Looking at Muncie's Mayoral race

The Muncie Star Press interviewed the Democratic and Republican candidate for mayor: Muncie mayoral candidates see almost eye-to-eye on growth.

Sharon McShurley, Republican, and James Mansfield, Democrat, expressed similar views on the topic when pressed by The Star Press to share their philosophies on when, where and how to grow city boundaries.

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While McShurley declined to comment about that specific annexation, Mansfield said he would have been opposed to it.

"We should work extremely hard at building that tax base through attracting business to our community rather than poaching on already existing businesses outside the community," Mansfield said.

Most, if not all, property owners at Ind. 332 and Nebo Road have expressed opposition to the annexation.

Both candidates said the city should reduce its tax rate to make Muncie more attractive before launching any annexation efforts.

Then, they said, look at Center Township.

Both said annexing what's left of Center Township would make consolidating the Center Township Volunteer Fire Department and the Muncie Fire Department easier, resulting in tax savings for both taxing entities.

"Common sense would tell you there should be a savings there," Mansfield said.

Two things: 1) I have seen nothing like this in the Herald-Bulletin and 2) remember that Anderson does compete with Muncie for economic development.