Register editor
According to newly appointed county commissioner John Brocker, no one favors the county taking a role in economic development efforts in Allen County.
Brocker said he reached out to men and women, young and old, and I didnt find a one that thought we ought to be doing this.
Forgive me, but Im skeptical of his methodology.
I base this on my own experience of meeting for the last several months with a group of about 40 local citizens investigating what the best path forward is for USD 257 schools.
Always in the background of the discussions on schools is the sentiment that an invigorating educational climate will help draw people to this area, i.e., economic development.
When young families are considering new locations, a towns commitment to its schools is an attractive quality. For some towns, its their calling card.
The same goes for a towns investment in its public library, hospital, historical society and fine arts center. None of these entities can stand on their own, but their intrinsic value to the public is immense. They are what make an area special.
So yes, while this groups purpose is to review district schools, it also has in mind what is best for the community as a whole. And to a one, the participants are eager for change, for progress, for a different response than just no, no, no.
Except for a few grey-beards, the majority of participants are on this side of 40. Economically, they are the ones just starting out. Both moms and dads work full-time jobs to make ends meet. Socially, they are the ones who spend their nights and weekends coaching soccer or T-ball and taking their kids to a multitude of activities. Physiologically, they are the sleep-deprived, burning the candle at both ends. And yet they are the ones finding the time to come to these meetings. Truly, my hat goes off to these young people.
Perhaps its because theyre not that far removed from their high school years that they care so passionately about their schools. Or the fact that their children are now literally entering through the same doors and sitting in the same chairs. Look, theres dads initials carved in the desk!
IM GUESSING one of the reasons local school bond issues have a tough time passing is that the majority of voters are past their child-rearing years.
For example, only 31 percent of registered voters in Allen County ages 18 to 24 voted in the 2016 election.
As people get older, they become better voters.
Of those 25 to 44, an estimated 50 percent went to the polls. For those 45 to 60, a whopping 70 percent voted. Those 60 and older averaged an 80 percent or better attendance on Election Day.
Clearly, our local decisions are being made by those on the senior side of 50. Perhaps thats why the hospital vote in 2012 passed so overwhelmingly. Healthcare is of increasing importance to seniors, but perhaps not education.
These potential voters can make a difference in the outcome of decisions. Perhaps they are waiting to be tapped.
