Noblesville reader is proud of city’s leadership, deeply saddened by threats

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Dear Editor:

As a proud Noblesville resident, I have had the opportunity of observing firsthand the passion and dedication our Town Council, Mayor, and City Hall staff bring to our community each day.

I have seen their efforts to maintain the charm and hometown feel of our historic downtown to their planning of new developments that are designed to elevate our quality of life, to ensuring that our schools are top notch while making public safety and mental health top priorities. They have done this with tremendous transparency and an open door to community members. You can see the Mayor, Council, and staff at several public events and engage with residents hearing their thoughts and ideas.

These are not just people who call Noblesville a place to work, these are people who call Noblesville home!

This is not how it is in most other communities. Many communities are struggling because their leadership has not laid out a strategic and comprehensive plan for development, generating jobs, commerce, infrastructure, recreation, and laid the foundation for a sustainable future.

I believe that the growth in Noblesville’s population is a testament to the great work that gets done by our leaders – not just today but the ones who have led the way up to this point. We have created such a desirable place to live, work, play, and raise a family that of course people want a chance to come to our community, too.

That is why I am deeply saddened by the recent threats directed at the Mayor, Council Members, and City Hall staff. This behavior is not indicative of the Noblesville that I have come to know and love. Our community has always been a place where we value civility and mutual respect. Acts of intimidation and hostility towards those who serve not only tarnish our reputation but undermine the very fabric that in my opinion makes Noblesville special.

Disagreements are natural in a community that is experiencing the growth and development that Noblesville has seen in recent years. I think a variety of differing opinions and that debate and discussion is great for our city. But disagreement should never devolve into threats or personal attacks. We can absolutely disagree with policies or decisions, but we must do so constructively and respectfully.

Noblesville’s past, present and future are bright thanks to a dedicated leadership guiding us forward in conjunction with a passionate and respectful community debating, supporting, and discussing (and sometimes disagreeing) to ensure the very best for Noblesville.

Chris Oukada
Noblesville