I am Jerry Nelson, running for one of five positions on the Winona Lake Town Council. I want to respond to two councilmen's letters concerning being one of the 16 families owning land on both the east and west sides of the canal in a lawsuit to determine ownership of the green strip of land between the street and the canal.
The town council determined the land under the Lions Club/Boy Scouts building was private land and proceeded to give it to an adjacent landowner. The town councilman for Ward 3 was contacted on three different occasions to determine what was needed for the 16 landowners to regain control of the area in front of our properties. After no response from the councilman or any town representative, the group felt there was only one option left and that was to file suit. If you owned land adjacent to a powerful corporation constantly considering how they might use the land around them, you would appreciate the necessity of this action.
With no heed to taxpayers' money, the town council felt the need to hire both Indianapolis and local law firms to defend the town's newfound position of ownership of the land along the canal.
The town council had many opportunities to end the lawsuit, including a mediation session early on. The council (Jeff Carroll, president) members walked out of mediation, determined to continue defending their new ownership position.
My wife and I are very happy living in Winona Lake with our family, friends and neighbors. My wife's history here goes back 49 years. We appreciated having my wife's mother nearby at Grace Village for a number of years. My daughter attended Grace College. We are Christians, actively attending our church and weekly Bible studies. It is the type of community that people are attracted to.
I was surprised when a current town council member made the suggestion, in a letter to the editor yesterday, that my wife and I should relocate to a new community. It should also be stated that my wife is not running for a political office. The reference to her, for whatever minor political gain he may perceive, is very disappointing. My wife of 34 years is a wonderful and loving mother of our two grown children and I am very proud to have her at my side in all of my life's endeavors.
It is important for you to know what I stand for in this election:
1. An equal voice for all Winona Lake residents.
2. A listening ear so public input from all Winona Lake resident is evaluated prior to decision-making.
3. An open and responsive town council working toward favorable outcomes for the majority of Winona Lake residents, not just a select few.
If you like what I stand for, please support me in the election of May 8.
