Comprehension
Dear Editor,
Preface: "It's too bad we teach some folks to read without teaching them to comprehend."
From the Internet responses to my letter of 10/5, it appears several , unable to comprehend, prefer to attack me personally ... that's OK, but stop trying to write my resumé!
To Rural Citizen: If you think a new municipal facility would be reason for our young folks to return, you need professional help. To your second point, the money stashed is sales tax money earmarked by vote for specific purposes, not general fund money where good budgeting would apply.
To Dennis: In a Nov. 3 2009, article, the city said "in the previous two years they had "set aside" $1,000,000 for a city facility. Not telling us for two years is not ethical and I consider it an " admission to "rat holing" for two years. Showing us antique and abandoned electrical, inferring it was in service at West Ward, is unethical.
Morrison spent thousands on plans and renderings for his project. Would he have done so if his engineers said no to rehab? The straw man he supposedly sold it to had no intention of rehab ... I doubt if he even brought a tape measure to the site, let alone spent money for an engineer. Morrison' deal fell because as reported on 10/27/09, he couldn't get it financed. If the stooge buyer even tried to get financing no one knows ... one thing we know, the projects fell for financial reasons. To tell us they fell because of engineering reports is not true and is unethical
I am sorry I don't put much credence in engineers reports bought and paid for by- the client. Many times they reflect the client's wishes. In an Oct. 27, 2009, article the State Historical Society recommended the city consider "adaptive re-use" of West Ward and as I recall their position later meant stimulus money couldn't be used to demolish it. If the Historical Society later said they didn't recommend rehab as you claim, please provide verifiable evidence supporting your claim. They thought the old YMCA was worth saving and it was in far worse shape than West Ward. I looked at the old "Y" before rehab began ... There was a tree growing out of the roof!
"The only source of knowledge is experience" -- Albert Einstein. Please refer to my opinion of 11/16/09 as to my experience and let that serve as my "professional report" Those critical of my position,, what are your qualifications?
I am well aware the city is in the process of rehabbing the band shell. I hope I live long enough to see that happen. Why was it allowed to rot away in the first place? The pigeons can 't wait for the auditorium to become vacant.
On 11/3/2009 the mayor suggested letting the public vote to re-use or tear down West Ward. We have been denied that vote.
I stand by my comment this project will benefit only 40 public employees.
Are you telling me police, fire and city hall employees are going to stop helping us if we don't agree to this extravagance? I think not.
I am not denying the need for parts of the project (in particular a new fire station). I am against this proposal. It's too extravagant and far too expensive.
As to my sources please refer to the Gazette articles of 10/27, 11/3/2009, 1/5,8/17. 8/19, 8/20, 9/29, 1/30/2010. (my responses were published 11/4, 11/16 2009 1/28, 2/2, 4/24, 9/16, 10/5 2010.)
To: Pensive Observer: How long have you worked for the city? My wanting to rehab West Ward is, I think it can be incorporated in a project that would save money and become a building we would brag about. I sent the Gazette some crude illustrations and even though they have published 12 color photos supporting the city's position, they didn't publish one black and white showing an alternative.
Except for a few sheets of paper and my time I have not spent $1 to promote my views.
To McCook1, JLake, McCook Supporter and Sussane: Reference "Preface."
"Nuff said"
Bill Frasier
McCook