Midwest Fox News Spotlights Shenandoah Police Department

Recently, there was a media "hype" over downtown Shenandoah policy of maintaining order and peace.  Alleged harassment on the part of the Shenandoah Police department against certain citizens of Shenandoah erupted and quickly funneled into the channels of the television news particularly KPTM Fox 42.  Though the public concern is important the question needs to be asked whether or not its truly valid.  I've reported on this in a previous post and how even the Fox 42 cameras came into the Shenandoah City Council chambers during the bi-monthly City Council meeting.  Now, a reactive development occurred right after the story aired that is disturbing, and further enhances the harrowing disintegration of the nature of the family in these modern times.

Apparently, after the camera shots rolled and thousands of homes in the KPTM region welcomed images of Shenandoah, the following few nights saw increased numbers of people congregating late into the night in downtown Shenandoah.  Reportedly, the attitude of the multitudes was that of "Go ahead and arrest me."  This development disturbed me and further validates my argument of where are the parents and where is the self mastery to control one's own impulses?  To openly taunt the police force that is duly sworn to protect you is complete arrogance and ignorance for starters.

To rehash all the particulars of this issue would serve no purpose.  Just click on the label Public Loitering and you'll find my other post.  Basically, here are the facts in a nutshell:

• There is a curfew already in place of 1 p.m. for teenagers and younger who are without an accompanying parent or guardian.
• The growing problem has reached a level of a perceived threat by business owners on Sheridan Avenue and also the vitally important guests of the downtown Shenandoah Inn & Suites.
• Yes, the benches at the streetscape pods are for public use.  However, as with everything there is the issue of abusing a privilege.
• The Shenandoah Police department has been delegated to enforce order in the downtown area upon request of the Shenandoah City Council.  This is done by breaking up congregations and keeping people in motion.
• Allegations of harassment have been leveled against this department by those who have consistently demonstrated late night activity in the downtown area.  This doesn't charge mischief but just categorizes them as being on foot late night in the downtown area.

My final point is this and it's the same point I've made before.  What positive, beneficial and productive reasons can possibly exist to crawl the streets late into the night and into the early morning?  What is there than can enlighten a person or the persons around you by continuing such activity?  There is none!  Again, there is NONE!  Parents, I issue you a challenge to make those corrective adjustments in your households.  Make your homes places of haven and refuge for everyone in your family.  Make them family temples and places that everyone wants to go to.  Do this and everyone wins!

The Shenandoah City Council and the Police Department will not back down.  Their focus is on the growth and future of Shenandoah.  The emotional and mental welfare of Shenandoah residents and visitors depends on providing order and a pleasant downtown experience.  If we all apply just a little logic and common sense this issue would not have made it's way to such a bloated degree.  Is this "victim" mentality really worth the 5 minutes of fame you've been afforded?

With self mastery one would treat their community as it should be treated and not as the person's carnal impulses would treat it.  Self mastery is the key to the pursuit of happiness.

Medical Healthcare Equipment Use for Patients

Staying in a hospital is a very inspirational experience.  If you've never had the opportunity to do so I highly recommend this occasion.  People are succumbed to the hospital for many reasons as a result of our being mortal and fragile beings.  Whether it be appendicitis, kidney failure, hip replacement or conditions far worse we tend to loathe the recovery in a hospital room.  This article serves to offer insight on innovative and creative ways to spend your stay in your deluxe room.  Ponder these from the confines of your hospital bed and be at one with your surroundings.

Specifically we'll indulge into one obvious area of creation in your room.  The one who never fails to leave your side and who loves to speak to you in the dead of night - the notorious rolling IV stand.  It is customary to dread this contraption but it would do you well to develop a deep relationship with galvanized confidant.  Here are a few activity ideas for the both of you to engage in:
MEDLINE INDUSTRIES MDS80500 Heavy-Duty IV Stand - Aluminum I.V. Stand - 1 Case
1.  The doctors and nurse always love to encourage walking.  Walking is a normal design of the human body and perpetuates circulation and improvement.  When walking becomes wearisome and you fail to see the beauty in your surroundings consider waltzing with your IV stand.  It doesn't talk back and it's completely objective.  A big plug is that it has four legs instead of two.  Now how can you compete or fail with that?

