Muncie Times, Muncie, Delaware County, 21 March 1996 — Page 3

The Muncie Times, March 21,1996, Page 3 ►LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Errington seeks support for State Assembly race SUE ERRINGTON Muncie Men outnumber women four to one in the Indiana House. I think it’s time to narrow the gap. That’s one reason I’m running for state representative in District 35 and I’m writing this letter to ask you to help. Friends have asked, “Why run against a 4-year incumbent who raised nearly $75,000 when he ran 2 years ago,” especially when my chances of being re-elected to the County Council are very good. But, there are important reasons I’ve decided to mn for state representative this year. As priorities for public policy are set by the state, I am concerned that children, workers on the job, and senior citizens on fixed incomes are in jeopardy of bearing an unfair burden. My background in health care and human rights has prepared me to work to keep that from happening. Things are changing: decisions previously made in Washington, D.C., will now be made in Indianapolis. The U.S. Congress will be sending vital programs back to the states in the fotm of block grants that will require close oversight to make sure the funds are spend wisely. My experience of serving in Delaware County government at a time when we have had to pay for choices made by former officials has certainly prepared me for difficult decisions. I want to be there as the Indiana Legislature makes tough choices. I want to speak out for meaningful welfare reform that promotes self-sufficiency and pride, rather than punishing mothers and children by pushing them into the streets and homeless shelters. I want to be there when decisions are made that affect the environment, health and education. I want to help create policies that decrease domestic violence. I want to see Ball State University treated fairly and equitably when state budget decisions are made. Beginning with my vote to settle the Riggin lawsuit, I have demonstrated independent thinking - even when it meant standing alone. My protest of smoking at public meetings in a posted “No Smoking” area of the County Building was both a call for clean air and a concern that public officials live by the same rules required of everyone else. Under my leadership, as president, County Council passed a 1996 budget that gives county employees a long overdue salary increase and, at the same time, given taxpayers some long overdue tax relief amounting to almost $1 million below the 1995 tax levy. I expect strong primary opposition and a tough campaign in the fall. But I believe I can win. After fall, 4 years ago in my County Council election, I received more votes in the precincts that make up the 35th District than either candidate running for state representative, at a fraction of the cost. I didn’t win that election by myself, and I can’t win this one alone either. That’s why I’m asking for your help. If you believe as I do that it’s time to narrow the gender gap in the Indiana House, if you believe that my open, accessible, and common sense approach to government decision making is needed in the Indiana House, and if you believe as I do that I can do the job, please make a contribution to my campaign now. Together, we can make a difference. Mayor proposes summer program for youth DAN C. CANAN Mayor, City of Muncie My administration is committed to improving Muncie. As spring approaches we are reminded of one of our top priorities: our city’s children. Summer will soon be upon us. Our children will be out of school and in need of positive things to do. It is our goal to provide many wholesome opportunities for the children of Muncie this summer. To accomplish this, we are bringing together several organization in our city to provide a variety of summer activities for our children. Community Development, Muncie Parks and Recreation, Muncie Community Schools and the Muncie Public Library are joining with us to put together a quality summer recreation program. Plans are being made for daytime activities as well as an evening Junior Baseball program. It is our conviction these activities should be provided at no cost to our children and families. We feel every child should have the opportunity regardless of their financial situatioa As you are probably aware, Muncie is in financial distress, but we do not feel our children should be deprived of summer activities because of our problems. To make this program viable, we are asking the private sector to step forward to help the children of Muncie. To get the summer recreation program started we need to raise $30,000. We are anticipating 64 teams in our program: a sponsorship of $500 per team. We realize this is a giant undertaking, but we feel our children deserve more than they have been provided in the past few years. If you wish to sponsor a team or make a donation, please contact me at my office as soon as possible.

