THE PURITANS’ NETWORK

ADDITIONAL ARTICLES SERIES

SPEECH DELIVERED ON AUGUST 11, 2014 BEFORE THE GEORGETOWN TOWNSHIP BOARD

I want to thank the Board for taking this time to hear my public comments as well as the comments of others.

This past week the voters delivered a message that they do not want higher taxes and more government debt in order for Georgetown Township to develop the property along Chicago Drive, and that despite a very lopsided advertising campaign.  I,  my family and friends were part of those voters who believe the situation in the business district along Chicago Drive is something that primarily should be left for the private sector to resolve, and that the private sector can resolve with time.  So we would request that the Georgetown Township Board sell the property along Chicago Drive that was apparently recently purchased, and not put more taxpayer money into it.

In addition, we would request that the Township Board sell the property along Main Street which was purchased by the Township and is now vacant.  It is not a location well suited for a park, but can be sold and generate property taxes for the Township.

Also, we would request that the Township Board give serious consideration to selling the Georgetown Ice Center.  If I am reading the Township budget correctly, around $740,000 is incurred annually to run the center. May it not even be possible to decrease the property taxes on residents if these sales take place, while maintaining and improving core infrastructure of the Township?  Enterprises like grocery stores, bowling alleys, and ice skating rinks are things best run by the private sector, and distract the Township government from what the Bible indicates are the primary responsibilities of civil government. 

But what does the Bible say is the primary responsibility of civil government?  We read that in Romans chapter 13 where it says “he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil“ and in Psalm 2 where it says “Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.  Kiss the Son“.   And we see a good example of it in how the civil rulers of Nineveh during Jonah’s day led in Biblical reformation there.

It is with this in mind that I have been requesting and continue to request that the Township Board pass the following resolution: “We proclaim and acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord of Georgetown Township, looking to Him as Savior from the transgressions committed by the people of the Township, and resolving by God’s grace to follow Him in gratitude in accordance with Biblical principles.”  It is especially important in a time when the federal government is becoming more immoral that local governments take a stand for the Lord Jesus Christ and His moral law, making clear what is their ultimate authority.

Again, I want to thank the Board for hearing and considering these solicitations.