Economic Development as Wikipedia defines it is:
The sustained, concerted actions of policy makers and communities that promote the standard of living and economic health of a specific area.
This term was thrown around by the Board of Supervisors at the "Soil Mining" meeting. I am not sure they know what that term means. I find it hard to believe, especially from the one man on the board I always thought was a good person, that there is not some, shall we say, outside influence. Why do I say this? It has to do with the definition.
SUSTAINED: What is sustained about 'soil mining'. You rape the land and move on. Farming is sustained. Building houses and improving the tax base is sustained.
STANDARD OF LIVING: The product is going out of county, who's standard of living is being improved? The only standard that is being improved is of, yet again, the entity/family I have harped on so many times.
ECONOMIC HEALTH: The only economy being made healthier is that entity/family yet again. At the cost of this county. This is one time monetary gain, don't let anyone tell you differently.
Let me also say that I heard a defense of the project by referring to other mining/quarry projects. As anyone in Malvern is sure to realize by the blasting... there is a limestone quarry just on the opposite side of town. Here is the difference. Limestone quarries are largely for roads. We kinda need those. Having one in county is a big cost saving for Mills County. Just ask the surrounding counties what they spend in diesel costs just to get the gravel. These are not truly sustainable, but to compare one time money gain with a decades long project that has actually benefited the county.. pretty weak defense.
I heard some comment about 30 acres saving many more... BS! You know where most of the dirt from the Gaston Ave project went? To replace the lead contaminated soil that was torn out of Omaha yards. (which was dumped in our landfill... a whole other post) This is not some crusade to save our levies. This is going to railroad money and Omaha money. The highest bidder.
Now don't get me wrong. I believe in capitalism and making money. But don't cower behind a natural disaster because it is convenient. Haven't "you" made enough off of price gouging during the flood, to the same people that bought your houses in flood zones already? Don't use that tired excuse. That's low even for that entity.
This is not a slippery slope. This is open season on one of the only natural resources Mills County has. This is the powerful selling off our county's potential. This isn't going to stop.
Farmers, think your land prices are high now? Can you outbid a Hughes? I'm betting even the two or three that are buying most of the farmland now might even worry a bit about that new player. Before you had to worry about development ground... now ALL THE COUNTY IS FOR SALE!
I started this with the supervisors because they represent us. They are supposed to be looking out for the county. I do not see this as being a benefit to our county. I see it as a benefit to one entity. I see mounting infrastructure costs, something the county should be wary of. I see the possibility of water tables changing, they have mined right by Keg and Silver Creek.
I don't see how this is in the county's best interest. And the only thing I have heard in response is economic development. I see one entity getting away with whatever they want, because they have the supervisors in their back pocket. That's what I see.
I am really tired of our supervisors not representing us. They represent the Hughes Entity.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
A One Post Return...
I couldn't help myself but make an observation about something I heard the other day. Now I will freely admit that I have not done my investigative duty and got a confirmation from this myself. Call it slander or unfounded rumor fodder, I don't care. I have heard this from multiple people that I believe and that should be in the know. If you don't believe me please ask the entity. If I am wrong... what are you doing taking any anonymous writer as the gospel truth anyway? BUT ASK! If it is, this should be on the 10 o'clock news and this man should be publicly destroyed.
_____________________________________________
I have been moved by all of the action that is being taken for the current and potential flood victims. People helping family and friends, even if they don't 'have the time to spare' themselves. Hell, even complete strangers are coming out in droves to help sandbag, or bring food to volunteers, or other ways of helping someone in need. Just the other day so many people showed up to fill sand bags they did what was expected to take a week in just over a day. That is an amazing story.
And then I heard something else about a local 'businessman' that I think should be on the local news also. This is an individual and entity that I will not name, but let's just say that I thought I could never think any less of this individual. I was so wrong...
The warm and fuzzy feelings that have been coming over many of us, this guy is apparently immune. In many cases this individual/entity sold houses to many of the very people that are having to evacuate and leave their homes to the destruction of the rising waters. Developments just off of the river that on a rainy day have puddles for a week or ponds after a wet weekend. The same entity/family that is making a killing raping your countryside and shipping it to Omaha for a gigantic profit. The same entity that has avoided any negative press or legal action for these and other (in the most polite of terms) questionable ethical decisions.
