The TRUTH…Unmasked
Posted by The Truth | Filed under Uncategorized
There is always a face behind those who write. They are just like everyone else that you come into contact in daily life, with the exception that they choose to write or blog on just about anything. Much like introducing yourself to someone you meet at your favorite restaurant or simply out and about at the mall or what have you, I haven’t formally introduced myself to you. My name is Jonathan. I am a middle aged single father raising my two teenagers. I work, have my own business, am a die-hard football fan (sorry, I bleed burgundy and gold), love my children, love my neighbors, love my community, and think of myself as a person who tells it like it is. Hence, when I decided to write about my community, I thought that my writings from a point of view of integrity, honesty, and community unity would allow for discussion and debate toward reaching positive solutions. My mother always told me that if you gripe, at least have a solution; at least be able to solve a problem; at least do, not talk, do. Through this blog some solutions have been discussed and one or two even implemented in order to enhance the quality of life here in Spring Hill. This is my way of giving back to my community and enhancing the quality of life for my children, family, friends, and even those that I don’t know. Never have I been one to ask for anything in return, except for a moment of time to discuss and learn with those who agree or disagree with what I write. We may never agree; we may never see eye to eye; however, I leave with a respect and appreciation of that person who talks to me. In this day and age, be it political or not, we can always learn something from one another. This is who I am and this is what the Truth is all about; Real People, Real Vision…Moving Mountains.
Father’s Day 2009 for me started out as great day. Smoking ribs, family time, and neighbors; the things that make our great city of Spring Hill great. The weather was a little too hot, but it seemed to be the perfect day. That was until after giving my daughter permission to go see friends in the neighborhood and then go to the Rec Center. After some time she was gone, I got a pit in my stomach. You know the kind that a parent has when they sense that their child is in trouble. In vain, I began calling her and calling her unsuccessfully. Then I decided to search the city to find her and making that decision to report this to the police if I didn’t find her soon. After hours of not being able to find her, she returned home bloodied and beaten. Sparring the details, my Father’s Day consisted of my daughter violently attached in close proximity to my home while going to enjoy the Rec Center. Let me state that the Spring Hill Police Department, under the leadership of Chief Smith, has been incredibly supportive of my family and neighborhood regarding these issues and they are to be more than commended. Remember, Chief Smith took the initiative to file for grant money successfully to benefit the department and ultimately the residents of Spring Hill, but also has an officer position removed from the new budget. Where is the level of commitment from our elected officials regarding our public safety? Deleting a police position, while justifying it as it wasn’t filled in the year prior, is ludicrous. There weren’t other ways to make up for the shortfall in the budget. Oh that’s right, we taxpayers still need to pay for the dependants health insurance for our elected officials. Taxpayers have to make the sacrifice and not the elected officials. Go figure!
In the days afterwards, I had time to reflect on the incident with my daughter. I went through the helplessness, guilt, anger, anguish, etc. My little girl was hurt and I wasn’t there to protect her. Those feelings still fresh on my mind, but mostly heavy on my heart, all of the pros and cons of living here in Spring Hill came into play. Tuesday, I spoke to a lot of people in the community; both community activists and regular Joes. It became all too apparent that we had a problem with the safety of our children at the Center. We had a problem here in Wakefield of traffic and undesirables loitering in the neighborhood due to the center. In further development and updates since, we have also had home broken into causing some dire safety concerns because of what was taken during the burglary. It was funny, well not actually funny, that I hear from people looking to buy homes for sale on my street asking me to tell them the truth about traffic and safety here in Wakefield. It is no secret of the one entrance serving the center and the school and the potential traffic and safety concerns brought about, but people from the outside ask the questions about what we here actually go through everyday. With all of the advice that I had received, I sent a personal email to the entire BOMA. I understand that we have many issues that we are facing here in Spring Hill, but public safety is the most pressing concern to me and my family because of how close to home an issue came to be. At the very least, I would be able to shine some light on a situation that is rarely talked about or discussed. When I used to talk about the traffic issues, I think that even though some of the elected officials listened, they had to take it with a grain of salt. Its just Jonathan being Jonathan.
When I wrote the email, it wasn’t from the point of view of the TRUTH. It was personal; it was a confused and scared father who needed some bit of support and encouragement from his elected officials. There was a public safety issue and it affects me and other that stemmed from a facility here that has been touted as a safe haven and positive enclave for our children. As the final reading of the budget was to be voted on, wouldn’t the BOMA at least like to know that a place to where a significant amount of money is allocated yearly by the city to the county for the Center, that there are real public safety issues and that it has become real to a resident? All the email asked was for me to engage in conversation via voice and not email; a concerned resident and father seeking guidance while frustrated. I will give you that; I was and still am very frustrated.
