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State Sen. and gubernatorial hopeful Vi Simpson recently commented about the proposed I-69 extension as well as other issues affecting Hoosiers, including education, jobs and the environment, concluding that "Hoosiers understand how the pieces fit together."
Simpson, you are absolutely correct, we do understand how these pieces fit together. We understand that being fiscally conservative can open opportunities to strengthen our education system. Choosing the I-70/U.S. 41 route would save an estimated $800 million that could be used much more wisely. The interest earned on an $800 million investment would fund the salaries of 2,000 teachers indefinitely. We understand the studies showing that any jobs that may come to Indiana as a result of this new highway will follow the highway no matter where it is built. Putting aside the special interests associated with any particular route, the net benefit to the state of Indiana is largely independent of the route chosen.
We understand that we can't save our environment by paving over it. Indiana is full of wonderfully unique natural terrain and the proposed route has the potential to do irreparable harm. We only need to look as far as the cave-filled karst topology of southwest Monroe County to see one such example.
So, yes, I agree that we Hoosiers understand quite well how these pieces fit together. Or, as is the case with the proposed route for I-69, how they don't fit together.
Rob Henderson
Bloomington
Copyright © 2003-2006, Rob Henderson