The time has come to ask a simple question about the proposed Mid-States Corridor: What transportation problem(s) in Dubois, Martin, or Daviess County require spending more than $3 billion on a new highway? After reviewing Indiana Department of Transportation’s (INDOT) own traffic and transportation analyses, I believe the answer is, there isn’t one. That does…
The proposed Mid-States Corridor continues to be a highly contested issue. On April 27, the Dubois County Council voted 6 to 1 to withdraw from the Mid-States Corridor Regional Development Authority (RDA). The council had intended the withdrawal to be effective immediately but, based on a last-minute opinion from the State Attorney General, requested by…
There is a legitimate discussion to be had about the safety of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). Lithium-ion batteries can experience thermal runaway, and a serious failure can produce fire and hazardous gases. Anyone who says otherwise is not being honest. But neither is it honest to imply that a BESS is automatically an unacceptable…
The information published in the Mid-States Corridor Study, and continued narrative from the proponents of this study would try to get you to believe that because of all the past studies done over the decades, that it is proof the Mid-States Corridor is needed. What is interesting to note is that there is a report…
Something struck me and hasn’t left me since one of the Democratic hosted town halls. A man stood up and I’m paraphrasing but in essence said we need to start banding together to stop projects such as data centers, BESS etc. before it’s too late. One day you wake up and your neighbor has decided…
At a time when many Hoosiers are struggling to afford necessities, it’s our responsibility as your representatives in the state legislature to keep taxes low and spend each tax dollar the state receives as efficiently and prudently as possible. That’s why I supported Senate Enrolled Act 1, a new law that improves the integrity of Indiana’s Medicaid program. This law ensures Hoosiers receiving Medicaid benefits are financially…
Recently, multiple days of heavy rainfall have caused unprecedented flooding in the Indianapolis area. Why was there so much flooding? Areas near Indianapolis received up to 11 inches of rain. That is 298,694 gallons of water per acre of land. Since the area is so highly developed, most of that water was runoff, causing the…
The public record surrounding the development of the Mid-States Corridor project raises legitimate questions about whether a coordinated relationship existed among private business interests, economic-development organizations, elected officials, and later governmental entities to advance a predetermined transportation project. The available evidence does not prove an unlawful conspiracy or collusion; however, the chronology and relationships are sufficient…
I am writing, hoping the community of Dubois County will come together to ask the city or county to rally support to stop the possible loss of a historical part of their community. I am not sure if it is common knowledge, but when asking I heard there was a good possibility that Jasper may…
Mr. Hartman, Your letter was a breath of fresh air. Your approach was fair, your questions were valid, and your tone was respectful. Thank you. Does accountability always mean incarceration? No. Conversely, can accountability mean staying in the community, working to support a family while following the rules under local supervision? Absolutely. When I said…
