At first glance, it would appear Monday night’s Community Conversation was a downer.
After all, the consensus was that we have some pretty big hurdles to clear before we feel we’re on the right path, including reversing the long-term trend of a declining population base, a lack of adequate housing, a wanting workforce and adequately addressing the needs of our vulnerable populations.
To help counter a feeling of helplessness, two things happened.
First, moderator Lisse Regehr, CEO of Thrive Allen County and host of the forum, began the night with us naming what makes Iola exceptional.
With more than 50 participating, the list quickly grew. Rail trails running north, south, and all around town, the Bowlus Fine Arts Center, Allen County Regional Hospital, the after-school program SAFE BASE, the airport, Allen Community College, farmers market, the new recycling program, the community garden, animal shelter, historical society, the new science and technology center and the new elementary school.
And though it’s not concrete, the suggestion that lifted me most was “our atmosphere” — a culture that invites change.
WE KNOW from experience that change does not come easily.
For almost 75 years, the local school district went without any significant new construction despite repeated efforts.
In April 2019, USD 257 voters approved a $35 million bond issue by a 2-to-1 margin with more than 34% of voters participating. It was the first successful bond issue since 1992, when voters approved a renovation at Iola Middle School.
In 2014, a $50 million school bond issue that would have built all new schools at an all-inclusive campus, was soundly defeated.
To refresh my memory, I went back in our archives to see why voters defeated the measure. An interview with Ray Maloney of LaHarpe was telling.
“Last time, the (2014 bond issue) just showed up. Nobody asked me if I could afford it.”
Clearly, voters resented not being “in the loop.”
Five years later, an impressive community-driven campaign that included months of study by steering committees and public forums, helped persuade a majority of voters of the district’s needs.
That effort convinced even the likes of Maloney to change his mind. In fact, he headed the campaign’s finance committee.
