As the attorney representing the several citizens of Winona Lake who have defended their property rights, I wish to comment regarding two letters to the editor submitted by town council members in your May 1 publication.
The merits of the case are for the court. Citizens are entitled to their day in court even if town council members disapprove. However, it was the town council who chose to utilize Indianapolis lawyers and incur fees that were mentioned, although apparently the two writers are not actually sure as to the amount, as they disagreed with each other. But accuracy from a town official is not mandatory.
What they do not tell the general public is that the town now claims to have complete ownership of the streets along the "canal" by a quitclaim deed the town procured from Grace Schools, even though Grace acknowledges that it has never claimed such ownership. This is contrary to any prior law or case in the state of Indiana, and the local citizens have chosen to ask the Indiana Supreme Court to review the "not for publication" opinion of the Court of Appeals.
These matters have all been before the Courts of the State of Indiana, and are not pending before the "United States Supreme Court" as indicated by one of the council members. But again, accuracy does not seem to be mandatory.
The two letters appear to be more in the nature of personal attacks on a candidate, but one expects that around this time of year.
