After the Jaycees got the photo and had finished talking to Mr. Keen, he asked me to wait around and chat with him. Of course, I did. Let me say that Dave is a very nice person and very positive to talk to in person.

One of the subjects we discussed was an item that had infuriated me previously – MVFD coming below Parks on the city’s budget. I will now have to eat crow and say that when I looked at the city’s budget, the MVFD was ~3x the amount of the parks budget. So on that point, I concede unless someone can show me evidence to the contrary. I still maintain that the MVFD was not treated fairly in a conflict with LAS last year, judging by conversations with several of the firemen.

The next major point that we covered was the growth, or lack thereof of the city. I will agree that the westward overpass and other street development will open up a lot of area for development and hopefully get the city moving. Unfortunately, until real employment shows up, I still have my doubts as to the ability of our current administration to guide the city.

I will be positive in these facts though: NAPA’s distribution center, Crossroads growth, and several other items that have been small but a positive impact on our city. I must say that the Mayor did shed some light for me on positive things that I had not had in the forefront of my mind.

Another thing that had bothered me recently was the landscaping where Broadway and Main split/join in front of Ford Square. I questioned the use of monies on such projects when the site was not some horrible eyesore. However, I was informed by Mr. Keen that the funds for that project, as well as the same sign near the interstate Hardees, were supplied by the state through a grant. That was a small irritance now put to rest.

Overall, I am glad I talked with the Mayor. I am glad he is open and willing to talk to anyone and show the positive potential and plans for our city. I am still watchful of the government, how it spends our money, how it treats us as citizens, and whether they do help us be successful or just talk a big talk.

Thanks for the chat, Dave.

I have noticed that all of the politicians in this city sound the same. Everyone wants to bring jobs to the city and call me negative and say there are no cliques in the area.

I beg to differ. I am not negative, I just want to be honest and real with the public. If I’m negative because I say that there are no jobs worth having in this city, so be it. There aren’t any. You can only beat a dog so many times before he bites you. That’s what I view my opinion as in this case. The people “in charge” of leading this city down a prosperous road have failed so many times it’s like they are just beating down us average people.

I believe the residents have had enough and are finally ready for a change in leadership. I know that I am. Even if I don’t get elected, perhaps whomever does will actually do something positive.

There has to be change to the way things are running right now. It obviously is not working. We are at the hub of two major interstates, have easy rail access, water is bountiful from Rend Lake, and the airport is competent. Why have we not grown exponentially?

So yeah, we all want to bring businesses to town, but will anyone do it or just keep things how they are?