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FatPappy
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| Joined: | Oct 25th, 2005 |
| Location: | Summerfield, USA |
| Posts: | 3245 |
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Posted: Nov 1st, 2005 12:41 am |
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I think the Concerned Citizens are great! I just got another of their hilarious "newsletters" in the mail. FREE! Maybe you got one, too. Best slapstick comedy act since the Three Stooges! Better fake news than the Daily Show!
Or so I thought.
Then I found out the ugly truth. It's not political parody! These people actually believe what they're saying! They apparently believe they're saving us from our own ignorance! They believe it's their mission to save us from the Sheriff Barnes/Mayor Barnes/Town Council Axis of Evil that's determined to ruin Summerfield and make us pay for it!
And that's giving the Concerned Citizens the benefit of the doubt. It's entirely possible their motives are not so altruistic. It's entirely possible they're nothing more than a bunch of childish, vindictive, narrow-minded, schoolyard bullies trying to take over Summerfield for themselves and their egos. Who knows?
I do know one thing. They're nobody I want to be involved with. I don't like their twisted rhetoric or boorish tactics. I don't like their implication that we are fools who don't trip over ourselves in our haste to fall in line behind them. The Concerned Three Stooges don't speak for me!
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How many legs does a dog have if you call the tail a leg? Four; calling a tail a leg doesn't make it a leg.
--Abraham Lincoln
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dmauser
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| Joined: | Oct 14th, 2005 |
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Posted: Nov 1st, 2005 12:09 pm |
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I got the newsletter also, and what I think is a shame, is that many people (especially our elderly that don't stay involved) believe everything that they see in print. I am not saying that the stuff was a lie, but certainly their version of the truth is very, very slanted. Now that you mention it, their actions are very childish. Even when they have an important point, the way it is presented discredits both the idea and themselves.
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Steve Adkins
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| Joined: | Oct 14th, 2005 |
| Location: | Summerfield |
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Posted: Nov 1st, 2005 01:19 pm |
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Per my commitment above, I spoke with Dwayne Crawford, and invited him to join this forum. Cannot comment if he will join. Haven't spoken to Becky yet. Dwayne & I had a lengthy & civil conversation, covered many of the above points, particularly the one DMauser brings out above, even on good points, there is so much poison in their delivery the audience is turned off and the message is lost.
I was also turned off by the most recent newsletter, our sheriff is a Summerfield citizen & has as much right as anyone of us to voice his opinion.
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Delane W.
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Posted: Nov 1st, 2005 05:14 pm |
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I agree with Debora. I don't understand the Concerned Citizens' ways of communicating "their" issues and half truths. I receive enough junk mail each day and DO NOT appreciate the Concerned Citizens adding to my pile.
I like Lori White (Letters you have Written, Friday, October 28 NWO) have witnessed Ms. Strickland, Mr. Crawford. and other members of their group first hand at several town council meetings and honestly was appalled. As a mother of 6th and 7th grade sons, I make it a priority to keep abreast of Guilford County School issues (especially in the Summerfield/NW district), therefore (with Debora) I frequently attend school board meetings. I have never, NEVER witnessed any member of the school board meeting audience being rude, interrupting, or getting anyway out of line. Even during the public comment portion, personal attacks are not allowed. I would never hesitate to allow my children to attend a school board meeting. If the meetings that represent our children can be civil then why can't the meetings that represent where our children live (and attend school) be just as civil.
I have lived in Summerfield all of my life and have known most of the current council on a personal basis for years. All of them have lived in Summerfield either all of their life or all of their adult life -- you do the math. I don't understand why a group of folks who have lived in Summerfield only a couple of years, with no children that have lived in our community would think that a council of established community members, with children and grandchildren who have grown up in Summerfield would have a personal agenda and would be out to harm or bankrupt (taxes) any of their fellow citizens. Wake up Summerfield!! The current council loves their hometown and can you imagine where we would be if we hadn't incorporated and was now a part of Greensboro. The Greensboro city limit on 220 is now at Strawberry road. Let's keep the current town council in tact with Mark Brown as mayor.
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donw
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| Joined: | Oct 21st, 2005 |
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Posted: Nov 3rd, 2005 02:58 am |
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My name is Don Wendelken and a candidate for Summerfield Town Council. I don't believe we need to keep the current council. I definitely don't agree with Strickland and Crawfords methods and if they were to get on the council many people would say -- I went to a Summerfield Town Council meeting and thought it was a Guilford County Commissioners meeting! Our town does not need that kind of problem. I attended the town meeting on 11/01 and I sat and observed the council and citizens. During the meeting it was obvious that the council does not go in to enough detail when an issue is brought up and discussed. After leaving this and other meetings, I realized that the council needs somone on their that will lead in asking the hard questions. Initiate a debate on the issue and seek the pros and cons in great detail and ensure after the debate the citizens understand where each member stands. Our town is at a crossroad-- We need some new leadership. That is why I am asking for your vote. I am decisive, analytical a problem solver and one who uses common sense.
