URC and Grants in Downtown Franklinton
So, you may recall that there’s been a little bit of a ruckus about the Uptown Revitalization Committee and a potential grant program in downtown Franklinton. I can certainly understand some of the challenges therein. I understand the argument that we shouldn’t use public money for private benefit. However…I’d also argue that we’re doing just that all over the place – why can’t the Town of Franklinton? Private contractors build roads – public money used for a public project, but private enterprise benefits. That may seem like a stretch, but it’s real. I’ve always felt like there were times where we sometimes have to make a small investment to realize a much larger payback.
That’s where the URC grants program comes in. For some property owners, fully correcting the problems of a property they own on Main Street (or Mason Street) in the downtown business district may be a challenge they’re not able to tackle. On the other hand, it may also be a property that fifteen heirs own, and none of them can agree, but one is willing to take the lead and try to get the property sold or rented – but they need to do some minor repairs that nobody has the money for. That’s where I do believe the Town of Franklinton could step in, if in a minor role. If, for instance, an awning costs about $2,000, and that amount is not something the business or property owner can afford, but is a major step in securing an occupant for the building, then yes, I do believe that if the Town has a method of providing a grant for up to half of the amount, then we should. The façade grant program that the URC had planned would have provided up to six grants of $1,000 each, or four grants of $1,500 each, to downtown property owners in an effort to improve the façades of their buildings. This is in the continual effort to improve downtown Franklinton.
Contrary to some opinions, all of the business in Franklinton cannot locate on US 1. There is plenty of room for the ‘mom and pop’ shops to come downtown – and for the bigger box stores to head out to the highway. My hope is for both. Sometimes, we have to stimulate the improvement of buildings to make them attractive to those who are seeking to rent them but can’t fully renovate. However, once they have a patient tenant, they’ll be able to fully renovate over time. That’s the purpose of those façade grants.
As well, there’s been an idea bandied about of a downtown special overlay tax district, where the property tax for the downtown business district would be set at a certain amount, but would be frozen at that amount for a number of years. For instance, the current property tax rate in Franklinton is $0.68 per $100; an overlay might add $0.17 to that to bring it to $0.85, but that figure would not change, and the $0.17 would be directed into a fund specifically to attend to the issues and redevelopment of the downtown business district. Even if property taxes went up, the $0.17 would be redirected to the downtown fund. This tax rate could also have a sunset clause in it, as well. So…is this a great idea? It has its pros and cons. Pro – there’s now funds that benefit all of a specific community of property and business owners. Everyone benefits from upgrades to streets, new streetlights, better sidewalks, etc. Con – it’s more taxes, and everybody’s broke. Where do we draw the fine line? That’s the conversation at hand now.
The URC is still trying to figure out how to make things happen in downtown Franklinton. Wanna help? C'mon out on the second Thursday! We could use the help!
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Family
Family is a wonderful thing. I have a great one. We're a bag full of nuts. That's what I love about them. Every person I've ever brought to meet my family...they've always fallen in love with 'em. It's understandable. They're pretty great. By now, you're likely thinking I'm just talking about my mom and dad. (Lord knows I'm not just talking about my brother.) I have relatives stewn across Franklin County. They're all special, in their own way. And most of them are pretty doggone wonderful.
Unfortunately for Franklinton, and for my family, we lost one of our own this past Thursday morning. My grandmother's sister Jean, whom the world knows as Jean Pace, passed away after short battle with cancer. Some of you may know Jean from her time spent working as the bookkeeper at Franklinton High School. For the six years I was at FHS (from 7th - 12th grades...before the advent of Cedar Creek Middle School), Jean helped make sure nothing I did went unreported...because she saw my mom every day around 1:00 at First Citizens. And if something happened at school, my mom knew it.
Jean was a part of that village that helped raise me. During the summers, her family - my cousins Steve and his wife Kim and son Garrett, Randy (also known to us as Possum) and his wife Donna, son Mitchell and daughter Randi Lynn, Rusty and his wife Tina, son Blake and daughter Jenny, and Teresa and her husband Dan - lived across the path from us at our place on Kerr Lake. Summers were spent splashing in the water, and sitting around the table under the canopy or on the back porch. Jean loved the lake, and spent countless hours there. She is so inextricably tied to my memories of the lake, I truly don't know what it's going to be like to go up there next summer and find her not there.
