State of the City Address Next Tuesday
Decatur Metro | January 21, 2009The city’s Decatur Minute blog has made it easy for me (and anyone else) to get out the word about Mayor Floyd’s State of the City address next Tuesday at 6pm by creating an informative graphic that gives us all the essentials!
All are invited!
What issues do you think will be addressed? What issues do you think should be addressed?
I’m going to go out on a limb and say annexation will AT LEAST be referenced. Also, I think this might be when the city begins the dialogue about revising our Strategic Plan for next year. But that’s just my uninformed guess.
Can someone ask him why in the name of God the City is closing Glenlake Park for a year to renovate a perfectly nice and adequate park?
Thanks for getting the info out Nick. BTW Lampe-Farley communications designed the graphic.
Crime, crime, crime, and more crime.
Dem, they got a grant to do a stream restoration at Glenlake Park, i.e. turning a concrete stream back to its original configuration. I saw a presentation and it will be very, very nice.
By the way, Dem, the meeting is open to the public. The Commission and the Mayor are very open and always willing to talk. Maybe the “someone” asking questions should be you.
No prob Cheryl.
Dem…the way you wrote that comment, I keep reading “God the City”.
I don’t believe that Glenlake has seen substantial updates in 40 years.
However, it does present the folks at Lampe-Farley with a new contender for city tagline — Decatur: We’re Adequate!
Kidding. Agree on the crime focus, though. Quality of life be key.
DM–except for the brand spanking new playground? Wasn’t that just a couple years ago?
Oakhurst,
The park is very nice now. Renovating it is a complete waste of money at a time when the federal, state, and local governments are all essentially broke. And thanks for the tip about the meeting being open, but there are things in life called scheduling conflicts, and I happen to have one that day.
dem, the park renovation is being paid for by bond money and was planned well in advance. As for commenting, remember that the City Commission meets every 1st and 3rd Monday and anyone can come and speak on any subject.
Whatever, Dem.
Also, the monies approved in the bond referendum cannot, by law, by moved to other projects/needs under any circumstances. Just thought I would mention that before we got into the “money should be spent elsewhere” discussion.
Vote Cranky!
Also, before we devolve into a reckless commission discussion (not saying we would, but it happens from time to time), I’d add that the list of projects covered by the bond came out of the Comprehensive Plan, the Downtown Streetscapes Master Plan, the Strategic Plan, the Capital Needs Task Force Report, the Athletic Facilities Master Plan, the Preservation Corridor Master Plan, the Cemetery Master Plan and the Community Transportation Plan.
Each of these had their own public process where citizens participated, so I don’t think there’s any arbitrary “commissioner pork” in there, so to speak. It be the will o’ the people. It’s just unfortunate timing that the economy’s tanking right as we get underway (though this may lead to more competitive bids, which is nice).
Great points Scott.
I agree, good points, Scott.
I just love it when all of this public input has occurred, and then someone who hasn’t been paying attention for the past 3 years only speaks up when they see a sign or a shovel, and then protests what’s happening. If someone had concerns they should have decided to be part of the process and maybe once in a while cleared any “scheduling conflicts” they might have had. Democracy is a two way street, and those who only armchair quarterback usually don’t end up having much influence.
Thanks, Oakhurst, especially since Decatur is the most open, responsive, local government I’ve ever seen, with plenty of opportunity for citizen input and service.
Careful Oakhurst…Try not to take out frustrations with little snipes.
DEM might not be able to make the meeting and he might be doing a bit of armchair quarterbacking (we all are), but I can attest that he HAS been paying attention. He’s been commenting on this site for as long as I can remember, and if you provide a reasoned response, minus scorn (which makes everyone defensive), he’s likely to provide a levelheaded response.
That said, I can’t believe DEM fell into the “local gov’ts have no money – yeah, but its an unalterable bond project” hole!
Wow this blog is very “clicky”!
CSD mom is right, the play ground is very new as well as the dog park. I’m all for the restoration of the stream, but unsure about the rest of the work being done. I have enjoyed that park for 7 years and never thought I wish this was better.
Oakhurst-How is the tennis area and pool area being paid for by the steam grant?
Thanks, DM, but please let Oakhurst let out all the frustration as needed, though I am mystified that my little post engenders so much of it. I simply had no idea that a single rhetorical question would, at least in the minds of some, make this thread about me — a subject about which I am sure most of your readers are utterly uninterested, as they should be.
For the record, I openly admit that I did not know about the park renovation until very recently. Sometimes things escape my attention.
Cass,
The stream grant is one thing, anything else (tennis courts, pool, etc) is being used with the bond money that over 75% of Decatur voters agreed to tax themselves for a couple of years ago in the election.
What are they going to do to the stream? The stream has some large rocks and a few old chunks of concrete that kind of look like rocks, but not that many of them. Are they going to just clean out that unnatural stuff? I’m familiar with the section by the playground but I’m having trouble visualizing the rest, so maybe there are some less natural sections? Just curious.
The water fountain doesn’t work very well. Could one of you please mention that. I don’t get out of my armchair often, but when I do, I can get thirsty.
