Letter to the Editor, from Kathy Matthews

Dear Editor and Citizens:

Get out and vote on November 3rd.

We are blessed to live in a country where we have the right to choose our leaders. I have voted in every election, including primaries, since I was 18. I have never voted for a party, but always for the person. Over these 35 years, I have never publicly supported a candidate. There has never been a campaign sign in my yard or a bumper sticker on my car. But now I am speaking out for Mayor John Wilkes.

For the last 4 years, Mayor Wilkes has shown his dedication for Linton. Holding a political office is a difficult job. And definitely one, I would never choose. John Wilkes is putting Linton first. It oozes from his entire being -- he works tirelessly, he remains focused on the end results, he listens with an open mind, he makes the tough decisions. All because he wants the best things for Linton.

I have personally been involved with Mayor Wilkes' efforts to become an accredited Indiana Main Street Community. Rediscover Downtown Linton happened because of Mayor Wilkes commitment. Immediately following his election, Wilkes asked me to become involved and help getting business and downtown property owners together. Four years later, we have a dedicated group of volunteers working diligently to promote commerce, community and quality of life in our downtown area. Because of his efforts, his dedication, his vision, we now have the opportunity to work through OCRA towards grants to see additional improvements in our downtown with façade renovations, building rehabilitations, streetscaping, landscaping, pocket parks, wayfinding signage, business start-up and expansion funds. We have education and training opportunities for our community leaders to better promote Linton. We now have "tools in our toolbox" to apply for the Stellar Grant Designation which could lead to major dollars for Linton.

Mayor Wilkes made it a priority to continue efforts to get the former GE site cleaned up. He has begun the steps needed to see that flooding issues are addressed in the east side of town through INDOT grants. He has instituted a "Mayor's Youth Council" to get high school students involved through volunteering and sharing their views about our city. He has followed through with grant monies received to complete "Safe Routes to School". He spearheaded RDL efforts to promote tourism in our community highlighting the 14,500+ acres of outdoor recreation in "our back yard" sharing our assets with those in, around and outside of Linton.

Our city is progressing -- fire hydrants are being replaced. Our waste water treatment renovations are completed. Work continues to remove blighted properties. Wholesale water contracts have been secured. Downtown revitalization has seen major steps. A TIF district has been established so needed monies can be available for improvements.

John Wilkes has devoted his adult life to Linton. Not only has he been a Linton resident and property owner, he has been an independent business owner and involved with his community through various organizations including Greene County Shrine and Phil Harris Scholarship Fund. He volunteers his time, money and energy to our community. He is respected for his commitment and dedication.

Naysayers abound, but very few understand the steps required to get things accomplished, especially in public endeavors. Many tout that this or that is not accomplished, but do not understand the preliminary work that must be done. As a city, we need (or want) X done. It can be anything from sidewalks, infrastructure, jobs, police officers, a youth center, a dilapidated building taken down. Each of these things require funds. Unfortunately, money does not grow on trees. So how does our city get these things accomplished? Usually through tax dollars or grant monies.

First, tax monies are being reduced. Not that this is a bad thing, because there has been many years of wasteful and misused funds. But now our city officials must "do more (or the same) with less". Changes have to be made and some changes are difficult. Not everyone will be happy.

Okay, let's try to fill the gap with "free money". Usually this free money comes with stipulations -- matching funds, application process (of course, we need to pay someone to prepare that grant application. And, oh yeah, several other cities/towns are also in competition for those same dollars. And by the way, you must have an updated comprehensive plan -- ours was 5 years old), but if we are lucky (and we "jumped through all the right hoops", we are "awarded" the dollars, but they don't come for 2 years or whatever. Now, we are ready to go --- but wait, let's change leaders -- and waste time for someone new to "get up to speed".

Difficult decisions have been made -- no one wanted to see policemen let go, but given all the information, a tough decision had to be made. No one wanted to see changes in the city departments, but tough decisions had to be made. We want to support local businesses, but public funds need to be spent prudently -- tough decisions were made. It is always difficult to make those decisions, but first we need ALL the information, then we need to make the best decision for the majority of the people, and then we must stand firm that we did the best possible. Mayor Wilkes has stood at the front -- with a city council -- making those decisions.

There are so many positive things happening in Linton with Mayor Wilkes at the lead. He has a working relationship with city personnel, community leaders, residents, county and state officials. He has set priorities and seen them to completion. There is a new energy and passion. But there is still work to be done. The momentum is moving forward -- let's keep it going!

A concerned citizen,

Kathy Matthews

Linton