Letters to the Editor 10-26-2004
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Truth In Editorials - Ballot Initiatives - Appalled By Gerard - Know Your Ballot - Political Parties - Supports Watkins - Supports Robinson - Lakeland Daycare - School Board Endorsements
Truth In Editorials
Editor, Times-Union:You asked, "Does truth matter in politics?" Yes, much like truth should matter in editorial writing.
It was inevitable that you would run an editorial pointing out that there are a lot of false and misleading claims being used by the presidential candidates. What I did not expect was that your editorial would be just as misleading as material coming from the various political camps. You proceeded to point out only Kerry's errors even though you admitted that both make mistakes.
Perhaps it would be a good idea for you to run the complete listing of all the errors pointed out on Factcheck.org Although he made a mistake in the Web address, even scowling Cheney attempted to say that people should check this site.
You must not have had your math hat on and neglected to interpret all the false numbers thrown around by the Bush camp over Kerry's votes. Included in the 350 times Kerry supposedly voted for higher taxes, are votes for amendments, votes on procedures, votes that set targets and other votes that were not on any legislation. It seems that someone can vote against 10 amendments for a tax bill, vote for the final tax bill and be told that he voted 10 time to raise taxes. Weird math.
Perhaps you missed that the Bush camp tries to paint Kerry as always a far left Liberal while trying at the same time to give him a flip flop label. Neglecting the contradiction in such an approach, look at a Factcheck comment: "Is Senator John Kerry a Liberal? What is really true is that he is more or less a liberal centrist." I guess liberal in any sense justifies the liberal tag to some. (I did run across the name of a fascinating historical person in Eugene V. Debs, a very liberal Hoosier.)
Perhaps you also forgot that the Bush camp incorrectly stated that Kerry called terrorists nuisances. In fact, in the context of what he said, his comments were amazingly like Bush's comments to NBC. Both candidates want us to get to the point where we can effectively deal with terrorists and both candidates say that terrorism as a weapon will always be with us.
Perhaps you also neglected to read about the huge distortion made by the Bush campaign of Kerry's plan for health care. Independent analyzers clearly state that this plan will not create massive new governmental agencies.
Mrs. Heinz-Kerry made an erroneous statement about Laura Bush, admitted a mistake and apologized. Laura Bush graciously said no apologies were necessary since she understood how misstatements occur. The Bush gang decided that this too was worth a negative campaign ad. (I wonder if this makes a case for having women run for president?)
You can go on for many column inches but I am limited so I will stop with these few examples.
Perhaps we can all be comforted that Pat Robertson, while admitting to Bush errors - something Bush has trouble doing - tells us that God is blessing the president. Wow - how can you not vote for God's chosen one? But I think I am going to chance the curse of the Almighty and not vote for Bush.
James Streator
Claypool
via e-mail
Ballot Initiatives
Editor, Times-Union:Many voters will be surprised when they step into the voting booth on Nov. 2 to find three questions facing them regarding amendments to Indiana's constitution. This letter explains Indiana Farm Bureau's position on those three questions.
Let's start with Public Questions No. 2 and No. 3, both of which Farm Bureau supports. Public Question No. 2 would allow the Indiana General Assembly to establish a uniform date for the beginning of the terms of office for the county clerk, auditor, recorder, treasurer, sheriff, coroner and surveyor.
Currently, the constitution provides for these offices but does not specify when their terms begin. Our members believe this amendment makes sense and therefore we support it.
Public Question No. 3 addresses the issue of order of succession in the event that something would happen to the governor and lieutenant governor at the same time. Right now, the law does not provide for anyone to step into the executive role until such time as the General Assembly can convene to select a new governor. This amendment would establish a line of succession that includes all the statewide elected officeholders. This line would act as governor only until the General Assembly could complete the process of selecting a new governor. Again, our members support this common-sense amendment.
IFB does not support Public Question No. 1, which deals with property tax exemptions. Currently, the constitution authorizes the General Assembly to exempt property held by tax-exempt organizations, tangible personal property other than business equipment and inventory, and intangible personal property such as stocks, bonds and other securities, from property taxes.
