Professors from Princeton University and Northwestern University respectively looked at more than 20 years worth of data to answer a simple question: Does the government represent the people? Their conclusions identified that “The opinions of 90% of Americans have essentially no impact at all.” This study led to headlines in the international and national media that either suggested or declared that the U.S. was functioning as an oligarchy.
“Oligarchy is a form of power structure in which power rests with a small number of people.” (Wikipedia)
If you review the fast-track process that was applied to approve the Brown County government owned and managed $12.5 million Maple Leaf Performing Arts Center (MLPAC), what would you conclude:
Does this approach model the actions of a republic (resentative democracy) or an oligarchy?
Photo OP of the Maple Leaf Project Team with Congressman Trey Hollingsworth (R). The photo was taken in the Salmon Room, County Office Building.
Specific Maple Leaf team members include: Diana Biddle (R) – County Commissioner and Maple Leaf Management Group); Keith Baker (R) – President County Council; Darren Byrd – County Council, Maple Leaf Management Group; Barry Herring – Maple Leaf Management Group, Conventions Visitors Commission (CVC); Bruce Gould – Maple Leaf Management Group, Convention Visitors Bureau (CVB); Susanne Gaudin (R) – Maple Leaf Building Corporation, Republican Board Member, Brown County Election Board; Mark Bowman, Chair, County Republican Party; Robyn Rosenberg Bowman (R) – President, Maple Leaf Building Corporation.
* CVC members appointed by the commissioners and council. The CVB is contracted by the CVC to market tourism.
A question to Benjamin Franklin following the Constitutional Convention of 1787: “Well, Doctor, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?” With no hesitation whatsoever, Franklin responded, “A republic, if you can keep it.“
More Information and Context:
Independent Voters of Brown County IN 