By ANNIE GOELLER, Daily Journal of Johnson County staff writer
Seven local officials plan to tell the governor, state legislators and transportation officials they cannot support a proposed toll road based on the information they have.
The Johnson County Council will draft a letter and send it to state lawmakers and other officials, saying where members stand on the issue and listing questions the group has.
Council members vary on their opinions of the project.
Five county council members said they could not support the project with the information they have now. Two others said they had questions and wanted answers before making a decision on where they stand.
The letter will reflect all those opinions and also will raise questions, council member John Price said.
"We need to do something to tell them that our constituents are concerned. At least we've done something rather than nothing," he said.
Council members decided to draft the letter after a meeting with state officials Monday. About 60 residents attended, and more than 10 told officials they are not in favor of the beltway.
The council's attorney, Phil Wilson, first suggested the council take a stand to represent residents' views to state lawmakers during a public meeting about the toll road in Martinsville last month.
Monday night, council member Charles Canary suggested the council make a statement that would take a stand against the project.
Other council members supported the idea, but some said the statement might not be effective since the county has no say in the beltway.
"We can say whatever we want, do whatever we want, but we're not going to have any effect on it," council member Ron West said.
Council members should instead start contacting their state legislators and letting them know what the people want, West and council member Josh McCarty said.
Canary suggested doing both. The council decided to draft a letter that would include everyone's opinion and ask questions, including how the beltway would financially impact the county, for a more defined route and whether the county will be responsible for emergency services on the beltway.
Council members said the letter could serve as a voice for the community, letting lawmakers know that the people of Johnson County have said they are not in support of the toll road.
"We are an extension of the people in the county. From what I see right now, they don't want it," said council member Steve Hollenbeck.
Hollenbeck, McCarty, Price, West and Canary said they could not support the project with the information they have now.
"If it's not going to be a benefit for Johnson County, I don't foresee any reason we can support this. I see no benefit for Johnson County the way it's proposed," McCarty said.
Council members Anita Knowles and Beth Boyce said they had questions before making a decision on where they stand.
"It's a little premature to say we oppose it. Right now, there's nothing to oppose. Half of the things people are asking, there's no way to know," Boyce said.
Each council member will send their opinion on the toll road, along with any questions or concerns, to Price this week. He will draft a letter and council members will review it before it is sent to state officials and lawmakers.