If passed, the amendment known as Public Question No. 1 would allow (but not compel) the General Assembly to add to that list of exempt property to include owner-occupied residential property, business equipment and inventory.
IFB is opposed to this amendment for this reason: the amendment does not direct the state legislature to provide an alternative source of revenue for the property taxes lost through these new exemptions, nor does it reduce the amount of the total levy to be raised through property taxes.
In other words, it would authorize the legislature to grant relief to some property taxpayers at the expense of those who own other classes of property - most notably, farmers and landowners.
This amendment would legitimize actions already taken by the General Assembly to reduce the inventory tax and provide relief to homeowners. Farm Bureau supported the proposed amendment when it was considered by the legislature in 2002 and 2003 because it was seen as a way to reduce inventory taxes on farms. However, after measuring the impact of reassessment coupled with a new $35,000 homestead exemption, Farm Bureau has withdrawn its support for this amendment and now opposes it.
On Nov. 2, we urge voters to vote "No" on Public Question No. 1, and vote "Yes" on Public Question No. 2 and No. 3.
Don Villwock
President
Indiana Farm Bureau
Indianapolis
via e-mail
Appalled By Gerard
Editor, Times-Union:I recently read the weekend edition of the Times-Union on Oct.23 and 24. I was appalled at an article on the front cover by Gary Gerard. It was titled, "Does Truth Matter In Politics?" The first two paragraphs intrigued me, they were about how much negative action the candidates are engaging in this election. It was about all the mudslinging going on these days. The second paragraph ended with,"I thought we had outgrown that, but I guess not." I agree, we are all mature enough (I thought) to be able to recognize these kinds of tactics and know that they are low forms of politics.There are better ways of going about business, we should strive for better. Gary Gerard had me going, I was hooked, lets see where this is going.
The next 18 paragraphs, yes, 18 paragraphs, go on to tell me that John Kerry is the obvious wrong choice, that I do not agree with, but that's not what I am debating here. Gerard's whole "News Views" article is somewhat confusing. First he says mudslinging is bad, don't do it, then he continues to trash John Kerry, never mentioning any Bush negatives. Sounds like mudslinging to me, but what do I know, I'm only 21. I guess I thought that the front page of the newspaper was reserved for just that, news. Instead I am treated to a long advertisement for why I should vote Bush November second. But wait, I thought we had outgrown that, but I guess not.
Chris Owens
Claypool
via e-mail
Know Your Ballot
Editor, Times-Union:The last couple of times that I have traveled to my local polling place for major elections, I was disappointed when I came to the final page of the voting procedure and discovered questions that I was not aware of, if they impacted me, or how to answer. I decided to be proactive before the 2004 presidential elections and do a little research and see what I could find. Here is the state level judicial retention and public questions that will be on the ballot, and pertain to us in the northern Indiana area. You can also find these items at the following Web site address in greater detail: www.in.gov/sos/elections
Shall Judge John T. Sharpnack be retained in office? He is in the Indiana Court of Appeals and presides over the Fifth District.
For Judge Sharpnack's biography, see http://www.in.gov/judiciary/appeals/judges.html
Public Question No. 1: Shall Article 10, Section 1 of the Constitution of the State of Indiana be amended to allow the General Assembly to make certain property exempt from property taxes, including (1) a homeowner's primary residence; (2) personal property used to produce income; and (3) inventory?
Public Question No. 2: Shall Article 6, Section 2 of the Constitution of the State of Indiana be amended to allow the General Assembly to establish a uniform date for the beginning of the terms of the county offices of the clerk of the circuit court, auditor, recorder, treasurer, sheriff, coroner and surveyor?
Public Question No. 3: Shall Article 5, Section 10 of the Constitution of the State of Indiana be amended to specify: (1) which state official acts as governor when the office of governor and the office of lieutenant governor are both vacant; and (2) the deadline for the General Assembly to meet when either the House or the Senate cannot assemble a quorum within 48 hours after both offices become vacant?
For more information concerning the text of the proposed state constitutional amendments see Public Law 278-2003 (SJR 5); Public Law 279-2003 (HJR 7); and Public Law 280-2003 (HJR 8).
Read up. Be informed and vote!