As I mentioned, she was my grandmother's (my dad's mom) sister. I visited with my grandmother tonight, and she said to me so many times how much she loved Jean, and how close they were. They shared many wonderful times - some of which I'll be more than happy to tell you about, but I'd prefer to wait until my grandmother isn't within earshot, as she'd surely die of embarrasment. As my grandmother and Jean were close, so were my own mother and Jean. (Technically, Jean is my great aunt, but I never really paid much attention to that. She and my mom and dad were always so close, and she wasn't much older than my mom, and they spent a good deal of time together, also.) Jean's passing has hit my mom pretty hard, as well as my dad. I kind of expected that. What I didn't expect was how much it affected me. As my grandmother said tonight - I guess you don't realize how special people truly are until they're gone. Sitting at Ebeneezer Baptist Church today, it hit me.
It's odd how small things can affect us in such large ways. I saw my great uncle Willie wiping his eyes. Then I saw two of my own high school teachers standing on the side of the church, because there were so many folks there wasn't any room to sit. Hearing Edward Wheeler sing took me back to my other grandmother's funeral. And then, it began - I suppose it's what I hear Oprah Winfrey call the 'ugly cry.' I have a hole in my bottom lip from where I bit it so hard trying not to cry. But out it came. I realized how much life would change for so many folks. And I realized how much she would be missed.
It stinks that so many folks won't get to meet Jean. It stinks that Teresa, Rusty, Steve and Randy don't have their mom anymore. You will likely never meet four more wonderful people. Rufus and Jean just raised some damn fine people. They, in turn, have done the same. Because Blake, Garrett, Randi Lynn, Mitchell, and Jenny are all younger than me, I've had the privilege of watching them grow. They all have, or will as they grow, made their grandparents proud. It stinks that my grandmother and her sister can't sit and talk on the phone anymore, and can't sit and chatter around the table at the lake anymore. And it stinks that this stupid, horrible, vengeful diseases struck someone so wonderful. My heart simultaneously breaks and goes out to all of them, because I nor anyone else can truly understand what they've lost. For those of you who are people of faith, please keep them in your prayers.
For those of you who knew Jean, I hope you know as I do that she will live on in many truly wonderful memories, and thanks to Teresa, some great pictures. For those of you who didn't, I'm truly sorry. Stop me sometime. I'll be glad to tell you about her. So will the rest of us.
Unfortunately for Franklinton, and for my family, we lost one of our own this past Thursday morning. My grandmother's sister Jean, whom the world knows as Jean Pace, passed away after short battle with cancer. Some of you may know Jean from her time spent working as the bookkeeper at Franklinton High School. For the six years I was at FHS (from 7th - 12th grades...before the advent of Cedar Creek Middle School), Jean helped make sure nothing I did went unreported...because she saw my mom every day around 1:00 at First Citizens. And if something happened at school, my mom knew it.
Jean was a part of that village that helped raise me. During the summers, her family - my cousins Steve and his wife Kim and son Garrett, Randy (also known to us as Possum) and his wife Donna, son Mitchell and daughter Randi Lynn, Rusty and his wife Tina, son Blake and daughter Jenny, and Teresa and her husband Dan - lived across the path from us at our place on Kerr Lake. Summers were spent splashing in the water, and sitting around the table under the canopy or on the back porch. Jean loved the lake, and spent countless hours there. She is so inextricably tied to my memories of the lake, I truly don't know what it's going to be like to go up there next summer and find her not there.
As I mentioned, she was my grandmother's (my dad's mom) sister. I visited with my grandmother tonight, and she said to me so many times how much she loved Jean, and how close they were. They shared many wonderful times - some of which I'll be more than happy to tell you about, but I'd prefer to wait until my grandmother isn't within earshot, as she'd surely die of embarrasment. As my grandmother and Jean were close, so were my own mother and Jean. (Technically, Jean is my great aunt, but I never really paid much attention to that. She and my mom and dad were always so close, and she wasn't much older than my mom, and they spent a good deal of time together, also.) Jean's passing has hit my mom pretty hard, as well as my dad. I kind of expected that. What I didn't expect was how much it affected me. As my grandmother said tonight - I guess you don't realize how special people truly are until they're gone. Sitting at Ebeneezer Baptist Church today, it hit me.