It is illegal to triple gas prices overnight when there is an oil scare. How is it not illegal to almost double your rent on all rentals you own as the water rises? How can you intentionally gouge these people in desperate need? Haven't you made enough money once on them when you sold them un-insurable housing? Do you really have to gouge people that have no other options?
I'm a business minded person, but I also believe that business ethics is not an oxymoron. There is a difference between supply and demand, and making a profit off of human misery.
I hope that this is the last straw that finally makes people see this man/entity for what they truly are.
But somehow I doubt that will happen. If you've turned a blind eye to what has happened so far, than you'll stay happily ignorant. Continue to give him citizenship awards for taking advantage of you. List your houses with the guy that is cheating your friends and family in desperate need.
Profit is not worth your soul.
_____________________________________________
I have been moved by all of the action that is being taken for the current and potential flood victims. People helping family and friends, even if they don't 'have the time to spare' themselves. Hell, even complete strangers are coming out in droves to help sandbag, or bring food to volunteers, or other ways of helping someone in need. Just the other day so many people showed up to fill sand bags they did what was expected to take a week in just over a day. That is an amazing story.
And then I heard something else about a local 'businessman' that I think should be on the local news also. This is an individual and entity that I will not name, but let's just say that I thought I could never think any less of this individual. I was so wrong...
The warm and fuzzy feelings that have been coming over many of us, this guy is apparently immune. In many cases this individual/entity sold houses to many of the very people that are having to evacuate and leave their homes to the destruction of the rising waters. Developments just off of the river that on a rainy day have puddles for a week or ponds after a wet weekend. The same entity/family that is making a killing raping your countryside and shipping it to Omaha for a gigantic profit. The same entity that has avoided any negative press or legal action for these and other (in the most polite of terms) questionable ethical decisions.
It is illegal to triple gas prices overnight when there is an oil scare. How is it not illegal to almost double your rent on all rentals you own as the water rises? How can you intentionally gouge these people in desperate need? Haven't you made enough money once on them when you sold them un-insurable housing? Do you really have to gouge people that have no other options?
I'm a business minded person, but I also believe that business ethics is not an oxymoron. There is a difference between supply and demand, and making a profit off of human misery.
I hope that this is the last straw that finally makes people see this man/entity for what they truly are.
But somehow I doubt that will happen. If you've turned a blind eye to what has happened so far, than you'll stay happily ignorant. Continue to give him citizenship awards for taking advantage of you. List your houses with the guy that is cheating your friends and family in desperate need.
Profit is not worth your soul.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Good bye...
This is going to be the final post for "Reason". Better to step away than ramble on forever. Reason has made it's points and that was the purpose.
I've posted fast and furious this month. I hope that there has been information that has made you think. I hope some has made you take a closer look at how you handle certain situations. But most of all I hope you 'do'.
Quality is what matters. You cannot 'do' without quality. If you are not doing your best, than you may as well not be doing anything. Seek those that hold quality as the highest standard and support them. Whether it is your grocer, Realtor, contractor, employee, or what ever else, quality is the only thing that matters. Reward quality with payment and loyalty, whether that is business, city, or community.
The businesses are organizing. The city council is focused and ready to move forward. MABA is getting ready for what looks like a great En Plein Aire weekend. Things look good on the surface. And by no means do I think I am responsible for all of these events. I may be confident, but I'm not egotistical.
Not all is well, each group needs your support or they will fail in the end. If you are already involved, good job. If you are too busy, okay, just make sure you really are too busy. If you have tried and stepped away, give it a second chance, or try something else. If you haven't done anything... don't complain if it withers and blows away.
My one strongest hope is that all of you are 'doing', and really analyzing what you are doing with the least bias possible. Listen to the concerns and address them, or they will only get worse. Hating what I have said and continuing to ignore it will get you no where.
There is an ugly cloud over the town, and a lot of misunderstanding. We're going to have to work together to get by it. If we don't, we have very little chance to survive as we are now.