Seth Faulkner
Bourbon
Political Parties
Editor, Times-Union:"Why Don't We Do Away With Political Parties?" A Times-Union editorial by David Slone, Times-Union staff writer printed Jan. 25, 1999. Please print this outstanding editorial again, it is well worth another reading. Since its original printing, the truth of these words, "some of which are not unlike a prophecy from George Washington," are getting clearer as each year goes by, without any positive changes to the big political machines. Thanks for reading. Keep it up!
Jonathan R. Mauk
Warsaw
Supports Watkins
Editor, Times-Union:As we approach the election of the next generation of school board members we need to look for new energy and commitment in those we choose. Sterling Watkins has the character, common sense and courage to make the right decisions concerning our school children. In this election year we read about experienced educators with a long list of credentials. We're more interested in common sense and the desire of a person to listen to their constituents.
Sterling is a quality person with conviction and integrity. He is not a person to be bullied or intimidated. He is a great father, husband and church member. He possesses what is the backbone of this fine community in which we live. We wholeheartedly support and endorse his candidacy for the Warsaw Community School Board. We implore you to vote for him as well.
Dr. and Mrs. Richard Sommers
Silver Lake
via e-mail
Supports Robinson
Editor, Times-Union:I encourage everyone in Warsaw Community Schools District 3 to vote for Dan Robinson. I Believe Dan Robinson is a man of integrity and honor. As a former Warsaw Community School Board member who had the pleasure of serving with Dan, I have seen first hand his proven record of fiscal responsibility, communication and desire to serve his community. Our children come first with Dan Robinson. He truly has a servant's heart. Other WCS board members who have served with Dan Robinson, such as Tammy Dalton, Gordon Vanator and Joel Scrafton, concur. Dan Robinson's more than quarter century of construction experience along with his business expertise will add a new dimension to the WCS board that is greatly needed at this time of budgetary deficits. As a businessman, Dan Robinson knows how to meet payrolls and still balance a budget.
Likewise, Deb Wiggins will breathe new life into the Warsaw Community School Board. As a businesswoman and entrepreneur, she has a proven track record of community service. She will listen and facilitate communications between the board and patrons. It's time for a change in the WCS Board. Good enough is no longer good enough!
George Klinger
Warsaw
via e-mail
Lakeland Daycare
Editor, Times-Union:I would like to thank the people and business who were a part of helping to re-open Lakeland Community Daycare. We started the work on the building on Aug. 2, and have worked nonstop since that time. The refurbishing of the facilities, the donations received, the many volunteer hours from a community that cares have been a tremendous blessing. My family - Jack, Joshua, Bethany, Adam, Shaina and Michelle have been great! They were patient with the hours I have put in at the center as well as working side-by-side with me painting, cleaning and doing whatever they could to help, a simple thank-you hardly seems enough for the blessing and support they have been to me and to this community. To my friends, thank you! These people have put in many hours to accomplish a great amount of work in a short amount of time.
To the organizations and businesses who donated financially, supplies and time, thank you! You each deserve an award for a job well done! Lakeland Community Daycare is open and moving forward thanks to each of you. The doors are open, and the work continues as does the gratitude for everything! There are many anonymous givers and I thank you also! (I've probably forgotten someone so let me apologize now!) A tremendous thanks to the staff and to the parents. Our staff is amazing! I am grateful to have each staff member on board, providing quality care for our children.
It's been said many times, but to everyone who has helped, thank you!
Deb Harrell
Administrator
Lakeland Community Daycare
Warsaw
via e-mail
School Board Endorsements
Editor, Times-Union:To the voters of Kosciusko County:
We, the undersigned, as past members of The Board of Trustees of Warsaw Community School Corp., in the interest of seeking the best possible education for our students and in the interest of establishing and promoting sound principles of management of the resources of our school corporation, do solicit your support and your vote on Nov. 2, 2004, for the following candidates for election to the Board of Trustees of Warsaw Community School Corp., namely: Dan Robinson, Deborah Wiggins and Sterling Watkins.