2.  We all love music!  Music quiets the soul or magnifies it to unbelievable rebellion.  Especially for those who grew up in the 70s and 80s, the age of the heavy rock bands flourished and succored the teenage thirst for love as well as anarchy.  Let's be honest.  How many of us have secretly or publicly played an air guitar or fashioned an electric guitar from a broomstick?  At some point we've all enjoyed mimicking our favorite tunes with our imaginary instruments.  Why not return to nostalgia by using your rolling IV stand as a beloved guitar.  As you eternally wait for your doctor to arrive, in hopes of issuing your release, you can be rock'in and rolling in your room!

3.  We love mystery and most of us like science fiction.  We thrive for the drama of impending peril of invading space aliens or zombies back from the dead.  Have you ever seen the 70s hit "Close Encounters of the Third Kind?"  What does the main character say about his sculpture of the unyeilding Devil's Tower in Wyoming?  He says, "This means something.."  Well, as your mind is spinning into the depths of the abyss why not create something out of your IV stand that means something.  Put a couple hospital gowns over the top and create your own mountain or ghostly figure to satisfy your imagination.

4.  Holidays are a time of goodwill, love and family.  Christmas is that especial time of year that enhances our purpose and focuses on the one in whom we owe our salvation.  Not so important now but it wasn't long ago that most households had a Christmas tree right in their living room.  Fancy the thought, as you listen to your hospital room walls close in on you, of producing your own Christmas tree and symbol of hope and recovery.  If you notice at the top where the IV bags hang there are hooks to support them.  What better place is there to hang tinsel and ornaments from.  Merry Christmas and happy decorating!

5.  We all depend on media and we all convince ourselves that we can't live without television.  Yet, from the hospital bed television quickly becomes boring and fruitless.  With visitors coming few and far between we become isolated.  The nurses themselves, though lovely and kind, tend to their duties emptying your urinal, taking vitals and changing your IV bags.  They haven't the time to stay and chew the fat with you.  It's no wonder that some would say you need psychiatric help after you leave the medical facility.  Yet one thing remains that will always listen to you - your rolling IV stand.  As in traditional therapy session you may lay there and bear your soul as the "therapist" evaluates and sees to your spiritual welare.  What a friend in total confidence.

As we encounter those times in our lives where we find our place in unholy territory, as is our home, we must strive to find the silver lining in our continued existence of where we are.  I hope this article post finds its way to the hearts and minds of those who find themselves imprisoned within the painted walls of hospitals.  May it bring you fruit from a wayward friend who understands and supports you.  May it serve to enhance ideas to the will of the mind of what you can do to maintain, or destroy, your spirit and sanity in that haven of your hospital.
Id Be In A Mental Hospital T-Shirt
__________________

May I take this opportunity to thank the cast and crew (the nursing staff and doctors) of the Shenandoah Memorial Hospital for their kind and considerate care.  May you be blessed and may you find renewed respect for those rolling IV stands.

James Holmes Aurora, Colorado Shooting a Lesson

The recent tragedy in Aurora, Colorado of the shooting at a cinema has sparked debate as far as motive.  The primary suspect James Holmes is but one example of the menace of mental illness.  Premeditated, yes, as it is apparent that this man purchased 6,000 rounds of ammunition recently.  The problem seems to be directed toward the movie itself that this crime scene took place - "Batman Dark Knight Rises."  However, shouldn't we be addressing the deeper problems in our society that may spark such mannerisms?

What possesses a recent dropout of the University of Colorado to do such a heinous crime?  Debate had been brought up repeatedly over the years of various films themselves.  Yes, it is also reported that James Holmes acquired a certain fascination with the character Joker in the Batman films.  This idea that films spawn these actions is so superficial that it hardly scratches the surface of the root problems.  This article post serves to inform the public of root issues of these types of illnesses but does so with complete ignorance of the true motive or background knowledge of James Homes and the crime that he committed against 71 victims and the community of Aurora, Colorado at large.

How someone is raised has the deepest impact on the actions and resulting personality of a person.  We have and are quickly losing sight of the significance and role of the family.  For ages the family was revered as the central place where children were taught responsibility toward becoming an upstanding citizen of their nation and world.  To be a good husband and father or wife and mother was the apex of hope.  It's true that villains and mass murderers have filled the books of history but as a basic rule the family was central.  We now have a growing segment of adults that have absolutely no regard for their offspring.  They see them as products of one night's simple pleasures and nothing else.  They raise them to take without giving.  They raise them to feel "entitled" to assistance from government and others.  They raise them to feel "entitled" to material possessions of others that have worked for what they have.  Again, I don't know if this is the case with the suspect James Holmes but these things are true and if we don't begin to re-funnel these principles and morals back into the family there really is no hope for our future as a country and world.

