Super Wal-Mart in Shenandoah Iowa

Ground has finally broke in the summer of 2011 for the Shenandoah Super Walmart.  It's been the long anticipated action and a perceived stopwatch till completion - and beyond.  Dredging up old bickering and whining at this point is mute, pointless and unproductive.  This post serves to present my views on this project in relation to the community of Shenandoah.

The ground is torn up and officially broke in the field behind Subway, Chat Mobility and the Elks.  Heavy equipment has their predetermined parameters of entrance and exit routes.  The mobile construction office is in place and directs the operation.  There is no turning back now.  No rolling back time or longing for simpler eras. There is only the future.

Let's just cut to the chase.  A great anxiety exists in Shenandoah of the possible repercussions of this particular business entering Shenandoah.  Stories abound of the Walmart effects on other towns.  For instance many blame the relatively new Nebraska City Super Walmart for the close of a main grocery store there.  True or not will not be debated here.  Yet it is true that businesses small and large have a difficult time competing with Walmart let alone a supercenter.  Supercenters that have basically everything from building materials to food to clothing and even a tire and lube easily shadow over smaller businesses.  Many of these businesses exist in towns such as Shenandoah for decades if not generations.  There are those that say Walmart holds an unfair monopoly of multiple markets especially in smaller communities.

In Shenandoah the biggest fear is in the retail grocery industry.  Shenandoah has six or seven thousand residents and currently two thriving grocery stores.  We have a Fareway and also a newly remodeled Hy-Vee Food Store.  Both are successful and fierce competitors.  Yet, is Shenandoah large enough to successfully support a third grocery store?  That's the question!  In light of the debate failure is already anticipated by many.  Many question the survival of Hy-Vee and/or Fareway in Shenandoah.

Will this be the perceived destiny of Shenandoah?  Do we throw up our hands in defeat before the battle is even waged or begun?   Even in Shenandoah we are humans.  Humans are the most adaptable and innovative species on the planet.  Our system of free market and capitalism is the mechanism which we owe our technology and prosperity.  Walmart is taking this under their wings.  Whether overly bold or not is beside the point where Shenandoah is concerned.  As I said - the ground is broke.

As a candidate for City Council it's useless to say i'm for or against a supercenter Walmart in Shenandoah.  What I can say is that we can triumph.  The use of "we" indicates our various businesses and even our working men and women who fear the future of their jobs.  Many new jobs are promised to this community by this addition.  Time will tell but I do know that it will be up to us to maintain the spirit of this city and move forward in a direction of prosperity via innovative business techniques in order to compete and survive what's coming.

I've just as much a concern as anybody.  My full time job is at one of these grocery stores.  In addition my home on Southwest Road is quite literally across the street from the construction zone.  I think about increased traffic and also rising property values.  In spite of these preoccupation of thoughts we can and will prevail.

As a councilman it will be my duty, privilege and responsibility to listen to citizen concerns and represent the town's best interest in future decisions which may arise in light of our new Shenandoah Super Walmart.  Looking toward the future I congratulate Walmart for their successful construction and wish them well.  Likewise I wish well and pray for the strength and well-being of our hometown businesses that they may find the correct avenues to take in order to successfully compete with this new endeavor.  

New Water Plant in Shenandoah Iowa or Rehab?

The debate rages amidst the new water plant in Shenandoah which was affirmed by the Council several months ago.  I've been hearing a lot of hardships regarding the increased taxes.  This will be the focus of my post.

The economy is fragile and rumors are looming of an imminent secondary recession coming within months.  This kind of news presses deep hardships on individuals and families.  Finances have caused verbal as well as physical abuse within the home here in Shenandoah and abroad.  This "virus" spreads and extends beyond the home.  For the parent(s) who add to the income of the home they can easily become distressed and unhappy in the workplace.  They may even lose grip on the drive to continue working thus submitting the household to divorce and/or family and government dependence.

Children are impressed upon by family affairs and issues of money are no different.  The rising generation brings these hardships to the classroom by way of attitude and their work performance.  Now, much has been touched on over the past year regarding local scores in our schools.  Don't get me wrong.  I'm not saying that the coming water plant is the cause of school scores.  That would be totally uncalled for and misinformed.  What I am saying is that the overall foundation of income and expenses in a home CAN and MAY BE a contributing factor to the productive performance of a student.

So where's the "win win" in all of this?  First off, I announce that I do support the water plant project.  I did not go through the existing plant when they had a public walk through a while back.  In fact I was rather indifferent on the subject and searched for more opinions and input.  One of the factors that tipped me in a direction of support is a story run in the Valley News.  An individual was vehemently opposed to the project and did indeed attend the public viewing.  He noted that only after seeing with his own eyes the dilapidated state of the facility did he reflect and saw the need of the new plant.

Why did this have an effect on me?  Well, it's an example of humility.  Most of us have strong opinions about various things but how many of us are open to different perspectives?  How many of us actually seek more information?  Here we have an individual who gained a new perspective in light of evidence which he sought.  To me the effort and conclusion of this man carries more weight than those who strongly opine yet fail to seek an informed decision.

I support the project yet there are still things we can do to lighten the burden.  We are still the Shenandoah community though many of us don't know each other.  We are still "one" in many things and it's about time we acted like it.  Utility taxes are high and it's no different for me.  As a charitable concern for our neighbor and one another we need to seek alternatives in the way we live.  Listed here are a few ideas which may help secure good feelings in the project, community and most importantly the home (which is the basic unit and foundation in the country in which we live) and perhaps the continuing education of our young.