Poetry group thanks community, sponsors Clarence Motley Muncie „ 1116 C M - Poetr y aub would like to offer its sincere thanks for your support of Inside A Black Man’s Mind” presented on Feb. 3 at the Muncie Civic Theatre. Your contribution of tickets and/or advertising made it possible for us to achieve our goal of sponsoring an event which was designed to inspire youth and adults in our community to explore their literary creativity. Special thanks goes to: Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Greater Grace Apostolic Church Leroy McDugle, James CaitheU, Eternal Church-South Bend, Kingdom of Freedom Church-South Bend, Ball State University Black Student Association, the Lee Family, the Roe Family, the McCoy Family, Lydia Randolph, Judy Mays, Phyllies Bulks, Viola Boyd, David McAdams, Tina Roberts, Word of Life Christian Church, Union Baptist Church, Mike Blair, Rhonda Ward, Judy Motley, Jackie Acosta, Robyn Motley, Terrance Johnson, Leon The The C.M. Poetry Club would like to offer its sincere thanks for your support of “Inside a Black Man’s Mind” presented on Feb. 3 at the Muncie Civic Theatre. Your contribution of tickets and/or advertising made it possible for us to achieve our goal of sponsoring an event which was designed to inspire youth and adults in our community to explore their literary creativity. Special thanks go to: Mt Zion Baptist Church, Greater Grace Apostolic Church, Leroy McDugle, James Carthell, Eternal Church-South Bend, BaU State University Balck Student Association, the Lee family, the Roe family and the McCoy family. Also, Lydia Randolph, Judy Mays, Phyllies Burks, Viola Boyd, David McAdams, Tina Roberts, Work of Life Christian Church, Mike Blair, Rhonda Waid, Judy Motley, Jackie Acosta, Robyn Motley, Terrance Johnson, and Leon Motley. Also Tasha Hanis, Sue Motley, Sandra Bridges, Dorothy Harris, Evelyn Hunt Arika Haith, Roger Hubbard, Dedra Hubbard, Tun Taylor, Maxon Coip., Josie McCain, Deryl Henderson, Ronnie Hampton, Sara and Steven Jarvis, Anita and Thomas Kishel, Indiana Oxygen-Mike Burke, Ronnie Shoecraft, Bea Foster, Hair Plus, Franklyn D. Brinkman, Jr, and Phil Nichols. Also, Rev. Wayne Anderson and family, American National Bank, Indiana Michigan Power, the employees of Westminster Village, Pheoe Blackmon, Jefftey Carter, Muncie Mayor Dan Canan, South Madison Street Community Center, .Garland and Cookie Simmons, Kevin Woodgett, Demetria Baker, Lichelle Beeler and Faulkner’s Mortuary. Also, Kathy Motley, Tiny Jones, Ermaline Faulkner, Nick Woodgett Cassandra Jackson, Charles Weatheriy, Jr, Voice ofTriumph choir, Polo-Jeep, Muncie Human Rights Commission, Alpha Kappa Alpha and Phi Beta Sigma. Reader responds to Melvin Miller’s letter JUDY MAYS Muncie After talking to a colleague, I knew that I, too, needed to comment about the collective voice that educates, informs, inspires and motivates so many in our communities. I speak of The Muncie Tunes. I am saddened that any reader, but especially one I know and one that has been a positive force in certain endeavors, has come to such a negative conclusion. I surmise that the enemy is at work and prayer is certainly needed. On the other hand, I see the truth of Romans 8:28 coming to light in each response The Muncie Times received regarding Mr. Miller’s letter. I have been with The Muncie Tunes as a columnist and featured writer since it’s first issue. Let me tell you how that happened: I met Mrs. Foster when she was visiting the former Delaware County Children’s Home. She was sponsoring a fashion-show fundraiser and a portion of the proceeds were to benefit the new Youth Opportunity Center. Ordinarily I wouldn’t have been in the office at that time, but felt “led” to stay. A few minutes later, Mrs. Foster began to talk about the paper she was going to publish. The Holy Spirit urged me to tell her that I am a writer. The rest as they say is history - a history of which I am proud to be affiliated. We know that no door God opens can be closed by maa Please continue to support this paper by your prayers, letters, comments, suggestions, donations, patronizing our advertisers and certainly by attending our only fundraiser of the year. I hope to see you March 23!