[LordOpie]

Do you attend meetings and such?

I think I'm going to have to get involved. My city's priorities are all fvcked up. A budget hearing is going on this week at five points around town... same topics, just different locations.

Initial reports are that they want to spend $75million on the theater downtown. The only reason is that the acoustics aren't good enough, despite reports otherwise.

Because of this, there won't be enough money for other projects, like the city needing three more public libraries. One location on the edge of town has warranted a library for 25 years and has been ignored. They're probably 15+ miles from the closest library.

So, are you involved? If so, how?

 

[Serial Midget]

Denber don't need no more libarries - we has the internet now.

I attempted to become involved in politics after Junior's first election was handed to him by activist judges - the more I learned the more disgusted I became over the whole process. Now I just vote like the blind lemming I am.

 

[Echo]

I've thought about it, especially when I see my tax dollars paving the same damn perfectly smooth road every year while there are 50 roads that need repair and never get it.

But then again it's politics, and I hate all politicians with a passion, so I'm not likely to deliberately put myself in a room full of them.

 

[stinkyboy]

I put bumper stickers on Hummers and the like that say: "My luxury is more important than your child's air".

 

[Serial Midget]

Never underestimate the power of the ST&S Association. *

I've thought about it, especially when I see my tax dollars paving the same damn perfectly smooth road every year while there are 50 roads that need repair and never get it.

Skinny Tire & Spandex political action committee - because you can never be too smooth.

 

[fluff]

Having attended local government meetings I have become resigned to the failure of the human spirit.

 

[Westy]

Never underestimate the power of the ST&S Association. *



Skinny Tire & Spandex political action committee - because you can never be too smooth.

Around here the do really crappy jobs paving smooth roads making them bumpy and leaving the rough one be.

 

[LordOpie]

Ugh.

Sounds like I should give up before I get seriously demoralized.

I'll go to the meeting and go from there.

 

[Serial Midget]

It should be a good example of windbaggery. Not that you shouldn't want to get involved but... even in local politics, you'll likely get not satisfaction. Quid pro quo or however it's spelled.

Ugh.

Sounds like I should give up before I get seriously demoralized.

I'll go to the meeting and go from there.

 

[Serial Midget]

Apparently NORBA and it's XC lobby are in firm control of your highway department.

Around here the do really crappy jobs paving smooth roads making them bumpy and leaving the rough one be.

 

[LordOpie]

... even in local politics, you'll likely get not satisfaction.

well, I don't expect 'satisfaction'. I'm sure it'll be frustrating. I'm just wondering what the most effective way is to get the city to remove or add big items to the budget. I know it goes up for vote, but I'm hoping that it can be fine-tuned before that point.

Several people got upset at the last meeting about the theater downtown wanting $75m, so maybe I won't need to add my voice to it, but I'm pretty sure that could build and fully fund two libraries... three if they're small.

 

[Westy]

I read the minutes to the local meetings. Money talks everyone else walks. It usually goes something like this:

Motion to rezone 500 acres of protected forest land to build mansions and a golf course, passed unanimously. Motion to alloww XX to put an extension on their house so they can care for ailing grandmother, denied unanimously.

 

[DRB]

I attempted a coup but I got bored.

 

[Echo]

They have the town meetings here on public access cable. Sometimes I watch for a while when I feel the need to increase my hate of government.

A few weeks ago, they were having a meeting about building a Holiday Inn Express. Several of the neighboring property owners were there, complaining that the way the land was reshaped for the hotel was causing massive drainage problems in their yards.

So there was this environmental consultant/lawyer representing Holiday Inn Express standing there explaining in great scientific and legal detail how it was impossible for this to happen.

About 4 times while this dude was talking, a random person in the audience would stand up and say something like "Hey asshole, why don't you come look at my yard!".

In the end, the town board moved to form a committee to study the effects of the hotel on surrounding properties. It should all be resolved within the next 4-5 years.

 

[Westy]

They have the town meetings here on public access cable. Sometimes I watch for a while when I feel the need to increase my hate of government.

A few weeks ago, they were having a meeting about building a Holiday Inn Express. Several of the neighboring property owners were there, complaining that the way the land was reshaped for the hotel was causing massive drainage problems in their yards.

So there was this environmental consultant/lawyer representing Holiday Inn Express standing there explaining in great scientific and legal detail how it was impossible for this to happen.

About 4 times while this dude was talking, a random person in the audience would stand up and say something like "Hey asshole, why don't you come look at my yard!".

In the end, the town board moved to form a committee to study the effects of the hotel on surrounding properties. It should all be resolved within the next 4-5 years.

Local MTB group went to the county to get permission to build trails on public land. Currently the land isn't being used short of people dumping garbage, illegal atv trails etc. Before we can build trails the must do an environmental study to make sure people riding their bikes don't screw up the environment and to mark specific plants that can't be touched meanwhile on the same land people are still dumping garbage, building mudbogs to drive their 4X4 through and cutting trees for firewood.

 

[Echo]

Local MTB group went to the county to get permission to build trails on public land. Currently the land isn't being used short of people dumping garbage, illegal atv trails etc. Before we can build trails the must do an environmental study to make sure people riding their bikes don't screw up the environment and to mark specific plants that can't be touched meanwhile on the same land people are still dumping garbage, building mudbogs to drive their 4X4 through and cutting trees for firewood.

And people wonder why freeriders build illegal trails.

 

[LordOpie]

UPDATE

The system works! 1000s of people wrote emails and spoke at council meetings and were heard!

The theater that was going to cost $75mm which is the highest budgeted item and 50% more than the second item was removed from the proposal.

In addition, a fire station, two libraries, and a rec center were added. And I think those four great items still cost less than upgrading the theater.

link

 

[Serial Midget]

Yer the Man L'oopie!