Voters threw out the incumbents again in last night's election. Seems like each election, at least one incumbent goes down. This time I wonder if it wasn't the personnel issues that basically tainted Smith and Snell. It did make the city look inept, and even corrupt, in some people's minds.
With Hockenbury and Tweedy, teaming up with Warren and McDonald, you probably have the four votes needed to get TIF bonds passed, depending on what Tweedy eventually decides. It is a bit of a paradox, because even though incumbents lost, two former commissioners were the top two vote getters.
With Smith not winning, the last of the 3 amigos that shook up the status quo are gone. Be interesting to see how things shake out. Is this the restoration of the old guard that trusted their city manager and found partnerships with business interests?
Giles had an impressive showing, considering he seemed to be the most green as far as community involvement.
The biggest decision on the horizon the new board will have will be picking a city manager. I hope they take some time, and get the community involved, like the in case of Doug Russell.
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Seems to me that Doug Russell was somewhat progressive and future thinking, and was hired before the Three Amigos came into power. He had some good ideas, and like you said, tried to involve the community (I can’t believe I agree with you). Once the Three Amigos came into power, they basically ran him out on a rail, and blamed him with a lot of things that he didn’t have control of or over. With Ark City's volatile (and somewhat vile and inept) political climate and history, future city manager candidates may want to look twice before signing on. They may have a nice audience now with the commission, but could easily change in the next election.
This is written with mixed emotions. I hope that we have not just throw the future of our city out.
David Allen is correct the TIF will most surely pass without any effort. Whether or not the city of Arkansas City and it's citizen are protected will remain to be seen.
I fear that we the average citizen have lost our voice on city hall. While Dotty and Jean disagreed on many points they both cared deeply for Arkansas City and they both worked very hard. They each were instrumental in the development and growth of Arkansas City for the last few years.
Thank You Jean and Dotty
Jean and Dotty were nothing but wolves in sheep clothing! We are better off without them!
Hope the city required Doty to give back the "badge" she had the tax payers buy!
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