"You said that you aren't opposed to a truck or athletic fields. I think that's great. What about at least 800 somebodys out there who would like to have a park?

I wonder.  Do you have a mental picture of what the proposed amphitheater will look like?  I'd seriously like to know what folks who don't come to the meetings, don't go to town hall and see the drawings and are only listening to the propaganda floating around out there think the amphitheater is going to be like.  "

Thanks for your reply. Yes, I do have a mental picture of the amphitheater., and it's not from propaganda. And I do understand where you are coming from, you and many others have worked hard to bring a park to Summerfield.. What I am trying to say is that simply because folks do not attend meetings, pick up the paper, etc.. does not mean that they are not concerned where the money is being spent. I am not saying this is right, but it is what is happening. I am not sure of the exact number of residents in Summerfield now, up around 8-10 thousand? These folks, just like on the federal level, typically do not let their feelings be known on what they consider to be "non news worthy" items. However, these folks do get concerned when the projects start making news, be it in the paper or thru word of mouth. Because these folks do not keep up with the day to day goings-on , they do the only thing they know..vote to get rid of the folks that raised the taxes or promoted something that they did not believe in. I have seen the proposed amphitheatre, I personally do not think it is a big bank buster, and I understand the fact that taxes will not need to be raised(initally)  to fund it. Do we need it, that would be my question.Would this same money be spent better elsewhere? Could it be spent elsewhere? If the point is we need to tax and spend in order to get more money ( or our old money back) , then let's make sure that before we spend it we take care of what we need.. If that's ballfields..fine..If that's a new town hall..fine..If that's a new Amphitheatre..fine...lets take a vote and make sure the majority is in agreement.

 I do feel that simply sending out a survey to a small amount of people, and going under the assumption that the majority of folks want the same thing, simply because they do not show up for meetings or speak up, can be mis leading. I give credit to those who invision something better for the community, those who work hard to get what they want, and those folks that make the time to show up for all of the town meetings.However this only makes up at best 10% of the population. The folks that do not make town meetings, view prints, or voice an opinion early on are by far the overwhelming majority.,These folks should not be blamed for or looked down on simply for these facts. Most have their own reasons for not getting involved.That is one reason why a think a "vote" on large ticket items should be considered. We dont get the "publicity" that typically makes it to the Telvision 6 -oclock news or the radio stations, and if you don't go to meetings or read the NW observer, Most likely you will not become aware of projects that might be of your personal concern. ,many times until it's too late.

Now, having said that, once something is voted on, be it in council or by popular vote, I consider it a done deal. I do not approve of trying to undo what has already been approved or disapproved. A lot of time and money has been spent, a lot of folks have had their hearts /minds set on seeing a project to the finish, and it's time to move on.

You pose some good questions Happycamper, and you seem like a sensible person.  I appreciate your open mindedness.

I want to make it clear that I don't look down on people who don't know what's going on in town politics.  Everyone has their areas of interest and they choose to participate in activities that they find most fulfilling to them.  That's ok.  That's what makes the world go round.

I would just like for folks who come out in opposition to the various projects to do a little leg work and find out some facts about what they are opposing first.  That's all.

As for the survey, you might not be aware that they have repeatedly discussed how it was distributed at council meetings and I don't think that the town adminstrator has any regrets as to how it was distributed.  His distribution list covered as many SF residents as he could reach and the survey was available at town hall for those who did not recieve it.  There was a notice in the paper informing folks that the surveys were available.

When the survey was conducted, the park wasn't the 'hot topic' that it is now and folks didn't bother to send them in or didn't bother to go and pick one up at town hall. Most probably don't even remember getting it in the mail.  I feel like if another survey were conducted, we'd see a larger response from the citizens.  Of course that's gonna cost money......

I particularly liked a comment that Clark Doggett made last night.  He stated something like he finds it interesting that 800 residents are a MINORITY when it comes to park supporters, however 700 and some are a MAJORITY when it comes to the votes Strickland received.....Did I get that right?  Yay Clark!!!

Last edited on Mar 14th, 2007 12:20 pm by Cracker Jax