Letters to the Editor

The Comet welcomes letters to the editor responding to articles and events in the news. They must include the author's name, address and telephone number. The letter writer's name and city/town will appear in the paper - no exceptions. Letters must be 400 words or less in length. Please send your letters to: editor@carrollcountycomet. com; Letters to the Editor, Comet, P.O. Box 26, Flora, IN 46929 or P.O. Box 179, Delphi, IN 46923; or fax 574-967-3384 or 765-564-2010. By submitting a letter or opinion article, the author grants the Comet the right to publish, distribute, archive or use the work in print, electronic, on-line or other format.

Supports museum as cultural & financial asset

Last week I was quoted in a front page story in the Comet concerning the most recent commissioner's meeting. I would like to clarify my position concerning the Carroll County Historical Museum. I am, and will always be, a supporter of our fine museum. Too many people today do not value and understand our American culture. There is a reason America became the greatest nation in history. It is easy to fall for any doctrine if you are not grounded in the understanding that our nation grew from the greatness of its people. These were people of enormous industry, high moral values, and great Christian faith. Our museum tells and displays this wonderful story with the spotlight on our great Carroll County heritage.

Our museum is not just a cultural asset; it is a financial asset to Carroll County. Those who have not visited our museum do not understand the very large number of visitors that come to the museum. These visitors eat in our restaurants, visit our shops, and buy our gas. In short, the museum visitors help to pay Carroll County wages and Carroll County taxes. Having the museum downtown is a tremendous boost to the business sector of downtown Delphi.

The Comet story continued to say that county councilman (Steve) Ashby said the commissioners were not fiscally responsible in their support of the museum. During the commissioner's meeting at least twice commission president Loren Hylton asked if there was anyone else who wanted to speak concerning the museum. Councilman Ashby sat mute. Apparently it is much easier to talk to a reporter in the darkened hallway than it is to stand on your own two feet and speak in the light in public. It is laughable that councilman Ashby would accuse anyone of being fiscally irresponsible. He is one of those responsible for our current financial mess. The council has complete control of the budget. The commissioners administer county government within the budget set by a council. In my seven years of being a commissioner, the commissioners have never overspent their budget by one cent. In fact, every year the commissioners have turned unspent money back into the general fund. In the past four years, the commissioners have saved the property taxpayers over $4,000,000 by being fiscally responsible with bridge dollars alone.

For over 80 years the Carroll County Historical Museum has been in the courthouse. Now, members of our county council have stated that they want the museum kicked out onto the street in the next three to six months. I personally hope that a new home can be found for the museum. Funding outside of county government is being sought, I hope for a site that is larger and that can better display their wonderful collections - but this takes time.

I thank commissioners Hylton and Mears for supporting my motion to give the museum a five-year lease on their current location so there is time to find a suitable location. By supporting the museum the downtown Delphi, the commissioners did not act "fiscally irresponsible" nor have they been the ones to do so in the past!

William R. Brown

Cutler Carroll County Commissioner