We have had over a week now of comments about the Big Box store. We have collectively complained, bitched and moaned ... called names and pointed a few fingers.
I believe this is therapeutic but it is time to move on.
More pointing fingers and name calling will get us nowhere. Both sides will continue to claim they are right and the other side is wrong. I believe we have heard most of the arguments on both sides.
I don't want to stifle debate, but I do want to try to direct our energy a bit.
There are real issues that we need to debate and directions we need to take.
• Should we use incentives to attract business and industry?
• Do we need industry or retail?
• What do we want the city to look like in 20 years?
These are items that I feel need to be debated.
At present we are divided and a divisive issue has shown that. What we do now really matters. If we stay divided we will get nowhere.
We need vision and purpose, and we all need to do our part to make those visions happen.
How can we all get together and decide on some goals for the city?
j
Posts
29 comments:
OK, I'll jump in
• Should we use incentives to attract business and industry? Yes to both. We just filled out a survey from the city telling you that!
• Do we need industry or retail? Both. We just filled out a survey from the city telling you that!
• What do we want the city to look like in 20 years? Finally some real meat! I would like it to look alive and vibrant. People on the sidewalks going places and doing things. Buildings clean up and not looking like they are falling down. Some fun and excitement back into going to town.
Not that it makes much difference. As I said, we just filled out a citizen survey that asked all that. It got ignored too.
Maybe someone should tell Sybrant to take better care of his buildings. That would go a long way. Alot of the other buildings are owned by out of town people so not as much could happen there. BTW surveys are not the same thing as really working toward a goal. If we say we want industry, what can we do different that has not been done in the past? If we line that out and then get behind it, then we can maybe "suit up for the game" instead of waiting for them to come to us.
Yes, it is time to get on with it.
We need to pull together, get a plan that all can live with, and persue it.Do it as a community. Do it with all the information at hand, no under the table, "brother in law" deals. Do it all above
board.
If we were to have a recall we would have to have two, because there were two sides to this thing, both voted against the wishes of someone.
To the commission. I feel that each and everyone of you felt that you did the right thing, in the manner in which you voted. I would ask each one of you. Did you or did you not allow personal feeling enter into your decision? That being said, it is only human on your part to do so, but personal feelings aside. Did you do the best that you could for the people and the community that you represent?
I am not pointing fingers at the yea's or the na's, I am addressing the commission as a whole.
You were elected to act as leaders of the community, and I think all the pettiness should be put somewhere, and you, as commissioners, should get on with the business at hand.
HEAR HEAR. THAT is the best post I have read on here in a long time.
James your right so I move on by answering your questions. For our community to grow we need the entire package, we must be willing to invest in our future. To bring industry and retail we need things to do in our community, Hike Bike trails, recreation, shopping, housing,city services, and last but not least a commission that is willing to see the same goals. Talk is cheap! Our community and elected leaders have lost focus. The City hired a new young City Manager with new ideas, education and the ability to bring new things to our community. It appears that the commission has failed to listen and take advice from our new City Manager.
The good lord gave us two ears and one mouth, Listen twice as much as you talk!
My point to all this rambling; we must have the entire package for us to grow! People and investors and good workers go where there are things to offer them and their families. I am not sure what we have to offer right now.
If your question is also can we move on from this point on? I think it will be difficult. I hate to place blame and point fingers but we may all be to blame for not being more involved in local elections. It will also be difficult because of the lost confidence and suspicion that will now surround our elected leaders. They will now set the direction for our community, it is their job to provide effective leadership and to take proggressive action, I believe the will of the people have spoken, now do they have the ability to learn from this experience and listen. Time will tell.
Part of the problem is that Ark City has gotten too used to having regular economic development meetings which come to nothing. Mainly retirees show up and everyone says what ever is on the top of their heads with no research whatsoever and yellow post-it notes or multicolored stickers are put on a whiteboard while coffee and doughnuts are served.
It's all tallied up and we find that the population is going to be some preposterous number in Cowley in 2010, we have a bad meth drug problem, and that agritourism is the key to the area's economic future, based on the numerical average of what people in the room have said. The process is then repeated next year, the next year and so on.