We have a growing and disturbing problem of self identity in this world and especially in the United States.  Though connected through the computer via Twitter, Facebook, Google + and a host of other social media outlets many people still feel lost and without a positive purpose or prosperity.  I believe this is directly related to the epidemic of tattoos that people of all ages are paying for and receiving.  I've disturbingly noticed this with the female population especially.  Why else would someone decorate themselves permanently except to enhance their identity?  It's really not that hard to realize.  In ages past tattoos took on a religious role.  They also took on a military role.  Be it known that this is not the same thing as what's going on today.  It is much more personal what is going on here.  However, when we enter the world of social media we also enter a world of negative physical activity and eventually degrades the mind and spirit of that person if indulged upon too much.

On the subject of social media, Internet, movies and Youtube surfing.  No, they do not cause extreme irrational behavior but it is detrimental to the person if they constantly sit there and engage in these outlets for hours.  This is not what the body was meant for.  I believe that the body was meant for activity and it is that activity that aids and ensures mental stability as well as body stability.  To reiterate, this may not be the case of the recent James Holmes incident in Colorado.  Yet, just look at the moral standards and integrity of those who walked beans or tended to crops as a child.  Physical activity is a must in healthy lifestyle.

Though I am hesitant to accept fully the medical term "chemical imbalance" I am also at a loss as to what would snap in a person's mind to make them open fire killing 12.  Every person is different.  Many are more subjected to depression.  Many are more sexually driven.  I guess there are chemicals that if triggered could justify in certain minds to go out and kill other human beings.  I don't know.

All I can say is that if we don't start ensuring a healthy rising generation then we can only assume that these types of incidents will only increase.  It's part of the cascading effect of a falling nation.

On a final note I believe our government leaders need to take a little responsibility in the stability of our young.  If history teaches us one thing it is that the economic and social status of a governed body is a direct and secondary result of the people governing.  With a steady decline of moral and political standards over the past many years it also sends people in a confused direction of national identity and compromising fundamental values.

It is a somber time in the wake of the Aurora, Colorado shooting.  It's not unlike that of Columbine or any number of other occasions in our nation's history.  May we take the time first to reflect and pray for the families victimized by this act.  Then may we take this opportunity as a lesson and reinvest ourselves to raising and ensuring high quality young that they all may be moral and just adults and leaders.

On KPTM Fox 42: Police Law Enforcement vs Citizen Harassment in Shenandoah

At the Shenandoah City Council meeting recently citizen complaints came forth claiming harassment on the part of the police law enforcement of the City of Shenandoah.  This, manifesting from a request to the Police Department from the Shenandoah City Council to maintain order in the downtown area as a response to complaints from hotel guests and Shenandoah citizens.  Serious charges, yes, and one of the complaints had merit but it seemed the full intent of the policy wasn't understood.  Most of the issue stems around improving community image for non-residents visiting and also residents.  It's an attempt to ensure a pleasant downtown experience for everyone either walking or even staying in their apartment or hotel room at the Shenandoah Inn & Suites.

NOTE:  These views are taken solely from events at the July 10 City Council meeting and not taking into consideration any police reports that may have been filed by citizens or members of the Shenandoah Police department.  This is strictly an objective view of the ongoing policy to maintain order in the downtown Shenandoah area.

A family claimed they were demanded by the Shenandoah Police to vacate the downtown benches and to keep moving.  Reportedly, their reason for sitting was to give adequate time for their son to catch his breath from asthma.  It was said that the police officer was relentless to keep them moving.  The frustration of this family was understandable.  When your child is sick you take the time to recuperate and move on.  Yet, we need to understand that every officer is different and that every officer will interpret a situation differently.  Claiming fault for either is mute at this point because no one else was there.

Another gentleman came forth claiming harassment and arrest from the Shenandoah Police department for sitting on the downtown benches.  He reports minding his own business.  Again, placing fault is unproductive so I'll go into why this policy was put into affect.  It's important in all situations to remember that there are multiple views, motives and reasons for everything.

