Mid-States Corridor: Best intentions and best interests don’t always match up

It’s noteworthy that Martin County is considering a Wheel Tax to afford the upkeep of our local roads. Could this have something to do with the fact that over half of the county is tax-exempt? Crane and the Hoosier State Forest don’t contribute as much to our county as our farms and businesses. The Mid-State Corridor will remove even more acreage from Martin, Daviess and Dubois counties’ tax bases.

Alliance Director Jessica Potts is working with USI to develop a community plan around the Mid-State Corridor Project. In her opinion, Martin,County has little say in the progress, or outcome, of the project. Furthermore, Loogootee has paid for half of the plan [study]. A few weeks back I was excited that Loogootee was involving itself in an economic impact study that the Mid-State Corridor would have on Loogootee and Martin County.

It appears I was too enthusiastic too soon. If we go into these types of studies/plans with a pre-conceived vision that we cannot influence the outcome, we have lost before we start. We must be aware of the wolves in sheep’s clothing among us.

Little things mount up quietly and quickly and soon can overcome us. We need to stay awake and nip these potential danger signs in the bud. Watch what our Commissioners are doing. They may have the best intentions, but are they really in our best interests for the future of our community?

A smile and pleasant demeanor can go a long way when saying “No” to those who want us to sign a contract for our land before the studies are complete.

As Nancy Reagan said so many years ago “Just say no” to the Mid-State Corridor.

Jim Arvin
Rutherford Township
Martin County