither company has ever shown an interest in pushing for a bigger slice of the business pie. Owens was the same way when they were a separate entity. The area was growing and the business was growing without the stores spending money to entice people to change stores.
In the Fort Wayne and South Bend markets, they are fighting for business. Why? Competition! Drive 20 miles east and you will find that they double $1 coupons every day. They acceptÊother stores' coupons every day. They honor other stores' ads every day. Why? There isÊcompetition in this area.
Now Meijer wants to come in and give us the competition that will give you lower prices and larger choice of products and stores. They are willing to spend 3/4 of a million dollars to alleviate a traffic problem that will have to be taken care of whether Meijer is in Warsaw or not. The powers that be have turned them down because of a few NIMBYs. I have news for them. That area will have commercial development of some kind sooner or later, and there are a lot worse things that could come in. Meijer is not the business that they are because they run unattractive, dirty stores. And for the argument about semis fueling there, when have you seen semis fueling at the other gas stations along 30? They go to truck stops, where they can fuel quickly and not be hassled by private vehicles. I hope the Council will rethink their decision. The consumers in Warsaw have an excellent opportunity for better prices and selection with the addition of a Wal Mart Superstore and Meijer. It will be a shame if this opportunity is thwarted.
Ronald Sellers
Winona Lake
via e-mail
Meijer
Editor, Times-Union:When I first read the newspaper account of the recent City Council meeting that voted on the Meijer issue, I was disappointed. Not in the decision, but in the one-sided view that was portrayed. The City Council members have listened to all the facts and made a decision based on the information that was presented by both sides of the issue. The reporter chose to write an article that was primarily comprised of the points made, by Mr. Snyder, in an effort to win a favorable vote to zone the selected area (C5). The only quotes for the other side, was to quote Mr. Silveus, expressing concerns about Meijer coming to town and being bad for the local businesses. The author then made mention of the people that spoke up at the meeting against the rezoning, but offered no valid quotes as to why they saw the location at Husky Trail to be a bad choice.
The City Council and the Planning Commission did not vote against this proposal because there was an outcry from the local residents in the area. They voted against the rezoning because there were many valid points that made this location undesirable for this size business. The vote was about location and rezoning, NOT about whether Meijer would be welcome in Warsaw or not. In fact I would guess that the majority of the City Council and the people that were at the meeting would like Meijer to build a store in Warsaw. Just not on Husky Trail, near an intersection that serves our hospital, an elementary school and a major residential area.
To those that want to write to the editor, focus on the pros and cons of the chosen location and encourage Meijer to look at relocating their store a half mile west on 30. Where there is a great location with access directly off of 30 and options for reasonable traffic flow.
Finally, I can't believe that Meijer has the audacity to push ahead on developing the 19 acres. This shows a lot of disrespect for the City Council, the Planning Commission and the residents of Warsaw. I don't think this type of action supports Meijer's claim to be a good neighbor. Furthermore it will not allow them to be competitive with the new "Super" Wal-Mart that will be building at the intersection of 15 and 30.
Charles Woodling
Warsaw
via e-mail
Not Enough Fox
Editor, Times-Union:First I would like to congratulate Gary Gerard on his article this morning concerning the growth of Warsaw ... I agree ...
My letter to the editor is about Rick Fox, a graduate of Warsaw High School and an NBA champion. I have followed Rick Fox and his career with great interest, first with North Carolina, then with the Boston Celtics and Larry Bird, then to the L.A. Lakers for millions less than he could have made going to two other teams. This made NBA news and still is ...
In the past few weeks, during the NBA playoffs, I have read numerous articles about Rick in the South Bend Tribune, the Indianapolis Star, Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, USA Today, items on the Internet ... Yesterday I received my Sports Illustrated and an article about L.A. winning the title, "Rick Fox drained a crucial fourth quarter three pointer." "We played our hearts out tonight," Fox said. "No one can say we took an easy route to the championship." Another article read "Crazy Like A Fox." This was all about Rick.
