hospitals, bike paths and politics

Here is my column that appeared in Saturday's paper.


Tuesday, the group pushing for a new hospital will make their pitch to the City Commission. There's been a lot of controversy already about whether they should build the new hospital a couple miles north of town. They are also going to be pushing for a half-cent sales tax to help pay for a new facility.
I am just not sure why this is such a controversial item.
From what we have heard, major upgrades and repairs are needed at the current facility.
They are saying it would cost less to build a new one than to upgrade the old one. I know with cars sometimes you get to the point you could buy a new one for what you are paying in repair costs, so it is a valid argument.
Our online poll shows almost a dead heat about our question concerning the hospital, with 184 in favor and 173 opposed.
I am not sure if those opposed have legitimate arguments or whether it's just the negative sentiment that floats around Arkansas City.
Everyone should come to the meeting Tuesday and hear what they have to say. The hospital people have not yet had a good chance to plainly make their case before the public. We should at least listen to them and get the facts before we jump on the bandwagon in either direction.
I have been a little surprised to see some opposition to the hike and bike path that is proposed for the levee around the city.
I did a poll on my blog and those in favor slightly outnumbered the naysayers.
This is being funded, in large part, by a state grant. It is true that state money is "our" money and is tax dollars that we have paid. What some do not seem to realize, is that this money is going to be spent.
The state sets aside a certain amount of money for these grants. Cities compete for those funds through the grant process. If we don't build the path, we will have to send the money back. There are probably at least 50 cities lined up to take it and use it.
Either way, it won't change what we pay in taxes to the state.
The process is under way and the path will likely be built. It's been in the works for years, but hopefully work should begin this fall.
Both the hospital and the hike and bike path are quality-of-life issues. It is true that we need street repairs and various other infrastructure needs that one could argue are more important. Quality of life is an essential need as well.
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It's pretty hard to get by these days without being bombarded by lots of politics. Thanks to the Internet, I keep in touch with a friend who lives in Australia. He is already tired of hearing about our election and he could just imagine how tired we are. They allow campaigning only for two months for any race. I think we could learn something from the people down under.
* * *
Jim Slattery, candidate for U.S. Senate and running against Pat Roberts, was here recently. He had what may be the most profound political line I have heard this season. He said the truth is not in either ditch, referring to the extremes of conservative and liberal philosophies. I have never heard it put so well.
* * *
I always like to hear what our readers think. We are thinking about some changes and I would really like to hear your opinions on a couple of issues.
One is our cartoons. We were thinking about changing some of them. Several of them no longer have the original authors at work on them, and some are in re-runs.
Another issue is Big-12 football and basketball coverage. Would you like to see more of that in the paper?
Let me know what you think.
* * *
The River of Life Music Festival is moving right along. We are going to have a "battle of the bands" of sorts on Friday, Oct. 3.
We will have several local bands playing Friday night and we will be picking a "winner." The winner will get to open the show on Saturday for the longer program.

Music festival

Ive not posted much the last few days because I am hard at work on the music festival.
Its gotten hectic the last few days. Just like I remember last year.
As a result, Ive not felt much like posting, and didnt feel I had anything relevant to say anyways.
:) Yea i know, some will say i never do, so ....
Anyways, We will have more on the hospital in coming days in the paper.
Id like to hear from the hospital people about why they chose this location.
And why they didnt choose other locations.
Maybe they are right.
But hopefully we can bring you those reasons soon.

The music festival is going pretty good. I am just tired. Been preparing mailings and such, dealing with musicians, making arrangements and begging for money.

We do still need some money. We have an account at Union State Bank.

Topics of interest

A few people have voted in the new poll. What do you all think about that poll itself?
The bike path is pretty much on the way to completion. Now it would take some strong opposition to stop it, and Im not sure that will happen.
I really believe that the bike path will begin the process of utilizing our rivers. Its a first step. And having the state paying for two thirds of it is a good deal.
Any city ive been to that has a river nearby, has river access and they utilize the resource. At one time they did in Arkansas City. Ive seen pictures from the early 1900s where there were riverside parks and people rowing around in boats.
We just need some people with an mind for business and a good bit of intestinal fortitude.

It wont happen over night, but it we dont get it started, it will never happen. Its a good thing we have the levee. Had we not had it we would have had major flooding last summer. Im sure there were opponents then too.
Things do need to be questioned. Im not against that at all, I am just against the usual naysayers that tend to show up to oppose just about anything. There must be a balance there.

The hospital is also a good case in point. we do need a hospital, but there are lots of questions. The hospital board needs to be more open and give the public more information about the project. They also need to answer a lot of questions.
Im not for or against a specific location. I dont see how people can complain about 2 miles out of town when they drive 60 to go to a hospital in wichita.
The hospital board needs to let us know specifically why they chose that location.

Then there is the insurance thing with the city and the police. I intend to look more into that as well. I could be wrong, but I just dong think thats any big deal.

Ok, there are some opinions.
Let the debate begin.

Music Festival

I have a new post on my blog about the River of Life Music Festival.
Its over there to the right where the blog links are.
If you want to keep up with the music festival, check on that blog.

Polls

I just added some new stuff to my blog.
One thing is a poll. Thought id see if it is interesting to people.
Another thing is a bigger list of other blogs.
Just added some weird stuff ive found.
Check out that blog on Kansas City. It is a bit offensive in places, so reader beware.
Certainly makes our commission look pretty tame.

Hospitals and Windows

Both topics came up at the work session last night.
The commission may no be 100 percent behind the new location. But they do agree we need the new one.
One bad thing about small towns, is that people like criticizing the "institutions" such as police, commissions, hospitals, newspapers etc.

The location does have a lot of people up in arms. The hospital has some selling to do. Hopefully they will have some public hearings where they explain why they have chosen what they have chosen - and why they didnt choose other things.
The commission didnt take any position last night, but the general feeling is that they are not sold on the location. They are not necessarily opposed, but not necessarily in favor either.

On the windows.
The commission met with the planning commission last night and they hammered out an agreement. They will get their ordinance with some modifications.
Basically its the same, but it spells out some things that were vague in the original ordinance. People will be required to do 10 windows a year. For most of the businesses downtown, that will do. Those that have more than 10 will have three years.
They will do Summit Street first, then the Avenues, then address the alleys.
Should come up for a vote soon, but not likely tonight.

city meeting

here's the agenda for tuesdays meeting 7 p.m.
worksession is today at 5:30

1. Consider Planning Commission recommendation on proposed windows ordinance, and consider ordinance amending zoning in downtown regarding windows.

2. Consider ordinance authorizing vacation of street at Monroe Avenue between 7th and 8th
Street, and a portion of the alley between Monroe Avenue and Quincy Avenue between 7th
and 8th Street. LG Pike.

3. Review bids, consider ordinance issuing bonds, and consider resolution authorizing the sale
of bonds to the low interest bidders and setting the terms for repayment for permanently
financing various City improvement projects.

4. Consider ordinance authorizing infrastructure financing for Recreation Center
improvements.

5. Consider ordinance repealing existing ordinance regarding work site utility vehicles and
authorizing micro utility trucks on City streets.

6. Consider bid tab on C Street Canal cleanup project and consider resolution awarding
contract for project.

7. Consider resolution rescheduling the Commission’s September 1, 2008 work session.
(Voice vote).

8. Consider Mayor’s appointments to City Boards.

Miscellaneous Matters from the City Manager/City Commission.

Adjournment.