To the Citizens of Rushville:

I do not take pleasure in writing this letter; however, I feel it is my duty as an elected official to make you, the citizens of Rushville, aware of heavy handed efforts and threatening tactics that are being leveled by Mayor Merv Bostic. I feel it is my obligation to write this letter because innocent people and a city facility have come under threat.

After the council meeting on Sept. 16, 2008, Mayor Bostic and I had a very heated disagreement. Although the topic was not on the agenda, the Mayor recommended the appointment of an individual for the city’s Historic Board. During discussion, the council learned that the individual, although I’m sure very qualified, did not meet the residency requirements of the law, and therefore could not be lawfully appointed to the position. After the meeting had adjourned, Mayor Bostic threatened that if I didn’t, “stop what I am doing, then the Amphitheater is going to be in trouble!” I could not believe my ears! Because I was doing the people’s work and upholding my oath of office, the Amphitheater and the Concert Series would take the consequences?

Many of you may or may not know that I, along with many other volunteers, serve on the Riverside Park Amphitheater Board. We do so for the love of the park and to help, in some small way, to build to the quality of life for the entire Rush County Community through the outstanding free concerts this venue has to offer. Further, the Concert Series brings people to Rushville from all over. I’m sure these people buy gas and food and drink while they’re in town. It’s sad to think all this could be jeopardized because I was fulfilling my duty.

Of course, this is not the first time Mayor Bostic has levied threats against people who carry a difference of opinion. Jim Huston, former Historic Board Member, spoke out against the Mayor when Rushville had the Water Boil Advisory in May of 2008. This triggered a response from Mayor Bostic in the form of his own Letter to the Editor, which he stated, “And to you Mr. Huston, if you find this administration so intolerable, then maybe you should remove yourself from its shadow, lest you be tainted by it. I call for your resignation from the Rushville Historic Board.” (Rushville Republican, May 12, 2008). When Mr. Huston refused to resign, the Mayor went on a “seek-and-destroy mission” to ultimately get him “removed”; which he did. Joe Rathz was another casualty of this administration for similar reasons. His willingness to speak up against wrong-doings cost him his seat on the Historic Board. Please note, both these gentlemen were passionate about the Historic Board and were unpaid volunteers.

If the mayor chooses to fulfill his threat and shut down the Amphitheater, will it hurt me? Absolutely! Because the mayor can not fire me, he is obviously wise enough to go after something for which I am passionate. Yet in his efforts to hurt me, there are a great number of other people who will suffer. Whether it’s through the free concert series, private rentals, or just enjoying the beauty of the park itself, each and every citizen who enjoys listening to music under the stars will be punished too.

His threats are an affront to every citizen in Rushville. I just could not stand for that. I contemplated not writing this letter. Yet I knew that if I did not, the taxpayers would never know the reality of what’s going on, and why a popular parks facility was being neglected or even shut down. The people have the right to know.

For those who might question this newfound demand to be heard, please understand that I was in the past blessed with an environment that expected open communication, encouraged spirited debate and no one was forced paid the consequences if you did not agree. I want all the citizens to know that, so far in this term, those philosophies are no longer respected. Understand that when I was elected, I was charged with the duty to represent the voice of the people, a responsibility I take very seriously. I take the personal responsibility and pride that I am constantly making sure that only the best is provided for this city and her people. I fail to understand threatening to shut down a program because one council member is doing his best to perform his duty for the city.

I would like nothing more than to see this administration work together, the very concept the Mayor has accused me of not doing. To the Mayor, I must say I disagree. He has never once asked me what I thought about issues regarding the city. Regarding the topic of the proposed historic appointment, the Mayor thought I blindsided him to make him look stupid. In my defense, I think it should be known that I have attempted to have various forms of dialogue with the Mayor, but all have fallen on deaf ears. I have sent the mayor countless emails only to never receive a response. Personally, I like email because it allows me to keep my memory fresh on the topics and I like having a paper trail. I certainly don’t claim to know everything, but I do have the last eight years of council experience under my belt, and I believe that should count for something. More importantly, if we are truly supposed to be partners in our efforts, shouldn’t the mayor want to keep me and the other council members involved?

I like to listen to other people’s points of view. I have always believed that when people talk, I should listen. That has not happened in this administration. Sadly, on more than one occasion, I have witnessed the mayor gavel down local citizens in public meetings because he did not want to hear their point of view. As I stated before, I listen. I don’t have to agree with them, but I offer them the courtesy and respect to at least hear them out. Regardless of who is mayor, there always will be people who may disagree — hard-working, free-thinking volunteers and citizens who only wish to see Rushville prosper. I don’t believe that gives the mayor the right to strong-arm these citizens or a free pass to “ask for their resignation” or threaten a board where they volunteer to serve. I offer my personal thank you to all of you who take the time to volunteer. I know at times, it can be a thankless.

Therefore, I have offered my resignation to the Riverside Amphitheater Board because I do not wish to see this city jewel tarnished because of my service to the city. In short, if the Mayor cuts funding to the Amphitheater, then I guess some will blame me. And if indeed this happens, I want the public to know that it was because I am committed to maintaining responsible government. For me, that’s my first duty to the citizens. It’s a shame that some take office and think the citizens should serve them rather than be the public servants that the voters entrusted them to be.

Sincerely,

Darrin McGowan

Rushville City Council