To the editor:
After reading the article in the reporter "Where They Stand" about the Greenfield County Council District election (Oct. 23, A8), I felt it imperative speak up to help get Jim Shelby re-elected to this position. Jim’s opposition, Democrat Randy Johnson, I assume, is well meaning but somewhat confused.
We are quickly coming to a conclusion on the jail project after the commissioners provided us with an option that the council is willing to finance at the county farm. Interestingly, the commissioner candidate who is on the same ticket as Johnson agrees with Shelby on building the jail outside of the city. He said so in a public forum when the candidates spoke last month. By reading Johnson’s comments, it appears he thinks our only role on council is to finance what is presented to us.
Jim Shelby and I both believe if we are going to spend tax payer dollars for a jail, it should be where we have room for expansion in the future as the county continues to grow. Shelby is adamant that there should be programs for treatment in hopes of curbing recidivism. We can’t just keep locking up people without attempting to address root problems like the drug issue and mental health.
As budget chairman for the County Council, Jim Shelby is invaluable. With an engineering degree from Purdue University and an MBA from Butler University, his reasoning and thought processes are tremendous. Couple that with common sense and we definitely have a winner with Jim Shelby.
If you haven’t already voted, I encourage you to vote for Jim Shelby election day.
Bill Bolander
Hancock County Council President