Shenandoah, Iowa, is on the verge of possible sizable growth from various industries.  It's important now more than ever to think about and act on initiatives to enhance and make pleasant the Shenandoah experience especially for those visiting.  Even if there wasn't any industry news rural America is on a steady decline.  Positioning the image of Shenandoah in a positive light in the hearts and minds of passerbys, businessmen and visitors is so very important for the future of possible growth.

The City of Shenandoah has received many complaints from hotel guests of the noise and also the constant large groups congregating on the Sheridan Avenue benches.  I have take the opportunity on many occasions to take a walk up and down Sheridan mostly between the 7 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. time frame.  I have firsthand witnessed intimidating groups hanging out at these benches though harmless.  I've only heard loudness a couple times from these groups but the image itself is intimidating for anyone especially families who are out taking a family walk.  These congregations should be discouraged.

I have seen violence on a couple occasions as well.  However, I've never seen them from any group but from individual citizens of Shenandoah.  Usually between two people and both times had a child present with them.  This scene is highly unfortunate and further proves the degrading status of the family and relationships.  It also show at what level we are willing to expose our children to domestic conflicts.

I agree that everyone has the privilege to enjoy the Shenandoah downtown area.  However, I ask but one question to the individuals and especially parents everywhere around the world:  What productive reasoning is there for allowing or being out on the streets after dark or late into the night?  Face it, there really is none!  Though your reasons may be innocent enough eventually only trouble awaits.  

I would ask all parents to advise your children to be home at a reasonable time - preferably before dark.  Use and encourage that family time as an opportunity to draw closer together through wholesome activities.  Adults and young who are also out at these times I challenge you to take initiative to practice self mastery.  To place boundaries for yourself in which to learn and grow.  This will help you be a better person to yourself and the people you are around.  By establishing an early curfew for yourselves you are also helping your friends in their personal growth.  Going a step further you are helping your community of Shenandoah be a more pleasant place to enjoy.  

CASIO G-Shock GA100 Series Watch, Black - Non

In closing I understand that unpleasant exchanges occur with the police officers.  I understand that the outcome can seem outright heartless and insensitive.  At the same time let's reiterate the human condition.  We all interpret things differently and act in different ways.  Does that make it right?  No.  However, it can help one relieve the contention held from the experience.  

IMPORTANT NOTE:  The Chief of Police is the proper authority to report possible unprofessional conduct of an officer.

I would propose that we should take this as a challenge to live within the reasoning for this policy instead of resisting against it.  Know for yourself that it's for the best interest of the town to keep things fluid and moving.  Know for yourself that by practicing self mastery you are helping the intent of the policy by adhering to your own early curfew.  You are helping obtain for others what you want for yourself - a pleasant evening in downtown Shenandoah.  

Super Walmart vs Hy-Vee vs Fareway in Shenandoah

A new Super Walmart will be open in 2012 in Shenandoah, Iowa.  Many speculate the effect of this expansion on existing grocery businesses in this small community of just over 5,000.  It is exciting with all the new development of what was before just empty grass and crop land.  In well under a year Walmart has built a Super Walmart and the paved drive that goes with it, expanded the parking of the BPOE #1122 (The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks - Lodge #1122) and also expanded the parking of O'Reilly Auto Parts.  Before, the old Walmart was located on the Fremont County side of Highway 59 and now the Super Walmart is nestled on the Page County side in a conveniently located spot in Shenandoah.

GRAND OPENING OF THE

SHENANDOAH SUPER WALMART

WAS WEDNESDAY, JULY 18 AT 8AM.

Everyone now waits to see the popularity of this new Walmart and its effect on the local economy.  Furthermore, given the track record of Walmart Superstores and their effects on existing longtime businesses it is obviously a concerning subject particularly for grocery stores in Shenandoah.  There are two grocery stores in Shenandoah that have been here for many years prior to the Walmart Supercenter.  These are Hy-Vee Food Store #1619 and also Fareway Store.  Many speculate if the survival of these stores depend on whether a community of 5,000 can support the prosperity of three grocery stores.  There is a defined record of business loss and closure in many cities when a Walmart Superstore opens up.  This is not intended to degrade and place a "black eye" on Walmart but it does cause anxiety among Shenandoah residents how this all will pan out.

We can all survive!  I know it!  The retail industry has never been so versatile in reaching their customer base.  With the advent of the Internet and digital media we are able to bring the choices and even payment options right to a customer's couch.  Instead of accepting defeat in the eyes of something as big as Walmart perhaps it just takes good 'ole fashioned creative American competition.  Facebook pages will be extensively used.  Shenandoah Hy-Vee already has been offering continuous update posts for years now.  Fareway has their place as well.  And so the battle begins...

