...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!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
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!
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Amazing
I'm not sure if I can be shocked by anything anymore. I thought teaching human anatomy to 11th graders was the end all, be all of shocking for me...but some of the things that have come out in the past few days are truly it.
First of all, apparently some folks from the Franklin Times web blog have seen fit to include me on their personal websites, and claim to have taken me to task. They also (for some reason) report on what's on my website. Folks, I don't have a secret in the world. (Wait...that's a lie. Nobody knows my true weight. I intend to keep it that way.) It's not a secret that I have a partner, and his name is Ed. If someone has a beef with that, then that's too bad. I'm sorry if that's offensive, but my personal life has no bearing on my capability to have an idea, have a thought, be a voice or run a meeting. I've been managing pretty well for the past 30 years, and I think I'll be okay for the next 30.
Also on the FT blog, there've been a couple of folks who have taken me to task for my views on water conservation. Please realize that I'm not saying that we should build water towers all over town. I know that Franklinton is in very good shape - partly because we have more water than water customers...a problem that we don't have when we're feeding Novozymes their water. However, I am also (by vocation and education) a Biology teacher...and if you know anything about what you have to teach in that course, you know there's a full six chapters (and thus about a month on a regular schedule) on ecology...1/4 of which is about conservation and recycling. WHY SHOULD WE NOT BE MAKING EFFORTS TO PROTECT THE PLANET?!? Why in the world wouldn't we do our best to save water...which in turn saves energy? Thus ALL expenses go down for individuals...AND we protect the planet! Amazing how that works.
My point there is that if you've got something you want me to know, say it to me, don't say it to someone else...if you've got something to ask me, ask me, not someone else. I'll tell you anything you want to know...you might not like my answer, but you'll get an honest one.
That having been said, HOW AWESOME is this weekend going to be? I cannot WAIT! I'm so excited. The folks on the Promotions Committee have been literally working overtime - TIRELESSLY - to pull this off. I'm so proud of all of us. What the Times said in their editorial this Wednesday meant a lot to all of us - and is the truth. We have collaborated with so many groups - it's awesome! The plus of it all has been that I've been able to get closer to folks that I've known most of my life, and I've made several new, good friends. Regardless of whether I become Mayor or not - I cannot wait for next year, and I cannot express how much excitement I have at having this opportunity to serve the people of this town. It's a great feeling to finally give something back. Words just can't express it.
Hope everyone has a great weekend! SEE YOU UPTOWN! :)
First of all, apparently some folks from the Franklin Times web blog have seen fit to include me on their personal websites, and claim to have taken me to task. They also (for some reason) report on what's on my website. Folks, I don't have a secret in the world. (Wait...that's a lie. Nobody knows my true weight. I intend to keep it that way.) It's not a secret that I have a partner, and his name is Ed. If someone has a beef with that, then that's too bad. I'm sorry if that's offensive, but my personal life has no bearing on my capability to have an idea, have a thought, be a voice or run a meeting. I've been managing pretty well for the past 30 years, and I think I'll be okay for the next 30.
Also on the FT blog, there've been a couple of folks who have taken me to task for my views on water conservation. Please realize that I'm not saying that we should build water towers all over town. I know that Franklinton is in very good shape - partly because we have more water than water customers...a problem that we don't have when we're feeding Novozymes their water. However, I am also (by vocation and education) a Biology teacher...and if you know anything about what you have to teach in that course, you know there's a full six chapters (and thus about a month on a regular schedule) on ecology...1/4 of which is about conservation and recycling. WHY SHOULD WE NOT BE MAKING EFFORTS TO PROTECT THE PLANET?!? Why in the world wouldn't we do our best to save water...which in turn saves energy? Thus ALL expenses go down for individuals...AND we protect the planet! Amazing how that works.
My point there is that if you've got something you want me to know, say it to me, don't say it to someone else...if you've got something to ask me, ask me, not someone else. I'll tell you anything you want to know...you might not like my answer, but you'll get an honest one.
That having been said, HOW AWESOME is this weekend going to be? I cannot WAIT! I'm so excited. The folks on the Promotions Committee have been literally working overtime - TIRELESSLY - to pull this off. I'm so proud of all of us. What the Times said in their editorial this Wednesday meant a lot to all of us - and is the truth. We have collaborated with so many groups - it's awesome! The plus of it all has been that I've been able to get closer to folks that I've known most of my life, and I've made several new, good friends. Regardless of whether I become Mayor or not - I cannot wait for next year, and I cannot express how much excitement I have at having this opportunity to serve the people of this town. It's a great feeling to finally give something back. Words just can't express it.
Hope everyone has a great weekend! SEE YOU UPTOWN! :)
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
It's Wednesday!
