If we removed everyone from a board or commission who wasn’t an attorney and who made a practical suggestion without navigating statutory authority, we wouldn’t have anyone left to serve.

It’s true that the McCurdy would be easier to transfer to a new owner and more marketable down the road if the parking lot were owned by the same entity that owns the structure.

A review of the relevant statute (36-7-14-22) outlines a path for conveyance of the parking lot to the owner of the McCurdy if that were so desired by the Economic Redevelopment Commission. While appraisals and a bid process would be required, the ERC could ultimately convey the property to whomever it determined would best facilitate the redevelopment plan.

However, the fact that the statute does not prohibit Ms. Musgrave’s suggestion is not what is most disturbing about the events of yesterday and today. What’s most disturbing is the hallmark characteristic of the Winnecke Administration in attacking personally anyone who dares to ask questions, seek transparency or suggest an alternate path.

We have seen numerous instances in public meetings where Steve Schaefer, Mike Shopmeyer and Kelley Coures became irate and lobbed personal insults at Ms. Musgrave for asking questions. What I have never seen is a response from Ms. Musgrave that was anything but calm and professional. Ms. Musgrave epitomizes professionalism. She represents an era that has apparently passed in Evansville- an era where members of the community and government could interact on tough issues without the person raising the issue being attacked personally and dismissed from the public arena.

When Ms. Musgrave made her suggestion Tuesday, there was no statement made by the ERC attorney or Mr. Coures that the relevant statute was complicated or prohibited her suggestion. Her suggestion was made in passing and was not discussed. Instead, the media and at least one member of city council were contacted and an attack launched on Ms. Musgrave for allegedly calling for an illegal act. Whatever happened to the use of the public meeting as the best place for government actions to be discussed and debated?

It’s unfortunate that opinions and thoughts for which the Winnecke Administration doesn’t agree must be so harshly attacked. The last 3.5 years of this methodology has had a chilling effect on public debate and has left the community without a forum for determining what’s best for progress and what progress even means to a majority of people. When people who question or challenge government action or plans are called obstructionists, crazy, stupid, acting with political motivation, etc. it leaves less people at the table to make decisions and the community suffers from such bullying.

We support Cheryl Musgrave in her role on the ERC and as an active member of the community who has a right to question her government and should live without fear of retaliation that negatively affects her family or her ability to earn a living. It’s not only a right to publicly challenge government action but a duty we all share. These are just words. We should welcome every voice and be grateful people care enough to show up and give an opinion.

Signed,

Stephanie Brinkerhoff-Riley 3th Ward City Councilwoman

Connie Robinson. 4th Ward City Councilwoman

Al Lindsey 6th Ward City Councilman

Conor O’Daniels City Councilman at Large