St. Joseph County’s lone pro-Eastern Commissioner had some somewhat harsh words for the mayor of Portage, who weighed in, asking St. Joseph County to join the city on Central Time.
“Butt out isn’t the right way to say it. That’s a little harsh,” St. Joseph County Commissioner Mark Dobson said Wednesday. “I don’t think they’d want me opining on issues in their county.”
I suppose that’s a reasonable position if, but only if, Commissioner Dobson delivers the same message to Elkhart County’s officials and Governor Daniels when they decide to opine on the issue.
Commissioner Dobson also seems to be somewhat dismissive of pro-Central sentiment. He says, “arguments should be based on economics, “not ‘I want to watch Leno at 10:30.'” I think he misses the point of just how broadly “convenience of commerce” is defined. If folks are, to take his example, “watching Leno” at 11:30 and are, consequently, chronically sleep-deprived, they are not going to be a very good work force and not as likely to be contributors to a vibrant economy. All of these issues are inter-related, and I think all of the consequences of one time zone or another should be considered.
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