Letter: Where are our political representatives in Mid-States Corridor fight?

“The times they are a-changin’ “, as the old song goes; and they certainly are changin’ here in Southern Indiana. Rep. Jean Leising and her constituents in District 42 have shown this to be true. Together, they were able to get INDOT to cancel the proposed Link 101 Corridor Project.

INDOT opted to cut its financial losses on the unneeded, unwanted and unpopular Link 101 Corridor Project. So, why is INDOT refusing to do the same with the Mid-States Corridor Project? The data in the Tier 1 FEIS and in the Tier 2 Draft do not justify the Corridor; and, if the data is evaluated honestly, it doesn’t even justify further studies, or lawsuits by the State Attorney against taxpayers.

How were the people of District 42 able to get INDOT to cancel the Link 101 Project? One major reason was that their representative, Jean Leising, was opposed to it. Here in Dubois County, we don’t have such an ally. Our representative, Shane Lindauer, is all in for the Mid-States Corridor. Our senator, Daryl Schmitt, appears to be on the fence, and in Martin and Daviess counties Sen. Eric Bassler is 100% opposed to any new terrain highway. 

The people in Rep. Lindauer’s district are not in favor of the Mid-States Corridor as is evidenced by the 169 constituents of his that are being sued by State Attorney. Who is representing these 169 taxpayers in Indianapolis? Who is representing all the others who are opposed to the Corridor? It’s not Rep. Lindauer or Sen. Schmitt. I wonder if Rep. Lindauer is even aware of the lawsuits, or if he cares that the majority of his constituents in Dubois and Martin counties are opposed to the Corridor? The heavy-handedness of the State in bringing the lawsuits is appalling. Who is representing us?

I ask because we, his constituents, never hear from Rep. Lindauer. He avoids the Property Rights Alliance (PRA) gatherings. He is absent from City and County Council meetings when the Mid-States Corridor is a topic. Again, I’ll ask, why is he absent and silent?

The ranks of those opposed to the Mid-States Corridor are growing, and they are growing louder. The public displays of disapproval were evident at the Strassenfest Parade. All along the parade route were people wearing STOP THE CORRIDOR t-shirts, hats, buttons, and they were waving signs and fans as well—old and young alike. There were even some who yelled questions to Gov. Braun and Rep. Messmer as they passed. Yes, the opposition was there, and they were visible. 

It’s past time for the City and County officials to withdraw their support for the Mid-States Corridor. It only takes one council to stand up for its people and withdraw support. As soon as one does, others will follow. One, all it will take is one Council to do the right thing, the patriotic thing, and say NO to the Corridor. We, the people, will be with you when you take that first step forward to a better and brighter future for the area’s residents.

The opposition has spoken out loud and continues to speak out. Our patriotic residents are standing up and fighting in the courts. Yes, it’s a David and Goliath battle, and David needs help. David needs the people, and now he needs the leaders to stand up against Goliath, as well.

To the City Council of Jasper, do the right thing. Stand up for your people, the citizens and taxpayers, and withdraw your support from the travesty called the Mid-States Corridor.

Jim Arvin
Rutherford Township
Martin County

To clarify, this is not Mr. Jim Arvin of Jasper, the former CEO of Jasper Desk