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.

Questions open government

Two weeks ago, the Comet poll asked if we would support increased funding to the Economic Development Corporation or EDC. This is an interesting question since the average person in Carroll County is kept in the dark as to the actual workings of this organization.

It seems very strange that the county is already supporting a corporation that is not open to public scrutiny with taxpayer's money. In other words, this is a secret organization that does not provide to the citizens open meetings, minutes of meetings, a budget, or how the county money is spent. So far, we have had this or a similarly named organization in place for over 20 years with little or no report to the public on their activities. Some people even believe that some members of this organization or their businesses are benefiting from their membership. Are benefits like brokering sales or providing products and services to the newly recruited business enriching any members of the EDC? It would seem that detailed information from EDC would make for a little transparency and make the taxes that already go to this corporation more palatable. So far, no detailed information from this group has been forthcoming.

Now, it is proposed to increase (double?) the amount of taxpayer's money going to this group. To what purpose? We have seen some effort from the EDC to bring in additional confined animal feeding operations (CAFO) to Carroll County. Apparently over 109 of these kinds of operations in the county are not enough. What's next, perhaps a toxic waste dump or landfill? Who knows since right now, the citizens of Carroll County will only find out after it is a done deal!

Jim Tarnowski

Camden

Delphi school renovation is much needed

Currently the Delphi School Board is having open community meetings regarding a possible remodeling project. Our high school was built almost 40 years ago with no major remodeling done since it opened.

The young adults of DCHS desire the opportunity to learn in an atmosphere of safety. An outdated heating system requires some to wear coats and gloves in some classrooms, while in others they need tee shirts and shorts. This does not provide an atmosphere conducive to learning.

I would like to list some of the major problems as I see them. 1. Science rooms outdated. Science is important, just sit and think of the great advances of the past 40 years. Many of us would not be here if not for the medical advances made in sciences. 2. Updated computer labs. Whether you like it or not, computers are here to stay. The present rooms were designed for typewriters, and presently need power sources updated and individual computer work space. 3. Over-crowded classrooms are a common occurrence. 4. Because of the location of the offices, people can enter the building site unseen, developing an unsafe environment for students and staff. 5. Student locker areas are unsafe because of many hidden areas thus allowing the potential for student bullying. 6. We live in an agricultural community. This area of our school needs serious attention. Teaching methods have changed over the past 40 years.

These are just a tip of the iceberg. I urge you to contact the school for a list of all proposed changes.

The school board has made every attempt, and with the help of consultants, has developed a plan that would cause no need for additional tax revenue, monies would come from a wrap-around bond. This community does an excellent job of preserving our history, let's not overlook one of our most valuable assets - OUR CHILDREN.

Please consider supporting this project, ask questions, take tours and study the proposal. Education is the foundation of a great society and community. I challenge you to take one hour of your already busy schedules to become informed, not for anyone, but for our future, the children.

Mike Hyman

Delphi