County tax support for ADEC has been raised as an issue in the (Elkhart) County Commissioner (District 2) race. Candidate Darryl Riegsecker promises to cut ADEC’s funding by the county if elected. He has said he supports ADEC’s mission but doesn’t think the county should provide the funding. He believes we can instead fundraise an additional $450,000 every year.
The first county tax dollars came to ADEC decades ago. Since then the County Commissioners and County Council have continually supported ADEC’s mission. Why should the county support ADEC?
• Intellectual and developmental disabilities affect citizens across all demographics, is a pervasive condition and requires a lifetime of support.
• Supporting families who have a family member with an intellectual disability (ID) creates a stronger community and increases the tax base when people are able to work rather than give full time care for a lifetime.
• Giving support and care to people with disabilities is mentioned in both the state Constitutions of 1816 and 1851 with the counties given authority to provide care not provided by the state.
• Permissive legislation for county funding of developmental disabilities centers was encouraged and passed by the Indiana Legislature decades ago.
• Services such as guardianship are gravely needed in the community, but not funded by state or federal sources.
• ADEC’s transportation for people with disabilities is their lifeline. The service is vital in a county as large and rural as Elkhart County. Our county funding makes it possible. Without it, many ADEC consumers would simply be unable to attend training and employment services.
ADEC has endured significant state cuts in both residential and day services, including critical job training and placement. The loss of funding totals over $400,000 yearly. We continue serving over 1,000 people a year, many of whom need 24 hour assistance.
— The ADEC board of
directors (Paula Shively, CEO; Kevin R. Boyer, chairperson; Jenny M. Schrock, vice chairperson; John R. Auer, secretary; Laurie N. Nafziger, treasurer; Jennifer L. Sager, past chairperson; and members — Don Anderson, Matt Duthie, Anne L. Eisele, John Goebel, Debra S. Hogan, Cindie L. McPhie, Jason Pippenger, Thomas Pletcher, Ronald R. Ray and Brian J. Smith)
Letters to the Editor
Many reasons to support ADEC
- Letters to the Editor
-
-
Remember the amnesty law of ’86?
The “Gang of Eight” U.S. Senate members have drafted an immigration bill that’s worse then the amnesty bill signed into law by Ronald Reagan in 1986. S. 744 gives those here illegally instant Registered Provisional Immigrant status, which means they are free from being deported if they register for amnesty.
-
Don’t ignore signs of someone contemplating suicide
Everyone has issues that they have to deal with in their lives. It’s when we become overwhelmed and our issues become so drastic that they are unbearable that the results can be catastrophic. Suicide is a desperate attempt to escape suffering that has become unbearable.
-
Why do immigrants come to the U.S. illegally?
With the current increased interest in fixing our broken immigration system both political parties are putting forth legislation.
-
Safety along C.R. 35 is a concern
This letter is meant to bring awareness and hopefully corrections in regard to C.R. 35 in Elkhart County. Something needs to be done immediately to enforce the laws pertaining to the use of C.R. 35.
- Emphasis on gun control makes you wonder
-
Goshen should stick with ‘Redskins’
I must respond to the letter to the editor from Mr. Ron Chupp (The Goshen News, May 9). What’s in a name, Mr. Chupp? I too have a Native American heritage, and for some reason, I am not offended by the term Redskins, or brown skins or any other color of skins.
-
More important issues than a nickname
I would like to, in the most respectful way possible, respond to Mr. Chupp’s letter (The Goshen News, May 9) regarding the ongoing debate over the term “Redskins” being used as the nickname and mascot for the Goshen school system.
-
There is hope through God
May I share what happened to me after praying about the issue of whether to have guns carried by school authorities at Goshen High School. While calling out to God, my question was: Why have we as a nation come to trusting in government agencies, such as Homeland Security, rather than obeying the Constitution in what you have declared through our forefathers?
-
Sheriff has this reader's support
This letter is in defense of the Constitution and Bill of Rights, and in response to Shari Mellin’s letter (The Goshen News, May 8) about Sheriff Brad Rogers not obeying the laws related to anti-gun legislation
-
‘Redskins’ nickname is offensive
The question posed (in the May 5 edition) was, “What’s in a Name?” In the case of the GHS (Redskins) mascot, it is insult, degradation, racism, and an ongoing slap-in-the face reminder of the disgusting manner in which my Native American ancestors were treated by Europeans.
- More Letters to the Editor Headlines
-
Remember the amnesty law of ’86?
Raw: Texas Deputy Shot by Colo. Suspect Honored
Major Detours Following Wash. Bridge Collapse
American Held in Grisly Czech Murders
Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer
UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested
Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying
Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military
Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day'
Jersey Shore Open for Business
Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington
New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access
First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo
Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse
Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
Officials: Truck Hit Bridge Before Collapse
Sheriff: No Sign Killing of 2 Kids Was Planned
Obama Defends Drone Strikes, With Limits
Raw: Jurors Deadlock on Jodi Arias Penalty
Boy Scouts Decision "First Step" Say Activists
Raw: Utah Teen Arrested in Death of His Brothers