Support your businesses, make a real effort or they will not be there much longer. Appreciate the work and vision being exhibited by the city officials, they are some of the best we've had. Work with MABA and support them how you can, they really have brought some great things to the town.
None of these groups are perfect. All have flaws and biases. Express your concerns, but make sure you aren't the one with the bias. Insider or outsider. We need to eliminate these terms, we are all Malvern.
This is the deciding point. We can grow from here, or fall back into irrelevance. Support, constructively critique, join, create, and most of all 'DO'!
Will this be the peak of our little towns history? Will we fall back to where we were or will we use this point as a launching pad? Will we continue to say, "That's their problem"? Will we work blindly toward an unknown goal, stumbling and failing? Or will we work together and move as one (but by different paths) to a common final destination? Will Malvern be a model for other communities, or will we lose our 'doers' and decay as in Atlas Shrugged? This point in time really is that important. What will we do and who will step up?
Who is John Galt?
I've posted fast and furious this month. I hope that there has been information that has made you think. I hope some has made you take a closer look at how you handle certain situations. But most of all I hope you 'do'.
Quality is what matters. You cannot 'do' without quality. If you are not doing your best, than you may as well not be doing anything. Seek those that hold quality as the highest standard and support them. Whether it is your grocer, Realtor, contractor, employee, or what ever else, quality is the only thing that matters. Reward quality with payment and loyalty, whether that is business, city, or community.
The businesses are organizing. The city council is focused and ready to move forward. MABA is getting ready for what looks like a great En Plein Aire weekend. Things look good on the surface. And by no means do I think I am responsible for all of these events. I may be confident, but I'm not egotistical.
Not all is well, each group needs your support or they will fail in the end. If you are already involved, good job. If you are too busy, okay, just make sure you really are too busy. If you have tried and stepped away, give it a second chance, or try something else. If you haven't done anything... don't complain if it withers and blows away.
My one strongest hope is that all of you are 'doing', and really analyzing what you are doing with the least bias possible. Listen to the concerns and address them, or they will only get worse. Hating what I have said and continuing to ignore it will get you no where.
There is an ugly cloud over the town, and a lot of misunderstanding. We're going to have to work together to get by it. If we don't, we have very little chance to survive as we are now.
Support your businesses, make a real effort or they will not be there much longer. Appreciate the work and vision being exhibited by the city officials, they are some of the best we've had. Work with MABA and support them how you can, they really have brought some great things to the town.
None of these groups are perfect. All have flaws and biases. Express your concerns, but make sure you aren't the one with the bias. Insider or outsider. We need to eliminate these terms, we are all Malvern.
This is the deciding point. We can grow from here, or fall back into irrelevance. Support, constructively critique, join, create, and most of all 'DO'!
Will this be the peak of our little towns history? Will we fall back to where we were or will we use this point as a launching pad? Will we continue to say, "That's their problem"? Will we work blindly toward an unknown goal, stumbling and failing? Or will we work together and move as one (but by different paths) to a common final destination? Will Malvern be a model for other communities, or will we lose our 'doers' and decay as in Atlas Shrugged? This point in time really is that important. What will we do and who will step up?
Who is John Galt?
Monday, September 20, 2010
Anonymity...
I've had multiple people call out the anonymity of this blog.
I completely agree that hiding behind a character is cowardly in many cases. I'll even admit I started this without my identity because I wanted to avoid conflict.
The unique situation that has arisen is that for some reason a voice with mystery has been heard exponentially more than my own voice. It's an odd occurrence. I'd love to see a study on why that is.
That anonymity will be short lived, or at least Reason won't be around much longer. The character is making people think and that was it's goal. I may start my own blog without the anonymity, but quite honestly I don't really like blogs. Yeah, I know it's kinda weird. Very few people have good things to say for a long period of time. (Law of Diminishing Returns as Mr. Dixon stated) Seth's Blog would be one of the few I would point anyone to, especially a business owner.
Mr. Dixon's comment on my last post made me think a lot about the post. Here's the deal. I am NOT anti MABA. I think they have done great things in the community. The reason I have picked to use them as reference points is that there is a public perception problem.