• A series of community workshops on thrifty living.  This would include water conservation, home weatherization and even economical food consumption.
• Donate time, talents and effort to further the  independent cause of Shenandoah families.
• Further examine and find alternate payment methods for water usage.

The list can go on but the point is that what you improve in one area will benefit all areas.  If you weatherize your home thus cutting heating you will then be more in a position to cover charges in other areas.

I support the water plant.  There will never be a "good" time to further this effort.  The current facility is extremely old and there comes a time when the long term benefits of total replacement outweighs the short term convenience of constant improvements and upgrades.  Costs are not going to go down.  If we don't accept this responsibility now it will be our children and grandchildren who will foot a larger bill in the future.

There is a "win win" and that's in conservation.  Accept this project as a necessity for the future.  Let us carry the expense by way of improved and skilled living habits in our own homes.  The motion has been carried and now it's up to us as a family and community to decide how we will live and carry out to the finished product that we can all be proud of.

Storm Damage Recovery in Shenandoah Iowa

In light of the recent dual storms last Thursday it is proper to note the speed and professional manner of the Shenandoah Street Department and also the emergency personnel.  These were very dangerous storms including hail and straight line winds.  We commend those who quickly clean up and maintain a working functioning community.

At the Shenandoah City Council meeting on Tuesday, 23 August, 2011, Mayor Richard Hunt expressed his appreciation for these personnel on behalf of the City Council.

Many citizens should also gain acknowledgment from the effects of these storms.  Sidney, Iowa, by mandate was shut down due to storm damage.  Other communities such as Coin and Essex received excess storm damage.  Many people from all around pitched in with their gloves and chainsaws to lighten the burden of those fellow citizens.  Communities and agencies donated resources for the relief effort.

Though disasters are undesired they do help us "regroup" as a society.  It gives us pause and reflection.  It serves to prompt us to action for the common good of those around you.  

Campaigning for City Government Election

In the summer of 2011 my family went on a vacation to Idaho. It had been over twenty years since I last saw the great Rocky Mountains. As we left Iowa and Nebraska the elevation began to rise and the terrain became more void of the lush green grass that we plentifully have here. It was a trip long overdue for me.

I remember the joy I felt this summer once I spotted the mountains and announced it to my family whom never beheld the Rockies. It was a memory that needed to be embedded into their minds as it did to mine so many years ago. There is a magic and an awe about the grandeur of the mountains. Of course it may not be as much of an occasion to those who live there. Yet for anyone who dares to step outside of their normal routine new adventures and memories can have lasting impressions.

We visited several spots in Idaho and Wyoming. We saw the Grand Tetons with all their splendor. We drove up the side of the mountain until our ears needed “popped.” We marveled how we were enjoying 80 degrees when only a few hundred feet up there was still abundant snow. Then the steep descent gave way to wondrous and spacious beauty all around.

We visited the “R” mountain of Rexburg. This iconic mountain has a huge “R” painted on the side as to commemorate the nearby community. Many such mountains out west have letters painted on them in relation to nearby cities and universities. R mountain is special because it is an inactive volcano. On the north end of Rexburg the geography is so drawn that it is quite unbelievable. As you hit a certain point there is a couple miles of desert-like vegetation. Then, all of the sudden there are sand dunes of the finest sand you've ever seen. After a few short miles of that it's back to potato fields.

Potatoes are the main crop out there. Potatoes like most vegetables are sensitive to the climate. Madison county is perfect for growing massive amounts of potatoes. So much so that in October the schools shut down for a week so that the students can go out and help harvest the bounty. Yet, the county to the north is not so hospitable to the famed Idaho potato. Instead it is perfect for growing seed potatoes.

We followed the character of the Snake River and viewed the refreshing Palisades reservoir. Many wonders exist and are discovered when we take the time to step outside our routine. For me the most sublime fulfillment took place by a strong channel of water.

At the bottoms of the foothills of the Grand Tetons are vast acres of fields, log houses and “old west” types of tourist towns. On a small dirt road we stopped at a channeled current of snow melt water from the Tetons. As I did from memory so many years ago I reached down and cupped the water with my hand and drank thereof. So cool, clear, refreshing and pure! There are relatively few things in life that are truly unique to the individual that has such an impact on an individual as this occasion did for me. It changed my attitude and outlook. Why? Because I reached out and partook of an opportunity unfamiliar from my day-to-day routine.

OK. What does all this have to do with my run for the Shenandoah Councilman At Large? Everything! A leader must have conviction and a stalwart nature. He must know how to lead and to represent. Most of all he must know how to serve those whom he represents. Note that I do mean he or she. Now all these attributes I do not claim. For these attributes are to be judged by those who elect their representatives.

Yet, my main purpose of this “mountain” trip excursion I'm taking you on is that a leader cannot afford to be remiss of new ideas and experiences. To willfully, even though sometimes unknowingly, be blind of new possibilities and prosperity is dangerous to the community as a whole. Regardless of our own opinions there are other opinions out there to consider. It is our duty to learn these opinions in order to be well informed and to stand as a good representative of the will of the whole.

It is my position to take the time to listen to opinions and views of the people. Without this duty true representation would be for naught. It took me a thousand mile trip to gain a much needed new perspective on the world and the possibilities for the area in which I live. Though not everyone can take a vacation I exhort the people of Shenandoah to keep their minds open to the vast potential of this area. If we are true, tolerant and caring of our neighbor we will realize these potentials.

I humbly ask for your endorsement for the position of Shenandoah Councilman At Large.

Aaron M. Green