Ligonier Mayoral Election

[pattyfisel]

Introduction: My name is Patty Fisel, I wish to announce my choice to run as a candidate for Mayor of Ligonier. Ligonier has been and is my home. Widowed after 47 years of marriage. 3 children, 8 grandchildreen, 7 great- grandchildren.
Why did I choose to run for Mayor? #1 I love history. As an artist and craftsman the historic homes and buildings hold a quality that intriques one senses. But a city is more than buildings-- it's the people who are the city.
I believe the people who live here and pay taxes deserve to be heard. I believe their ideas and dreams are important. The elected officials and employees work for the PEOPLE. Not for each other! A house divided falls! So too a city! Appointed positions need qualified expertise and leadership skills.
Positive attitudes and accountablity are REQUIRED! I believe in the future of Ligonier. Visit our web site at: futureligonier.com (by Web-master Chris Fought)
#2 As a homeowner/ downtown building owner and business owner, I have a financal stake in Ligonier. But it is my desire to leave more than a financal legacy to my family and friends.
#3 I believe my qualifications for Mayor can be found in my past and present areas of service. Helping to found the Ligonier Visitors Center & Radio Museum, and the Future Ligonier Alliance presented many lessons in developement. Serving as President of: Ligonier Business Association, Visitors Center, Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce,Burr Oak Church, are great leadership opportunities.
Serving on the board of: Burr Oak Church,Visitors Center, Indiana Historic Landmarks Advisory Board and Noble County Community Initiatives Board, afforded diversity of working boards.
My vision for Ligonier: "Positive Progress with a Purpose" Restoration. Revitalizing. Preservation. Development. Teamwork. Promotion. Volunteering. Building cultural and spiritual bridges. [U]ACTION PLANNING!![/U
My committment: To serve those who pay for the service!
My campaign manager is Pamela Howard and Norma Donley is Treasurer
I am asking for YOUR VOTE May 8th. Patty Fisel for Mayor of Ligonier Thanks!

Note: Thanks to K.P.C. / The Fence Post for presenting this Forum!! Special thanks to Matt & James.

[Ligonite]

I don't think anyone who lives in Ligonier can doubt Patty's dedication to the revitalization of Ligonier.

Having said that, though, I would really like to hear what Patty (and Gary, and Margarita, for that matter) would propose to do as the chief executive of the City. There are a lot of issues that involve the management of a relatively complex operation, and it takes more than attitude to keep things moving forward. Government is a business (of sorts) and requires strong management skills and business acumen.

How about it?
* What specific issues do you think need to be addressed, and what practical steps will you take to make that happen?
* Do you know what the current budgets are, the trends (rates of growth) in spending in each department, the projected revenues, the valuation of city assets, and the needs of the employees in each department?
* How will you balance the competing clamor for spending between city departments?
* What criteria will you use in selecting various personnel to the different appointed government roles?
* What measurable goals do you plan to set up so that the citizens will know if you're doing a good job?
* How will you communicate with the average citizen to learn their needs and to educate them on your vision?

For once I'd like to see an election based on qualifications, ability, and practical vision rather than having another popularity contest. I think the citizens of Ligoner deserve at least that much.

[Jake R]

There has never been an election that was not a popularity contest and I seriously doubt that there ever will be. Also, qualifications are hard to measure for a job such as this. More often than not it is the personality of the individual that ensures success in this job. The mayor must be willing to learn how to best apply his/her talents to bring things about in the city. Currently, there are two candidates running that want to bring enthusiasm and a new spirit of cooperation to the office, and I hope one of them gets her chance.

[Ligonite]

I strongly disagree, Jake, that qualifications for the job would be hard to measure. I could list a dozen measurable qualities that I'd like to see in the city's chief executive. In fact, I alluded to several of them in the questions I asked. Here's one: Candidate has a good grasp of the current and historical financial situation of the city, and can communicate the trends effectively.

I've met (and even worked for) people who were very enthusiastic and likeable, but also managed to run successful enterprises into the ground. They applied their (limited) talents and skills, and made bad decisions that had huge negative consequences. Enthusiasm can be a virtue, but it's no substitute for ability and experience.

Now I'm not suggesting any of the three announced primary candidates are merely "enthusiastic", which is why I was interested in hearing from them about their qualifications. I expect that a leader will have no trouble giving specifics, whereas a politician will talk around the details.