People in the inner circle have not excluded anyone intentionally. They have given the option to all to speak. The problem is that speaking to people that have already made a decision is like hitting your head against a wall. It hurts and it doesn't accomplish a damn thing.
People on the outside of the circle need to be heard. They need to be able to contribute and be given the opportunity to lead also. But I do know that some are hyper-sensitive to the 'inner circle'. Some have a chip on their shoulder. (Not all, but it is true.)
I'm calling out both. Not because I'm above both because I'm anonymous, but because I've been on both sides. I've been in the brainstorming impromptu meetings where the real decisions are made. I've also been the one speaking and being ignored. It's easy to feel you are right in either situation.
What I'm asking for is both groups to stop and look at the situation with as little bias as possible. Both sides claims have merit and flaws. It's time to admit it and try to work together more efficiently.
Disagreement is expected and a good thing in many cases. Being stubborn and close-minded is where the disagreement turns to fault.
I completely agree that hiding behind a character is cowardly in many cases. I'll even admit I started this without my identity because I wanted to avoid conflict.
The unique situation that has arisen is that for some reason a voice with mystery has been heard exponentially more than my own voice. It's an odd occurrence. I'd love to see a study on why that is.
That anonymity will be short lived, or at least Reason won't be around much longer. The character is making people think and that was it's goal. I may start my own blog without the anonymity, but quite honestly I don't really like blogs. Yeah, I know it's kinda weird. Very few people have good things to say for a long period of time. (Law of Diminishing Returns as Mr. Dixon stated) Seth's Blog would be one of the few I would point anyone to, especially a business owner.
Mr. Dixon's comment on my last post made me think a lot about the post. Here's the deal. I am NOT anti MABA. I think they have done great things in the community. The reason I have picked to use them as reference points is that there is a public perception problem.
The fault lays on both sides.
People in the inner circle have not excluded anyone intentionally. They have given the option to all to speak. The problem is that speaking to people that have already made a decision is like hitting your head against a wall. It hurts and it doesn't accomplish a damn thing.
People on the outside of the circle need to be heard. They need to be able to contribute and be given the opportunity to lead also. But I do know that some are hyper-sensitive to the 'inner circle'. Some have a chip on their shoulder. (Not all, but it is true.)
I'm calling out both. Not because I'm above both because I'm anonymous, but because I've been on both sides. I've been in the brainstorming impromptu meetings where the real decisions are made. I've also been the one speaking and being ignored. It's easy to feel you are right in either situation.
What I'm asking for is both groups to stop and look at the situation with as little bias as possible. Both sides claims have merit and flaws. It's time to admit it and try to work together more efficiently.
Disagreement is expected and a good thing in many cases. Being stubborn and close-minded is where the disagreement turns to fault.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
New voices, resoultions, and handicaps...
This is the problem. Take a look and really think about it.
There has always been an us versus them mentality in town. It's a common thing in many smaller towns. It is very easy to dismiss it as 'their' problem. Which of them are you?
I'm not sure how to even start this topic. I was born and raised here, but I easily understand the feeling of being on the outside. I think I have a unique perspective because of this. I'm not of the handful of family names that makes up the 'pillar' of this community. I'm not an outsider in the literal sense of the word. I've worked with, gone to school with, grown up with, and got along with the 'few' all of my life, but I've struggled with the same feeling of exclusion and 'decision already made' issues.
I've been on the inside looking out. It feels like you are open to all. It feels like you are listening. In the moment you think you're doing the right thing.
I've been on the outside looking in. Suggesting things that really make sense, but being passed over like you were a dog that was yapping nonsense. I've not been invited to the discussions that make you feel like you're being ruled over by a small group of privileged individuals with the right name or contacts.
This is a tricky thing. I'm going to use MABA as the example because they are the main organization as of right now. Most of these critiques and the general time line can be applied to other organizations and in other towns. So please try and keep defensive reactions to specific examples to a minimum. I know it's hard.
The Malvern Betterment Forum was started. This was started by a handful of people. It was open to all. Everyone had an equal voice. Some felt that this group should be a community group, some felt it should be business oriented, others felt different ways. A majority jumped from that group to take over MABA. I was one that largely cut my ties at this point.
