Letter: The Mid-States Corridor is on the ballot

Is the Mid-States Corridor on this year’s ballot? Yes, it is, but not as a referendum. Some candidates on this year’s ballot have voiced opposition to the Mid-States Corridor project. Why have the candidates who favor the project been eerily silent?

There are many important issues facing us as we go to vote: inflation, fuel prices, international strife, extreme political division and, yes, plain old partisan loyalty. But for us here in the Dubois, Martin, and Daviess County area, the most significant issue is the Mid-States Corridor.

Since the last election, we have seen the truth about the Corridor come to light. We have seen local and statewide polling showing widespread opposition to the project, over 80% locally and over 70% statewide. We see the misrepresentations put forth by the Mid-States Corridor and the Hoosiers for the Corridor Facebook pages. We have seen candidates refuse to take a public position. We now know that INDOT has canceled or postponed over 300 projects because of a lack of funding and a budget shortfall of more than $1 billion, yet the Corridor project remains untouched. We also saw the State Legislature pass an amendment requiring State Budget Committee review of road projects.

Now what? Now is the time for all good Hoosiers to go to the polls and vote. We must exercise our civic duty and vote. There are significant issues to weigh and decide, both locally and nationally.

This election will determine if voters and concerned citizens can really make a difference. We have all been taught that if we want change in our government, then we must vote. Locally, we will be deciding if we want “home rule” on our infrastructure. Home rule means that the people whose communities will be affected deserve a meaningful voice in deciding whether and where major highways are built—not simply a decision handed down by INDOT and the Governor.

Matthew McConaughey recently stated that being and voting as an Independent is really the most American attitude. I would have said being NPA (No Party Affiliation) is really what our nation’s founders had in mind. George Washington, for one, was opposed to political parties for good reason. I urge all of us to become non-partisan and vote for what is best for all Hoosiers.

It’s time to cross party lines here in Dubois, Martin, and Daviess counties, and in Pike, Spencer, and Greene counties as well, and vote for those candidates who will stop the Mid-States Corridor. The project is not good for southwest Indiana, not good for Indiana, and really not good for the nation.

Yes, go vote. Make your voices heard. Make the best decision for you and your families. Evaluate the candidates carefully and then vote for any and all who will stop the Mid-States Corridor.

Jim Arvin
Rutherford Township
Martin County

Editor’s note: This is not Jim Arvin, the former president of Jasper Desk.