Anybody out there thinking about running for City Commission in 2009 based on the big box vote?
My guess is, although that is far far away in political terms, it will be the big issue — economic development.
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A novice's take on the local, state and national political scenes
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David Allen
- Politics 101
- All politics is local -Tip O'Neil
5 comments:
I believe I said it a week ago. And the lack of answers to you query has proven it. No one in their right mind will ever run for commision again after the way this town has roasted the current commissioners over doing what they thought was right. At least a couple of them (one on each side I believe) was asked to run last time. We wanted change, and for the first time ever an AC Industries project was actually looked at and not rubber stamped though. You may not be happy with that, but the past way sure wasn't working. We wanted change and we got it. If you're unhappy then quit talking about recall and start stepping up to the plate to run yourself. I would dare chance my business, and no it's not downtown.
I can understand why people would want to think twice. It's a big job with long hours, no pay, no appreciation, and no matter what you do some people will be angry with you. A person has to decide whether to represent the people of the city, or to do what we think might be best for them. To work from our personal opinions, or to work for the general consensus. A big part of the job is talking to the people. Not just friends, but all of the people. Making yourself available for them to talk to you. Not just time and place, but with an open mind.
It also helps to have ideas, or at least a vision. Whether it is your vision or not doesn't matter. I personally like to draw on the visions and ideas of youth. Young adults about to make their way but haven't had the head on experiences of life yet. The ideas and visions that come before you are told that it can't be done.
I was told once that we should be prepared to take advantage of an opportunity once it has presented itself. I believe that we should go out and create opportunities. Very few of us can go out and just do something, but any of us can find people or companies that can and ask them to look at us. I have sent many letters and emails to companies asking them to take a look at Ark City or allow us to provide them information on us. Most are ignored, but there are a few that write or call back. Of those few, sooner or later, one might eventually decide to come to Ark City.
There have been some changes in the past few years. Some see it as moving ahead, some are fearful of it. We have new playground equipment in almost all of the parks. Sixth street pond is cleaner, nicer and has a new walking trail around it. The ponds across the bypass have been opened up for all to enjoy. The neighborhood revitalization has homes being repaired and improved all over town. You can see along Summit the growth and rebuilding. KFC, Pizza Hut, Car Wash, Sonic. You have seen that larger groups are looking at us like the new development that was declined. We are getting some small attention. Hopefully we have not frightened off any other potential growth. We have been on the move and I do not believe that this setback will stop our growth. We might slow down a bit, but we have turned a corner and will continue to rebuild and grow.
I have not decided yet whether or not to run in 2009. I don't know that I am what the people want to help build our future. If it seems the people want me to run, I will. Otherwise I'll do whatever I can to help. You will have to tell me what you want because right now I can't even guess. Whatever you decide, please take every opportunity to get to know who you are going to back. Get to know them personally. Get to know what their ideas and visions are. Get to know who they are going to represent. Every election is the same. It is easy to vote for a friend and someone you know, but it is much more difficult to find out if their ideas and visions are the same as yours.
No matter what happens or who runs, the people of Ark City will set their own direction. Stand up and be heard. I look forward to hearing from you and will respect your wishes in 2009.
Patrick McDonald
non carborundum illegitimi
Don't let 'em wear you down, Patrick and don't give up on the issues of progress.
Ark City needs leadership like yours.
Apparently my blog entry was censored for quoting a latin phrase from a publicly displayed sign in Barry Goldwater's '64 campaign office which meant don't let them wear you down.
I'll quote another phrase:
"Qui dormit, non peccat"
If you try to get something done, you will get static, but don't let it get to you, Pat.
Keep on truckin', you're doing fine.
Ark City needs leadership like you have supplied.
Patrick I think you have represented the people of Ark City well and we appreciate all your hard work and all you do!!
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