The most alarming thing happened after I sent the email. I had not heard back from ALL of our elected officials. I know we lost out to Orion; I know that we were faced with a budget shortfall; I know that I am only but one person and they receive emails upon emails each day. However, this one would be different. It is a child who was hurt on the way to what we are quick to point out as a benefit and the consummate location highlighting good quality of life here in Spring Hill. For those who took the time to speak to me, my level of appreciation of you cannot be expressed with words. For those who had better things to do than to respond to me, my hurt cannot be described in words. I stay active in this community because I believe in my city. I have never been active for personal gain, nor financial reward. I get frustrated like everyone else, but at the end of the day want to make a positive difference for all. Yes, maybe because I am not an elected official myself, what happens to me and my family and neighbors is inconsequential to you. Maybe because I didn’t contribute to your campaign, my issues are less than the next. Perhaps one of the most heart warming and most appreciated responses was, “Jonathan, I can’t call you, but I share your concerns and hope your daughter is ok.” However when those who did not respond could not even do that, what I am to think? Is it because I look differently than you, I am not good enough for response? Is it because I talk differently than you, I am not good enough for a response? Is it because I don’t agree with you, I am not good enough for a response? A simple acknowledgement would have sufficed, however none was given.
In talking to one elected official who responded, I was told that all of you were my alderman and not just the two from my ward. However, that is not true because I am not good enough for a response from all of our elected officials. My daughter is not good enough for a response. As I wipe away my tears in thinking about this, what is it that I have done to not have someone acknowledge that the BOMA is here for you and thank you for bringing this to our attention? I guess when I made a significant donation to ensure the candidates’ forums that introduced some of you to the community, where for some that opportunity wouldn’t have happened, isn’t good enough nor show my commitment and dedication to my community. I am sorry! Next time tell me what the price is that I have to pay to be heard like others that you choose to respond to emails with.
Without stating the obvious, a serious issue has now clouded my judgment about the integrity of some of our elected officials. Perhaps if some had taken the time to read my email, maybe a police officer’s spot on the force would not have been sacrificed to balance the budget. Spare me that it wasn’t allocated this past fiscal year so we can do without it next year. WE HAVE REAL PUBLIC SAFETY ISSUES IN OUR COMMUNITY! My faith in your dedication to actually serving the community is nil, yet I am told by some of our elected officials that one person needs a bunch of corroboration and meetings in order to rectify some of the issues we in Wakefield experience. As stated earlier, we have had a home burglary and numerous issues with people loitering in the neighborhood since being told this. I guess that crime is supposed to cease until a meeting happens because without a meeting, no solutions can be discussed. What I have been taught is that if I need to protect my family and neighbors, then I must do it myself and not rely upon nor waste the time of our elected officials. I had all the faith in my government to always protect, above and beyond anything else, the children and families in our community. Perhaps that is apropos for some, it is all but apparent that it is not for me.
Perhaps I should not have called out in an open meeting changes to the BOMA salary and benefits. I stand by what I said about that then and surely stand behind it now. Does that leave my family and me not as important as the next? If so, then it is what it is. I cannot, nor will not, be forced to keep my ideas to myself. If that means that I become an outcast, then so be it. I stand by my upbringing from a strong family in order to ensure that my children and family are safe. I will do that by all means necessary because this father’s love and support for his family and community is unconditional. I make no apologies for who I am in my fight for better quality of life for all here in Spring Hill. My sacrifices have now been proven to be real because in speaking out to the BOMA, I am now ignored. By speaking out, it doesn’t matter that my daughter was assaulted. By speaking out, I am made to feel second-class. Can any of you who spoke about your personal sacrifices to be an elected official and how you should be compensated adequately compare to my sacrifices to yours? Remember, I don’t get paid a salary, nor receive free health insurance. Yet, in order to better substantiate my concerns, I have had to go out of pocket for expenses to prove my point better. Again, this was another suggestion from one of our elected officials.
