What are we all afraid of?

If they get their way they will… All they want is… We don’t want… We won’t accept…. Rather than discussion there is a stream of accusations between the parties involved in the Greenwood/White River Township (WRT) merger action. If you listen to your neighbors, if you read the Daily Journal, you will hear the fear and the insinuations flying. Greenwood wants White River Township’s money. WRT will simply overwhelm and take advantage of all Greenwood has to offer. Bargersville is trying to take over. Bargersville is our only hope. You name it, someone has expressed it. But there is very little discussion.

Has anyone asked any questions of their neighbors? Has the reorganization committee held any public meetings designated to collect public opinion? Where is White River Citizens United? What is being done to encourage public discussion? There is seemingly no leader that is willing to encourage discussion, rather we get accusations.

What is there to discuss? Let’s discuss all the options available to WRT. Let’s discuss the real cost of taking on the infrastructure problems of WRT; poor roads, potential flooding problems and limited revenues of a largely residential tax base. Let’s talk about the standing debt of Greenwood and the challenges of fully developed community that is still concerned about its “old” downtown. Let’s talk about why Bargersville seems to have been left out of the dialog and whether or not they are able to manage all of unincorporated WRT? Let’s talk about why WRT cannot become its own city, responsible for its own affairs. The shouting and the whispering, the rumors and (un)founded incrimination have to stop.

The primary responsibility is with the Reorganization Committee. They need to hold more than sub-committee study meetings and full committee “public” meetings. They need to hold public forums; opportunities for all sides to vent their concerns, fears and wishes. They need to lead the discussion on the future of Greenwood and the township, including Bargersville. They should sponsor a series of panel discussions, each featuring a different panel, perhaps including those who are not actively involved in the current study, and be focused on a particular topic. I am not suggesting free-for-all gripe sessions, but focused and facilitated discussion among concerned citizens.

The secondary responsibility is with you. Are you participating in the discussion by attending the public meetings and asking questions, not tossing accusations? Are you participating in discussions on this web site and on www.centergrovetown.org? Are you writing letters to the editor of the Daily Journal?

The next 12 months are going to be the most important 12 months in the history of northern Johnson County. You have a chance to lead the conversation. You have a chance to shape the future, but only if you choose to do so, only if you find a way to become involved. No, I was wrong, it is not the Reorganization Committee that has the responsibility to lead the discussion, and the responsibility is with you. You need to be involved. You need to shape the future of your community. Believe me, we will be a better place if your voice is included.

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