All this is to say that it is amazing to me that the only thing that has been in the Times-Union except one small box has been AP, UP or whatever. I can quote a lot of Warsaw sports fans that agree with me that it is time that Rick Fox is recognized in your sports page with a full story about the championship ring that he will wear reaching a goal, that Warsaw High School and the community of Warsaw should be proud. Warsaw had been mentioned on several news stories as well as Warsaw High School. Thanks.
N. Bruce Howe Jr.
Warsaw
via e-mail
Editor's Note: The Times-Union ran two columns in the sports section featuring Rick Fox during the NBA finals. The first, which ran approximately 25 column inches, highlighted his basketball career and his connection to Warsaw. It appeared June 12. It was written by former Times-Union intern Jim Walker. Walker is sports editor for the Greenfield Reporter. The Reporter, located in a suburb of Indianapolis, routinely covers the Pacers. Walker had credentials to the NBA finals and interviewed Fox for us. On June 14, a second column about Fox highlighted his acting career and gave other insights into his personal life. Additionally, Fox was quoted or mentioned in seven other stories between June 8 and June 20.
Resisting Change
Editor, Times-Union:I have never written a Letter to the Editor before, but recent events compel me to do so. The Warsaw area has an opportunity to gain jobs, tax revenues and road improvements without taxpayer expense. Most communities would view this as a bonanza.
Meijer has gone to extraordinary efforts to appease those who oppose their plan but the NIMBYs have prevailed. In addition, as reported in Gary Gerard's News Views last Saturday, efforts are underway to thwart Wal-Mart's plan to build a store on Ind. 15N.
Those who resist change inevitably fail to keep pace with those who are more forward-thinking. Businesses providing lodging and restaurant services have come to Warsaw and local businesses appear to be continuing to thrive. Why can't we expect a similar result with the addition of a Meijer store and an enlarged Wal-Mart?
Bill Achenbach
Winona Lake
Being Fair
Editor, Times-Union:One of the first things we teach to our children is to be fair. You know the quote, "That's not fair." Such a false sense of security. Life is not fair.
It wasn't fair that Josh Elkins lost his life 6-2-00 and gee, I guess it wasn't fair that the Times-Union chose to feel it was noteworthy news to share Josh Elkins' toxicology report on its front page of its newspaper. Wow! Now wait ... without failing to mention that Josh was a donor and now a few burn victims' recovery will be easier and sight has been regiven because of the gift of Josh.
The word accident is a funny word. "Oh, it was just an accident." Is that all your Times-Union subscribers need to read about? You know, Josh only injured himself 6-2-00. It's not like the youth have anything profound to learn about his accident.
Josh was like a lot of young adults his age. He was finding who he was by finding out who he wasn't. God has given us many, many options in life and I'm sure that there has not been one person reading this that, at one time in your life, you would not have been very proud being caught up in. I know 20 years ago, I could have been Josh. How about you?
Thank you, Larry and Diane, for giving Josh to us. His life may have been short but the impact he made will be left with us forever.
Tina Minnix
Warsaw
Glen Terrace
Editor, Times-Union:I didn't hear the start of the Glen Terrace saga, but it seems to me that someone dropped the ball here. If these buildings are out of code now, they have been out of code from day one. So who approved these buildings for occupancy? Isn't there a process of approval for construction of new rental buildings? Just wondering.
Ben Shafer
Warsaw
via e-mail
Mr. NIMFY
Editor, Times-Union:After reading your comments in Saturday's Times-Union, I felt compelled to write to you once again. The first thing I would like to say is "Thank You" to the mayor and city council for their unanimous vote turning down Meijer's request for rezoning the 41 acres to C-5 for the Meijer complex. Please note I said complex and not store, for that is what was proposed by Meijer. But Mr. Gerard, neither you or any of the other people complaining about the city council vote, would have had to contend with the noise, lights, traffic, trash or loss of property value due to the Meijer complex, but I would have to.
