The Rants of the Monday Morning QB
Posted by The Truth | Filed under Uncategorized
The elections are now over, so it seems to be the time to start on the Monday morning quarterbacking view of the elections. This morning there was an article about the voter turnout and possible reasons, http://tinyurl.com/dj33o5. A simple illustration to show the turnout of the elections would be the BOMA meeting and swearing in ceremony this past Monday the 20th. Did anyone find it odd that parking spots were full and the courtroom buzzing with many people during the swearing in, but when the agenda moved forward to address business, the cars were gone, seats became empty, and, just a stretch, you could count the number of CITIZENS on both your hands and toes? So, we all know that there is a problem with apathy, but just maybe the apathetic ramblings need to be met head on and we roll up our sleeves to create a real buzz; a real partnership between government and community.
Looking at participation, what mechanisms do we have in place to include more of the citizens to interact in the government? That is a rhetorical question, at best, because there are no real plans in place to include people. After the forums, it was hilarious to hear all the comments from those in government stating that they were great for the community and we should do more of them. Well, elections are over and there hasn’t been a real buzz about holding more community interactive forums with our elected officials. When you have the platform to make personal comments as an elected official at BOMA meetings then spread some enthusiasm toward gaining more participation from the citizens and advertise Town Hall type meetings. If there were a real effort to create change and have events to where each Alderman can actually meet with their ward, maybe we would be getting somewhere to get more people involved and energized. Quick question, how many actually know the real person who represents their ward on the BOMA? Ask the same question in a month and then ask it again in six months. It would seem to behoove each Alderman to get to know their constituents as they get to know them. In the end the interaction and encouraging of participation will bring about those who are new to the community with those who have been here for awhile and spark greater interest in the on goings of the city.
Are we in a culture of soliciting participation of our citizens and valuing their expertise and knowledge of certain things? Are we in a culture where if it doesn’t come from this or that entity or board, then it is not beneficial? Ask these questions and perhaps there will be more of an understanding of why people don’t get involved in the elections or the dealings of the city. One would think that new and fresh ideas could only be in the best interest of everyone involved. It would surprise some that people in our own community who want to lend support from their own backgrounds and having a little time on their hands could solve some of the problems we face today and in the future. Chief Smith said it best that the city needs someone dedicated to writing grants to benefit the city. Funny thing is that where there are people in our community with the know how and eagerness to do it, there has not been active solicitation for their support. Again, maybe it was campaign rhetoric or just he opportunity to receive votes, but so many spoke about hat being a need, but there has been no call for help. Did you receive a lot of phone call prior to the election for your ideas and now that the campaigns are all over there is a certain silence of the ringing or the mail? There is a place for everyone who wants to help regardless of whether they have an appointment or belong to a certain group. If you want to garner more support and have better election turnout and have better participation all around, lets start to be a little more inclusive of ideas and bring all people together who have the same goal of donating time and effort to make our great city greater. Too many have experienced the stigma of going against the grain because they are not part of a certain faction when all they are trying to do is to really give back to the city. Many ideas shared and implemented together can only bring about better results toward the common goal.
Going back to the questions of know about your own personal Alderman, let’s take a look at which candidates won their own respective ward based upon the actual voters of that ward. Wait, sorry, those numbers are not tallied so that question cannot be answered. It was a question that was brushed aside during the radio Mayoral debate, but there is some validity to moving toward actually having an Alderman being the voted representative of their own specific ward. Right now, it is an at large position based upon where the candidate lives. Wouldn’t it behoove us all as we are a fast growing community to actually have representatives that answer to their specific ward? People may be more inclined to get involved in the voting and further participation if they know they can count on someone to represent the values of their own specific community. Right now, it is a popularity contest. WHAT IF a person voted into office won the at large vote, but not the will and vote of their own ward? How can you measure that person as being the true face and go to person for that ward? As the calls and promises went out for more accountability and transparency of our government, then lets move toward the future and think about ward specific voting for their own representatives. It allows for more active participation voting because the avenues are there to get to know your own representative and it allows for better communication and liaison for issues facing that specific ward. If you are basing seats on the Ward then let the voice of the ward be heard. As well, as the city grows and we seek for more interaction between the citizens and government, maybe the Planning Commission needs have changes in which each ward is represented so that planning issues for a specific ward have a representative for those to seek and get to know. Again, active participation results from having people accountable to their specific constituents and allowing for better communication across the board.