It's odd how small things can affect us in such large ways. I saw my great uncle Willie wiping his eyes. Then I saw two of my own high school teachers standing on the side of the church, because there were so many folks there wasn't any room to sit. Hearing Edward Wheeler sing took me back to my other grandmother's funeral. And then, it began - I suppose it's what I hear Oprah Winfrey call the 'ugly cry.' I have a hole in my bottom lip from where I bit it so hard trying not to cry. But out it came. I realized how much life would change for so many folks. And I realized how much she would be missed.
It stinks that so many folks won't get to meet Jean. It stinks that Teresa, Rusty, Steve and Randy don't have their mom anymore. You will likely never meet four more wonderful people. Rufus and Jean just raised some damn fine people. They, in turn, have done the same. Because Blake, Garrett, Randi Lynn, Mitchell, and Jenny are all younger than me, I've had the privilege of watching them grow. They all have, or will as they grow, made their grandparents proud. It stinks that my grandmother and her sister can't sit and talk on the phone anymore, and can't sit and chatter around the table at the lake anymore. And it stinks that this stupid, horrible, vengeful diseases struck someone so wonderful. My heart simultaneously breaks and goes out to all of them, because I nor anyone else can truly understand what they've lost. For those of you who are people of faith, please keep them in your prayers.
For those of you who knew Jean, I hope you know as I do that she will live on in many truly wonderful memories, and thanks to Teresa, some great pictures. For those of you who didn't, I'm truly sorry. Stop me sometime. I'll be glad to tell you about her. So will the rest of us.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Sidewalks in Franklinton
What in the world would we need more sidewalks for? Because our citizens don’t deserve to have to walk in the street! Right now, if a child walks from Franklinton Elementary School to Franklinton High School, they either have to walk down Main Street (a DOT highway with speeds of 35-45 mph) to get to a sidewalk, or they have to walk down Hillsborough Street all the way to the high school before they see a sidewalk. Now that the school bond has passed and the current Franklinton High School facility will eventually become Franklinton Middle School, I believe more than ever that there must be safer routes for citizens to travel around the Town of Franklinton.
Until I ran for office, I truly had no idea how big Franklinton really is…and I’ve lived here most of my life! Because of this, I’d really like to see the town become more pedestrian friendly. Of course, that’s going to take some money. I’m not about to raise taxes to pave some sidewalks. We do have, however, a program in North Carolina called the Powell Bill. The Town receives funds from this Powell Bill from the State (from gas taxes). These funds can only be used for streets and sidewalks – paving, maintenance and improvements. This year, the Town received about $78,000 from the Powell Bill funds from the State. We also have some unspent Powell Bill money that’s part of the town’s Fund Balance – the town’s savings account. Over time, those funds could be used to expand sidewalks, a little at a time. A little adds up! What do you think?
Until I ran for office, I truly had no idea how big Franklinton really is…and I’ve lived here most of my life! Because of this, I’d really like to see the town become more pedestrian friendly. Of course, that’s going to take some money. I’m not about to raise taxes to pave some sidewalks. We do have, however, a program in North Carolina called the Powell Bill. The Town receives funds from this Powell Bill from the State (from gas taxes). These funds can only be used for streets and sidewalks – paving, maintenance and improvements. This year, the Town received about $78,000 from the Powell Bill funds from the State. We also have some unspent Powell Bill money that’s part of the town’s Fund Balance – the town’s savings account. Over time, those funds could be used to expand sidewalks, a little at a time. A little adds up! What do you think?
Gall and Nerve
You know somebody is bold when they steal from the Mayor. I am fired up right now! I just got home from my third night in a row of being at Town Hall until 9:00 or 10:00 at night. I went by my parents' house and my dad said, 'Did you know your chime was missing?' I asked him, 'Didn't you take my adirondak chairs?' Apparently, he didn't. I figured he'd taken them to power wash them. I was wrong.