For the Shenandoah community as a whole this expansion is a "win/win" for the continued growth of the city. With this Walmart expansion and the explosion of the BioProcess Algae industry this area is ripe to grow and develop.  BioProcess Algae is built on a 5-acre piece of land owned by Green Plains Renewable Energy.  Prime real estate and businesses are necessary to encourage relocation here of other businesses and start-up companies.  For example the German KD-Pharma company that is newly contracted with BioProcess for algal nutraceutical oils.  Will this be the start of an avalanche of future opportunities investing in Shenandoah?

TresOmega Omega 3 Emulsified Flax Oil Supplement - Strawberry-Banana -

In other words, I really don't think Walmart will have a lasting negative effect on the local grocery market of Shenandoah, Iowa.  If the Shenandoah government and local industries play their cards right this area can grow very rapidly.  If this should happen then the population is sure to grow thus providing the necessity of three or more grocery stores.  Not bad for an extremely rural corner of Iowa!  So in this light I say "Welcome Walmart Supercenter!"

Shenandoah Water Plant City Council Decision

This evening was grueling to me at City Council.  The Shenandoah water plant will continue and go on but the City Council made an unexpected vote this evening that made enemies for certain Council members and friends for others - immediately.  It is a shame that things have gotten this confused for such an important project.

At the last City Council meeting on the 26th an impromptu resolution was brought forth and voted on to accept the final design plans.  After an unproductive discussion all but one voted in favor to accept.  Two of those reluctantly.  However, in the heat of the moment we all failed to realize that proceeding with a resolution without at least 24 hours notice to the public is illegal in Iowa.  Therefore, to make it right this evening we rescinded that vote made on June 26th and brought up the resolution again that has been public for the required time.  This time the vote was 3 - 2 against the proposed final design plans of the new Shenandoah water plant.

My vote stems from the taxpayers.  I've received numerous complaints from the taxpayers about the decision we made on the 26th.  The argument is simple and still cannot be refuted.  Why pay for excess when it's unnecessary.  The specifics in question are a meeting room and also the main office.  It is charged that they are too large and not necessary for a workplace environment.  The meeting room's use would not be fully magnified but a few times a year.  With automation office space should be at a minimum and technically automation should be able to eliminate one personnel, at least, from the department.  The argument is that having those areas as planned do not outweigh the burden on the taxpayers to maintain them every year.  From the other side, it is said that those areas are necessary and also that it will cost a whole lot more to modify the plans at this stage.  Again, as in other posts, I dispute these absurd charges but that's neither here nor there at this point.

I am deeply sorry to the residents of Shenandoah for caving in so quickly at the last vote and hope that my vote this evening reclaimed some of that trust that they initially placed in me when they considered my name for this office.  I always remain open to information and change clear up to the moment of vote.  It was that way here especially since I've received so many complaints and concerns.

A recurring memory from my Tisovec, Slovakia trip kept coming to mind when pondering this situation.  I am not accustomed to giving myself any praise - ever.  However, I do believe all in all I did a decent job of representing the city of Shenandoah to the people of Tisovec and Slovakia at large.  I am pleased with my manners and actions there.  I did my best to represent myself, my God, my family, my country and my city.  Though extremely out of my normal character I endeavored extensively to reach beyond any barriers of language, customs and foreign stigma.

There was one thing I was not very proud of.  The Slovak people are very adept to toasts.  They are sincere and hold meaning.  They do so with wine which I have not touched in well over twenty years.  After the meeting with the Tisovec Parliament we had a formal toast.  I felt a huge burden in my post.  Feeling the anguish of not only a city but also a country watching me I did pick up the glass of wine.  The feelings within were stirred beyond belief.  I didn't want to stand the chance of offending these good people.  It wasn't for another couple days that I realized that they are quite accommodating to the needs of those who wish no alcohol content.  From then on mineral water was available at the toasts.  The water was available at the Parliament meeting but again out of respect and fear I picked up the wine.  At that moment I chose to compromise myself.

What volumes more could I have taught these people about me and about perseverance and upholding my principles in a foreign land had I only not picked up the wine?  Though no lasting damage exists there still is a residue of shame within my bosom.  I bring this experience to the water plant debacle.  I must maintain my loyalty to the taxpayers who did and did not vote for me.  I must serve their best interest.  How can I live with myself if I begin to compromise my judgement?  How can I listen to the citizens of Shenandoah if there are other agendas or pressures whispering to me?

