Dear members of LAND and other readers,

As a resident of Jamestown Township, but a independent contractor for Laketown Township, I have been interested in the discussion regarding the Flying J Truck Stop. I always encourage and admire interest and involvement on the part of neighbors and residents. The very basis of our democratic process is the collision (and then thoughtful consensus) of ideas. The best of everything we are as a community is derived from the intelligent input of varying points of view.

So, while I have not agreed entirely with either "side" of the issue, or with the tactics involved in presenting those sides, I applaud the sense of efficacy and belief that compels people to contribute to their community.

But I must say this: We should not simply fight that which we deem bad or negative. We must also promote that which is good. Action is great - but it should not always be directed at "stopping" something from happening. All of that determination and energy should likewise be aimed at making good things happen. (The Felt Mansion restoration project being a case in point.)

I'm always disappointed that so few people show up when we have a Laketown Parks and Recreation Meeting to promote and support our beautiful parks and all of the great programs we provide. But, if a truck stop is interested in commercial development, people will come out of the woodwork to fight it. Where are these people when we have a Parks clean-up workday? Likewise, if the township manager is fired and there is a public forum, the township hall is packed to the rafters with interested citizens; but if we send out a parks survey, we get little response. Why the imbalance? Along with fighting the negative, shouldn't citizens support, with action, those things that make Laketown great?

Patricia Hoezee Meyer
Felt Mansion Restoration Project Manager