Consider this a nice cool splash of water to wake you up a bit.
Okay...now that my life has slowed down a little bit, and I have given the new aldermen time to settle in, it is time to get this thing churning again. There is a lot going on in this city again, and it would be an absolute shame if we did not all still stay involved and do our part. That last statement includes me, so let's take control of our community now that we can.
So far, I have mixed reviews on the new aldermen. Despite any criticism that you hear from me today or in the future, we are in a much better place today than this time last year. Even so, one alderman in particular could use a little slap on the hand.
So...here we go again!
Before we talk about some issues with our newly elected body, lets cover 2 topics really quickly.
1.) Ken York's resignation
Ken is a very nice man personally, and an incredible ally IF he is on your side, but his time has finally come. If you read this Mr. York, I have enjoyed all that I have learned from you and enjoy your retirement.
I find it funny how the "Good 'ol Boys" were LIVID about having him in power and out to have his head on a stake a few months ago and NOW they are depressed to see him go. I guess you never can tell who's side he is on. Very well played (on all sides) for a long time Mr. York. You are truly amazing (I am not sure if that is good or not quite frankly).
2.) Maury County School Board
First off let me say that as a whole, this board is an absolute WASTE. I have been to a couple of meetings in the past, and other than maybe one member on any given night, you could fit their common sense in a thimble. It continues to amaze me how a group of people this influenced by "conflict of interests" can even keep a straight face as they berate members of our community, spread lies, and completely disregard facts while making up their own. I will cover their LIES at length tomorrow, but for now here is a question.
If you were a sitting alderman, would you cave to their pressure and give them relief from impact fees on the most IMPACTFUL development in the city (which will cost the city MILLIONS to make right)?
OR
If you were a sitting alderman, would you stand firm and risk having a school be placed outside of our city limits (Neapolis)?
I know what I would do!
Now, for the slap on the wrist...
Michael Dinwiddie - I like you. You make a nice gumbo. You are a good guy to sit down and have a drink with (or lunch). You seem to be a good father. I assume you are a good pilot considering some of the clients that you have. I TRULY believe that your heart is in the right place, and in time you could be a very good alderman. Having said all of that...
You overplay your hand more than any human being that I have EVER met! You have been on two sides of more issues in the first few months than I ever could have imagined. You need to learn (and I thought you had) that gossip flies around this city in all directions and MOST of the time it is better to bite your tongue than say something that will be spread. Count to 5 before you speak and take a deep breath while you think about the consequences of your statement before you make it. And please don't discuss city business with those DOING business with the city. It is one thing to bring a topic to the floor for a citizen, it is another thing to jeopardize the city and cost us cash by promising things and "overplaying your hand" with that citizen or developer.
I will site example if you like, but consider this a nice cool splash of water to wake you up a bit.
Talk to you tomorrow. The Gorilla is back and not very happy.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
What would you do???
Posted by Gorilla in the Corner at 8:20 PM
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IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is a series of personal opinions and is not meant to reflect an official position by the City of Spring Hill.
6 comments:
Gorilla,
Well it's about time! We've been dying of boredom all Summer! We thought we were going to have to hack in and hijack your blog just so we could stir the pot a bit. We're glad to have you back in the saddle.
To throw a little fuel on the fire, do you think the Target folks are throwing a party tonight since WalMart teased the good folks at the town of Thompson's Station, and then yanked the proverbial rug out from under them? I don't buy for a minute that line from Langeliers that no funds have been spent in anticipation of the impact fees and sales tax revenue to be gleened from our good friends in Bentonville. Maybe since their attitude has been adjusted down a couple of notches, they'll exhibit a little more teamwork with us when Spring Hill needs some cooperation. "Always WalMart", except when it comes to Thompson's Station.....LOL
It's good to have you back!
Your Wyngate Neighbor
First, Good luck to Ken York in his retirement. Personally, I think this is phase two of three in the citizens taking control of our city. The final phase will hopefully take place in the next election...
Second, "if" I were a sitting Alderman (Note to my "fans" - I recognize that I am not, but the Gorilla has posed the hypothetical question), I would only waive our fees for locations that were the will of the city. The location that the county has chosen is going to cost us much more than the money we will collect from the county, but I say we take what we can get.
Gorilla,
Welcome back... Is it safe to say that school is officially in session again?
Gorilla, glad to have you back! We sure missed your insightful posts.
As for the school, I went back and checked the articles to see what actually transpired. According to this article, the board requested the city to waive construction fees for the Jim Warren site. Just before the city's vote, the board looked at the Cleburne site again.
The city voted to waive the fees on the Jim Warren site here. Then, the school board voted to accept the Cleburne site because they didn't have the necessary documents from Huntley Gordon on road improvements, water & sewer lines, and fill dirt. BUT when our Mayor asked about the Cleburne developer's assurances in writing, the "members responded that they didn't".
Now I know that I posted lots of links, but I wanted you to see what I see. Even though it'll cost $400,000 more, the board is bent on building on the Cleburne site no matter what. They changed their position twice that I've seen and I'm sure would do it many more. Now that the County Commission voted to lower the amount of money given to schools by $1 million, who knows what'll happen?
Gorilla,
Maybe York was not picking sides, but doing what he is paid to do, represent the city.
Dinwiddie,
Your openess is much appreciated, do not listen to gorilla. That is what you are elected for, to represent the people that elected you and to share your knowledge and be open to feedback. It is good to know that Gorilla is for a governement that keeps things quiet.
So...
Did anyone out there go to the special State of the Roads in Spring Hill meeting last night? I am wondering if anything interesting transpired. I wanted to go, but I had to mow my crab grass (since that seems to be the only thing alive in my yard now).
I would love to hear a report on the roads meeting. PJ's dad nearly died last week so he's in Carolina with his parents and I'm holding down the fort, so we missed it too. Anything new about roads?
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