In response to Wes Culver’s “Reader Point of View” (Sept. 30), I would agree that many of the things that make Goshen a great place to live come from private enterprise, volunteerism, and talented and creative people working together. Mayor Allan Kauffman often says the same thing. There are some things, however, that private enterprise and willing volunteerism can’t do or don’t do, and that may be why Wes is in state government. I don’t think it’s just because he wants to lower taxes.
I think he knows that good government is necessary to accomplish some things. Among these are maintaining roads and bridges; seeing that effective water and sewer services are available to our communities; coordinating efficient mass transportation; protecting children and other vulnerable groups in the population; seeing to it that there’s adequate healthcare for everyone; providing education for the populations that private education doesn’t serve; maintaining a justice system; providing standards for food safety; maintaining fire and police protection; and ensuring that air quality is within a healthy range. One could mention many others.
If you look up the rankings for Indiana in quality of life, we are between 32nd and 40th among the 50 states. Improving in this area may require spending more money, and some of us would prefer to recognize our responsibility to contribute to the common good of our community.
Wes concludes by saying we should be asking, “Who has what it takes to offer superior services without raising taxes?” I think it’s clear we aren’t getting superior services in many of these areas and I would wish that the legislators of both parties would work together to achieve a balance of taxation and fiscal responsibility that recognizes when taxation is necessary to provide the best quality of life for everyone.
— Mary Ellen Meyer
Goshen
Letters to the Editor
Responsible taxation is necessary
- Letters to the Editor
-
-
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.
-
Millrace projects threaten a Goshen gem
The city of Goshen is in the 11th hour for the five Redevelopment Commission members to hear the voices of its residents concerning the millrace redevelopment proposals at its next meeting at 4 p.m. on May 14.
-
We don’t need a community center
We want to keep this short and to the point. We keep reading articles and letters in the papers about the proposed community center in Goshen. Our question is why?
- More Letters to the Editor Headlines
-
Why do immigrants come to the U.S. illegally?
Raw: Jurors Deadlock on Jodi Arias Penalty
Boy Scouts Decision "First Step" Say Activists
Raw: Utah Teen Arrested in Death of His Brothers
Closer Look at Okla. School Where Children Died
Two Suspects in Murder Known to London Police
Boy Scouts Mom Supports Gay Inclusiveness
"Be Ready": NOAA Warns of Busy Hurricane Season
SeaWorld: Penguins Are Coolest Thing in Florida
Obama Renews Call to Close Gitmo
Obama Offers Drone Strike Defense
Raw: Heckler Interrupts Obama on Guantanamo
A Slice of Apple History Up for Grabs