Elect Don Wendelken
Questions? electw4summerfield@hotmail.com
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Cracker Jax
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| Joined: | Oct 23rd, 2005 |
| Location: | Summerfield, USA |
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Posted: Nov 3rd, 2005 01:46 pm |
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Don - can you be more specific about the questions that you felt the council should have asked at the 11/01 meeting?
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Opinions in this post are mine. Do not copy, distribute, mass mail or quote out of context without my consent.
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FatPappy
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| Joined: | Oct 25th, 2005 |
| Location: | Summerfield, USA |
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Posted: Nov 3rd, 2005 05:31 pm |
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| Mr. Wendelkin, running for office is like interviewing for somebody else's job. The present council has my support and I haven't heard anything to persuade me otherwise. I've heard the hard questions, but the answers I've heard from you seem a little soft. For example, you came out strong for smaller lots as an affordable housing solution, then backed off and later said you'd vote for what the citizens wanted. What the citizens want is good, dependable leaders that make sense. I'm sorry, it just doesn't sound like you've thought things through very thoroughly.
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How many legs does a dog have if you call the tail a leg? Four; calling a tail a leg doesn't make it a leg.
--Abraham Lincoln
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donw
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| Joined: | Oct 21st, 2005 |
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Posted: Nov 4th, 2005 03:19 am |
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Cracker Jax- After Bill Bruce spoke about the subdivision many people spoke in opposition to it. The council listened and failed to mention that Bill forgot to acknowledge that the zoning board voted against the re-zoning because of issues they noticed. This is something the council should have brought up. In the end the request was denied- but- it sure left many people wondering why it wasn't disclosed. I am not saying it was Bill's fault, I am saying it is the councils responsibilty to lead and keep everyone informed. Also, after the council talked about the ABC store they had no idea what to do or what the next step was. As a council man they should be prepared and know what the next step is. Also- When questions are asked by the citizens pertaining to a specific issue (Mr. Flowers asked if any of them knew if the initial water lines were going to go to the town core) they flounderd and did not know how to answer his question- They should have said- That if Summerfield enters in to an agreement that would be one of the issues that would be covered. Mr. Flowers left there saying he was sorry he bothered them. There is a severe lack of leadership.
Fat Pappy- You mentioned I came out strong for smaller lots- It was an idea. I still stand by this idea- I would remember I serve the citizens and if they don't want affordable housing then I would not proceed. I would prefer to keep Summerfield a Bed and Breakfast with limited growth. The current council gets ideas and trys to pass them prior to really knowing what the citizens want. Thats not leadership that's dictatorship. My background of 13 years in the Marines = (Experienced leadership) successful business owner = (Strong communication skills)- and good old common sense= (Successful decision making) make me a good candidate for the Summerfield Town Council.
If you have any further questions please ask. I would appreciate your votes. Don Wendelken
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macca
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Posted: Nov 4th, 2005 10:03 am |
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| I notice Mr. Wendelken keeps referring to Summerfield as a "Bed and Breakfast." If he's elected, will everyone be opening one? Don't you mean "bedroom community"? That's what it currently is, with most folks residing there but working elsewhere. Also, sometimes elected officials (not just in Summerfield) choose not to discuss why they vote against an issue because there could be legal issues later.
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A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright
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donw
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Posted: Nov 4th, 2005 11:02 am |
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I stand corrected-(technically). My version of a Bed and Breakfast is a family community. A community where we have our homes and our needs are taken care of locally by individuals not larger government. Also, a Bed and Breakfast community has a rural charm to it! Hope that clears it up.
Don Wendelken
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StewartM
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| Joined: | Oct 31st, 2005 |
| Location: | Chicken Coop |
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Posted: Nov 4th, 2005 01:02 pm |
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Don, Bill Bruce made a honest mistake. He had done the same this in the case before this one. Council would have ask him during our part of the case, just like we did in the case before this one. The way a rezoning case is heard:
1. Staff reads case and makes a recommendation, then lets us know how the zoning board voted. The council already knows this information because it is in our package we receive days before the meeting.