Opening up the avenues to participate increases participation. Apathy is always going to be pointed out for any election, but once you can identify certain specifics as to why and how to react to it, good things will come about from it. If people know, both their elected officials and what is actually going on, then there will be a greater focus given from those who normally may not participate in the overall governing of our city. People want to help and be included and strive to make their community greater. The effort and will of those wanting to make a difference for positive outcomes are there, it is just time to tap into that and create better access to make that difference and make our community greater, AND THAT’S THE DOUBLE TRUTH RUTH!
HERE
Posted by The Truth | Filed under Uncategorized
April 15th, Tax Day, is HERE. Where normally we all endure the stress of having today as the deadline for having taxes filed, today may actually be a little less stressful and very different. Paying taxes has been one of those things that you just cannot humanly or legally escape, however, in accordance to that, another thing that we can never escape from is trying to speak up and do the right thing. April 15, 2009 will be known for far more than just having your taxes filed, but also speaking out about how we want our taxpayer money being used. The TEA PARTY ‘s will be very successful at showing our disdain for reckless spending and bailouts. On a much smaller scale, add that voice and a little bit of action, today the Truth will introduce and lay the foundation for HEREHEREHERE.org.
Being fed up with big bailouts and huge governmental spending raises many questions about how we can do something positive HERE and make a difference to bring about a better future. Where personal responsibility is part of the makeup of the Tea Party festivities today, what personal actions can we do day to day to bring about a stimulus to the economy HERE? Let’s try to shy away from typical the typical government answers of coulda, woulda, shoulda and focus on the elementary idea of the 5 W’s plus the H. When we act and tell the WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY, and HOW, then at least you know that a base has been laid toward something solid in the future.
- WHO benefits the people that are living HERE.
- WHAT brings about personal responsibility while at the same time enhancing our small business and entrepreneurs HERE.
- WHEN should be ongoing as we all reap the benefits of our businesses marinating profitability and excellent patronage and exposure HERE.
- WHY is because we love you. I just couldn’t resist! However, we need to do simple things that bring about real change and real growth for real people HERE.
- WHERE simply put is HERE.
- HOW is going to be brought about with baby steps. One can’t make change and positive growth overnight, but once a substantial and practical plan has been laid, we can start that positive momentum to go from there to HERE.
We sho
uld be proud of our community and the simple fact that there are so many benefits to living HERE. We offer diverse business and employment opportunities that makes us proud to be working HERE. We have retail big and small, personal and business, food and clothing, sprinkled with everything in between. Have you thought about what impact you would have by dedicating time to just shopping HERE? Someone asked how cool it would be to have bumper and window stickers showing the pride of our community. Hence, the HEREHEREHERE logo, however, it is a start to just show how much you love where you live and to show how interconnected we all our.
The visual concept is a great thing, but the meat and potatoes of the action are where the benefits will be realized. Consider it more than just words, but the formulation of a game plan to realize a goal. Why can’t we show our love for our community everyday, while dedicating one day to highlight all that we have HERE? One day where we can all tell our businesses located HERE that we support them. One day in which we can exercise our personal responsibility and bring about our own stimulus to our community. By living HERE, working HERE, and shopping HERE, we not only boost our local business while at the same time positively affecting our economy HERE. That is the foundation and the blueprint will shortly follow. Keep an eye out for the launch of the HEREHEREHERE.org website for more details in the next week.