I believe the Founding Fathers of this great country had integrity of heart.  Many have died either by mandate or penniless or in rags because they felt and acted on that God-given integrity.  Because of them this nation is raised up and also prepared the world for greatness and also before-unimaginable prosperity in innovation and technology.   This nation was prepared to exalt mankind into a new kind of greatness.  I believe that leaders on all levels in this country need to heed the call of integrity and selfless service.  Only then can our judgments be justified and sanctified before God, ourselves and those whom we are called and voted to represent.

These words I speak only of my mind and not to degrade or praise the character and judgments of any other city official.

New Shenandoah Water Plant

It's never an easy task to make large scale decisions for a city.  City government is difficult especially when you are trying to righteously represent your constituents.  The recent divides with our water plant design is a very difficult puzzle to figure out.  This is a critical time for this project.  This is where we can go right or left.  I only pray that we as the City Council will be guided by that Higher Power that also stamped His seal of approval on the United States Constitution.

Us Constitution Magnet

There are a lot of gray areas in this case and in most cases involving large scale projects.  We are elected by people placing their trust in us to manage their tax dollars.  It is our duty to match that trust with the information we are given and coordinate a decision.  Selfless decision making is key and helps to justify and sanctify our standing as elected officials.

I stand by my original opinion that our existing water plant needs to be replaced by a new one.  Not refurbished - but new.  That point is rather mute at this point because we have moved beyond that.  Our current dispute is with the proposed "final" layout plan of the new Shenandoah water plant.  About half of us on the Council see excess expenditures on a couple areas.  Particularly the meeting room and offices.  The engineering group that we've contracted over the past couple years to organize this plan now says that it will cost several tens of thousands of dollars to make those minor modifications to the plans if the Council wishes to do so.

Unfortunately this is a sticking point because there are those of us on the Council who do not understand how it can possibly cost such an outlandish figure.  Personally, I know that it is all a matter of a computer program.  Press a few buttons and it's done!  It's not that hard and the only explanation is that there are multiple sub-contracts taking place which is driving our cost into the upper atmosphere.

Our dilemma now is whether we suffer the astronomical cost of responsibly modifying the current design now and save ourselves the cost of maintaining those areas had they been built, or build the plant as currently designed and suffer the recurring annual cost of maintaining those areas that are unnecessary.  Essential to me is the fact that we are accountable to the taxpayer.  The rest of the Council seems pretty set on their decision.  Mine rests in continued prayer and self study.

It's easy to take the path of least resistance.  It's a human thing.  Doing what's right isn't always popular and will more times than not cost you friends, family, votes and other things.  Yet, with each passing occasion it bears a deeper testimony within me that to do what's right is a cleansing experience.  I am elected to help bear the burden of city decisions.  I am elected to represent the interests of the citizens of Shenandoah.  I know that times are very tight financially both on families and on municipal governments.  I am now at the point where I know I must make frugal decisions on behalf of these good people.

A water plant we need.  Yet, an economical frugal water plant we need even more.  Why?  Because we need to foster trust in the people elected.  We need to build something that all of us can drive by and be proud of.  I need to drive by and know that I voted in a way that was in the best interest economically for the people.  If there is any excess in any government facility design that's about to be build it should be straightway be modified.  It may seem trivial and the annual maintenance cost minimal to build as designed but the taxpayer should not have to shoulder that burden.

I pray for the continued support and trust of the citizens of Shenandoah.  At this point I can't stress enough the importance for the taxpayers to attend their City Council meetings.  IT IS NOT A PRIVILEGE BUT A DUTY!  We are all responsible for our actions.  If any of us take the action to vote then it is our responsibility to justify that vote continually by following up on the decisions of our government and how they make those decisions.  I have not been approached by one invalid concern from a citizen on current government actions and policies.  However, imagine how you can affect your government if you were to offer your input at the meetings.  You, the taxpayer, can directly influence our decisions.  Instead of complaining about a decision after the fact that you didn't witness why not be a part of the process and help maintain a healthy progress of the city.

The new Shenandoah water plant is the largest project undertaken thus far to date.  Let's make sure that how it was manifested will be the envy of communities near and far and a testament of how a city government compassionately and responsibly tended to the needs of it's people.