Letter to editor:
I am replying to comments made about our opposition to the large housing project insinuating that it is something to do with “who might live there.”
I can assure you that it has nothing to do with anything other than the fact that there are “taxpayers” and “tax consumers.” A community can NOT GROW or THRIVE without taxpayers.
I say this because there is some disparity over the number of jobs open and the type of housing that is needed for this community to grow responsibly. When visiting with realtors and housing providers, we agree that single-family homes or senior housing is where our need is.
The fact that GCDC and the city want to put taxpayer dollars in a project that will provide an abundance of packed housing in a segregated area, that is in a flood plain industrial area is mind-boggling.
I encourage everyone to read the comments from Indianola and Madrid residents about their experiences with these large developments in their area. They are in the petition to the city council that is circulating. If you want more information, I have plenty of it from different towns.
The City Council race is very important for our community right now. There are four candidates running for two positions. I would encourage everyone to consider Chad Sloan and Sue Bose.
●Chad Sloan because he is a businessman and property owner who has been in this community his entire life. He brings the opinions of his customers that he depends on to survive.
●Sue Bose brings a woman’s point of view, worked in bank operations for 36 years, had a successful business with her husband, lives with a disability and has built a new home in the community.
These two candidates have a lot of common sense and conservative views. If we do not have conservatives on the council, I am afraid that this city will be giving more tax dollars away than what we can afford. Our infrastructure is in need of many upgrades and the start of huge water and sewer increases as already ensuing with a 5% increase slated versus the normal 3%. Please consider voting for these two people so that we have a chance of not over taxing our community. We already are more expensive than our neighboring communities for many utility and tax rates.
A vote for Trevor Wishman or Matt Wetrich will be for a continuous rubber-stamping the outflow of our tax dollars. Trevor openly said that we need to build as much housing as possible. Over building without having the jobs and people paying the taxes, your growth won’t last. You must have responsible growth! Trevor has no real business experience in managing a budget.
Matt Wetrich, who has primarily been in the public sector his entire career, was asked the question three times about the Bell Tower incident. He brushed it off as being rumors and that the Bell Tower was unlocked. The sheriff report summary is below and you decide for yourself.
Sheriff Report Incident Date: 09/05/2023 – Page 3:
“The evidence uncovered at this point in my investigation suggests that Craig Berry and Matt Wetrich conspired together to violate a Greene County policy. It should be noted that both Craig and Matt are affiliated with the Bell Tower Community Foundation. It should also be noted that there is no 28E agreement or other contract or agreement between the Foundation and Greene County authorizing the Foundation to manage the bell tower or to set any policies affecting the bell tower. Due to the incident on September 5, 2023, I would recommend that the Board ban Craig Berry and Matt Wetrich from the bell tower for an appropriate period of time.”
Are Matt Wetrich and Craig Berry the type of people you want to represent Jefferson? They are suggested in scheming like high school kids to defy the county policy to try and get something done that they personally wanted. If not, please VOTE for Chad Sloan and Sue Bose for city council and write-in Matt Gordon for mayor! Matt DID NOT say he wouldn’t accept the position, he just said he wasn’t proactively running for mayor.
Larry and Margaret Saddoris, Jefferson
