Today is the first day of a brand new year and brings us new promise.
I’ve never really been a fan of retrospective stories that recount what happened over the last 365 days. I’m not looking back … way too scary. I think everyone can agree that 2016 was a year both inside the borders of East Ridge and outside those lines that made us cringe.
I’m by nature an optimist. However, the older I get the more my optimistic nature is challenged. Nevertheless, here’s to a better year than the one we just experienced.
Here’s what I’m hoping for in the next 12 months.
I’d like to see our city fathers come together and show some leadership. I know they can do it. Mayor Brent Lambert is a bright young man who is capable of leading this city forward. He’s got it in him, he’s just got to dig deep. I don’t understand the “back to the future” mentality of wanting to “reconnect in some way” with the law firm that brought us the Border Region Act. But, he must have his reasons and I pray that those reasons are in the best interests of the city.
Lambert gets a bum wrap from a lot of people in East Ridge. I wish that many of his critics could sit down with him and have a conversation. The city has a lot going on and his enthusiastic vision for this city can be contagious. I wish him well in moving this city forward … for all of the residents, not just a few.
I’m hopeful for Esther Helton and Brian Williams, our newly-minted city councilpersons … if you don’t mind the PC reference.
In a seven-person race, Helton blew the field away. She’s a popular person in East Ridge and why not? She’s optimistic, attractive and upbeat with a can-do attitude about economic development and reshaping the city’s image. I think she can be an effective representative of her Pioneer constituency. I know she listens to what people have to say. I urge her to be all ears during the next four years and return a feeling to all those who voted for her (and those who did not) that their voices count when decisions are made by the City Council.
By all accounts, Williams has a lot to offer the city as well. He’s got a successful career in IT for a big company and travels far and wide in his job. That’s somewhat of a departure from the people elected to the council in the past. I like the guy. He and his bride Shelley live about a driver and a five-iron away from my house. In his campaign he pledged to give his city salary to help support recreational sports in Camp Jordan and our four-legged friends at the animal shelter. That’s a little different and I like it.
It’s been brought up that Williams and Vice Mayor Larry Sewell are kin by marriage. Don’t be so quick to judge Williams on his ne’er do well relations. (That’s a joke Larry!). I’m not all that concerned. I believe Brian can think for himself. If he doesn’t, it will become apparent very quickly.
Some believe these three along with Sewell will form a voting block on the council. OK. Vote away you big ol’ block. Make your votes count for East Ridge and its 20,000 residents.
Councilman Jacky Cagle … Can you hear me? Keep on being your own man. You’ve been a pleasant surprise in your first two years, you ol’ retired city employee. You’ve done good asking all the critical questions about the numbers and the different versions of resolutions and ordinances. Details matter. It’s clear you are a detail guy.
Undoubtedly, City Manager Scott Miller can be an enormous asset for our city moving forward into 2017. Miller has been in the city managing business longer than the mayor has been alive. He’s done it all. I wish every resident in East Ridge could sit down with the man for an hour and just listen to the vast wealth of experience the man brings to City Hall.
Now, I want him to use it. I know the Charter says his duties are to implement the policy made by City Council. I’m not asking you to make the policy, simply share the missteps you’ve seen other cities blunder through as a warning to our leadership. Whisper in their ears about how successful some of the urban renewal projects your fingerprints are on in Levinworth, Kansas have been and how its leaders were able to accomplish them.
And for God’s sake, don’t go firing Miller when he tells you something you don’t want to hear, Councilpersons! Chew on the information he may offer. Digest it. Let it settle, then use your own judgement about how it might help East Ridge.
Hey, Wood Brothers and Mister Healy, Happy New Year. Three young guys with ambitions to move the world. You can do it! Thank you from the bottom of my heart – and I know I speak for my neighbors – for bringing Bass Pro Shops to East Ridge. Now, build out Jordan Crossing. I know you’ve had hurdles and you’ve cleared ’em all. You guys are clearly two or three lengths ahead after the first turn of this steeplechase.
Keep your eyes on the finish line. What’s good for Exit 1 LLC is good for the City of East Ridge, right? I’m serious. Just remember your promise when this all started … bringing the best development to East Ridge that’s possible.
Stump Martin, my old friend. You are a real piece of work. You and Roy Exum might be the two most unique people I’ve ever met or will ever meet in my life. I’m happy to call you both “friend.”
I don’t know all the ins and outs of the Parks and Recreation business, but you are pushing that rock up a hill like nobody’s business. I listened closely at the meeting you had about the future of the park with all the stakeholders at the Community Center. God love you, brother. I don’t know who is more excited about what’s possible on that end of town, you or the Wood brothers.
I wish you and all those you’ve gathered around you the best in this quest to make Camp Jordan that Shining Regional Sports Complex that every man, woman and child in East Ridge can point to with pride. You can do it.
To all the cops and firefighters, I wish you Godspeed. I am not alone when I say we, the citizens of East Ridge, owe you a great debt of gratitude in keeping us safe in our homes.
Finally, to all my neighbors, all 20,000 of you Pioneers, peace in the coming year. Now, let’s do this!
