It seems that no matter what the issue, the debate always slides into which side is better than the other side. Whether its windows, managers, immigration or whatever, the debate goes back to its common denominator.
Its the 3 amigos versus the two other guys, or its the banks against each other, or its the establishment against the regular citizens.. that is the same debate.u
But even that debate is the same one that goes on nationally. It is just those not in power against those in power. Maybe people need to get over losses and gear up to fight another day?
What is this wound that wont heal?
What do you think it means that the debate always goes back to the same issue?
Or is that also a smokescreen hiding the real issues?
I know there are some people on here who are just interested in tearing others down, but there are also some reasonable people capable of good discussion.
Im speaking more to the latter here.
This is going a bit deeper than surface issues. What are the core issues that make Arkansas City negative, or that give it a collective inferiority complex?
Its Sunday. Good time to go to church and soak up a little healing. That aught to get people going :)
j
Posts
33 comments:
To do better is simply a Choice!
I agree with you James and you've hit on some key ingredients to ending up with a tasty cake that doesn't fall. A lot of variables go into having a cake turn out just right to be cooked thoroughly to be moist enough to rise just right and on and on.
That process is the same one we need to go through here. We have all of the right ingredients. Now we need people willing to step forward and work together for common objectives. The sniping is sickening and has to stop. It is accomplishing nothing of value and prevents constructive dialogue.
This issue of our future is much more than who gets the credit or who takes the blame. This is something we all need for our collective good.
Who will extent the first hand and withold the stones?
The Ark City Recall Lives! People are real upset with the three amigos usurping their authority, running off the city manager and claim they are power hungry! The people are wondering who they are going to step on next? It appears that they are going after the downtown merchants, buisness owners and individuals they don't care for. Money is being collected now for the recall. No big Surprise! They only thought they would be able to push their weight around and intimidate people into doing what they thought was right. Well, it looks like there is an uprising about to take place. I wonder what if they have been caught again?
Stepping up can mean:
group together that will put together a park like they did in Winfield... or just put more into the Veteran's lake project
groups to help the commission or help already established economic development groups like Ark City Industries to identify industries and help bring them here
more volunteers to the Burford/Denton art center to help that project move along more quickly
minifestival committees; more fun yearly activities for the communtiy
volunteer home fix-up group. band of volunteers from various businesses and charitable organizations that identifies families or homes in need and marshalls the resources and meets monthly to work on properties
workforce development group that helps people who WANT to work to focus on their core skills and ascertain how to improve them and what resources are available to better themselves
volunteers who are willing to search for grants (that don't require matching funds) that would benefit community objectives like beautification, boat launch improvements, new skate part and more
group that forms to lay out the steps and funding sources necessary to put in a quality baseball or softball park that will spur development and visitors to town. identify best location and begin the process so that we are at least heading to completion of that objective.
group to study our aging infrastructure and put the plans in place so that we can begin to work through issues like water treatment and water mains and sewer so we don't get hit with big chunks citizens have to pay for in lump sums at high rates of interest.
someone/group to identify local projects that ALL of the local banks can work together on for betterment of above community objectives.
group to research the drug issues we have locally and find communities of similar size that have greatly reduced the problems and figure out ways to implement those solutions here.
just a start. plenty of other good ideas. just need the people to get behind them and take to the next level.
no legal context for a recall.
it is called voting at the next election.
little pixie made my point don't you think :) ?
The poster about the cake was absolutely right.
it just takes a few, and a few have started.
i still need help with the music festival, there are lots of opportunities.
June 1, 2008 2:46 PM has listed many great opportunities for our town. How do we get more recruits? I think we need more communication on these projects. People need to understand the vision for the final products. Also, people need to be recognized for the work already done. How is the progress coming?
Outside of that, does a potential volunteer need a little incentive? What would it take? I know money talks, but is there another option?
This was an anonymous post from another blog. Just wondering if anyone else would get excited about such a thing or how to get it started...