There is a vast difference between doing something, and doing something well.

- Ligonite

[pattyfisel]

Greeting! Thank you Chris, for your encouraging words of support. You also grasp the concept that it takes a "whole team" to promote progress. That's refreshing! Jake-I believe you are right regarding elections turning into popularity contest. However, I would hope that wouldn't be the case in this election. If I haven't already, in more than 20 years of working to promote Ligonier, shown my strong management skills and business acumen, as referenced by Ligonite, then I should not win. I'm not in this race to win a popularity contest. My decision to run came after a lot of prayer and frustration as time after time our group (those who continually seek progress and revitalization) ran into "a brick wall" of negative attitudes and a lack of cooperation. I'm running because Ligonier is, and has been my lifetime home. I care about the people who live and work here. I care that we have a city with features that lay dorment for lack of co-operation! I care that Ligonier has Historic features worth preserving for future generations. I believe teamwork and prayer can work the impossible!
To Jake & Ligonite: As to measuring qualifications. That's an individual judgement to be made only after all the "evidence is examined". I will stand behind my qualification, as listed in my campaign brochure. Just contact me. Sadly, ones job qualifications are better measured after the fact.
To Ligonite: Re: Specific issues. Negative attitudes. Practical steps-
Relentlessly pursue with a positive attitude backed with action. My campaign motto is, "Positive Progress with a Purpose"
Issue: Current budget. Do you know what they are? The Annual Financial Report for the City of Ligonier, County of Noble is published in the Advance Leader each year. This paper is the only one, we are told, that it needs to be published in. If you missed it, you can look it up at the Library. Financial records of a city are a matter of public knowledge. (Everyone commends our present city clerk on a job well done. She is accountable to the State Board of Accounts and always comes through with high marks.) How many people do you know who have read it? How many who read it understand it? Do I know what the budgets are? Yes, I know what's presented. Example:
Motor Vehicle Highway & Local Roads & Streets fund, combined: Cash balance Jan. 2006 $121,869.58 Receipts: $719,146.68 Disbursements
$674,402.97 Cash Balance at Dec. 31 $166,61.29 Investment at Dec. 31 (in the Local Road & Street fund: $150,000.00 Total cash & Invest. Dec. 31: $316,613.29 ect. I can give you sub totals to all accounts. But can I EXPLAIN everything pretaining to the budget? No, but given the opportunity and access, I can learn.
Re: Current trends (rate of growth) Sending in each Dept. requires a Dept. head who meets the requirements of a financially responsible person. Which touches on your point of "competing clamor" for spending between city Departments and needs of employees. A Department Head (as well as all elected officals) should first of all realize who they work for. The taxpayer - period! If they don't have a sense of the "whole picture ", and the ablity to work together for the good of all, maybe they would do better in a different position. Grandpa told me, "God meets our needs, not our greeds". That should apply..They should also have communication and leadership skills.This should answer your question concerning selection of various personnel.
Re: Measurable goals. Goals must be SET before they can be reached! Having a set of plans that collect dust are of no value. Future Ligonier Alliance was formed to address this very issue! We could have used the "old ones" but the sources of future funding don't allow "outdated plans". So we had to seek new ones. Securing a 501c3 status was required so the city wasn't responsible for funding a $50,000.00 planning grant, with a required match of $5,550.00. F.L.A. is bearing this cost with fundraisers and donations. This planning grant is required to qualify Ligonier for a $500,000,00 Community Focus Grant. Our "Action Plan" to promote progress has resulted in measurable goals. We have: Grant Writing, Signage, Fundraising, Web Master and Volunteer Program Committees working. We are partnering with Discovery Express to better utilize talents and funding opportunity. People are stepping forward and offering their time and talents.
Re: Communication to average citizens. I consider myself an average citizen! I think I can handle this one. Communication skills are one of the keys to success. Listening, hearing and caring are a must. To educate them on my vision? I was thinking more in terms of letting them educate me on their vision and just sharing mine.
Please join me for a "Meet Your Candidate get -to -gether hosted by my Campaign Committee. Sat. April 14th 1-3 (with a 1:30 question and answer time) in the Police Department Training room.
Remember: "Positive Progress with a Purpose"
My contact info: Patty Fisel 206w. 3rd St. Ligonier, In 46767
(260) 894-7715 home 894-1512 my cell 894-3737 business
e-mail pafis@ligtel.com
I encourage you to visit F.L.A.'s web site set up by Chris Fought. Correct address is futureligonier.org Sorry Chris!

