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Resident urges Blackford County Council to cite constitutional authority, objects to renewable projects
Summary
At the Dec. 3 Blackford County council meeting, resident Jackie Campsler urged the council to respond in sworn affidavits to notices she and others have filed, arguing some county actions lack constitutional authority and alleging public funds and tax abatements are benefiting private renewable projects.
Hartford City resident Jackie Campsler told the Blackford County Council on Dec. 3 that she and hundreds of county residents have submitted "notices and affidavits" arguing the council has acted without constitutional authority and urging the council to respond.
"Have you guys read the Indiana Constitution?" Campsler asked the council, saying many residents feel their rights have been injured and that they are exercising the right to "redress of grievances." She said she has been collecting notices asserting that public money and tax abatements have been used for private purposes tied to wind, solar and other energy projects, and asked the council to show where in the state constitution the authority for those actions is granted.
Campsler also said she and others view silence from officials as acquiescence: "by tacit acquiescence, the people have already won," she said, and asked the council to respond in a sworn affidavit "under penalty of perjury." She cited a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision and argued that officials acting outside granted authority have no immunity.
Council members responded briefly but did not accept the constitutional claim as presented. One council member said the commissioners and economic development had told the public the county "has not spent a single dime on these projects." The same speaker encouraged anyone who believes they have been wronged to pursue legal remedies: "If you feel you've been wronged, I encourage everybody to take the proper action," the council member said.
The council did not take formal action in response to the notices during the meeting. Council members and staff said legal and procedural avenues exist, including filing in court, and offered to meet with residents after the meeting to discuss the materials further.
The issue remains a citizen-raised concern rather than an item on the council's agenda; no ordinance, resolution or formal referral resulted from the comments at the Dec. 3 session.
