By Ronald Hawkins, Reporter-Times
rhawkins@reportert.com
Proponents of the Indiana Commerce Connector are finding a bumpy political path on the road to approval.
Legislation in the Indiana General Assembly that would transfer tolling authority from the proposed extension of Interstate 69 to the Commerce Connector has passed the Senate and is awaiting House consideration. That legislation also calls for a feasibility study of the project.
The idea has received a mixed response from Morgan County elected officials.
State Sen. Richard Bray, R-Martinsville, has endorsed the Connector.
Bray said he was supportive of the Commerce Connector as a toll road in part because he opposed I-69 being a toll road.
State Rep. Ralph Foley, R-Martinsville, had previously endorsed the concept, but is looking for more details, he said Thursday.
"I'm generally supportive of the concept, but I want to read the bill and make sure it is fully investigated," Bray said. "I want to see how it all fits together.
"It's a road concept that will probably occur at some time, but there are all sorts of questions."
Incumbent Martinsville Common Council members have been divided on the proposal, as are challengers.
"I'll be honest with you," Mayor Shannon Buskirk said. "I've not been given enough information."
Part of that information would be the path of the road, the mayor said. Buskirk said he doesn't want to see it go through places such as the Morgan Monroe State Forest.
Council member Doug Arthur drafted a letter to be sent to Gov. Mitch Daniels that asks the state's chief executive to ensure the Commerce Connector is studied seriously and that Martinsville residents' concerns be taken more seriously than their opposition to I-69 plans. Council members, however, rejected sending the letter as the voice of the council.
Arthur sent the letter with council member Scott Manley as the only co-signer.
Council President Gary Lester said, "I like the concept of the Connector."
The Connector, Lester said, would keep truck traffic away from Martinsville and I-69. Additionally, not enough is known about the Connector to take a stance on it, he said.
Arthur said the letter wasn't opposing the Connector, but was asking for it to be studied carefully and that what residents have to say is given serious consideration.
Terry Buster, who is challenging Sheldon Buskirk in the May Republican primary, opposes the Connector. Eric Bowlen, who is challenging two incumbents for an at-large council seat, said he thinks it's a good idea if it's done right.