Commentary by Julie Osborne
Where was everyone Oct. 28? I’m sorry to say that you missed the Monday meeting marathon, which included three sessions in a row, actually overlapping. The Zionsville Community Schools board kicked it off at 6 p.m. for a special meeting to discuss and approve the $67.6 million budget. There were less than 10 people present, including a principal, a presenter and a few others, some of them staff members, and two students.
On to the town’s redevelopment commission meeting, which had a whopping one person present other than an engineering consultant and three people from the media. Media outnumbered spectators 3-1, which usually is not a good statistic.
Next door, three people were present for the Zionsville Town Council budget meeting. One asked a question, discussion was limited, and the $19.5 million budget passed.
Those were three important meetings, and there were barely any residents present. No input on the town or school budgets? What was most surprising was the lack of critics, especially since I know you’re out there. You see, I hear things, mostly rumblings or complaints about the processes and how “there is no transparency” or a chance to voice opinions or give input. Here were three perfect opportunities, and nobody showed up. I just don’t get it.
I have been attending these meetings for a year, and each time at the school board session I receive a highly organized packet of information with every detail imaginable explained. But I still hear questions, “Where are our tax dollars being spent?” “What about the referendum?”
Clearly, those inquiring minds were not among the few present last week.
And, my wandering continues, but hopefully no more marathon-meeting Mondays. But, I would like to see you there next time.