In recent weeks, residents of Goshen have had ample opportunity to consider what we value in our community, as reflected in budgetary decision-making. For my part, I’ve been reflecting on the sentiment (such as in an Oct. 28 letter) that bike paths are “feel-good” projects that don’t benefit all citizens, and thus are not a wise use of city expenditures.
While some individuals may choose to not directly use our local trails, my belief is that everyone does benefit by the presence of these trails. Each person who chooses to walk or ride a bike rather than drive a car helps alleviate traffic congestion and lower air pollution, which in turn benefits all citizens. Walkers and bikers who directly utilize the paths improve their health and overall well-being, which benefits not only themselves, but also their families, their employers, and all whom they interact with.
Our bike paths are accessible to most everyone who lives here. They are a free source of recreation for all ages and abilities, including infants in strollers and elderly in wheelchairs.
Unlike automobile transportation, traveling by bike or foot on our local trails allows for informal, friendly exchanges between residents, which strengthen the fabric of our community.
I am grateful for the network of bike trails in Goshen that allow me to travel safely to work and to stores, to jog or walk safely with my family, and to meet and talk with other people along the way. Each new trail created (such as the planned Monroe Street path) expands this wonderful infrastructure. To anyone who has never utilized our local trails, I encourage you to try them and experience first-hand the benefit they are to all of us.
— Amy Thut
Goshen
Letters to the Editor
Give our bike trails a try
- Letters to the Editor
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Nazi flag is no laughing matter
An article in the The Elkhart Truth (June 13) appeared with this headline, “What would you do if your neighbor flew a Nazi flag?”
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God with U.S. since the beginning
It’s no coincidence that virtually every state constitution honors God in their preambles and mentions God in sections that refer to religious freedom. Several of the religious freedom sections mention Christianity specifically.
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Will be glad when President Obama ‘has went’
I once heard of a little boy who had a habit of saying, “I have went.”
One day the teacher made him stay after school and write, “I have gone” 500 times on the blackboard. -
‘Thank you’ doesn’t say enough
It weighs heavy on my heart to read about the recent transportation budget cuts for the Goshen High School music and athletic departments. I certainly understand that difficulties arise and appropriate cuts have to be made. This is not a letter of argument, but of encouragement.
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Businesses step up for Chamberlain
The Chamberlain Elementary School PTO is so proud of and thankful for the support of Goshen businesses. Because of their help, Chamberlain was able to provide a successful Fun Night for the students and patrons of their school.
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An open letter to Joe Donnelly and Dan Coats
I am writing to encourage you to support the bipartisan immigration bill crafted by the so-called “Gang of Eight” senators: four Republicans, four Democrats.
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Be proud of the Goshen Redskins
We can become riled up about various things and the Redskins idea for change is really one that I believe should be very low on the totem pole of problems or suggestions to take issue with.
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Nickname issue is not dead yet
With the Chief statue being returned to the gym at Goshen High School, most would feel that the battle was won. But this fight over Goshen’s mascot and nickname is far from over. The fact of the matter is, had it not been for social media the administration might not have received the backlash that it did from the public. But if this plays out like many issues in our society do, within a few weeks or months this issue will lose public interest. I would like to offer encouragement against that.
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Country is headed for a big loss
I am a conservative, liberty-minded individual who works politically through the Republican Party. Over the years the party that claims to hold up leaders like Barry Goldwater and Ronald Reagan has slowly morphed into an ever so slightly lighter version of the Democratic Party.
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It’s time to choose another nickname
I didn’t grow up with an iconic mascot. It’s hard to get attached to a “comet.” So, it’s hard for me to relate to the outrage people in Goshen feel about the removal of the mascot from the gym and the possible loss of their team name.
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