Oakhurst, As you can see below, the bond vote results were pretty close. Only 17% of Decatur voters participated in the bond referendum. What is the “75% of Decatur voters…” are you referring to?
Bond Referendum Results Sept. 19, 2006
QUESTION YES NO
1. Transportation 1,051 826
2. Public Safety 1,142 743
3. Rec & Greenspace 1,252 627
4. Public Works 1,013 860
5. Schools 1,061 828
OK, Taxus, so the results were a little bit closer than I had remembered, but the one for Recreation & Greenspace got the most overwelming vote in favor (even above public safety and schools).
And, again, if 83% of the citizens out there decide not to participate, then they don’t have a right to complain after the fact.
Oh, G, the stream, as I understand it, is a channelled stream (the stream bed and banks were made into concrete years ago) and the plan is to turn it back to a natural stream.
Oakhurst, In checking the Constitution of the U.S., Amendment I (Bill of Rights), I see that they actually do have a right to complain after the fact.
Taxus, it’s your right, but the people (voters) have spoken. BTW, were you a 17% or an 83%? Your case is much stronger if you were in the 17%.
This is really silly. How is the case for or against the wisdom of a public project made stronger or weaker by whether the person arguing con voted for it, ir did not vote at all? Do you think that in organizing an Iraq war protest, for example, the organizers should bar anyone who either voted for Bush, or did not vote at all? Or that an author who writes an eloquent criticism of a government policy should be ignored because he/she did not vote?
I also wonder, were you equally offended by all the after-the-fact complaining about the will of the people of California re: Prop 8?
As a (very) long time Decatur resident and tax payer, I will say that quality of life projects are one of the things that keep this community viable. For contrast, look at communities that have not invested in their facilities.
Steve
It is also your right. It is everyone’s right. Do you own a copy of the Constitution of the U.S.? Have you read it? Do you know what it means?
The Constitution also gives us the right to vote, among other things. I’m simply saying that people should exercise that right also and if they don’t, in my mind they have less latitude to express themselves about the results. It’s their right, but their opinion holds a great deal less weight with me.
BTW, you have again deflected the question of whether or not you did vote on the question.
Steve
“The Constitution also gives us the right to vote, among other things.”
The Constitution never explicitly ensures the right to vote, as it does the right to speech, for example. The Constituion protects, not gives, the right to vote (15th Amendment for example). The qualifications for voters are left to the states.
I guess we can conclude from your statement that you neither own a copy, have read, nor understand the US Constitution. That in effect answers my questions.
I have already answered your questions in a previous thread.
The plans for the Glenlake Park renovations are available on the City’s website if folks want to see details. Go to http://www.decaturga.com and click on the “Extra” newspaper icon for the newsflash section. You’ll find a section on Bond Project updates that includes info on all of the ongoing bond projects. There were a series of meetings, website updates and an on-line survey during the public input process for the design of the Glenlake Park project in late 2007 and early 2008. Glenlake Park hasn’t had any major work done in decades. Community Block Grant funding allowed us to do repairs at McKoy Park and Oakhurst Park in the past but Glenlake Park has never been eligible for CDBG funds. Anyone who used the bathhouse or the tennis courts will agree that work was needed. Yes, the playground was upgraded a few years ago but the pavillion and other facilities needed help. The improvements include upgrading the playing fields, expanding the dog park, and adding walking trails in addition to the new bathhouse and streambank restoration. Improved pedestrian access into and through the park will make it easier and safer to walk and bicycle too. The bond funds allow us to complete much-needed infrastructure improvements on what is the most actively used park in the City.
Glenlake Park Master Plan
http://www.decaturga.com/cgs_citysvcs_ced_bondprojects_glenlake.aspx
Thanks Lyn and Dan. I should have provided a link earlier. I think we’ve kind of resolved the Glenlake issue…dem acknowledged that he wasn’t aware of the improvements until recently.
Now we seem to be talking about voting and the constitution for some reason. Thanks for providing the vote tallies taxus (I was pretty sure the vote was closer than 75/25), but I’m not sure the 17 percent turnout is anyones fault except those that didn’t get out and vote. Its not like a poll that doesn’t go to enough homes, is it?
“”Its not like a poll that doesn’t go to enough homes, is it?”"
DM I don’t understand the question. Dunno
I believe DM’s referring to the difference between a closed-population poll, where participants are contacted from a limited pool, and an open one where participants self-select whether or not to participate.
For the bond issue, anyone without a voice in the decision was because they chose not to have a voice. The 17% number is irrelevant because, whatever the number (high or low), it was the totality of people who wanted to be heard.
So, among those who had an opinion to share or a stake in the outcome, the bond passed. End of story.
Scott
The City Manager, et al, predicted 25% turnout for a singular September ballot because she felt that putting the Bond referendum on the November ballot would confuse the voters.
So we’re not talking about “high” turnout. We’re talking about “low” turnout and incidentally, something that other voters refer to as the “Stealth Bond.” While you may say smugly it is the end of the story, it is from what I am hearing from others, the beginning of the story – i.e. more involvement and vigilance at city hall.
