By DEBBIE HARBESON
I’m convinced that Deputy Barney Fife from the Andy Griffith show was a genius. OK, he wasn’t very good with his gun, gosh darn it, but he sure gave good advice for people worried about government intrusion. He stated it very clearly in his uniquely shrill voice, “You’ve got to nip it, nip it in the bud!”
Residents of Clark County’s rural New Washington area took this advice to heart recently after they discovered that representatives of the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns met with a few people in the community to discuss incorporation.
The group that talked with the government representatives had met a time or two before, for the purpose of discussing improvements to the community. I’m unclear on what that means, but if they just wanted to pick up litter or collect some donations to plant a tree, I know I wouldn’t object.
Apparently the rest of the community felt the same way — until they heard about the meeting with the association. That raised red flags and concerned residents quickly spread the word about the next meeting so everyone could share their disinterest in incorporating. I think attendance was nearly equal to the population of Mayberry.
The people in charge of these meetings were annoyed at the reaction and said they just met with the association for informational purposes only; there were no plans to incorporate the area.
If that’s the case, I hope they don’t have any hard feelings for the folks who showed up. The concerned residents were absolutely right in being cautious and making sure they nipped this in the bud. We’ve seen way too many examples already in this county of governments coming in and exerting force and control over people and their property without their consent.
For example, we have the shameful forced annexation of the Oak Park area by Jeffersonville. Unfortunately Oak Park couldn’t nip it, so a lot of people spent time and money in an effort to remain free from another layer of government. The city of Jeffersonville never respected the people’s desires and after lots of maneuvering, Oak Park lost on a deadline technicality ruling.
The deadline issue is interesting because we’ve seen missed deadlines ignored, at least when it benefits and maintains the current government system. We need look no further than the recent Clark County Circuit Court election ballot fiasco for evidence.
In this case, also because of deadline technicalities, both major parties were battling over the legitimacy of their respective candidates. The deadlines were forgiven in favor of the supposedly bigger picture of not letting technical issues get in the way of “fairness and choice for citizens.”
Isn’t it strange that the same respectful thought process was not done for Oak Park’s forced annexation remonstrance? Why was no consideration given to “fairness and choice for citizens” when the people clearly wanted to determine for themselves whether they wanted to live in Jeffersonville? We all need to think about that.
Another recent example is the town of Sellersburg’s attempt to forcibly annex the Covered Bridge subdivision. Once again, no one asked to be annexed, it was the city, hungry for more money that started the process. The first step for the town, the required mailing to affected residents wasn’t even done properly. Shazam! That really instills confidence in their ability, doesn’t it?
People might laugh at Barney’s antics, but by golly, he’s right on this one. Go ahead New Washington, remain vigilant and watchful, particularly over any meetings or plans made when government representatives come to town and “Nip it, nip it in the bud!”
Sellersburg resident Debbie Harbeson once shared Aunt Bea’s famous tonic with Floyd, Barney and Goober. When asked what happened next, she just says “nip it!” Write to Debbie@debbieharbeson.com
