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Residents defend public comment, criticize 'builders vs. wreckers' framing and propose Portage Manor citizen committee
Summary
Multiple residents urged county leaders to preserve public comment rights after a local business columnist contrasted "builders" and "wreckers," and one resident proposed a citizens committee for future planning at Portage Manor.
Several residents used the Feb. 11 St. Joseph County commissioners meeting to push back against an opinion column and urge preservation of public comment opportunities, and one resident asked to be part of a citizens committee regarding Portage Manor's future.
Tom Roe and Dan Caruso criticized an article by Jeff Ray, CEO of the South Bend Regional Chamber of Commerce, that described community members as either "builders or wreckers." Caruso said volunteers who helped draft comprehensive land-use guidelines were being characterized wrongly and called for transparency in local decision-making. "Those who publicly question or criticize the decisions and direction of our county leaders are disgruntled second guessers," Caruso said, arguing that public comment is part of democratic oversight.
Steve Francis, speaking online, called the builders-versus-wreckers dichotomy "a false dichotomy" and urged the columnist to clarify or retract his language. "It is not wrecking when we speak up. It's actually a part of our democratic obligation," Francis said.
Charlotte Wolf asked whether a citizens committee has been formed for Portage Manor and expressed interest in serving if such a group is created. She suggested models such as Burlington, Vermont's Intervale for community gardens and eco-farm development as possible uses for the site.
Commissioners thanked speakers for their comments; the transcript records no formal board action on the Chamber column or on Portage Manor committees at this meeting.