[pattyfisel]

How do you feel about Campaign Yard signs? Do you feel they help or hinder a candidates chances of winning?
What do you feel is the most effective method of campaigning?
With so few offices being challenged, what % of vote turnout do you predict?
Thanks for your input. patty

[pattyfisel]

fought, Thanks for your input! As a past Beautification Director of the city, I was always happy when it was time for them (political yard signs) to come down. Therefore as a candidate it was a little difficult for me to put them up!
At least this is just a short primary and they won't be up long.
I would like some input on what voting citizens think about, "the most effective campaign tools".?

[Kvilleyouth]

I believe that the most effective campaign approach is a door-to-door walk! I love to meet and hear what a candidate has to say! Also, not living in Ligonier, but concerned for the cities future- I still would like to wish you the best on your campaign! I think you are the perfect fit for this job and WOULD take Ligonier to the next level!

[terryh]

I think political yard signs can be a plus or a negative. They are a plus when they are visible in a private yard. They are a negative when they are along a roadside or at intersections — land that is not privately owned.

[Ligonite]

Sorry to be so negative here, but as far as I can see, political signs are just a sign (pun intended) of voter apathy and are basically an attempt to use marketing techniques to win an election. There is never a single useful bit of information on a political sign that I have ever seen - unless you want to know how to spell a candidate's name

Having said that, I doubt there are many candidates that could get elected without using signs and other visibility techniques. It's a sad reflection on the state of our communities and ignorance of much of the voting population.

Instead of a town full of signs, how about a direct mailing with clear, concise policy goals? Or a well-written letter to the editor outlining what a candidate plans to do? I have heard recent radio ads by a certain candidate for mayor in Fort Wayne that have impressed me greatly - focused on a specific issue (raising taxes to build a new baseball stadium in downtown Fort Wayne), clearly identifying his opposition to it, and giving facts as to why he is opposed. Whether you agree or disagree with him, you are not left guessing what he would do if elected.

It's easy to be "for" progress, or "against" waste. Name a candidate that would oppose such goals! It's a lot harder to deal with competing objectives and make decisions that not everyone would agree with.

As an example, take the issue of using TIF zones to attract business. Is the redirection of tax dollars away from schools and other public services to attract new jobs worth the impact to the other taxpayers in a community who have to carry a greater burden of the load? Now there's an important issue that has significant impact on a lot of people! And there are plenty more just like it - but you won't find the answers on a candidate's yard sign

[pattyfisel]

To:Kvilleyouth, Thanks for your encouragement and for sharing your opinion.
I agree that door-to-door is a very effective campaign approach. Ligonier is very unique. So many of the home owners are not registered to vote and I began to feel I was wasting a lot of time talking to people who couldn't vote. Not that they are not important-- I believe they could be potential voters--but, I felt I needed to find a more effective way to use my time. So, Sat. April 28 & Sun. April 29 from 1:00-5:00 I plan to invite everyone to a "Meet the Candidate Open House". The location will be at 212 S. Cavin St. (This is a building/former business I own in the downtown. I purchased a smaller building, 317 S. Cavin, and am in the process of moving my business.) I've hand delivered invitations to key people and advertised this event in the newspaper. Candidates need to make themself available to those they serve. I may not have all the answers, but want to meet and hear from the citizens who pay the bills. And they deserve to hear my views and goals.
Here's wishing you the very best as you pursue your life journey. Youth are the leaders of tomorrow. They deserve opportunity and respect.

[pattyfisel]

To: terryh
Thanks for your input on yard signs. Good point. As stated before I've always viewed them as "clutter". However this year I'm looking at them from a new view point.
Having purchased 50 signs it was my goal to put them in private yards, only after receiving a request from the owner. (If no one called then I would be forced to call them!) There are only 10 signs left and I've made no calls. This is a great encouragement!

Just a side note a lot of people don't realize:
Signs cost on average $250-$400 per 50 signs
Signs placed in State Highway right-of -way are subject to removal by same
It's against the law to remove political signs

[pattyfisel]

To Ligonite:
Hey---thanks!! Appreciate your input on the political yard signs. You make some valid points.
Now to your suggestion of direct mail with clear concise policy goals. I've done that! Letter to the editor: I've done that too!
Issue of USING TIF ZONES TO ATTRACT BUSINESS
First: Let's talk about "Understanding TIF Districts"
A city designates a TIF district for redevelopment. Since the district is going to be redeveloped, that means property values will probably go up, and therefore property tax revenues will go up, based on higher assessments. When that increase happens, the property tax revenue from the TIF district gets split into two streams. The first stream is pegged to the original property values before redevelopment; that amount of tax continues to go to the city, county, school district and other taxing bodies as before.