Nobody realizes that many in the room are there just for the coffee and doughnuts and few of them have any idea what is going on outside of Cowley County. However, this is what passes for an economic development plan. Printed copies of the results are distributed and then duly ignored.
When something real comes up, it is a surprise and nobody knows how to administrate the development of it. It is subject to being embarrassingly dismissed without receiving the full process, because no real plans have ever been made and nobody knows how to handle them anyway.
The corridor study represents a professional outside opinion and is a real break from the coffee and doughnuts decision process. It has value.
Economic development takes hard work and nothing goes forward without preparation. One of the commenters said that one reason the TIF was shot down was there was no plan for how TIFs would be done in Ark City. I would imagine,, unless this is all BS (which it may be), a TIF guideline is being prepared now.
Standard guidelines should be developed to determine who would get an incentive and who wouldn't. Only then could anyone actively recruit business or industry without risking exposure to good-ole-boy spur of the moment blackballing.
As Pat McDonald said, these things take years to develop. The projects should be treated with the respect that such effort deserves and public opinion should be a big part of the decision.
Ark City has a long way to catch up with most other towns on economic promotion, but you gotta start somewhere. This should be a wake-up call to get the act together.
Considering that Lowes has been turned down, it is definitely not out of line to ask the City Commission what if any plans are made for business and economic development in Ark City. While you're about it, ask about Strother Field. They sit on the Commission there too.
Good luck in getting an answer.
I agree it's time to move on. But not time to go back to sleep.
Sounds like a really good newspaper series.
What is the economic plan?:
Part 1 TIFs plan
Part 2 Abatements plan
Part 3 Economic Recruitment and who is doing it.
Part 4 Housing expansion plan
Part 5 The picture of Ark City in 2010 and how we got there.
etc.
Thanks James,
For my input, your Blog post contains real leadership statements.
Also, nicely written...
"Part of the problem is that Ark City has gotten too used to having regular economic development meetings which come to nothing. Mainly retirees show up and everyone says what ever is on the top of their heads with no research whatsoever and yellow post-it notes or multicolored stickers are put on a whiteboard while coffee and doughnuts are served......."
Am reasonably sure now, people will get out & vote during elections and not just let the opportunity fly by. We should all vote not just locally, but state & national as well. In my view, if you don't vote, you really have not a lot to say. Lots of countries, the regular people have no vote at all. We are very fortunate to live in the U.S.A.
Hopefully, we all can realize that we are all in this Arkansas City together, and if it sinks, we all sink. And everyone has something valuable to bring to the table.
Make no mistake, progress costs something...time, effort, $$, work.
What we need in my view is real leadership.
Business, industry, retail, all of it's necessary for growth. I applaud each of the commissioners for being willing to volunteer to serve. I am sure each did what they really felt was best. Now, let's sit down, & figure it out. Together. How to make our city better. There is no free lunch.
While I'm rambling, here, I'd like to bring up something that's kind of hit the back burner lately. The improvements to our schools. We have an opportunity to bring our school facilities up to 21st century standards.(and the State of KS will pay 50% if the bill) I believe our children are worth $20.00 more per year (about what you would pay individually) Most of us spend more than that eating out. Curry field is embarassing! The classrooms are hot in summer & cold in winter. The computer systems are ancient. etc., etc. Together, we can make a difference.
Thanks for blogging. & Thank you James & David for providing these blogs.
knightrules1
It is strange that nothing happens at these economic development meetings. I am pretty sure that someone said the Lowe's deal had been in the work for years. How long does it take for things to come about. And if so, what is in the works now for economic development? How long have things been in the works and where do they stand?
It's a great question to ask the City Commission. There is a long history of stonewalling questions like "What do you have planned for the future of.....".
Don't be surprised if you don't get an answer.
There may be no plan.
It is not going to be the city doing it.
we have to do it i think?
With Buck knives and bearskins?
Reality is: nothing really big can happen without city support and Wall Street investment. Why not work on the City Commissioners? They generally seem like fairly rational people, and if taken aside, I think most would say they want progress in Ark City.
In Art of War, Sun Tsu said to never leave an opponent without options.
Why?
Because "no options" makes people irrationally plant their feet and many times they are not really your opponent, they just see things differently.
