Opinion

McCook is ready for a fresh start

Monday, August 28, 2006

Ready for a fresh start? I think we all are. After many turbulent years of McCook city government -- because of water issues and management concerns -- the city staff and citizens have a chance to let bygones be bygones. And, even better, the community has a chance to get off on the right foot with a new city manager.

From what I hear, the new manager -- Kurt Fritsch -- should fit in quite well in McCook. Marc Harpham, the fire chief, and Ike Brown, the police chief, spent time with Fritsch when he was in McCook for his interview with the council, and both came away impressed.

"He's easy to talk to and very laid back, but he's also very knowledgeable about city government, especially finance and public safety," Chief Brown said. Chief Harpham had almost exactly the same impression. "Right from the start, he was working to establish a good working relationship with the staff," Harpham said.

Fritsch, who will begin his duties on Monday, Sept. 11, not only impressed the chiefs, he was noticed by the city staff, too. "One of the things that the firemen liked was that when he stopped by he was wearing jeans and a cowboy boots instead of a suit and tie," said Lorri Sughroue, the Gazette's city editor.

I like that, too. Stuffed shirts don't go over well in McCook. Also, the people of McCook don't like secret dealings and closed door sessions. For that reason, I was happy to hear that Fritsch will have an open door policy "where he will return all phone calls before going home for the day and keep the lines of communication open between himself, the staff and residents."

Of course, as city manager, it will be impossible to avoid conflict and controversy. There are two sides (at least) to every issue, and those who don't get their way are often upset and ready to start a ruckus. Still, I think McCookites can do a better job of getting along than they have in the past, and an open and accessible city manager will be a good start in that direction.

DISC GOLF, ANYONE? I don't know about you, but I'm anxious to give the soon- to-be new McCook sport a try. As you have probably heard, the disc golf course will be laid out in Kelley Park. It's a hilly location, popular with sledders, and has lots of trees. That should make it challenge for disc tossers.

Since Frisbee is a trademarked name, that title cannot be used for the course. And it wouldn't be accurate, anyway. From what I'm told, the professional disc golf players use a different kind of disc, more suited for the accurate tossing sport. But that doesn't mean beginners can't use Frisbees. They work well, too.

Disc golf is growing in popularity throughout the United States, with courses sprouting in many towns and cities, including North Platte and Kearney.

Golfing with discs should be fun for all ages. And, the best part is, because of generous donations from sponsors and the city's cooperation, there will be no cost to play the course.

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