The second stream consists of the increase in taxes resulting from the new development and higher property values- the "tax increment". That stream gets paid into a special fund used to subsidize some portion of the redevelopment in the TIF district. This diversion of tax payments continues until the TIF district expires.
If you own property(?)check your property tax papers and figure what portion goes to the school and city. Do you still feel the school and city are not getting their fairshare? (If you don't own property, I'll share my tax figures.)
TIF redevelopment is not only for attracting new jobs. As in Ligonier, together, with gifts from the Jennie Thompson Foundation and a private individual, TIF taxes built a new Police Department Building. So, too TIF taxes could build a new Fire Department, ect.
Back to jobs: if you don't have a job you won't have any money to pay your taxes!! What's the next issue??

[Ligonite]

Patty,

First off, let me congratulate you for being the first (and only) mayor/mayoral candidate for taking a shot at discussing a very important issue - taxation and TIF districts. It is usually just presumed that TIFs are good "because they bring in new business" - but this is hardly guaranteed and imply a cause and effect relationship that is far from certain.

Having said that, you started your last post assuming what many people who are not familiar with the Indiana taxation system also assume - that when assessments go up then the tax revenues will go up in like manner. But this is not the case at all! In fact, tax revenues are limited by state law to a maximum increase each year - unless a municipality chooses to petition for an increase due to special circumstances. It is the distribution of this increase that is affected by changes in assessment. The dollars are virtually fixed each year to a small increase. If everyone's property values double but the state sets the increase to 3%, then your taxes will go up by 3%, period.

Therefore, increases in assessment merely have the potential to redistribute the tax burden. If your assessment goes up more than mine, your tax increase will be proportionately greater (other things being equal). In essence, the effect is to discourage improvements in properties when it is not done across an entire taxing district. This is one reason why people who are building newer homes tend to do so OUTSIDE of existing urban areas - it allows them to avoid carrying a larger portion of the tax burden of the existing (and lower valued) properties. When there is an imbalance, it drives new development away, not toward, the community. This is why areas like Carmel do so well - most of the properties are higher-valued so increases in assessment tend to be equally distributed; and one reason why the residents of Aboite in Allen County were up in arms about being annexed by the City of Fort Wayne. (But at least the residents of Aboite could take some comfort in the fact that they did not have to change school districts! As you know, the schools get a much larger share of taxes than the cities or counties do.) All you need to do is look where the newer homes in area have been built - at a distance from the city limits.

As for the "tax increment" part of TIF - that means that a large portion of the increased valuation of properties within the TIF are allowed to keep that increment within the TIF - effectively removing that potential revenue stream from the general tax base. This removal of TIF dollars means that in effect, over time there are LESS tax revenues going for things like schools and residential streets, not MORE. The revenues are kept within the TIF to help continue the reinvestment and attraction of new businesses.

The bet is, of course, that increased business will mean more residents, shoppers, etc. in the community and that this increased business will have a follow-on effect (i.e. more tax dollars available) that will more than offset the loss of tax dollars from the TIF. But as far as I can see, there has been very little residential development or reinvestment in Ligonier, and certainly almost none due to the new businesses added to the TIFs in the past 10 years. For the most part, the TIFs have benefitted two groups - the business owners in the TIFs who get to keep the tax dollars for improved services (at least in theory), and the police who have a very nice facility courtesy of the TIF dollars (which must still be collected for the next 18 years to pay off the debt for that facility, so there are really no excess funds for almost 2 decades to do anything for the fire department!). Additional tax revenues available to spend on other city needs (streets, water & sewage, parks, downtown business redevelopment) have not materialized yet, and given the way we are handling the TIFs today, probably won't. One look at the difference in equipment and facilities between the police and fire departments should be an indicator of the needs that have not been equally addressed.