Has anyone bought them a cold beer and shared nachos and rationale with them?
Look at the department of labor statistics for 06. Cowley has 2 times as much industry as the nations average. Look at House Bill 2619 in 2006. Representative Kelley voted to remove taxation from machinery and equipment for industry. This came as a blow to the cities of Ark City and Winfield since industry is so prevalent. There is little revenue to be made by a city with new industry....even less since 2006.
Oh. OK, I thought we didn't have enough industry. But I guess that's all covered. We could lose half the industry and be OK. What a comfort that is.
I have heard there are some 300 jobs in the county that they haven't been able to fill. Is this because we have too much industry or not enough people? If it is not enough people what do we need to bring them here?
I keep hearing the words "growth" and "progress" but I'm not sure what people mean. Growth in the number of people? Can't be number of jobs if we can't fill what we have. And progress I'm totally lost on. I'm assuming keeping up with times, but I don't know what is popular or forward in these times.
How do we, as a community (Ark City, Parkerfield, nearby in the county) decide or imagine how to be progressive and what growth really means to having a great little city again?
We need more horse stables and auto parts stores. Then get rid of all the beer-selling establishments like grocery, convenience, and liquor stores. How can we have a growing city with a Pizza Hut on our main street that advertises BEER right on the front. My heavens!
Nope: progress can't be about jobs, 'cause: can't fill the ones we "have".
Can't be about houses, because there are many empty ones in Ark City. Got plenty of them too.
Can't be about shopping, because Ark City businesses aren't anywhere close to their capacity. Don't need new stores either.
Seems like Ark City is "all set" with what it has right now and has been that way for decades. No work required. What a relief!
By the way. Where are the help wanted ads for these jobs. I've checked the Traveler, the News and the Eagle and somehow, I've missed them.
For the person who can't find the help wanted ads: They quit beating a dead horse. Not enough applicants, and not enough qualified applicants. Some of them even had advertised on Cable! For those that have doubts ask around. Call workforce employment, or arnold group, call any of the big employers. Call the employment office at Strother. Look them up on the Kansas Job Link. Ask commissioner Hockenberry how many people he would like to hire.
Don't put any effort into it though. I'm sure you can not find them if you don't want to.
I've had a business in town for 10 years and couldn't hire locals. Most won't even show up to work and the rest of them are there to get disability or unemployment. Most local job applicants can't spell common words and are rude to customers.
Advertising elsewhere works fine until the first town visit where they see the housing and shopping and realize they have to drive 30 minutes or an hour for the things they already have in their other town. They then leave town without further contact.
Trust me, I know about beating a dead horse, but that doesn't mean Ark City doesn't need to change.
I have been reading and watching the blogs and can see the strong opinions. I would like to know what people would like to see in Arkansas City. What each vision is. Who has ideas. Things we can actually do, not just hope for. People that are willing to do something. I'd like to see a blog just for positive notes. What has been done recently that worked, what might continue to work. Things the people are willing to do. Not the stores, not the city, but the people. The Vision 20/20 group and the Citizen Survey were to bring these things to light, but somehow they have not yet come through. Let's hear what people want. Let's hear what people can do. Let's see what can really happen in Arkansas City.
If anyone is too shy to list it here write to me directly at pmcdonald2005@sbcglobal.net
Patrick McDonald
It doesn't really matter what we think......
Patrick
What we need and what we want, that is the question. If our community wants to grow then we need more amenities that attract growth, hike bike trails, recreation, shopping, entertainment, jobs, and housing. People want to raise their families and work where there are things to do. They want good schools,police and fire protection, decent roads to drive on, and parks to play in. I have filled out many surveys asking for the above, but nobody seems to be listening! As long as our elected leaders base everything upon the mill levy we will never have the funds to move forward. I belive people are willing to pay for improvements that effect their daily lives and improvements they can see. Take a trip to Ponca or Stillwaterand see for yourself.
That is quite a list. I know many people don't notice, but large strides have been taken on many of these while we are working to find ways to add to others. Most of these things take time, sometimes years, as we need to involve other parts of the community and draw on additional sources.
"we need more amenities that attract growth, hike bike trails, recreation, shopping, entertainment, jobs, and housing."