Someone, between Friday morning of last week and Tuesday morning of this week, came to my house and took my two adirondak chairs and the wind chime my father made for me eight years ago. I have to tell you...I am stunned. What in the world would someone want with my two old adirondak chairs that have no value except to me? The wood isn't worth anything. The chimes were though - they were made of copper. Yet, they left both of my air conditioners! WHAT IN THE WORLD? I'm so frustrated...I don't understand what in the world someone would think of in doing this...if you need firewood that bad, call me - I'll GIVE it to you!
I have to say, though...our Town police came right away. I called and reported the theft and asked for an officer to come to check things out...and they were awesome. I have to tell you...I have some serious love for our police force. These folks work really hard for us...and they work hard for you, too. This is the first time I've ever had to call on them for issues at home - and I sure am glad I can. Keep up the good work.
And to whoever stole my chairs - I hope you get a splinter.
Someone, between Friday morning of last week and Tuesday morning of this week, came to my house and took my two adirondak chairs and the wind chime my father made for me eight years ago. I have to tell you...I am stunned. What in the world would someone want with my two old adirondak chairs that have no value except to me? The wood isn't worth anything. The chimes were though - they were made of copper. Yet, they left both of my air conditioners! WHAT IN THE WORLD? I'm so frustrated...I don't understand what in the world someone would think of in doing this...if you need firewood that bad, call me - I'll GIVE it to you!
I have to say, though...our Town police came right away. I called and reported the theft and asked for an officer to come to check things out...and they were awesome. I have to tell you...I have some serious love for our police force. These folks work really hard for us...and they work hard for you, too. This is the first time I've ever had to call on them for issues at home - and I sure am glad I can. Keep up the good work.
And to whoever stole my chairs - I hope you get a splinter.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Trash
I realize it's likely something very simple to think about...but trash really has me upset right now. In the Town of Franklinton, we don't handle our own trash pickup; we have it outsourced to Waste Industries, as part of a method by which to save the Town (and thus, our citizens) money. We choose to have backyard pickup in deference to our many senior citizens who can't laboriously pull their trash cans to the road due to their heft. This year, when creating the contract for WI, we had many conversations about this issue, and WI let us know in no uncertain terms that it would be much cheaper (about $4 a month cheaper) to do curbside pickup. While this may be the case...we feel strongly that we have to honor our senior citizens this way. Because of this, we were dealt a $2 increase in the cost of this service.
Now...the last time I checked, when I paid for a service, I expected it to be done. When you pay for someone to mow the grass, you expect it to be mowed. When you pay for someone to cook a meal at a restaurant, you expect it to be cooked to order. Right? Well, apparently this isn't the case when it comes to our sanitation contract. For the past month, every time I've come home on a Tuesday, I've found my green trash bin (owned by Waste Industries) sitting at the side of the road. Now, you tell me what is wrong with that picture. And it's not just my trash can, and it's not just on Second Street! It's ALL OVER TOWN. I'm sorry...the citizens of this town pay FAR TOO MUCH to have service not rendered! If you think I'm angry about it - you're right!
Our Town Manager, Larry Carver, has communicated this issue to Waste Industries on more than one occasion. My patience level has expired. Therefore, I need your help! If your trash container isn't placed back where you left it for the sanitation company to pick it up, please call Town Hall and let us know. Your informing us when there are problems will help us rectify those problems, and can drive how those services are provided in the future. However...please don't yell at us! It's not us doing it! But...it is going to be us fixing it. I simply will not stand for the citizens of this Town being underserved. It will not fly on our watch!
Now...the last time I checked, when I paid for a service, I expected it to be done. When you pay for someone to mow the grass, you expect it to be mowed. When you pay for someone to cook a meal at a restaurant, you expect it to be cooked to order. Right? Well, apparently this isn't the case when it comes to our sanitation contract. For the past month, every time I've come home on a Tuesday, I've found my green trash bin (owned by Waste Industries) sitting at the side of the road. Now, you tell me what is wrong with that picture. And it's not just my trash can, and it's not just on Second Street! It's ALL OVER TOWN. I'm sorry...the citizens of this town pay FAR TOO MUCH to have service not rendered! If you think I'm angry about it - you're right!