MABA became a 'doer' of the community. But somehow it became the 'few' that ran the group. The 'few' took control and drove it the direction that they felt was best. (And they have accomplished a few great things) The 'few' took leadership positions. And somewhere along the line, largely all the 'outsiders' stepped away. Now it is the 'few' deciding what is best for all.
Now one of the best 'doers' was not one of the original 'few'. How does an outsider become leader of the 'few', and now led by another 'outsider'? The 'few' point to this and say "they aren't one of the 'few', see we accept all!" Is this a good point, or is this the exception, not the norm? I think we can tell which, but it does punch holes in the 'outsider' issue to some degree, but it isn't what usually happens. There will always be personal bias from both sides, that's just human nature.
The point is that many people don't feel welcome. Many people feel ignored, or at best tolerated, at these meetings. I've felt that way, and I was one of the original members of the forum. I don't attend any longer because of these very issues. I know many others that will agree.
MABA can throw up their arms and cry "We don't do that" or "That's their problem". You can deny the issue, but that doesn't make anything better. I'm identifying problems, your choice is what to do with it.
Now to be fair, I can tell you from years of experience that it is never solely one person's or group's problem. There are issues from both sides. I'm not taking the 'outsider' view alone. For example, MABA does put announcements in the paper about meetings. MABA doesn't literally exclude anyone. Some 'Outsiders' are extra sensitive to these problems. Some 'Outsiders' may not even show up because of past experiences. This is not a one sided issue, but we need to acknowledge both side's issues and why they exist.
This should be three different posts, but I'm trying to get it out in one. Thank you to the author of the blog posted above. Hopefully this will be another voice for all of us to listen to and gain some insight. The issues addressed in the post need to be addressed. These issues need to be resolved. I'm not sure how to do that. The only thing I know is that we need to acknowledge and get past them. Not ignore or pretend they're not there, not throw the blame one way.
I do know that it's time to move forward as a whole and check the egos and hurt feelings at the door. SOON! It's time to suck it up and take some critique. It's time to try again if you've been excluded, and it's time to admit that there is a difference between the 'few' and the 'outsiders'. There is an inner circle, and there are people on the outside looking in.
I suggest everyone goes to the City Wide Initiative meeting. We all need to be heard, and if you don't think you're being hear, yell louder. I'll be there. Heck, I may even give some drama and stand up and declare who I am? Not like most of you couldn't already guess. Especially after this post.
A wise voice and 'doer' that this town has lost, recently said to me that the belief that there is a handicap is the biggest handicap for this town. This town is what we make it. There will be issues. There will be hurt feelings. It's time to get over it and work together... or we will all be going down together sooner than later.
Progress or Decay? It really is up to you...
"Buy local!"
"DO!"
"Take action!"
You've heard a lot of this. I'm not sure people in town really understand the importance. The economy sucks and everyone knows it. I'm not sure everyone realizes how lucky Malvern has been to have the growth and momentum they have enjoyed recently. THE MOMENTUM IS ABOUT OUT!
I can't emphasize this enough. If you enjoy being able to grab a gift, groceries, meal, hair cut, or whatever product or service you get on occasion in town, you need to do it more. Or it will be gone.
Businesses don't want your pity. Handouts are not necessary. No one is asking for the last $5 in your bank account. Plain and simple, we all need to buy what we can in town. These aren't non-profit organizations. These are people that have put their own livelihood and money into a business. To serve you. If you want them to stick around, you'd better do something about it.
And if you don't think 'you' is you? Take a second look at what is offered in town. Did you get your hair cut at Side Street last time or did you stop at the mall? Did you stop at Hy-Vee for that steak or did you stop at Mulhollands? Quick drive thru at McDonald's, or at C&M's? Family dinner at Applebee's or at the Cafe? Re-subscribe to a magazine you look at once, or grab a Malvern Leader? Grab a drink after work at Old Chicago or meet someone at Excuses?
If you want these options to remain, you really do need to think about that. Think about the amount of local people that work at these locations. Think about the taxes they generate that pay for your street to get fixed.
