I've allowed myself to rant and ramble a bit to give some background and point-of-view on Reason. Now that I've got some interest (my other blog never had a single follower, I'm flattered by the way) it's time to hopefully turn some talk into action.
There are a decent amount of people in this town of ours that are 'doing'. Unfortunately, as is the case in so many towns, its a small core group that needs help. I'm going to break this down into three sections and put some thoughts out there. You can agree, disagree, or complain. Your choice.
1 - City Government - While it is incredibly easy to complain about how those people don't do anything, play politics, or whatever else you want to say, this groups seems to be growing and seeing opportunities more than others in recent memory. No offense to those that have served in the past few years. The situation is different now. For instance one past member is doing more than any political figure could in drawing money into the community, others are involved with businesses and volunteer organizations all over town. Thank you.
This group seems to be seeing the new opportunities and is wanting to 'do' something. If you want to see what I mean, check out: Vision
No one is going to agree with everything that one council member says, but if you see something you like, get involved. If you don't like any of the thoughts, run for office or stay on your couch quietly.
I like the thoughts. Mr. Powles and I have similar thoughts, even if we would butt heads on social points-of-view, but that is welcome and expected. Let me also say that others on the board are active and contributing. Mr. Powles is just the first, that I know of, that put it in writing for all to see and said "here, take a look".
Here's a thought: Create a council blog or forum. Get your thoughts out there. Tell the people why you can or can't do this or that. Take away the guess work and rumor of those people. If the town can't afford to fix a street, explain it. If the town can't find anyone to enforce the code violations that they're complaining about, explain that. Give them the opportunity to see what your thought process is, instead of them second guessing you with no fact. Just a thought.
2 - Community Minded - The first thing that comes into mind is MABA. First of all let me say thank you to this group. They have spearheaded many projects, activities and potential future benefits for this town. Maui in Malvern, Festival of Trees, En Plein Air, Trace clean up, work at Boehner Pond, and many other things, including a possible future Foundation. I applaud the leadership and the people involved with this organization. They have 'done', whether you agree with exactly what or how, you have to admit that.
I know there is a bit of contention between MABA and some businesses. This is to be expected, for any two entities that need to work together. MABA has done great things to bring people into town, but how many of those people put money into the community and how much goes straight to MABA itself? It's an argument that I can see both sides. Businesses promote and push these events as well. Do the businesses bring money to MABA or does MABA bring money to the businesses? Plain and simple, it's both.
To MABA: Don't get too high on your soap box. You've done some great things, but the business owners are doing their thing that helps the community also. Don't think you're above anyone else in town. Don't take actions that aren't yours to take. IE) Street Dance set up time. Whether it was the Park Board or MABA's responsibility, no one seems to know for sure. You have the same rules as anyone else. Reach out, don't push. You'll cut your own throat very quickly. The haunted house is amazing. Plain and simple. But how does a bunch of kids that don't spend any money outside of soft drinks really benefit the community? Or is it's sole goal to grow the coffers of MABA? If it is, fine. Some peole don't understand where that money is going and how it's going to help the community. I don't either, maybe that's the problem? Or just maybe the peole with the problems need to go to the meetings so they know where the money is going?
To Businesses: Don't look a gift horse in the mouth. This group is bringing people into town. Whether they spend money at your establishment that day or not, it gets peole in town and they remember for future trips and opportunities to spend their money. Just like the Trace. Work with, not against an organization like this. There is benefit for everyone. But remember, you're doing more for the town by carrying on your daily activities than just about anyone else. Community, remember that those business don't have to stay, and won't survive without your support. *And no, I didn't write the article in the Leader.
And also, of course thank you to the other organizations that have contributed to this town. Baer Bashers, church groups, 4-H, Lyons, etc... No I didn't name all of you, this is just a quick list off the top of my head. Thank you. To all of you that have 'done', whether you are a business owner or involved in a group, thank you for 'DOING'. Find a way to 'do'. Those that complain and don't 'do'... join, create, or get over it.
Businesses: It's time for organization. The Mills County Chamber is now admitting the fact that they are the Glenwood Chamber. Check out the web page if you think I'm being overly dramatic. It clearly states Glenwood Chamber. Should the businesses be an offical Chamber? Some sort of advertising co-op? A loose association of the Cafe, Mulhollands, Joyfully Yours, Pondibilities, C&M's, and whoever else wants to be involved? Do all of those individuals want to be involved?
How do the businesses bring in new businesses without a Chamber? This is the number one question. I saw a for rent sign on Starr Traders today. Has Mrs. Starr spoken to anyone about this? Who would she talk to, the Glenwood Chamber? Why would they even care, its not Glenwood. Should Malvern businesses reach out to the Glenwood Chamber, reach to other towns and create a East Mills Chamber, or create their own entity?
These are the questions that the businesses need to get together and decide, before any more momentum is lost. I'd suggest an official meeting. Figure out what they need to do, and work towards that goal. Not everyone is going to see things the same way. Restaurants want this, specialty stores want that, other establishments will want something else entirely. Find out if there is a common ground for everyone or there are enough like minded people and move from there. It's going to be tough and feelings will be hurt. It is time to get over it and make a plan.
Everyone: All of us have to be heading to the same final goal. There will be different routes by different groups, but the end goal needs to be the same. "Betterment of our Community"... Sorry, too vague.
I'm talking 5, 10, 20 year plans. Mr. Powles and I agree on that one. Destination town? Great place to live? Things to do? Great... HOW and what is the PLAN? It needs to be solid and concrete, at least as much as possible. Without ideas, goals, and implementation, there may as well not be any plan at all.
We sit on the verge of doing something special with this town and making sure we don't go into another downward spiral. All I know is that if we don't get organized, we're doomed for the spiral.
These are my thoughts and suggestions. I expect to have arguments and disagreements, but hopefully the overall intent of getting people to 'do' is accomplished. I hope I have at least inspired some action.
"The most depraved type of human being...(is) the man without a purpose." - Ayn Rand, Atlas Shrugged
Just a claification. The Mills County Fair Board had permission to have a street dance long before the Farmers Market was arranged. Maba really had nothing to do with the truck pulling up and the street blocked.
ReplyDeleteAny money that MABA makes in reinvested in the community. No one benefits from it othere than Malvern, and the people that either come to an activity that has been planned and excecuted by volunteers. How does anyone know about the activities? Advertising, do you know how expensive that is? That is where some of the money MABA brings in goes. As well as supplies, decorations, projects, Bike Racks, Festivals... Like you said, MABA would love to have to move to a larger meeting room so everyone could be accomodated. Anything that brings a positive mention of Malvern, even if not bringing in money at that point, is great for Malvern. It will give people a reson to come for a visit! Volunteering is the answer to our small town's problems.
A lot of issues that come about are the result of misinformation or rumor. The Street Dance was set up prior to the agreed upon permit time. Whoever did that, Board, MABA, or other, was stepping outside of their permit. Therefor following rules was my point. The RULE said x time to x time. Someone started setting up too soon. I don't believe their was a slight intended, but as far as misinformation and rumor goes it could easily be construed as "We'll do what we'll do because we're MABA/Board/Whoever" Not what I feel, but if you've been at the center of the rumor mill you understand how far out of whack those can be.
ReplyDeleteI'm not chiding MABA, I'm saying be careful that you don't step outside your place and make enemies where there shouldn't be any. There were words, confusion, apologizes, and than things were fine. Just a word of caution.
Trust me, I know how expensive advertising and just plain overhead is. I'm in agreement that MABA has brought in people and contributed to the town. That's why I made my final comment about going to the meetings if there is any concern.
Thanks for the comment.