Our Town Manager, Larry Carver, has communicated this issue to Waste Industries on more than one occasion. My patience level has expired. Therefore, I need your help! If your trash container isn't placed back where you left it for the sanitation company to pick it up, please call Town Hall and let us know. Your informing us when there are problems will help us rectify those problems, and can drive how those services are provided in the future. However...please don't yell at us! It's not us doing it! But...it is going to be us fixing it. I simply will not stand for the citizens of this Town being underserved. It will not fly on our watch!
Frankenfest on Main
Frankenfest on Main
Imagine if you will a very tired individual. Now, multiply that by about 15. That’d describe how many of us collapsed on Saturday night of Frankenfest last fall! J We had a wonderful time. It was stressful, and there was some hairpulling…and a few tables got tossed in the street (literally), but a good time was (generally) had by all.
So what is Frankenfest? FOM (Frankenfest on Main) was initially conceived as an event that the URC would hold to bring folks into downtown Franklinton, so that businesses could stay open, and allow people an opportunity to ‘rediscover’ downtown. It morphed into a festival for all ages, which held something for (hopefully) everyone. At FOM 2007, we somehow managed to have a multitude of vendors and several county agencies who participated. As well, the Franklinton Woman’s Club also hosted a car show in the downtown area, which was slightly affect by the weather, but was a great attraction. Over 600 people attended that first year, and the event received rave reviews.
This year’s event began in the planning stages in January. (A FULL six months prior to when we started planning last year’s event!) We’ve gotten over 30 vendor commitments already, which is VERY exciting! We’ve had a couple of businesses advertise with us already, and though we’ve hit a brief lull, we’ll be kicking back into high gear with planning and organizing in late July. Interested in having a booth? Want to advertise? Check out www.frankenfestonmain.org. Mark the date – October 25, 2008. We look forward to seeing you!
Imagine if you will a very tired individual. Now, multiply that by about 15. That’d describe how many of us collapsed on Saturday night of Frankenfest last fall! J We had a wonderful time. It was stressful, and there was some hairpulling…and a few tables got tossed in the street (literally), but a good time was (generally) had by all.
So what is Frankenfest? FOM (Frankenfest on Main) was initially conceived as an event that the URC would hold to bring folks into downtown Franklinton, so that businesses could stay open, and allow people an opportunity to ‘rediscover’ downtown. It morphed into a festival for all ages, which held something for (hopefully) everyone. At FOM 2007, we somehow managed to have a multitude of vendors and several county agencies who participated. As well, the Franklinton Woman’s Club also hosted a car show in the downtown area, which was slightly affect by the weather, but was a great attraction. Over 600 people attended that first year, and the event received rave reviews.
This year’s event began in the planning stages in January. (A FULL six months prior to when we started planning last year’s event!) We’ve gotten over 30 vendor commitments already, which is VERY exciting! We’ve had a couple of businesses advertise with us already, and though we’ve hit a brief lull, we’ll be kicking back into high gear with planning and organizing in late July. Interested in having a booth? Want to advertise? Check out www.frankenfestonmain.org. Mark the date – October 25, 2008. We look forward to seeing you!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
I must be boring...
...because nobody ever comments anymore! I've got to move my website too, so that I can update it more frequently. It's been since MARCH! I promise to do better by it...after all, I'm paying a subscriber fee. (Smile.)
Alrighty, I'm off to get back to the paying job. If you get a chance, take a minute and call Town Hall to watch the monthly meetings. If there's one you want to see, let us know - we can play 'em all!
Have a great Wednesday!
Alrighty, I'm off to get back to the paying job. If you get a chance, take a minute and call Town Hall to watch the monthly meetings. If there's one you want to see, let us know - we can play 'em all!
Have a great Wednesday!
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Sorry It's Been So Long! Now...for the thought...how about a new park?
Every now and then, I have an idea that may actually be a good one. I think the creation of a park in the East College Street area is one of those ideas. There are two small plots of land on Church Street and Hawkins Street that have basically been donated to the Town of Franklinton. There are a couple of other lots in the vicinity that could be purchased, and when cobbled together, make one spectacular piece of property that could be used for a park. So, by now you’re wondering…what’s your vision for this? And why? Well…let me tell you.