The commission has been working on hike bike trails (one around veteran's lake and another around the levee) for more than 2 years now. The playgound equipment has been replaced at most of the parks. The ponds across the bypass have been opened up and accessible by car. The neighborhood revitalization plan was extended to cover the whole city.
"They want good schools,police and fire protection, decent roads to drive on, and parks to play in"
We have been fortunate to win national recognition having 2 of our schools receiving Blue Ribbons of achievement. Our fire department is one of the best manned with every fireman being a paramedic so that each can do double duty on any occaision. They also have some of the most up to date equipment available. Our police department has proved themselves through some difficult situations, and we have a fairly new police chief that was selected by a panel of chiefs from around the state. Our roads are in better shape than anywhere in Oklahoma and most of Kansas, but there is still much room for improvement. And as I stated before we have new parks with new playground equipment in most, with more possibilities in the very near future.
We have many new or improved things on Summit (Car Wash, Walgreens, KFC, Sonic, Wing Street, Super Wal-Mart...). There is a new shopping center where the old Crestview Motel used to be that just started looking outside of Ark City and had an open house asking the community what kind of national chain stores we want. And as most people know we lost out on a great opportunity for a Lowe's, possible an Applebees, and a shopping center with 6 other retailers.
I believe we are doing the right things. It takes years to make all of these things happen, but I feel that we are moving in the right direction. I can understand how you feel about not being heard especially after the big box debacle.
When speaking with other commissioners I also pointed out Ponca City and Derby with their growth including Lowe's and other opportunities. We still have possiblities, and I am all for looking outward and creating more opportunities. It took a while to start the movement for growth and I think we can still move in that direction.
If you have ideas or suggestions you are welcome to send them directly to me at pmcdonald2005@sbcglobal.net or stop by and visit any time. I am still working on the Vision 20/20 suggestions and the Citizen Survey, but as I've described many of these things take a good while to get rolling.
Patrick McDonald
Patrick
I aggree these things take time but as a lifelong resident I have seen very little forward or aggressive movement. We always seem to be afraid to take the next step or to take a little risk. I for one would be willing to pay more taxes if it was invested back into the community properly. Are you asking what needs to be done, if so maybe you are not asking the right people. I love this community and would never have dreamed of leaving until recently. It is very discouraging but I am looking for elected leaders that are willing to take some risks, that are open minded, and willing to listen to ALL information. It is also hard to be positive with the recent outcome of the development project.
I do commend you for asking, so here is an idea. Tap into non traditional city folks, start a blue ribbon panel to field ideas. Ask our young leaders on the city staff to participate, thats how you get fresh ideas! just a thought. Good Luck!
I have heard there are some 300 jobs in the county that they haven't been able to fill. Is this because we have too much industry or not enough people? If it is not enough people what do we need to bring them here?
>>>
From what i hear lots of companies cant get people who can pass a drug test.
Though the libertarian deep inside me wants to scream out ... "Why does an employer have a right to know that"
but thats what i hear
also, for "skill" jobs its hard to get someone to move here.
Patrick is right, the people need to do it
we could create that blog he wants real easy ...
will you run it patrick??
James,
What would I know about running a blog. I just do what people tell me... the majority that is. It makes that part of my job simple. Though I admit to looking outside at other resources to bring more in.
I'd still be glad to listen and do what I can.
Patrick McDonald
James,
What are you thinking?
You should know better than anyone why an employer would want to know if employee is using or taking drugs on the job, or under the influence when reporting for work.
What do you think would happen if someone in your employee would cause injury or death to themselves or someone else, and they were found to be under the influence of whatever?
By the time the lawyers and insuranc comapnies finished, with your boss, we would be seeking and outside newspaper to come here and report the news.
That's why employers use drug testing, couldn't afford to stay in business otherwise.
Wonder if Lowe's or other large chains use those tests.
Just my .02, a little fuel for the fire.
I have seen classified ads in the journal, which advertised for positions which the prerequisite was the applicant be able to read a tape measure.
Not once, but several times.
Where does this place our award winning educational institutions?
Just my .02, a little fuel for the fire.
There are a lot of very smart kids coming out of Ark City schools. The problem with intelligence is they know how cheap a tank of gas is.
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