I must say, Mr. Gerard, that I am disappointed in you, for once again you resort to name calling and labeling, i.e., NIMBYs and ACACs. You see, Mr. Gerard, I don't necessarily believe you are unbiased because of the possible income your newspaper would receive in Meijer advertising. Let me pose a hypothetical question to you, Mr. Gerard: Let's suppose that another newspaper wanted to rezone the same area to industrial so they could publish another newspaper in Warsaw, would you still be in favor? Since you and your newspaper would have to go up against competition of which, I might add, you have little or none.
Also I would like to ask if anyone of the people, including yourself, that are whining and complaining if they would welcome a 35,000 square foot retail business or restaurant across from their front door? I'd bet not. Furthermore, you whine about the improvements Meijer was willing to pay for at the Parker Street, Husky Trail, Patterson Road intersection. We only have the word of the consultants hired by Meijer that it would improve traffic flow, what if it didn't? Then who would be stuck with the bill? The same taxpayers that you talked about in your column. You talk about the shift in attitude against big box stores or any large retailer coming into Warsaw. I don't believe that, Mr. Gerard, because I, unlike you, attended the May meeting of the Warsaw City Council when the rezoning for the new Wal-Mart Super Center and the Lowe's Home Center was approved, there wasn't one. Why? Could it be because they are building in the proper LOCATION?
Have you ever considered that maybe people are getting tired of being told by government, big industry or big stores what is going to be and there is nothing they can do about it. Example: Hummer/GM plant in Mishawaka and all the families that are being FORCED to move!
Well, Mr. Gerard, some of us are mad as hell and we're not going to take it anymore! And as for the people who already drive to the various Meijer stores in the surrounding area, what's the problem since you already feel the savings to be had are worth the drive and the cost of gas. As in my previous letter my name is Larry Buckmaster and I still live on Patterson Road and I am still a vociferous NIMFY (not in my front yard).
Larry Buckmaster
Warsaw
Animal Welfare
Editor, Times-Union:The Animal Welfare League is a small group of individuals who give precious time and devote their lives to cleaning up a mess an entire community creates. Millions of healthy, loving animals are put to death across the country every year and thousands of them are the responsibility of the people of this country. We have worked tirelessly to educate the public about this issue which so many have chosen to ignore. The recent events at the shelter have evoked a sanctimonious outcry for animals for whom it is already too late to change the outcome. I would plead with the people of this community, as well as the media, to apply this same outrage towards the animals for whom there is still a chance. It's hard for a group, such as the AWL who work directly with these animals every day and are asked to "dispose of the problem" quietly, to understand a demand for the better treatment of euthanized animals when those who are alive are in such desperate need every day without the benefit of this same passionate outrage.
The truth of the matter is there's no way to hide the ugliness of this issue. As all shelter employees and many AWL members and volunteers can attest, the sad eyes of a dog or cat who wants for nothing but the touch of your hand or a walk in the grass being led into a room and given a lethal injection are nothing less than heartbreaking. This is the true tragedy and, without question, should be the news story the media so actively seeks.
Although the board of directors would never amend the policies of the AWL to include burning of euthanized animals as standard procedure, we believe as animal lovers that the "accepted practice" of storing an animal in a freezer, throwing it on the back of a truck like a discarded picnic plate, and sending it to the nearest fertilizer plant is no more dignified than that of cremation. The indignity starts the moment these gentle creatures are allowed to be born into a world in which there is no place for them. In our "perfect world" there would be no need for the euthanization of any healthy animal, which would altogether eliminate the need to discuss what happens to their lifeless bodies.
Pets are brought to the AWL Center for many reasons, few of which with adequate education and responsibility could not be prevented. We work painstakingly to ensure that the animals in our care are given the basic needs that all God's creatures deserve. We are their last hope. However, by the time they walk through the doors of shelters across America, many of these innocent animals already have their fate sealed. Quite simply, there aren't enough homes for them all. By taking the responsibility to have your pet spayed or neutered you can become part of the solution to the real problem - overpopulation. The AWL is always short of volunteers, money and exposure ... you can help. My heartfelt thanks to those who do. We can no longer choose to believe that someone else will clean up this mess for us. Each of us needs to face the truth and become involved at a point that counts ... not wait until dead animals have been disposed of to become outraged.
Lisa Barber
Warsaw
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