First, the why. Franklin County Parks and Recreation receives a certain allotment from every subdivision built in the attendance area of every elementary school in Franklin County. Franklinton, due to the attendance of Franklinton Elementary, has such funds. Thus, when Commissioner McGhee-Young shared this information with me, I contacted Franklin County Parks and Recreation and spoke with (now former) Director Bob Yeatman. I spoke with Mr. Yeatman and shared with him my thought process. My understanding is FCP&R is in the process of developing a site plan and a cost workup to be taken before the FCP&R Board, who would ultimately approve the project. Of course, the Town would have to partner in this both fiscally and with regards to upkeep, but we both believed in our conversation that the Town’s fiscal partnership could be kept to a minimum.
Now, the vision. When I look at those pieces of property, I see the beautiful trees, I see the historical value, and I see picnic tables, some playground equipment, and a couple of grilling areas. I see a beautiful wrought iron fence along the street to prevent (or slightly derail) car accidents and to reduce proximity to the train tracks adjacent to the west side of the property. I see children playing, families walking to the park that is now in walking distance, and I see an opportunity for our Town to enjoy a new public space. Right now, it might be grass and trees. But I see a future there – and it’s bright.
First, the why. Franklin County Parks and Recreation receives a certain allotment from every subdivision built in the attendance area of every elementary school in Franklin County. Franklinton, due to the attendance of Franklinton Elementary, has such funds. Thus, when Commissioner McGhee-Young shared this information with me, I contacted Franklin County Parks and Recreation and spoke with (now former) Director Bob Yeatman. I spoke with Mr. Yeatman and shared with him my thought process. My understanding is FCP&R is in the process of developing a site plan and a cost workup to be taken before the FCP&R Board, who would ultimately approve the project. Of course, the Town would have to partner in this both fiscally and with regards to upkeep, but we both believed in our conversation that the Town’s fiscal partnership could be kept to a minimum.
Now, the vision. When I look at those pieces of property, I see the beautiful trees, I see the historical value, and I see picnic tables, some playground equipment, and a couple of grilling areas. I see a beautiful wrought iron fence along the street to prevent (or slightly derail) car accidents and to reduce proximity to the train tracks adjacent to the west side of the property. I see children playing, families walking to the park that is now in walking distance, and I see an opportunity for our Town to enjoy a new public space. Right now, it might be grass and trees. But I see a future there – and it’s bright.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Wow...
So, earlier this week, everyone likely received word that the IRS reimbursement rate for mileage went up to $0.58 per mile...which is an eight cent jump. Holy cow! That's huge. That's also going to have a big impact on budgets. Please know that the staff and government of the Town of Franklinton are very conscious of their use of mileage, and of the town's vehicles. That's partly why we went to using golf carts for meter reading. We do our best - but we also know that fuel is an ever expanding item in our budget. One thing that we will be examining in the near future is, "How can the town green itself and save money?" We taken several steps to do such, including ensuring equipment and lights are powered off when not in use, trying to ensure copies are front and back, to use less paper, only printing when necessary, etc. We're also recycling as much as possible, and we recycle cartridges, etc., as well.
That's what's on my mind right now...because I just got the e-mail. I hope you're having a safe and happy week!
That's what's on my mind right now...because I just got the e-mail. I hope you're having a safe and happy week!
Friday, June 20, 2008
Wow, It's Been Awhile!
I cannot believe it's been eight months since I last posted on this blog! What a slacker I am. And here I'd planned to actually to commit to posting at least weekly if not more frequent! Who knew I'd get so busy? My work (the real job - you know, the one that actually pays my bills and such) has been keeping me hopping. I haven't yet truly found my balance between all the components of my life - work, town government, family, etc. I'm working on it. Somehow, I have a feeling that's going to be a work in progress as long as I'm in office - and I'm okay with that.
