We are truly blessed to live in a nation filled with an abundance of freedom and opportunity that allow us to pursue lives down the paths of our own choosing.  Yet, those freedoms and opportunities are only possible if they are preserved and defended.

Our freedom and liberty are preserved and defended domestically by the rule of law and laws are only as good as their enforcement.  There will always be those who, for their own benefit, choose to disregard the laws that we as a society have created.

Law enforcement officers are the only thing preventing this land of freedom and opportunity from disintegrating into a land of chaos and violence. They are truly, our front line of defense and that thin blue line is being stressed now more than ever.  Law enforcement is under attack in our country.

Those who enjoy the very protections and freedoms that our police make possible have become increasingly eager to scrutinize, criticize and attack the very people who protect them.  They cowardly hide behind that thin blue line of protection and analyze every split second decision officers are forced to make, usually focusing on one small snippet of footage or information while being oblivious to the total situation as it existed. Worse yet, rather than seeking an analysis of the facts when questions arise, there is a growing propensity to incite others and evoke violence.   

John Pickerill continues his fact distorting efforts to create false appearances.  I read his latest diatribe with great interest and felt the need to set the record straight.  First, I want to say that everyone is entitled to their views on local government and I fully respect that.  As a result, I listen and largely avoid responding to each statement.  However, I feel John Pickerill, and those surrounding him, weave misleading tales based on half-truths and outright deceit.  Therefore, I must respond with facts as I am hearing repeatedly from those I represent that it’s high time someone start setting the record straight by and “call them to the table.”

In his latest piece John suggests that decisions regarding contracts for professional services are made based on who is, or isn’t, donating to political campaigns.  It’s the age-old, worn out, go-to argument used by naysayers for many years.  In this case it simply doesn’t hold water.  Of course, anyone can create an appearance based on cherry picking data and merely reporting half-truths.  You see, John is well known for giving you half the story in order to slant it his way.  He carefully edits and omits the whole story because it paints a much more balanced picture based on facts.  

Throughout the recent campaign I have frequently been asked about the state of the City of Crawfordsville’s finances.  The question has come up so often that I felt it was best to repeat the information I provided in an earlier article. 

We have accomplished much to move the community forward over the last three years and it is only natural for people to wonder if such progress has come at a cost.  Unfortunately, many people draw a conclusion that progress can only come with a steep price tag and we surely must be worse off financially than we were three years ago.  This is a concern worth exploring. 

I would like to thank everyone who reached out to me following my most recent guest article.  The many calls, letters, emails, texts and visits were overwhelming.  I greatly appreciate your words of support and although I believe I was able to respond to each of you, I would like to say thank you once again. 

There were two very common themes to the messages I received.  First, there was a profound appreciation for the fact that I had taken a polite, yet firm, stand against the ongoing rhetoric. Second, a resounding approval for the efforts put forth by my administration and an appreciation for the direction the community is heading as a result.  In the words of many, “stay the course!”

Our community clearly wants results oriented leadership rather than polarizing bickering.  You have made it clear to me that you want leaders who can unify, not divide, and that you expect leaders to think independently to find workable solutions to the complex challenges that face our community.