Perhaps if my daughter’s attack were more brutal or fatal, then I would be heard differently, but I can’t take that chance to wait for that to happen in the future. I have the right to be afforded the same safety and pursuit of higher quality of life as those who are in agreement to the vision of the BOMA, elected officials, political confidants, or those who make financial campaign contributions. I have that right to ask these questions because the truth of the matter is, I came to the BOMA for help with open arms and was turned away at the gate. With heavy heart and deep sorrow and broken faith I must say, AND THAT’S THE DOUBLE TRUTH RUTH.
“Don’t Call it a Comeback….”
Posted by The Truth | Filed under Uncategorized
HE’S BACK…….Yes, the Truth Ruth is live and in full effect. So much has been going on and sometimes humility and learning and assessment presides over speaking and talking. As we take that journey to move mountains and affect real change, knowledge is power and the pursuit to gain it means keeping open ears and a closed mouth.
When we look at benefits and pay of elected officials, of course, there are going to be many thoughts engaged in the debate as to whether these benefits are needed or not. Generally heard are the fact that compensation needs to be made for sacrificing time and for attracting quality candidates. However, when we look from the outside in, we tend to quash those reasonings and go right to the point that public service is just that….service.
In speaking to the Board of Mayor and Alderman, the point that was trying to be made was that where your service is appreciated for making the tough decisions and representing our city, so to is it that we look to you for making some of the same financial sacrifices that we must make. Having health insurance accessible to our elected officials should be a given. However, having the taxpayer take the burden of having to pay for dependents and spouses, as well as the full amount of premium for the elected official is something that is not really seen anymore in country. As companies have to scale back and find savings, the first items to be cut are benefits.
Cuts not meaning that literally, but increasing employee financial obligations and sometimes lessening of services. This is common place here in big business and affects many who live in our city, so why would our elected officials be immune to that. Again, the sacrifices that are made by the electorate should also be shared by the elected officials.
Straying from the normal policy I have of not speaking in first person, I can say that if the opportunity to receive the quality health care that is offered to our elected officials were made available to the general pubic, I would be the first in line with a check to receive it. Additionally, if i were an elected official, I don’t think it would be too much to make a financial contribution to alleviate some of the taxpayer burden to these benefits.
With that being said, I want to share the message that I spoke about, well actually, deviated from in my comments at the last BOMA meeting.
During the final push of campaigning during the recent elections, citizens were told about financial stability, economic development, and how the budget was on track and looking good. If those tags lines were used during the campaigning, then why is there the opportunity of burdening the citizens with increased property taxes? Yes, a possible 12-cent increase on our taxes when letters and statements were made that things looked good. Yes, the economy changes and yes people do what they need to do and say in order to be elected, but where is it when these promises and statements and ideas breakdown, do we find accountability and change? Certainly not to the taxpayer who was under the guise of certainty that we were all right.
GM shutdowns, loss of business, increased foreclosures , lack of services, and burdening debt, are all on the horizon, if not upon us now. For there to be debate on increasing the citizens burden, let’s look first at where you as a board can make humble decisions and show us how committed you are to taking the lead at fixing our budget problems. The idea to slash salary and benefits of the Alderman is just a start.
Think for a moment of the real profitable big business where by loyalty and humility executives forgo salaries so that their employess and company can flourish. If we are to remain a profitable community, we need to employ some of those tactics.
Campaigning so that you could receive a salary and benefits personal gain was not heard on the campaign stump, so why now do we here that these are things to attract the best to serve the public? What happened to those words of dedication and public service and being a public servant? Sometimes we need to humble ourselves and do what is best for the community at large. That should be the reason why people are charged to run for office.
Times are tight and sometimes people need to see from the top down how we can digest personal sacrifices. Time commitment is not just that given by elected officials, but also by citizens who are looking out for the good of their families and neighbors. However, I don’t see average citizens who come to meetings day in and day out getting paid, nor discouraged from the fact that they are not receiving compensation for their time and sacrifice. Everyone here has a stake in creating a better city in Spring Hill, if it is of the belief that only you as elected officials should receive benefits when other dedicated people much like yourselves cannot in this economic climate, then perhaps you should reevaluate your decision to serve.
When we associate benefit to service, then messages and meanings get lost in the process. Certain things you can always associate a salary to, but when it comes to leading, there is no money in the world to earn that title. The pay is never great, it at all existent, and sometimes you are unappreciated, but when you make the decision to run for office, the thought is that you put personal gain aside and work hard to enhance the community. People who want to make a difference for the common good do not rely on pay and benefits, they rely on knowing that at the end of the day, they have represented a community well.
