Threats do not stop Noblesville Common Council

The Morse Village development has become such a contentious issue that there have reportedly been threats against Noblesville city officials and employees leading up to the Tuesday Common Council vote on two ordinances relevant to this project.

Ordinances 73-11-23 and 73-11-24 passed 6-3 with Mark Boice, Mike Davis, and Evan Elliott voting against.

You can read more in-depth coverage of the meeting in tomorrow’s edition of The Reporter.

In response to the threats to city officials, six Noblesville police officers were present at the Tuesday council meeting in the interest of public safety.

Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen released the following statement Monday regarding those threats:

Jensen

Threats, including threats of violence, have been received by elected officials about the proposed Morse Village Project that the Noblesville Common Council is considering. We take those threats seriously, and the Noblesville Police Department is actively responding to address them as appropriate.

It is concerning and disappointing that some individuals who have strong opinions on this matter have lowered themselves to the level of threatening physical violence. We respect opinions and perspectives on all sides of public issues, and I have consistently said and demonstrated through my actions that constructive voices will always have a seat at the table for input and adjustments. The citizens’ voice in all public policy matters is paramount.

However, no public official or public employee should ever have to live under the threat of retaliation for doing their jobs to the best of their abilities. I commend the many residents who have conducted themselves honorably and respectfully on this matter and call on everyone to engage with civility and mutual respect.