A small idea to supplement the celebration of holding big government accountable is what this is all about. We can provide an impact to our community without having to rely on the hope and debate of government. As real people, we can always move mountains big and small. So while we go through the motions of life today, be it filing taxes, protesting pork and reckless spending, or just reflecting, let’s provide that spark to make a difference HERE, and THAT’s THE DOUBLE TRUTH RUTH.
A Moment of Reflection and Prayer For Our Neighbors in Rutherford County
Posted by The Truth | Filed under Uncategorized
I must stray away for the moment of the regular type of pieces that I write to speak freely from the heart and from my own point of view. The elections were very exciting here in Spring Hill. It gave us a chance to meet new people, bring about new ideas, and really work towards something special for our city. With that being said, yesterday afternoon really made me pause as to what is the most important thing in my life.
As I watched the news and listened to my weather radio, my heart just stopped thinking about the imminent danger that the people of Rutherford County were about to endure. After reports of injuries and damage started to come in, my initial fears were confirmed and I cannot begin to describe the amount of sorrow and concern I felt. It was just half a day before where my family went into our bathroom when our own warning sirens went off to now having neighbors affected by a tornado. I know in the back of my mind that when I hear a siren, I know that it isn’t going to do anything; just a going through the motion of in case. Taking things like that for granted only makes me ill prepared for an event that was experienced in Murfreesboro and I know that I must change that in my heart.
Community is about family and unity and just seeing how people there are banding together to help one another is not only impressive, but a blessing. We can debate the issues all we want, vote, try to make change, but at the end of the day, it is the community and family that are the most important things that I have. Moving here and getting settled, it was the next door neighbor helping me move in or cooking something for my family or talking about this and that made me so aware of how special of place that I now lived. I know that without my community, who has become my second family, I would not be as comfortable and proud to call where I live home. As our thoughts and prayers go out to the Rutherford County community for those who have lost loved ones and homes, if you can, please do something to let them know that you care. Their misfortunes at this time have provided me with a lesson to learn. The Mayor of Murfreesboro stated that there will be lessons learned from this tragedy, but I can see and feel that the rally of support amongst their community will show us all just how fortunate are neighbors are.
If you can help out monetarily please do, I know that I will try to do my best to assist. They need our prayers and support because I know that if what happened there was in my backyard, knowing that others truly cared about helping would slightly ease the pain of what was endured. In this time of tragedy suffered by our neighbors, I know that I will appreciate just a little more my own neighbors and let them know just how I feel about them. So, today, if you can tell someone close by to you how you feel and if you can donate a little to Rutherford County. My community is my family and I love them for that.
Congratulating Yesterday’s Victories; Asking Today’s Questions
Posted by The Truth | Filed under Uncategorized
The votes have been counted and are in. Familiar faces join new faces to round out the Spring Hill Board of Mayor and Alderman. Congratulations to Mike Dinwiddie, our new mayor, Amy Wurth, Jonathan Duda, Keith Hudson, and Allen Hall. Most importantly, congratulations to the other candidates who took time from their own day-to-day life in order to represent their beliefs and bring about positive change to Spring Hill. Where the votes may have come up short, the determination, drive, and message were well appreciated throughout the community. Thank you to the citizens that came out to make their voice and vote heard. Having a great turnout over the past election speaks very well of all of those who took the time to run for office.
Now that April 20th is fast approaching for the new BOMA to roll up their sleeves and get down to work, a bunch of questions come to mind. These questions came about from debates and forums and just talking to candidates and residents of Spring Hill. One could only hope that the messages spread during the campaign not fall to the waist side now that the election is over. Many points were brought up by the successful and unsuccessful candidates that deserve a little thought and action.
- How are we going to make citizen input more than just a thank you but given serious thought?
- What is going to be the face and message of the Planning Commission?
- How do we go about bringing Financial Stability to our city?