Some may say it is easy for those on the outside to make judgements about pay and benefits of our elected officails. We can criticize and complain and speak out. For you as elected officials it is almost part of the job to hear the concerns from the electorate, but at the end of the day, our hope is that you step back and listen and analyze what people have said. Please do not mistake anyone asking for contribution to the insurance package as being ungrateful for the job you were elected and sworn to do. Times are tight for everyone. However, when you lead, you should do it by example and when situations and sacrifices are to be made first by the elecorate, it can be a very hard pill to swallow. When you were elected, there was never debate about the benefits to be received, but rather how best you lead and the enormous opportunity to give service to the community. Yes, you are not volunteers, but please do not denigrate those who do volunteer and attend as many meetings and functions as you do, in order to make their community a better place. The only difference is that you have the voting power. For some, the same committment is given whether elected or not. For some, family sacrifice is given whether elected or not. For some, no amount of compensation will ever take the place of participating for the better of the city and our families and neighbors, AND THAT’S THE DOUBLE TRUTH RUTH!
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!
Mirror Mirror on the Wall
Posted by The Truth | Filed under Uncategorized
Election 2009 is just about upon us. There are so many candidates vying for the opportunity to represent the electorate. Some familiar and some new faces wanted to get their voices heard by you in a series of two forums over the past two weeks.
The question must be asked who was effective or who made the most sense? Surely there are some who have the question why can’t someone follow simple time parameters, but that is left to be discussed in an entirely different piece. In looking at what platform or style made someone the most comfortable, a general theme was shared by all the candidates. Notwithstanding the message, the rule of thumb here is to decipher the difference between buzzwords and talking points that were spoken time and time again and real deal actions and solutions.
The Truth isn’t about to make any single endorsement, but can definitely endorse a concept or two along the way. For starters, is someone running to give back or is someone running to make a real difference and do more than just give back, but to forge a path toward greater quality of life? Yes, big words and ideas, but they are all within reach to accomplish. That sets apart the good from the bad; the action from the talk; and the players from the haters. This election is far from a popularity contest. Just because someone may be a friend or has the most signs or looks good in suit does not mean they hold the qualities best for the offices being elected. As well, hearing the TRUTH rather than what you want to hear shouldn’t belittle the message and solutions that a candidate has to offer. Two candidates running for Alderman provided what may have been the only original, truthful, and proactive ideas, messages, and solutions for achieving some basic goals for the city in the future. What was said may not have been the most popular and may have not been what people wanted to hear, but it was reality that was tinged with solution rather than exasperation of a problem. The Truth has said day in and day out that our city is facing real problems and challenges facing our city and we need real leaders and thought provokers and listeners and “doers” to lead us into the future. For all of those running, the Truth challenges you to sit back and look in the mirror and ask yourself, “Am I a doer or a talker?” For all of those voting, ask yourself the basic question, “Do you judge a book by its cover or by the true ideas and solutions found on the inside?”
Don’t forget, early voting has already begun and lasts until the 4th of April. The general election is on the 9th of April. Let’s go out and choose the real leaders to guide us toward a beneficial future; let’s go out and choose the real solutions to allow for a better quality of life for all in Spring Hill; and let’s go out and put the power of voting to our advantage and make a resounding difference in righting the path toward economic prosperity and harmony. By going out and exercising our freedom to vote in massive numbers will allow our voices to heard and THAT’S THE DOUBLE TRUTH….RUTH!
The Invisible Man
Posted by The Truth | Filed under Uncategorized
Why is it that we always have to put someone into a classification? Be it race, ideology, outward appearance, etc., there is always a chance for presumption that never really makes sense. Funny thing is that when we prejudge, we always miss the true meaning of something.
Some may dress a certain way in public or talk differently, but does that give anyone the right to ignore them or cast aspersions? When you looked over at the man at the Exxon station after he called you by name and said hi, why do you quickly gather your things and turn away out of the door? What is ironic is that only a few days later you see this man in a suit and want to have him in your corner and listen to your entire message.
The time for how we automatically make these assumptions has to end. If we are to make for a better future for all, we need to do it together. All of our differences can ultimately enhance the message. Conservative, Liberal, Black, White, high tax bracket, low tax bracket combined makes for a stronger word. Let’s not only listen, but also embrace all that we together can offer. You never know what power can be presented when we take the time to listen rather than shun because of preconceived notions and THAT’S THE DOUBLE TRUTH RUTH!