If you want to raise tax revenues, you have to expand the territory - it's as simple as that. The only way to improve the cost benefit tradeoff (as implemented in Indiana tax law) is to use economies of scale to add more revenue (i.e. more taxpayers: workers and their income taxes or homeowners with property taxes) faster than you add services. This is why understanding the tax mechanism is critical for anyone who is going to run a municipality (either mayor or council). If you spend all your tax dollars (TIF, general fund, CEDIT, or whatever) on a narrow band of priorities, you are gambling on the future that those things will cause your community to grow. So far, I see almost no growth from investments of the past 10 years. How many new homes have been built within the city limits in 10 years? How many have been built in neighboring communities? Are we really doing a good job attracting residential development in the city? If it were not for the influx of lower-wage workers from south of the border, many of our homes would probably be vacant. And while we should welcome all who want to live in Ligonier, we need to strike a balance that will give us growth in the future. Does anyone really believe that low-cost manufacturing businesses are a long-term growth opportunity anywhere in the US? As for jobs - how many people who live in Ligoner actually work in Ligonier? This is not 1960 anymore - we are a mobile society and people do not necessarily live and work in the same community. Furthermore, I don't know of anyone who wants to live near an area of factories with their attendant problems of noise and traffic.

If this all seems a bit complex, that's because it IS complex. There are no simple answers - but the answers are important. Decisions made today can have repercussions decades into the future. Failing to understand how the Indiana tax system works, and how TIFs figure into that system, can lead to disastrous consequences. If we really want Ligonier to turn into a world-class community, we need to ask ourselves if we want to continue to put all our eggs (e.g. tax dollars) into one basket when it comes to the future. Shouldn't we at least see if there are ways to attract small businesses and homeowners to the area - and potentially reallocate our scarce resources to more than one growth vector?

One last point - regardless of who the mayor is in 2008, the council will play an equally important role in determining our fate. I hope the voters are paying attention to everyone who is running in this election.

[pattyfisel]

Ligonite
Wow! So much itellectual knowledge to disseminate. All this will take some time to decipher. So---why aren't you running for Mayor? State Rep. or something?
Having said that...please re-read my first statement. "property values will probably go up". As far as Indiana taxation and distribution is concerned....let's face it-- it's broken--- the system is out of control, unfair and disfunctional. Cities and towns are at the mercy of those who run it from the State.

The TIF tax method may not be perfect but from my view it seems to serve Ligonier fairly well. Ask for a list of projects it has funded.
As far as reinvestment in Ligonier due to the adding of new business in the TIF-- that's an area that needs a lot of study. How would you measure it?
TIF funds are under the control of the Redevelopment Commission, not business owners (THEY JUST PAY IT). At their April 19th meeting to discuss using TIF funds to tear down the Essex Building, it was reported, by the Commission President, the fund balance is $244,071.85. It was also reported the debt on the Police Dept. building is paid ahead of schedule. The Police facility was courtesy of Jennie Thompson Foundation, a private family and TIF funds.
This site was considered for a Fire Dept., however that Department felt the location was not a good fit for their needs.
Why does Ligonier rely so heavy on taxes and other cities and towns around us fund projects with grants?
The difference in equipment between Police and Fire Dept. ...hum.. do I sense a degree of resentment here? It would be interesting to know if you are an employee or ex-employee.
Annexation -- CEDIT tax.. that's for another day.. I still have an ad to design.
Complex.. how right you are! Answers important..you bet! And if we don't have them we better be finding them.!!
Ligonier a world class community? I'd just like to see it prosperous, safe,clean and filled with happy productive citizens.
Attract new small business and homeowners? You bet! These are the people who put their money where their mouth is!! God Bless them!
Scarce resources? Little is much when God is in it!
City Council.... there are only 2 being challenged..Why? Maybe no one wants to meet the challenge. Most people I've talk to say their smarter than that.
So much for those who choose to run!
Ditto your hopes of voter attention!! Cheers

[Ligonite]

Why would it matter if I were a city employee or ex-employee? (I'm neither, by the way). One would think that employees (or former employees) might have some insight into how well or poorly the system is working. A good leader would be able to separate facts from opinion and validate them regardless of the original source.

In actuality, I am just a citizen who has the ability to OBSERVE things. I can look at a building, or a piece of equipment, or a budget, and get a general idea of how things are going. I can see paved alleys and pot-holed streets; new buildings and leaky roofs; empty storefronts and new factories. These things speak volumes about our priorities.

