To the editor:
The April 15th Daily Journal article “The race for Greenwood’s future” was revealing in it’s comparison of Joe Hubbard and Mayor Mark Myers and the experience they would bring to the job. The headline could not have been more accurate because the choice is between an experienced, visionary mayor and a challenger who would require extensive on-the-job training.
Joe Hubbard said “safety” is his number one concern but that is just a dog whistle. With President Joe Biden’s open borders policies, millions of undocumented aliens have flooded into the United States including thousands of criminals and drug dealers making “safety” every mayor’s number one concern. Here is where Myers has a distinct advantage. As a former police officer, special deputy for the sheriff’s department and knowledge and contacts of all law enforcement officers in Johnson County and at the state and federal levels, Myers has the experience in law enforcement that Hubbard doesn’t have. So, the choice is clear if “safety” is also your No. 1 concern.
The job of mayor requires exceptional business and financial experience plus a vision for the citizens of Greenwood. I was president of the city of Greenwood’s Economic Development Council when Myers was the driving force behind building the Freedom Springs water park. He faced tremendous negative criticism about the costs with naysayers predicting it would lose money but Myers persisted and today citizens of Greenwood, Johnson County and their guests enjoy one of the most popular and profitable water parks in Indiana.
Myers was specific in talking about future industrial growth and making the distinction between tax revenue from warehouses, distribution facilities and manufacturing operations like medical companies. This demonstrates his financial acumen in discerning the specific type of development he pursues to maximize the tax revenue for the city. This contrasts with Hubbard who couldn’t comment about his specific plans for industrial growth.
Unless you are an employee of the city, I don’t think most people appreciate the huge number of municipal projects underway. This again is a significant reason to re-elect Myers, who understands and manages the diverse projects required in building the infrastructure including sewers, widening roads, the Western Regional Interceptor and more. Does Hubbard have this experience?
Finally, Myers has made Greenwood investible. From the amenities that attract families to a growth culture that attracts businesses and restaurants to The Madison joint venture project revitalizing housing opportunities in downtown Greenwood, business investors like and trust Myers and the city of Greenwood.
The choice is easy. Myers has been and will continue to be an exceptional mayor for the city of Greenwood. With Myers “The Race for Greenwood’s Future” is a certain success for all of us.
Stephen F. Spencer
Greenwood
