Editor, Times-Union: This is in response to comments in "Speak Out" in last week's edition of The Paper. "Isn't it interesting that State Senator Kent Adams and State Representative David Wolkins asked the Warsaw Community Schools to delay closing three small schools when neither Adams nor Wolkins were present to vote in the last two state budgets in the legislative sessions of our state legislature." Not true!
In 16 years as a member of the Indiana General Assembly, Kent Adams has been honored by the Senate consistently for a 100 percent voting record. Of eight budget votes over the past 16 years, Adams missed one budget vote in 2001 due to having back surgery and not being present. Wolkins has established a similar record in the House. Adams and Wolkins do not avoid meeting their responsibilities in the public trust in which they serve. It is not their style to do otherwise; the record is clear.
Regarding the closing of the three schools, Adams and Wolkins have attempted to bring the two parties together to reach a compromise outside of court. The school administration and board have refused. There is no restriction on public officials addressing public issues while litigation is proceeding. This is an issue that is dividing the community more each day to no one's benefit.
As an added note, of the 11 newspapers in Senator Adams' district, The Paper is the only publication that allows statements, such as made in last week's edition, to be printed without the author's name being printed.
State Sen. Kent Adams Indianapolis
Stop Abuse
Editor, Times-Union: April 18-24th is National Victims Rights Week - a perfect opportunity to become aware of many other signs of domestic abuse. Those who are battered and those who abuse come in all personality types. Battered women are not always passive with low self-esteem, and batterers are not always violent or hateful to their partner in front of others. Most people experiencing relationship violence do not tell others what goes on at home. No one is exempt from domestic violence, it occurs in all levels of income and social status. By recognizing signs of domestic violence, we can all be alert and aware for the safety of ourselves, our family, friends, co-workers and neighbors that might be experiencing abusive relationships. The No. 1 indicator of abuse is a history of abuse during childhood.
The legacy of abuse can be stopped!
1. Did you or your partner grow up in an abusive environment? 2. Is there a history of substance abuse? 3. Is your partner jealous of your other relationships/including family and friends? 4. Does your partner discuss or threaten to use weapons? 5. Are you expected to "obey" your partner's advice/Is your relationship controlled by your partner? 6. Is your partner violent toward objects, your possessions or animals? 7. Does your partner experience episodes of extreme highs and lows? Is your partner a different person around other people? 8. When your partner is angry, are you afraid? Do you walk on eggshells wondering what will happen next? 9. Is your partner physically rough toward you?
If you are a victim of domestic violence or want information to help someone you think may be in an abusive relationship, call Hands of Hope 24-hour hotline - 800-434-8973.
