Tonight the attempt to take money out of the Southtown TIF and give it to Gary Matthews and the Warehouse District was thwarted when folks from Southtown showed up to stand up for their community.
The measure was unanimously defeated and left Councilman Gully trying to save face when he was more than likely prepared to vote for the measure to pass. After being confronted by the people who would vote his behind out of office, his tone changed. See what happens we stand up for our community?
Congratulations Southtown, stay vocal, stay strong!
Congratulations Southtown, stay vocal, stay strong!
5 comments:
With a nod toward the 70's John Lennon song, "Power to the People!", the People tonight
proved that THEY hold the power. Let's hope that kind of enthusiasm, passion spills over into other issues affecting other areas such as the East Bluff and the South End.
(I shoulda coulda been there with my camera, but I made judgement call to be home for Obama's State of the Union speech)
Mayor Ardis' voice shook. I am guessing he was pretty angry. The looks on many of the council's faces was priceless being backed into that corner. Think of the really bad press that they would have gotten if they voted for the use of those fees. It was set to go through despite reports from the horseshoe about not making decisions ahead of time. This was shown when the Mayor talked about moving forward with the bonds for the hotel, when there was no vote on the extension. So that was a lie. Then councilman spain said something to the audience about not showing up during their discussions of the budget to let the council know of their concerns. All I heard the comments reflect was Carver Center, crime, roads, lighting (safety) and a few other items. apparantly no one on the council has heard of these needs before. I don't recall anyone coming down to say build a hotel and all the other projects they focus on, but they have managed to get rid of staff and services to pay for those out of the budget. I found those comments very insulting. It seems some of these people have completely lost touch with who they are supposed to represent. Later there was a discussion where the same guy stated that sidewalk discussions were sickening (not exact words). Unfortunately the guy in the wheelchair must have left. I think he would have thought sidewalks a necesity. They voted that it was too costly for the restaurants going into Northwoods to pay for sidewalks for their business, that they weren't important. yet I think the taxpayers are funding the sidewalks in the warehouse district and the museum. They must go.
The mayor was fully prepared to have this vote go through. However, people must have lit a fire under Gulley, because he actually did his job and stood up for his district. After seeing the many impassioned people who came forward, the mayor had little to do but back-peddle. This was inspiring to see the people rise up. I appreciate the citizens of Southtown providing such a fine example for the rest of us.
It is good to know that people showing up can change minds. I am proud of those from the southend who came out to surprise the Council.
Excellent show of support for the south town. I am proud to live in south town. Good people
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