Don’t misread me, Taxus. I agree completely that 17% is a very low number. My point is that, high or low, it’s still the totality of people that chose to participate. So, like it or not, it’s the number that matters.
In this admittedly limited forum, you usually come across to me as fairly conservative. In most cases that would indicates a desire to escape the nanny state or the “culture of victimhood” often adopted by liberals that implies some people can’t be responsible for themselves and their own decisions.
Now, here I am saying the opposite: Those who wanted to vote, did. Others chose not to. The pinnacle of self determination, yet you’re calling me smug. What’s up with that?
“”So, like it or not, it’s the number that matters”"
No it is not the numbers, but the design. Sept VS November. Splain me that.
Dang, Taxus. I’ve had you pegged all wrong. I guess the silent 83% were all duped. Victims of confusing schedules or tricky news announcements. Seriously, if the ballot’s not in November, can we really expect everyday rubes to understand such high falutin’ democracy?
You’re talking like a cartoon liberal. That’s the part I don’t get. If anything, you’re usually consistent when it comes to personal responsibility.
Gee Scott I guess cities never play that game do they. In fact any pol worth his salt relies on low turnout to get things done.
Oh thank you for what ever you give me Mr and Ms Gov Thank You!
Scott
Name-calling and sarcasm further dilutes your weak message. First time I’ve heard “cartoon liberal” – sounds like a Hannityism or Boortzism. It must be something really bad; someone who should be ridiculed and marginalized.
Single issue ballot. Non-traditional September voting schedule – this was intentional. Expectations of low voter turnout, exceeded. One may draw ones own conclusions and may be the wiser for it.
I really have to argue with the Taxus’ [edited: no personal attacks] interpretation of voting rights law in this country.
If the US Constitution leaves it to the states to decide voting standards (which after the 15th Amendment is an arguable proposition) why don’t we read what the Georgia Constitution says about voting rights:
Paragraph II. Right to register and vote. Every person who is a citizen of the United States and a resident of Georgia as defined by law, who is at least 18 years of age and not disenfranchised by this article, and who meets minimum residency requirements as provided by law shall be entitled to vote at any election by the people. The General Assembly shall provide by law for the registration of electors.
Paragraph III. Exceptions to right to register and vote. (a) No person who has been convicted of a felony involving moral turpitude may register, remain registered, or vote except upon completion of the sentence.
(b) No person who has been judicially determined to be mentally incompetent may register, remain registered, or vote unless the disability has been removed.
So, if the US Constitution leaves it to the states, isn’t your point mute since the Georgia Constitution provides the “right” to vote for anyone who is a citizen, at least 18 years old, has not been convicted of a felony or been adjudicated incompetent?
Therefore, it sounds like you, Taxus, have never read the Georgia Constitution, and instead sound like a [edited: no personal attacks] who just read some talking points on a right wing website.
Well…actually it is a MOOT point…
But I see it as my responsibility as a citizen to be aware and participate in the process, whether it occur in November or any other time. If anything, our city goes overboard with public input seemingly ad infinitum sometimes. I prefer that over the opposite. Ditto for notifications of votes. I mean, do we need someone calling us/knocking on our door saying: “don’t forget to vote” or “are you paying attention?”.
The referendum this thread refers to was so well publicized you would have had to have your head in a cave…or elsewhere…to not be aware.
The process works, even if one doesn’t like the outcome.
Scott is right. That’s what I meant. Though I’m still confused.
Why should I assume that the city knew a low turnout would favor them? In a city where 80% voted democrat in the last election, I would think the more residents that voted, the larger the support.
And again, I take issue with the assertion that the city is trying to actively misrepresent the will of the people. You’re welcome to think that, but I’ve yet to see ANY hard evidence showing it.
You all seem to forget that even if everyone in the larger sense is overwhelmingly of one political persuasion there will still be individual interests to consider. Unless of course you feel the politicians are selfless saints.
After you’re in office for awhile you tend to feel that what you want is the will of the people.
Gathering hard evidence about anything like that would require more time then anyone short of a full time investigator could apply to it. Going back through deeds, finding out who’s brother in-law actually owns the land that is being re-zoned or who owns the contractor that contributed heavily to a particular campaign that sort of thing.
Do I think all politicians are bad? No. But they are human and we need to remember that.
Blogs like this one are changing the way city govs run. I think the annexation issue is a perfect example of this. Without the hard work of the folks that went over the Rosser report with a fine tooth comb and pointed out it’s flaws I’m sure the process would have gone forward.
Which is why we need new candidates for both school board and city commission…… that are more qualified than me.
Why is the State of the City address at the DBA? Why not at City Hall?
Rhonda, anyone can run for office. No special qualifications are needed other than a desire to serve. The folks who hold the positions now are ordinary citizens like you and me.
Judd, the DBA is a facilitator for the event. And, City Hall wouldn’t hold all the folks who want to be there – there are typically at least a couple of hundred in attendance. Come on down to network and hear the Mayor !