Letter to the Editor: County officials should take up economic initiatives with tax money

As the deep freeze continues and thoughts of praying for global warming seem to make more sense every day, let us remember that this year begins anew the political cycle. There are many issues that face our nation, state, and local communities, but the more important one, and the easiest one for you to address, is you not being civically involved.

Our country has been spending on average $3 for every $2 it receives, having to borrow that $1 well over one trillion times annually until recently as well as again in the near future. On the state level, Hoosiers struggle to maintain and grow the positive economic position we have today. In this highly depressed economy, States are battling over every business and potential tax dollar. Standing pat equals falling behind. Citizens must make sure our elected leaders are staying focused on doing the right thing and not just anything.

On the local level this year we need to remember that as a county we must always take advantage of the positives of our county while recognizing the opportunities for growth and taking up the effort to improve. I have written about EDIT spending in the past and the county should take notice of how some of the cities within it have changed their behaviors and assets to be more pro-growth. The issue is not about change for the sake of change, but change because it seems the next generation is demanding improvement and using their feet to vote where the future takes them. As our cities seek to change to attract them back, so must our county change.

Since everyone has a stake in how the county operates, each one of us should ask our currently elected officials to embrace the opportunity to upgrade the county’s economic position and not be content with the cities being the only force for economic growth. Then apply the same logic up the ladder of elected offices, and hold each one accountable for seeking to be great and not settling for ‘good’. Remember, the solutions don’t lie in the hands of the office holders but with each one of us being involved in the process in some capacity. If change at the national, state, or local level is required that change depends on you to act and be engaged.