Which means it's the middle of the week, and the week's on the downslide. Amen! However, the bad part of that is that there are now LESS THAN THREE WEEKS LEFT before the election! How did time get away so fast? I wanted to try to visit everybody in town - but when? Between travel for work and wanting to give everyone the time they deserve when I'm talking with them, there's just no possible way! So, for those of you I haven't had a chance to visit with yet, please accept my apologies.
It seems that we've gotten ourself a grant for some of our water and sewer infrastructure needs. HOW AWESOME IS THAT?! For this, there are kudos to be delivered to our entire town staff and our Board of Commissioners. They've done a wonderful job in securing these funds. But this then also begs the question...do we still need to pay the $6 fee now that we won't need as much of the loan? How many loans do we have outstanding? And what about the excess money that we pulled in a few years back when water and sewer rates increased? Is it ALL being used? Is there something we can do to actually lower our rates or our tax base? Where can we cut anything to either lower our rates or do more with it?
I also know that we're looking at several major projects. I've come to the understanding that they are, of course, going to be done in phases. But in doing these projects (specifically with expanding water and sewer), we should not only be able to expand larger areas of town (with really attractive tax values), we also need to examine providing those services to other areas of town that have become neglected - but have great tax values themselves. There are little pockets all over town that don't have sewer due to the function of the topography of the area - now that we've got some breathing room and flexibility, we need to move forward with bringing these folks in town and allowing them not only to have a voice within the town government, but also to enjoy the town services that other citizens enjoy.
My thoughts for today.
It seems that we've gotten ourself a grant for some of our water and sewer infrastructure needs. HOW AWESOME IS THAT?! For this, there are kudos to be delivered to our entire town staff and our Board of Commissioners. They've done a wonderful job in securing these funds. But this then also begs the question...do we still need to pay the $6 fee now that we won't need as much of the loan? How many loans do we have outstanding? And what about the excess money that we pulled in a few years back when water and sewer rates increased? Is it ALL being used? Is there something we can do to actually lower our rates or our tax base? Where can we cut anything to either lower our rates or do more with it?
I also know that we're looking at several major projects. I've come to the understanding that they are, of course, going to be done in phases. But in doing these projects (specifically with expanding water and sewer), we should not only be able to expand larger areas of town (with really attractive tax values), we also need to examine providing those services to other areas of town that have become neglected - but have great tax values themselves. There are little pockets all over town that don't have sewer due to the function of the topography of the area - now that we've got some breathing room and flexibility, we need to move forward with bringing these folks in town and allowing them not only to have a voice within the town government, but also to enjoy the town services that other citizens enjoy.
My thoughts for today.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
What's up this week?
What a week! I spent last week out in the western part of our state. I led a National Board Certification Workshop in Shelby, NC. I left there and went to Brevard, NC and led a Stress Reduction Workshop. From there, I headed to Asheville, and had a couple of meetings and another NBC Workshop. On Monday, I worked with a colleague in leading a workshop on antibullying and antiharassment. We had a great time! I'm also VERY glad to be back at home and sleeping in my own bed.
Last evening, the Promotions Committee of the Franklinton URC met and finalized issues surrounding Frankenfest on Main. It's going to be one great party! I've reserved my own booth - and I'm really hoping you'll stop by and visit! I've got lots of family and friends who are planning to come and hang out with me at the booth. I'll be working the event (I'm a co-coordinator) but I'll be at the booth as often as I can. I can't wait! We're going to have a great time!
While I've got your attention...anybody want sidewalks in this town? I'd LOVE to be able to walk from my house to the uptown area. I'd like it even better if I could walk from my side of town to my parents' house! How hard can it be to secure some serious grant funds for that? There are enough great corporate citizens in this town that may donate a little to the effort, as well.
And what's doing with the sewer and water overhaul? I want to see our industrial corridor developed as much as you! Let's get on the move!
Last evening, the Promotions Committee of the Franklinton URC met and finalized issues surrounding Frankenfest on Main. It's going to be one great party! I've reserved my own booth - and I'm really hoping you'll stop by and visit! I've got lots of family and friends who are planning to come and hang out with me at the booth. I'll be working the event (I'm a co-coordinator) but I'll be at the booth as often as I can. I can't wait! We're going to have a great time!
While I've got your attention...anybody want sidewalks in this town? I'd LOVE to be able to walk from my house to the uptown area. I'd like it even better if I could walk from my side of town to my parents' house! How hard can it be to secure some serious grant funds for that? There are enough great corporate citizens in this town that may donate a little to the effort, as well.
And what's doing with the sewer and water overhaul? I want to see our industrial corridor developed as much as you! Let's get on the move!
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