Opinions vary on topic of Linton's annexation plan

Linton's plans to annex a portion of land east of the city limits, along with some areas to the north, has drawn a lot of attention the past couple of months.

There are normally lots of comments on this newspaper's Web site the days following a Linton City Council meeting when the topic of annexation is discussed.

A few weeks ago the Greene County Daily World posted a poll on its Web site -- www.gcdailyworld.com -- and asked readers: "Do you believe Linton should move forward with its annexation plan?"

The results:

* Yes: 36%

* No: 64%

The poll is far from scientific, and isn't intended to sway decisions. But with the popularity of the Web site -- it's averaging 5,003 unique visitors for weekdays in June through Monday -- it's a pretty good cross section of the area.

The following are a few of the comments left on the poll (as you can imagine, some can't be printed):

* "Proactive strategies will eventually bring jobs."

* "The bigger the better."

*"I think the final decision should be that of the property owners. If they don't want it they should not be forced to."

* "We have a huge need in the area for an assisted living facility. To have this need fulfilled, as well as other progress and more jobs, we need to move forward and be proactive."

* "Why? They can't take care of what they already have."

* "Eventually yes, but not at this time."

* "As bad as the economy is in Greene County, as well as Clay County, they should annex together and try to get something accomplished in that area. I moved due to lack of job security and low-paying jobs. You cannot live on $6 an hour. If you're on I-70 and you drive past Greencastle, it's like you're stepping back into 1930. Things are not as they seem in that area. People do have jobs and are finding good-paying jobs daily, just not in that area. The decline really started years ago when GE left and RCA closed in Bloomington, but people moved on with life and moved to where the work is. Sometimes you just have to know when to say when and just go!"

* "No, it is a joke that Linton and Grant Townships can't afford."

* "Not only can we not afford it, but it will also take away from White River Valley school if new business comes to that part of Grant Township. They have already lost a lot in property taxes when the Goose Pond changed over to wetlands!"

* "We want jobs, but we question preparing for growth?"

* "Everyone has not been notified and also the area should have to ask to be annexed -- not the city do it without being asked by the owners!"

* "What's the point? There are no large businesses coming to Greene County anyway."

* "Can't grow without 'change'."

* "I don't think that Linton has the money to go through with this."

As you can tell, opinions vary. Most want jobs, and understand that something needs to be done to make that happen.

Chris is the general manager/editor of the Greene County Daily World. He can be reached by telephone at 847-4487 or 1-800-947-4487 or by e-mail at cpruett79@hotmail.com .