It's been an interesting seven months since I was elected. I never did really post a blog to say thank you. (I did on my website, which hasn't been updated since sometime in February. Gotta work on that next.) So - THANK YOU! I still can't believe I was elected - it was truly a surprise! I will be eternally grateful for all of you - friends, family, former students, etc. - who came to support me and be a part of the campaign. (And I saved my signs...you never know when I may need them again.) The community gathering in September was great, and I had a ball getting to see old friends and meeting new ones! I will also tell you - until you walk this town, you can't really know how big it is!
The night of the election was truly a magical night. I could run for the highest office in the land and win and never feel what I felt that night. I think the cap of the night was having my dad there with me. Going back to my mom and dad's house where so many of my friends and family were waiting on one of the coldest nights of the year, waiting just to see me and say congratulations...nothing will ever replace that. That's a feeling I'll have with me until I take my last breath.
Equally as special, though, was the night of the swearing in. That night solidified that we need a new meeting space for Town Hall! Seeing so many of you, my friends, my family, my former students, my colleagues, all sitting in the audience, lined up along the hallway - I'm just glad the fire marshal didn't come out. We'd have all been sent home! Carey Johnson took the most marvelous picture of my swearing in. Somehow, I managed not to cry when my dad started talking. (He's not exactly known for being a man of 1000 emotions...) It was on par with graduating from college - and we only get those special moments once in a lifetime. I don't know that we'll have a chance to have four generations of my family in one place at one time sharing a moment like that. Having so many of you there to share it with me...ugh, words just don't do it! (Fortunately, I still have it on videotape so I can relive screwing up my oath...)
I also wasn't expecting to have some of the challenges that have beset the Town since I came aboard. Who knew the west side of town would catch on fire? Man, that was a tough day. I felt so bad for all of the folks that were displaced that night. Then, it came time to worry - because my grandmother and aunt were evacuated. I continue to be thankful for the Franklinton Fire Department, who continue their legacy of excellence in action. I'm so proud to say that my father was an active member for much of his life.
I've had a chance over the past few months to really get to know our Town staff pretty well. We have some of the best employees in the WORLD. Each and every one of them is truly doing their best for you, the citizens of Franklinton - the people they work for! I realize that nothing is perfect - something that is driven home every time I wake up. But please, when you're given the opportunity, take the time to say thank you to your town staff - they really do work very hard, and it's very seldom anyone says, 'Thank you." We can't pay them what they deserve - so our thanks sometimes has to be payment. It's a currency that never gets overspent.
Many of you have taken time to speak to me regarding issues within the Town. I appreciate every one of you who has taken time to send an e-mail, stop me on the street, in the post office, at the grocery store, in downtown, at a meeting, or to give me a call. (You may not think I do, but if we don't hear from you, we can't answer your questions or address your issues.) I can't always resolve things to make everybody happy, but as I told you when I was campaigning, I'll do everything I can to ensure that the right thing is what's done in the Town of Franklinton. Your Board, of which I am a part (though as you know I have no vote), is committed to you. Our Board is one of great teamwork, collaboration, and cohesion. We are a true team. Your issues are our issues, your concerns are our concerns. We will do our best to address and correct issues and problems as quickly as possible. When I began the process of taking office, my predecessor was kind enough to pull me aside for one great big piece of advice..."You'll never see anything move as slowly as municipal government." It's the truth. It's not necessarily the Town that's moving slow - much of what we do relies on outside entities. But when we can move something along - we do. All we can ever promise you is to do our best - and that we do. Know and understand that my e-mail is always on, my phone is ready, as am I, to hear from you.
There are several items, issues and concerns that have been brought up over and over. I'm going to work to address some of them here. Look for at least weekly blogs from now on - I promise I'll do my best! They'll be topical, and hopefully will engender some community discussion. Know that the citizens of the Town of Franklinton are my FIRST priority when it comes to my work as your Mayor. Have an issue you'd like to see addressed? Let me know. I'll do my best. Don't expect to see everything in the pages of this blog that you may bring to me. And much like some local media websites, don't always expect me to respond to the entire world - sometimes I need only to respond to an individual. But I promise - you'll hear back as soon as I can get you a response.
So...welcome to my 'new' blog. I hope you're having a great summer!