I am originally from Ark City and though I no longer live there I visit as often as possible and I care very much about my hometown. You are all right, I think!
Ark City needs to do something and they need to something quickly before the town is lost to other cities with quicker decision makers.
A theme is a must in my mind and I, too, suggest why change what we already have? The Cherokee Land Run, my goodness folks, it doesn't get much bigger than that in history! Face it, Ark City is a very big part of western history!
Ark City has tons of things to draw on to make this happen, just open your eyes and your imagination. You have an endless supply of Cowboys and Indians, horses and cattle, and yes, even people that are well suited for the outlaw bank robber roles (sorry, but it's true - ha).
Anyway, I'm sure you get my drift and yes, I understand that it takes time and willingness and MONEY to make this happen, but folks... it CAN happen!
The south end of town is PERFECT! Gun fights, saloons, horse races, etc., your imagination is the answer here folks. YOU, the regular old Joe Citizen of Ark City that eats breakfast at Daisy Mae's, lunch at Brick's and goes to the Arkalalah Parade are the ones that can make this happen!
The so called big shots of town and the people with the MONEY will follow suit, trust me! Start talking about it, asking about it, letting them know YOU want it to happen and that YOU are willing to help MAKE it happen and I feel sure Ark City will be busy making money from tourists. The shuttle idea is the only way to go for the Casino people if you want them to shop in town, it's a must!
People will be there to gamble at the Casinos, stay in quaint bed & breakfasts, see the Native American Pow Wows, Gun Fight Shows (even participate in some way), drink in the Saloons, get their pictures taken in western wear on western scences, and on and on and on.
Okay, maybe I'm a bit over optimistic, but I believe it can happen. I believe in the people of Ark City! Don't think for one minute that I'm alone out here, there are a lot of people that have left Ark City that still come home that believe in Ark City and would be willing to help you. So you are not alone, we are all behind you!
So GO, GO, GO!
Geez, I sound like a Cheerleader!
These are great ideas but the commission can't agree long enough to make these ideas and right now they don't have the support of the people to make these ideas happen. The commission is out of control and needs new leadership now and in the future! The three amigos need to be thrown out of office so that new leadership can make the changes you want to see. According to a lawyer there is grounds for a recall. Do your Home work!
Outside of that, does a potential volunteer need a little incentive? What would it take? I know money talks, but is there another option?
Good question. I think maybe more recognition of their efforts?
appreciation maybe?
But ask yourself the question.
What would it take for you?
I think you have to find something you enjoy doing.
and then think of a way to use that.
PIXIE
you're depending on the commission to do something that it cannot do.
They cannot make us be active.
I know ive harped on the oklahoma city thing a lot, their downtown is really cool.
used to be a slum
One interesting fact is that the guy who started it all back in the 70's. his idea totally failed, never got off the ground at all .. he wanted to create an area to ride horses and started making trails for it..
not sure what happened, if he died or went broke,
but the point is,
his failure got others going.
so what would it take to get you to do something ?
Hi everyone.
I'm sorry I have not been around much. I was very burned out on the bickering and in truth having my own troubles working with the other commissioners. I will try to be here more often to answer questions, though I think I'll hold back on my opinions. I do understand folks have a problem sometimes separating facts from opinions, but I'll try to do my best.
I understand what James is trying to say. I have attended every board meeting that I can (Senior Citizens, Northwest Community Center, Museum, Planning, Zoning Appeals, Building Trads Board, Human Relations Commission, etc...) trying to empower the people. They do the routine business and stop unless someone asks "what do you want to get done?" Then it is amazing the ideas that come out. From there it has been a short step turning the ideas into realities. Many of these are small steps, but steps that would never have been taken if someone didn't get them to speak out.
A lot of things are controversial. That does not make them good or bad, it just means we need to think about them. The more things we can bring up or start the more things we can make happen. Many people waste their whole lives waiting for opportunities, I believe we should make our own opportunities.