William M. Dalton II
Jerry Johnson
Fred R. Yohey
Gordon H. Vanator
Joel Scrafton
George Klinger
[[In-content Ad]]
Latest News
E-Editions
- Truth In Editorials - Ballot Initiatives - Appalled By Gerard - Know Your Ballot - Political Parties - Supports Watkins - Supports Robinson - Lakeland Daycare - School Board Endorsements
Truth In Editorials
Editor, Times-Union:You asked, "Does truth matter in politics?" Yes, much like truth should matter in editorial writing.
It was inevitable that you would run an editorial pointing out that there are a lot of false and misleading claims being used by the presidential candidates. What I did not expect was that your editorial would be just as misleading as material coming from the various political camps. You proceeded to point out only Kerry's errors even though you admitted that both make mistakes.
Perhaps it would be a good idea for you to run the complete listing of all the errors pointed out on Factcheck.org Although he made a mistake in the Web address, even scowling Cheney attempted to say that people should check this site.
You must not have had your math hat on and neglected to interpret all the false numbers thrown around by the Bush camp over Kerry's votes. Included in the 350 times Kerry supposedly voted for higher taxes, are votes for amendments, votes on procedures, votes that set targets and other votes that were not on any legislation. It seems that someone can vote against 10 amendments for a tax bill, vote for the final tax bill and be told that he voted 10 time to raise taxes. Weird math.
Perhaps you missed that the Bush camp tries to paint Kerry as always a far left Liberal while trying at the same time to give him a flip flop label. Neglecting the contradiction in such an approach, look at a Factcheck comment: "Is Senator John Kerry a Liberal? What is really true is that he is more or less a liberal centrist." I guess liberal in any sense justifies the liberal tag to some. (I did run across the name of a fascinating historical person in Eugene V. Debs, a very liberal Hoosier.)
Perhaps you also forgot that the Bush camp incorrectly stated that Kerry called terrorists nuisances. In fact, in the context of what he said, his comments were amazingly like Bush's comments to NBC. Both candidates want us to get to the point where we can effectively deal with terrorists and both candidates say that terrorism as a weapon will always be with us.
Perhaps you also neglected to read about the huge distortion made by the Bush campaign of Kerry's plan for health care. Independent analyzers clearly state that this plan will not create massive new governmental agencies.
Mrs. Heinz-Kerry made an erroneous statement about Laura Bush, admitted a mistake and apologized. Laura Bush graciously said no apologies were necessary since she understood how misstatements occur. The Bush gang decided that this too was worth a negative campaign ad. (I wonder if this makes a case for having women run for president?)
You can go on for many column inches but I am limited so I will stop with these few examples.
Perhaps we can all be comforted that Pat Robertson, while admitting to Bush errors - something Bush has trouble doing - tells us that God is blessing the president. Wow - how can you not vote for God's chosen one? But I think I am going to chance the curse of the Almighty and not vote for Bush.
James Streator
Claypool
via e-mail
Ballot Initiatives
Editor, Times-Union:Many voters will be surprised when they step into the voting booth on Nov. 2 to find three questions facing them regarding amendments to Indiana's constitution. This letter explains Indiana Farm Bureau's position on those three questions.
Let's start with Public Questions No. 2 and No. 3, both of which Farm Bureau supports. Public Question No. 2 would allow the Indiana General Assembly to establish a uniform date for the beginning of the terms of office for the county clerk, auditor, recorder, treasurer, sheriff, coroner and surveyor.
Currently, the constitution provides for these offices but does not specify when their terms begin. Our members believe this amendment makes sense and therefore we support it.
Public Question No. 3 addresses the issue of order of succession in the event that something would happen to the governor and lieutenant governor at the same time. Right now, the law does not provide for anyone to step into the executive role until such time as the General Assembly can convene to select a new governor. This amendment would establish a line of succession that includes all the statewide elected officeholders. This line would act as governor only until the General Assembly could complete the process of selecting a new governor. Again, our members support this common-sense amendment.
IFB does not support Public Question No. 1, which deals with property tax exemptions. Currently, the constitution authorizes the General Assembly to exempt property held by tax-exempt organizations, tangible personal property other than business equipment and inventory, and intangible personal property such as stocks, bonds and other securities, from property taxes.
If passed, the amendment known as Public Question No. 1 would allow (but not compel) the General Assembly to add to that list of exempt property to include owner-occupied residential property, business equipment and inventory.