Think about the reaction 10 years ago when you said you were from Malvern. Really think. Chances are it was one of two possibilities. 1 - Where? 2 - Oh... that's a quiet little town. Haven't been there since the Fourth of July... about 15 years ago.
Now think about what the reaction is now.
If you want to keep these things you MUST do what you can. If you want to keep empty and dangerous building off of Main Street, you must spend. Not everything you have. What you can. I haven't seen many Prius cruising around town at 70 mpg. You'll probably save the money of a slightly higher cost on gas alone. Let alone what you're contributing to the local economy.
Now or never people. Do you want progress or decay. It's that simple.
"DO!"
"Take action!"
You've heard a lot of this. I'm not sure people in town really understand the importance. The economy sucks and everyone knows it. I'm not sure everyone realizes how lucky Malvern has been to have the growth and momentum they have enjoyed recently. THE MOMENTUM IS ABOUT OUT!
I can't emphasize this enough. If you enjoy being able to grab a gift, groceries, meal, hair cut, or whatever product or service you get on occasion in town, you need to do it more. Or it will be gone.
Businesses don't want your pity. Handouts are not necessary. No one is asking for the last $5 in your bank account. Plain and simple, we all need to buy what we can in town. These aren't non-profit organizations. These are people that have put their own livelihood and money into a business. To serve you. If you want them to stick around, you'd better do something about it.
And if you don't think 'you' is you? Take a second look at what is offered in town. Did you get your hair cut at Side Street last time or did you stop at the mall? Did you stop at Hy-Vee for that steak or did you stop at Mulhollands? Quick drive thru at McDonald's, or at C&M's? Family dinner at Applebee's or at the Cafe? Re-subscribe to a magazine you look at once, or grab a Malvern Leader? Grab a drink after work at Old Chicago or meet someone at Excuses?
If you want these options to remain, you really do need to think about that. Think about the amount of local people that work at these locations. Think about the taxes they generate that pay for your street to get fixed.
Think about the reaction 10 years ago when you said you were from Malvern. Really think. Chances are it was one of two possibilities. 1 - Where? 2 - Oh... that's a quiet little town. Haven't been there since the Fourth of July... about 15 years ago.
Now think about what the reaction is now.
If you want to keep these things you MUST do what you can. If you want to keep empty and dangerous building off of Main Street, you must spend. Not everything you have. What you can. I haven't seen many Prius cruising around town at 70 mpg. You'll probably save the money of a slightly higher cost on gas alone. Let alone what you're contributing to the local economy.
Now or never people. Do you want progress or decay. It's that simple.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
3/50
Everyone knows that spending local is good.
Exactly why?
For every $100 spent in locally owned independent stores, $68 dollars returns to the local community through taxes, payroll, and other expenditures. If you spend that in a national chain, only $43 stays here. Spend it online and NOTHING COMES HOME.*
The exacts of the numbers you can look up. I would bet that it's even more of a disparity for towns like ours that don't really have 'national chains'. You pretty much have to go somewhere else when you don't by locally, which pretty much blows the whole "spend local" point.
Online shopping is convenient, we don't have all the services and amenities one person needs... but if you make an effort to buy at least certain groceries, meals, drinks, gifts, hair cuts, auto service, and other available things and services here it is helping yourself. If you want the streets fixed or projects done, you MUST spend what you can here.
*http://www.the350project.net/home.html
Exactly why?
For every $100 spent in locally owned independent stores, $68 dollars returns to the local community through taxes, payroll, and other expenditures. If you spend that in a national chain, only $43 stays here. Spend it online and NOTHING COMES HOME.*
The exacts of the numbers you can look up. I would bet that it's even more of a disparity for towns like ours that don't really have 'national chains'. You pretty much have to go somewhere else when you don't by locally, which pretty much blows the whole "spend local" point.
Online shopping is convenient, we don't have all the services and amenities one person needs... but if you make an effort to buy at least certain groceries, meals, drinks, gifts, hair cuts, auto service, and other available things and services here it is helping yourself. If you want the streets fixed or projects done, you MUST spend what you can here.
*http://www.the350project.net/home.html
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