If I can answer any questions or be of help in any way, freel free to write to me at pmcdonald2005@sbcglobal.net. I don't have all the answers, but I can find out who to ask.
By the way, for those of you who have attributed some of the postings to me, I always sign my name. If you are ever in doubt that I might have forgotten to sign please ask. Nobody is perfect. And I am never ashamed of anything I say.
Patrick McDonald
I am a volunteer that is active in our community. I am already doing something. I am also in favor of changes however, changes won't happen without good leadership. Frankly, I don't view the three amigos as good leadership anymore. I voted for them and have observed the way the operate. A volunteer is only as good as its leadership. Leaders carry the vision.
Leaders carry the vision.
Yes
but who are the leaders?
Those in charge are either appointed or elected.
Leaders are those who lead.
They may or may not be the same
Exactly what role should city commission take on such projects? Is it their duty to make such things happen or be more of a support role for those who are trying? I think this is where public opinion differs.
Personally, I think it would be best to make projects work without relying on the commission. I'm not bashing the bobbles or the amigos, here. I'm just saying that certain groups could get things done more efficiently on their own. It's too bad ACI could not get Lowe's here without involving city or county aid or red tape.
I do not try to lead or direct any of the boards that I visit. Instead I am there to answer questions and provide support.
I try not to do anything other than ask what they think needs to be done. I think it would be great for more people to show up to these boards. Without training or experience they need all the support and confidence they can get. As for me, I think they feel better just that I listen.
Patrick McDonald
Welcome back Pat, and thanks for trying to do the right thing on the Lowe's deal. You voted the will of the majority, and not just the will of a few influential people. Bravo.
SG
SG, Pixie, others....
please stick to the topic at hand which is ideas and potential and moving forward
even though I don't think a whole lot of Pat I still don't see this as an appropriate forum to talk about what I don't like about him.
everyone can be part of the solutions. The poster who talked about building on the Strip as a theme and the other poster had several ideas have given us a good foundation to get started.
quit the sniping already. we all have better things to do.
The intriguing part of the many discussions I have followed on here is that Arkansas City citizens (including former ones) talk as if we live on an island called "Never Happened Before" in the province of "There Cannot Be a Model Somewhere"
With conviction and resolve for the level of friendship I have with each of the elected officials, I insist what they do, they do with clear conscience and decent human intent.
I know, however, there is a glut of informational resources available to guide decisions in local government. There are expert resource persons available that could coach them through staffing decisions.
I do not understand why we are handcuffing the progress of the community by disregarding those resources for council and advice.
There are excellent workshops for developing dynamic commission/city manager relationships.
This most recent action is no small matter. In our statutory form of government, stability in the City Manager office is crucial. Statistics say that the average (AVERAGE) length of service in one city for City Manager is 7 yrs. That allows time to develop a working dynamic with a governing body who, by its nature is dynamic. Each election cycle produces a new leadership team. Typically, by the third transition of the governing body, (6-8yrs) the community direction and focus has changed enough to merit a new staff person. The Manager typically has grown out of the position and is ready for a new challenge.
The benefit of this is that people have an opportunity to not only react to a direction and vision of a governing body, but also to see the beginnings of results and learn whether or not their anxieties were merited.
To be anxious about decisions made by five that effect the lives of thousands is normal and natural. We have atrophied in maturity needed to wait and see if they have made good moves or bad ones.
Final unpopular comment to offer tonight. As a lifetime* resident, I have absolutely no recollection of anyone or group of people taking City Hall by coup. No show of arms or firestorms at sundown.
The people there were chosen to reflect the public trust.
If we could review the letters to the editor and the archives of comments dating back to the seating of McDonald/Hockenbury, folks have almost greeted them with allegation of misconduct, even before they fully knew the duties of the office. I say that those 2 of the 5 commissioners have been in office just long enough to know how to community building decisions and to plan for long term progress.