IFB is opposed to this amendment for this reason: the amendment does not direct the state legislature to provide an alternative source of revenue for the property taxes lost through these new exemptions, nor does it reduce the amount of the total levy to be raised through property taxes.
In other words, it would authorize the legislature to grant relief to some property taxpayers at the expense of those who own other classes of property - most notably, farmers and landowners.
This amendment would legitimize actions already taken by the General Assembly to reduce the inventory tax and provide relief to homeowners. Farm Bureau supported the proposed amendment when it was considered by the legislature in 2002 and 2003 because it was seen as a way to reduce inventory taxes on farms. However, after measuring the impact of reassessment coupled with a new $35,000 homestead exemption, Farm Bureau has withdrawn its support for this amendment and now opposes it.
On Nov. 2, we urge voters to vote "No" on Public Question No. 1, and vote "Yes" on Public Question No. 2 and No. 3.
Don Villwock
President
Indiana Farm Bureau
Indianapolis
via e-mail
Appalled By Gerard
Editor, Times-Union:I recently read the weekend edition of the Times-Union on Oct.23 and 24. I was appalled at an article on the front cover by Gary Gerard. It was titled, "Does Truth Matter In Politics?" The first two paragraphs intrigued me, they were about how much negative action the candidates are engaging in this election. It was about all the mudslinging going on these days. The second paragraph ended with,"I thought we had outgrown that, but I guess not." I agree, we are all mature enough (I thought) to be able to recognize these kinds of tactics and know that they are low forms of politics.There are better ways of going about business, we should strive for better. Gary Gerard had me going, I was hooked, lets see where this is going.
The next 18 paragraphs, yes, 18 paragraphs, go on to tell me that John Kerry is the obvious wrong choice, that I do not agree with, but that's not what I am debating here. Gerard's whole "News Views" article is somewhat confusing. First he says mudslinging is bad, don't do it, then he continues to trash John Kerry, never mentioning any Bush negatives. Sounds like mudslinging to me, but what do I know, I'm only 21. I guess I thought that the front page of the newspaper was reserved for just that, news. Instead I am treated to a long advertisement for why I should vote Bush November second. But wait, I thought we had outgrown that, but I guess not.
Chris Owens
Claypool
via e-mail
Know Your Ballot
Editor, Times-Union:The last couple of times that I have traveled to my local polling place for major elections, I was disappointed when I came to the final page of the voting procedure and discovered questions that I was not aware of, if they impacted me, or how to answer. I decided to be proactive before the 2004 presidential elections and do a little research and see what I could find. Here is the state level judicial retention and public questions that will be on the ballot, and pertain to us in the northern Indiana area. You can also find these items at the following Web site address in greater detail: www.in.gov/sos/elections
Shall Judge John T. Sharpnack be retained in office? He is in the Indiana Court of Appeals and presides over the Fifth District.
For Judge Sharpnack's biography, see http://www.in.gov/judiciary/appeals/judges.html
Public Question No. 1: Shall Article 10, Section 1 of the Constitution of the State of Indiana be amended to allow the General Assembly to make certain property exempt from property taxes, including (1) a homeowner's primary residence; (2) personal property used to produce income; and (3) inventory?
Public Question No. 2: Shall Article 6, Section 2 of the Constitution of the State of Indiana be amended to allow the General Assembly to establish a uniform date for the beginning of the terms of the county offices of the clerk of the circuit court, auditor, recorder, treasurer, sheriff, coroner and surveyor?
Public Question No. 3: Shall Article 5, Section 10 of the Constitution of the State of Indiana be amended to specify: (1) which state official acts as governor when the office of governor and the office of lieutenant governor are both vacant; and (2) the deadline for the General Assembly to meet when either the House or the Senate cannot assemble a quorum within 48 hours after both offices become vacant?
For more information concerning the text of the proposed state constitutional amendments see Public Law 278-2003 (SJR 5); Public Law 279-2003 (HJR 7); and Public Law 280-2003 (HJR 8).
Read up. Be informed and vote!