- How do we work together to bring about positive economic recovery and stability to our small businesses?
- Will there be inclusive Town Hall type meetings where regular citizens can query and interact with our elected officials?
- Are we going to look to our community for resourses that were not fully tapped in the past?
- How can we bring a positive spotlight to our city? I will add this; doesn’t it seem funny that The Tennessean had our election results in the back of the Metro section and not the front page?
- Are our city’s finances really going to be transparent and if so when?
- How can we achieve constructing a Comprehensive Master Plan?
- Are we going to be a city of words or a city of action?
Questionnaires and forms of such are always commonplace prior to the election. Wouldn’t be refreshing to have an exit type questionnaire after the election? Change is only change when actions are made. Through all the campaigning and rhetoric, we all know that we live in a great city. How do we collectively make this city greater? Where we all wish much success to our elected leaders, our hope is that words are made into action. At the end of the day yesterday, it was a time for celebration, but also today is a time for a reality check. Momentum is a great catalyst to making a positive difference and the hope is that even with a 10 day period before our new BOMA are sworn in that the momentum is not lost. Many new ideas and people and issues have become real as a result of the campaigns. Are we going to be a city of inclusiveness and open to input or are we going to be a city of thanks for the message and that is that? Change is affected by communication and exchange; lets make real change and make our city greater than what it is. THAT’S THE DOUBLE TRUTH RUTH!
The Red, White, and Blue
Posted by The Truth | Filed under Uncategorized
If you haven’t read today’s article, “GM’s Spring Hill workers worry,” http://tinyurl.com/cnmk4w, take a look at it when you get a chance. Forget about the elections this week for just a moment, a response to this issue is needed from all here in Spring Hill. Isn’t it time for all sides here in the city and the state, for that matter, to unite together and protect our neighbor?
Once the finger pointing starts about who should have done what or when or how, it will be too late to embrace our neighbor and partner, GM. The TRUTH is that once that starts, it becomes real the possibility of closure and financial devastation to those who are employed there, as well as create a financial hole here in our city should we lose our partners. The TRUTH looks at it like this: “Back in the day when Saturn was advertising the annual picnics in a great community known as Spring Hill, back from my desk in Virginia I thought about how cool of a place that would be to live and raise my children.” Little did I know that I would be living here raising my kids in this cool and beautiful place. Sitting back and waiting could make that vision an afterthought. Spring Hill is Spring Hill thanks to our longtime residents and GM. As stated in the article, the fact that it is observed that the decision of our hometown plant could rest on the fact that we are a RED state and Michigan is a BLUE state, that is just unfathomable, but where do we go from here.
If our President and new CEO of GM Obama would even think about bringing partisan politics of our city’s future, then without delay, we need to start implementing that phone tree. Governor Phil was a huge supporter of GM CEO Obama so let’s start flooding his phone with calls to save our plant. We have an understaffed and under utilized plant here in Spring Hill. However, we have a class of workers that are second to none, the best of the best, and our next-door neighbor. We provide a quality of life that should be shouted out all around the country. Bring those jobs and allow for our plant to be up to 100% capacity and see just how valuable our plant and community are. We can’t wait until a week or two from now to ask our local GM folks what we can do to help. WHAT CAN WE DO TO HELP? Tell us and we will do our best to assist you. As the debates highlighted that we as a community should wrap our arms around GM Spring Hill, then let’s do that.
Let’s not let partisan politics be the end all be all of our plant locally and nationally. It’s not right for the President to invoke partisan politics when looking at the future of our local neighbor, so too it is not right to let an election stall us from standing up. In one loud and united voice, GM the city of Spring Hill loves you. We want to help support you and tell us what we can do as a city and as citizens to show just how valuable our city and plant are. That battle cry must be made immediately and effectively. Be it the UAW, the Governor, the BOMA, the EDC, or a regular citizen, the more voices the merrier. Don’t let this be about BLUE or RED, rather let it be about the principles of the RED, WHITE, AND BLUE, so let’s make that stand to protect and promote our jewel of a community and ensure a better future for GM Spring Hill and the City of Spring Hill, and THAT’S THE DOUBLE TRUTH RUTH!