The other 3 are trying to stay ahead of their critics who were, just a short time ago, the very people who placed them there.
Let's give them some time and see where they take us.
I personally feel that the current City Manager should have been given more time. Having said that, now I plead with you all to wait and see if they actually have a better plan and path forward.
I am just saying, this has happened many times in cities quite like AC and even larger ones. There is always a path forward and even in the wake of our best plans, someone has a better one somewhere.
Insomnia so no proofreading, spell or grammar check here.
developing the area south of town is a great idea.
we could capitalize on the casinos that way.
ive no data to prove it, but i believe there has been a significant increase in traffic on the highway since the casinos got started.
so how do we get it started?
We need to brainstorm with the community (people of all ages) on what kind of activities would draw them.
I've never been to Dallas/Ft. Worth area, but heard they have something similar? Anyone?
James, that line is difficult.
"So how do we get started"
The question is simple, but are we at that question. The people give direction to the city by their complaints and demands. Is getting started on that item what they are screaming about? The commission must first address the concerns of the people before it can move forward with the city's true needs.
That is why there is so much discussion and backstabbing on the boards and in the coffee shops. The louder the voice, the more apt there is to be a response.
When we can get down to solving our problems instead of personal agendas we can make Ark City the town it should be.
It would be neat to use the area by the bridge and then move north. A few years back, I participated in a re-enactment of the Strip Run on horseback. It was a lot of fun! I can see the old packing house grounds full of tents and horses. We should do an annual running! Perhaps the "Cowtown" idea would grow north from that.
Oooooh, I know! Wouldn't canoe races on the river be fun?
Sept. 16th would not be a bad date for an event. Should we celebrate the anniversary?
James: you finally have your wish.
Good ideas are coming out of this one particular post series. Finally, people are coming together and starting to make sense. I propose that you take these 24 posts and print all of the ones (about 20) that have to do with moving forward and generating something good and put them in the paper. Also, these would be a good agenda item for you to bring to the commission and ask them to see how they could fit them in to their goals. Looking at their current goals, there is a good marriage opportunity between what they've already stated they want to accomplish and some of the fleshing out that has been done here.
At the same time I agree with some of the posters who are saying we should cut the apron strings and all of these items should be accomplished by the community instead of by the "government."
While that may be true, there is still a place for the meeting of the minds and a balance which allows the "government" to consider what ways they can support some of these initiatives without actually trying to do them themselves.
hmmmm
print a best of the blog in the paper..
something to think about.
also id like to encourage everyone to take on a project of some sort.
and you could write about it on here..
But what about this:
"Also, these would be a good agenda item for you to bring to the commission and ask them to see how they could fit them in to their goals. Looking at their current goals, there is a good marriage opportunity between what they've already stated they want to accomplish and some of the fleshing out that has been done here."
This takes the input and feedback from many anonymous posters who think they know how to run the town better than the sitting commission and morphs those ideas into something the commission can help carry forward in conjunction with the goals they've already formulated.
Why are you ignoring this good idea? It would make a great public forum sponsored by the Traveler to which it could invite commission participation.
Why are you ignoring this good idea? It would make a great public forum sponsored by the Traveler to which it could invite commission participation.
Not ignoring it, thinking about it,
working on it
etc
frady cat. why don't you just do it already? you've been waiting for a good idea to come out of this stupid blog. now you finally have one and all it generates is another blog entry.
so what do you want me to do
It would make a great public forum sponsored by the Traveler to which it could invite commission participation.
We can do that.
Just want to clarify what the question is.
Do you have in mind a forum on a possible land run?
Development of the south end of town?
Or something else?
Id like to see some public forums, but i dont want them to be just bitch and moan sessions.
How do we pull that off?
Call Steve and ask him to approach the commission to see if they would want to participate in an event you sponsor that has to do with achieving some of their stated goals.
Post a Comment