Seth Faulkner
Bourbon
Political Parties
Editor, Times-Union:"Why Don't We Do Away With Political Parties?" A Times-Union editorial by David Slone, Times-Union staff writer printed Jan. 25, 1999. Please print this outstanding editorial again, it is well worth another reading. Since its original printing, the truth of these words, "some of which are not unlike a prophecy from George Washington," are getting clearer as each year goes by, without any positive changes to the big political machines. Thanks for reading. Keep it up!
Jonathan R. Mauk
Warsaw
Supports Watkins
Editor, Times-Union:As we approach the election of the next generation of school board members we need to look for new energy and commitment in those we choose. Sterling Watkins has the character, common sense and courage to make the right decisions concerning our school children. In this election year we read about experienced educators with a long list of credentials. We're more interested in common sense and the desire of a person to listen to their constituents.
Sterling is a quality person with conviction and integrity. He is not a person to be bullied or intimidated. He is a great father, husband and church member. He possesses what is the backbone of this fine community in which we live. We wholeheartedly support and endorse his candidacy for the Warsaw Community School Board. We implore you to vote for him as well.
Dr. and Mrs. Richard Sommers
Silver Lake
via e-mail
Supports Robinson
Editor, Times-Union:I encourage everyone in Warsaw Community Schools District 3 to vote for Dan Robinson. I Believe Dan Robinson is a man of integrity and honor. As a former Warsaw Community School Board member who had the pleasure of serving with Dan, I have seen first hand his proven record of fiscal responsibility, communication and desire to serve his community. Our children come first with Dan Robinson. He truly has a servant's heart. Other WCS board members who have served with Dan Robinson, such as Tammy Dalton, Gordon Vanator and Joel Scrafton, concur. Dan Robinson's more than quarter century of construction experience along with his business expertise will add a new dimension to the WCS board that is greatly needed at this time of budgetary deficits. As a businessman, Dan Robinson knows how to meet payrolls and still balance a budget.
Likewise, Deb Wiggins will breathe new life into the Warsaw Community School Board. As a businesswoman and entrepreneur, she has a proven track record of community service. She will listen and facilitate communications between the board and patrons. It's time for a change in the WCS Board. Good enough is no longer good enough!
George Klinger
Warsaw
via e-mail
Lakeland Daycare
Editor, Times-Union:I would like to thank the people and business who were a part of helping to re-open Lakeland Community Daycare. We started the work on the building on Aug. 2, and have worked nonstop since that time. The refurbishing of the facilities, the donations received, the many volunteer hours from a community that cares have been a tremendous blessing. My family - Jack, Joshua, Bethany, Adam, Shaina and Michelle have been great! They were patient with the hours I have put in at the center as well as working side-by-side with me painting, cleaning and doing whatever they could to help, a simple thank-you hardly seems enough for the blessing and support they have been to me and to this community. To my friends, thank you! These people have put in many hours to accomplish a great amount of work in a short amount of time.
To the organizations and businesses who donated financially, supplies and time, thank you! You each deserve an award for a job well done! Lakeland Community Daycare is open and moving forward thanks to each of you. The doors are open, and the work continues as does the gratitude for everything! There are many anonymous givers and I thank you also! (I've probably forgotten someone so let me apologize now!) A tremendous thanks to the staff and to the parents. Our staff is amazing! I am grateful to have each staff member on board, providing quality care for our children.
It's been said many times, but to everyone who has helped, thank you!
Deb Harrell
Administrator
Lakeland Community Daycare
Warsaw
via e-mail
School Board Endorsements
Editor, Times-Union:To the voters of Kosciusko County:
We, the undersigned, as past members of The Board of Trustees of Warsaw Community School Corp., in the interest of seeking the best possible education for our students and in the interest of establishing and promoting sound principles of management of the resources of our school corporation, do solicit your support and your vote on Nov. 2, 2004, for the following candidates for election to the Board of Trustees of Warsaw Community School Corp., namely: Dan Robinson, Deborah Wiggins and Sterling Watkins.
William M. Dalton II
Jerry Johnson
Fred R. Yohey
Gordon H. Vanator
Joel Scrafton
George Klinger
[[In-content Ad]]
Have a news tip? Email [email protected] or Call/Text 360-922-3092