The Call to Stand Up
Posted by The Truth | Filed under Uncategorized
We are well into the election campaign swing. Don’t forget, early voting is until the 4th of April and the main election is on the 9th. Let your voice be heard as you cast your vote for Mayor and Alderman for Ward 1 through 4. Now that we have the pleasantries aside, did you catch any of the debates for Mayor? So many ideas and thoughts and promises were made and given, but so little time to digest them and get their true meaning, don’t you think? It’s funny that we hear about new ideas and solutions and jabbing back at forth, but these should have been brought up, albeit implemented some time ago.
Going back to a further piece about the economy and small business for a moment, you can never beat that dead horse with a stick. Regardless of the elections and the outcome, small business here in Spring Hill is still suffering. All the while we see this and hear about learning from other municipalities,, it is reported that Franklin is one of the top 50 locations to start a small business. However, no one, THE TRUTH means NO ONE, made mention of that at the last debate. One could assume that perhaps we can learn something from our neighbor. We aren’t talking about Virginia or Colorado suburbs, but our own next-door neighbor. What is the change for the future that we all hear about really mean? Does it mean that during an election time we will only hear about it and come mid-April have nothing become of it?
It was said during the debate from one of the candidates that the time is now for our government to listen to the citizens. Perhaps that was the best idea to come out of the debate. Bickering only looks childish and actions speak louder than words. As the TRUTH listened to that call, a brand new understanding of community came to mind. As conservative ideology calls for smaller government, while protecting the electorate, it is up to US, the community, to do our part to ensure for better quality of life. Where does that begin? What can we REALLY do? The answers are quite simple when you look back at this whole election. That same candidate also said that if you don’t act and participate, then you couldn’t have reason to gripe. Very well said, so here is where the TRUTH ups the ante.
If government is going to right the course and if campaign promises are to become reality, then it is up to government to listen. In our community there is EXPERIENCE and KNOWLEDGE that far surpasses the ideas and aptitude of those in government. Take a chance and listen to them. Take a chance and dialogue with them. Where is it written that the best ideas come from those who make campaign contributions? Where is it stated that the Chamber and EDC and the BOMA, for that matter, are the end all and be all to provide recourses and services needed to jump start our own city’s economy and protect our small businesses. Simple fact is that whatever the ideas that have been brought up collectively by those entities have either been implemented too late, not discussed, not paid any mind to, and for lack of a better word, failed our community. So, you say that it is right to stand up and speak out with solutions? The more people, groups, etc., that form an opinion and action to save our businesses should not be met anymore with opposition from the big players. Where you have failed us, others have tried unsuccessfully to right the course because of pettiness and jealousy and lack of ability to ask others for help. We stand united to protect our city and it is time that you lend us your ear. Where some may look, talk, and act differently from the established, if you don’t take the time to listen, you may miss out on a big idea. If you don’t take the time to understand and spread the word from your larger base, we ALL suffer.
In the next week or so, you will see more pieces about HERE HERE HERE. Consider it a proactive initiative towards funneling local dollars into our small businesses. Whether it succeeds or not, it is an action, a small step toward bringing about some bit of needed resources and customers to our local businesses. If you can say that the way to dig out of the financial hole is to spend locally, then let’s do something positive in order to make that happen. We cannot wait for the government to study, talk, debate, and maybe implement something, we, as citizens, can do whatever it takes to make that a reality. Call it a start towards a solution, but at the end of the day it is action. Let’s be about building our community one step at a time from the grassroots and take ownership and pride of where we live. Let’s begin to build that future of quality of life for our children, our city, and ourselves. THAT’S THE DOUBLE TRUTH RUTH!