It's been an interesting seven months since I was elected. I never did really post a blog to say thank you. (I did on my website, which hasn't been updated since sometime in February. Gotta work on that next.) So - THANK YOU! I still can't believe I was elected - it was truly a surprise! I will be eternally grateful for all of you - friends, family, former students, etc. - who came to support me and be a part of the campaign. (And I saved my signs...you never know when I may need them again.) The community gathering in September was great, and I had a ball getting to see old friends and meeting new ones! I will also tell you - until you walk this town, you can't really know how big it is!
The night of the election was truly a magical night. I could run for the highest office in the land and win and never feel what I felt that night. I think the cap of the night was having my dad there with me. Going back to my mom and dad's house where so many of my friends and family were waiting on one of the coldest nights of the year, waiting just to see me and say congratulations...nothing will ever replace that. That's a feeling I'll have with me until I take my last breath.
Equally as special, though, was the night of the swearing in. That night solidified that we need a new meeting space for Town Hall! Seeing so many of you, my friends, my family, my former students, my colleagues, all sitting in the audience, lined up along the hallway - I'm just glad the fire marshal didn't come out. We'd have all been sent home! Carey Johnson took the most marvelous picture of my swearing in. Somehow, I managed not to cry when my dad started talking. (He's not exactly known for being a man of 1000 emotions...) It was on par with graduating from college - and we only get those special moments once in a lifetime. I don't know that we'll have a chance to have four generations of my family in one place at one time sharing a moment like that. Having so many of you there to share it with me...ugh, words just don't do it! (Fortunately, I still have it on videotape so I can relive screwing up my oath...)
I also wasn't expecting to have some of the challenges that have beset the Town since I came aboard. Who knew the west side of town would catch on fire? Man, that was a tough day. I felt so bad for all of the folks that were displaced that night. Then, it came time to worry - because my grandmother and aunt were evacuated. I continue to be thankful for the Franklinton Fire Department, who continue their legacy of excellence in action. I'm so proud to say that my father was an active member for much of his life.
I've had a chance over the past few months to really get to know our Town staff pretty well. We have some of the best employees in the WORLD. Each and every one of them is truly doing their best for you, the citizens of Franklinton - the people they work for! I realize that nothing is perfect - something that is driven home every time I wake up. But please, when you're given the opportunity, take the time to say thank you to your town staff - they really do work very hard, and it's very seldom anyone says, 'Thank you." We can't pay them what they deserve - so our thanks sometimes has to be payment. It's a currency that never gets overspent.
Many of you have taken time to speak to me regarding issues within the Town. I appreciate every one of you who has taken time to send an e-mail, stop me on the street, in the post office, at the grocery store, in downtown, at a meeting, or to give me a call. (You may not think I do, but if we don't hear from you, we can't answer your questions or address your issues.) I can't always resolve things to make everybody happy, but as I told you when I was campaigning, I'll do everything I can to ensure that the right thing is what's done in the Town of Franklinton. Your Board, of which I am a part (though as you know I have no vote), is committed to you. Our Board is one of great teamwork, collaboration, and cohesion. We are a true team. Your issues are our issues, your concerns are our concerns. We will do our best to address and correct issues and problems as quickly as possible. When I began the process of taking office, my predecessor was kind enough to pull me aside for one great big piece of advice..."You'll never see anything move as slowly as municipal government." It's the truth. It's not necessarily the Town that's moving slow - much of what we do relies on outside entities. But when we can move something along - we do. All we can ever promise you is to do our best - and that we do. Know and understand that my e-mail is always on, my phone is ready, as am I, to hear from you.
There are several items, issues and concerns that have been brought up over and over. I'm going to work to address some of them here. Look for at least weekly blogs from now on - I promise I'll do my best! They'll be topical, and hopefully will engender some community discussion. Know that the citizens of the Town of Franklinton are my FIRST priority when it comes to my work as your Mayor. Have an issue you'd like to see addressed? Let me know. I'll do my best. Don't expect to see everything in the pages of this blog that you may bring to me. And much like some local media websites, don't always expect me to respond to the entire world - sometimes I need only to respond to an individual. But I promise - you'll hear back as soon as I can get you a response.
So...welcome to my 'new' blog. I hope you're having a great summer!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)