It would be nice if once in a while we would entertain some creative thinking. One fellow resident asked me why we didn't build a joint police and fire station on the site of the old Essex factory for the $3 million we spent on just the police station alone. It's not like the police and fire departments weren't used to living under the same roof, he said, and everyone complains about the eyesore at the corner of Lincolnway and Cavin. I told him I had no idea, but it seemed to me like it would have solved three problems instead of just one.

Why should we be looking for "someone else" (i.e. grants) to help pay for our improvements? Shouldn't the people who benefit be the ones who pay? It's our need - let's take the initiative to take care of it ourselves! Asking for someone else to pay is what leads to a government that is "out of control, unfair, and disfunctional" [sic]. I suspect that we have spent money unnecesarily in some areas, and shortchanged ourselves in others. What do you think?

As far as running for public office, many of us "common folk" are busy trying to raise families and are looking to those who have the time and desire to become public servants in the community. Given time, some of us may actually become public servants ourselves when we have met our other obligations.

In the meantime, should you become a public servant yourself, I ask you to really listen when the public tries to speak. Far too often, our voices fall on deaf ears. Perhaps that's why some people seem so disinterested.

[pattyfisel]

City employee or ex.? Doesn't matter....just guessing at the source of what appears to be a negative OPINION.

I too, am just a citizen who can observe things. However, I (as I'm sure you also) see beyond what is to what could be. The present priorities you mentioned are not mine. I seek the office to change them. How about just trying to get along? Being accountable? Everyone doing their own job and allowing others to do theirs? Having elected officals who set standards and stick to them? Being openminded enough to listen to new ideas? Not being afraid to fail? Being humble enough to admit we don't know everything, but willing to seek answers and acting on them? Stop re-inventing things that have already been invented by others?

Creative thinking. How about taking a hard look at each departments function and needs. Are there overlaps or gaps in resources? Are we meeting "needs" or "greeds"? Are there other means of funding? Other cities have some of the same challenges, can we learn from them? Do we have short tearm goals and long range plans? Why are alleys more important than pot-holed
streets? State officials make policy that dictate to us-- do we have representation on a State level?

Did your fellow resident share his/her idea with those in charge of the Police Department Project? What's done is done! Can't we just move on?

We are still short some funding to improve the Elk's Event Center. Many have already made considerable donations. We would be happy to except yours!
John Pettit is our treasurer: checks should be made payable to Future Ligonier Alliance. We are a non-profit organization, making all donations tax deductable. Grant money is your money and mine! If Ligonier don't apply for it, Nappanee, Kendallville, Lagrange, Shipshewana, Millersburg, Topeka, Cromwell will and have!

Spent money unnecesarily ?- shortchanged ourselves?- YOU BET WE HAVE!

We are all "common folk" and God calls some before all their obligations are met. I pray you do get a chance to serve-- at least your not afraid to take a stand! (I'll really pray about the "Cranky" part)

I'll heed your good advice no matter if I become a public servant or not. To be a good listener would serve us all well, no matter where our life path leads! Cheers!

[matt_s]

I think it is fiscally responsible of a community to apply for and utilize every financial resource at its disposal. This definitely includes grant money. But, grant money is a short term resource for short term projects or one time buys that may not have been otherwise possible. It should NEVER be used for anything that may be considered an ongoing operating expense because you can't guarantee that they will be there year-to-year.

The tax base is to cover operating expenses and when properly utilized fund growth initiatives and prepare for the future. Grants can help be the catalyst for growth or provide opportunities for communities that may not have otherwise existed. But, they do take time to apply for and administer and this is at a cost, both in terms of money and lost opportunities for other projects. So I believe that communities must also be responsible in how they apply and what they apply for.

[pattyfisel]

I agree that grant money is a short term resource, and should NEVER be used for ongoing operating expense. We are not aware of any that do.

You are right that the tax base if used properly will cover operating expenses. However, it is very challenging to set budgets when that amount is not always known at budget time.

Our $50,000.00 Planning Grant became an "Action Plan" that's resulting in motivated people with new hope. The time and cost was well worth the investment.

Your advice is well taken. Thanks!

[pattyfisel]

Chris, Thanks for the support! It is really a joy to see so many positive things happening in Ligonier!! We have a great team!!
I ALREADY FEEL WE HAVE WON - EVEN IF I LOSE! We have gained much!
I hope to lead us forward as Mayor, however if it's not to be, I know there is a place for me to serve. We just don't give up!!!