2. The case is then open for public hearing, anyone for the case goes first and then those against goes next. Council lets everyone talk before we close the open hearing.
3. Then council discuss the case and may ask more questions of staff (this is when we would have ask staff to say to the public what the zoning board recommendations was and why, just like we did in the case before). We may have more questions for the people speaking for or against. Then the council makes a motion and votes.
Your council knows before the meeting what happen at the zoning hearing. We have good citizens on this board that keeps us well informed. When I get their reports I take them with me to the site. I have never voted on a case that I have not studied and visited.
Don you said it was not disclosed, But it was and council would have brought it up during their part. I like to give all the people a chance to speak before council does. This is something I learned being on the council the last 2 years.
As for the ABC store we do know what to do next. The attorneys are still working on the contract. When they are done we will vote yes or no to sign it.
As for Mr. Flowers question (Will water be run to the town core?), we did answer it as best we could. The town has not voted for any water. We will have 2 open hearings to listen to our citizens. What comes out of the meetings will direct the council. I will not vote without hearing from the people. We advised Mr Flowers of this.
Don I would like to thank you for your service in the Marines. My son who was also in the Marines just lost his friend in Iraq. Please pray for the family of Lance Corporal Andrew Russoli
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Delane W.
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Posted: Nov 4th, 2005 01:49 pm |
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| Well we received more "junk mail" yesterday. I guess we finally know where Bill Peterson stands -- with the "Concerned Citizens". I'm sure he has reasons, but he must not be too concerned since he has chosen to move away from Summerfield. Seems to me that we need a mayor who will be dedicated to his town, not move away and is willing to serve his full term. It also seems odd that the concerned citizens, who don't approve of the current council would back a candidate for mayor that has stated he probably will not serve his full term and at that time (whether the current concerned citizens are elected in or not) the "town council" (not the citizens) would have to appoint a mayor to serve until the November 2007 election and if that happens to be a council member then the council would also have to appoint a new council member as well. Well let's think about this. This group wanted the citizens to vote for their own mayor, but they are backing a candidate that has stated that he is moving and then the council would have to appoint a mayor. Sounds like a double standard to me.
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dmauser
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Posted: Nov 4th, 2005 01:57 pm |
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I too received the mailing from Concerned Citizens and glanced to see if there was any new info.. there was not. I have to laugh out loud with Ms Strickland states that the town is growing and we don't have any new ball fields.... I guess she doesn't remember speaking out against buying land last year for just that purpose! The land was located near the current fields, but she was afraid it would be too much noise, traffic,light pollution, etc, etc, etc..near her house. Will it be better near another citizens house? Of course I guess we could buy land in Rockingham County? 
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FatPappy
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| Joined: | Oct 25th, 2005 |
| Location: | Summerfield, USA |
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Posted: Nov 4th, 2005 01:57 pm |
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Mr Wendelkin--I understand the small lot thing is just an idea. Just like, as you stated elsewhere, your vision for Summerfield is just that-a vision. (Whatever that means.)
You're speaking here again of smaller lots as the solution to affordable housing. Smaller lots and affordable housing are two entirely different subjects that you seem to like to try and mix into one. If the citizens don't want smaller lots, it doesn't necessarily follow that they don't want affordable housing.
My point was and still is, you seem to hit all around whatever point you're trying to make but usually end up just making a rough estimate of something resembling a point and apparently think that's good enough.
Furthermore, the current council are decent, competent folks and are not dictators any more than you have good communication skills.
What we really need to be worrying about here is the very real threat of becoming a divided community with a Concerned Citizens-infected council that becomes paralyzed in a divisive atmosphere of mistrust and accusation instead of working together to accomplish something of value!
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How many legs does a dog have if you call the tail a leg? Four; calling a tail a leg doesn't make it a leg.
--Abraham Lincoln
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donw
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Posted: Nov 4th, 2005 08:01 pm |
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Fat Pappy - Affordable housing in Summerfield is up to the citizens. As you know it is important to bring ideas to the table - from that point all ideas are discussed and which ever one best fits the scenario is the one we use. It is a reasonable idea not the only idea. I stated earlier that I prefer Summerfield to be a bedroom community, but if the citizens insist on affordable housing (which I don't believe a majority of the want) then as a council we move forward. The current council are decent people and I respect each one for who they are. I also believe they are cpmpetent in their areas of expertise (I.E work) . When it comes to decision making, problem solving and being decisive it takes experience to acquire this and my history reflects this. It is evident that you support the current council and I respect your decision.
Mike- Thank you for the kind words.
Don Wendelken
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