Dangers of Coffee Shop Politics and New Shenandoah Water Plant

In Shenandoah we have a small population as well as an aging population.  One of the great comforts among the retired and semi-retired is the opportunity to attend morning coffee shop gatherings.  It is in every way a religious gathering.  Though on Sundays people can miss out on church and religious observance, but under no circumstances can they miss out on daily morning coffee and the local gossip.  It can be a collection in the range of two to twenty people.  Oftentimes the primary use of such occasions is to gossip and complain about the goings on locally.  Conversations tend to stretch matters more over local interests than national or global.  Let's delve into this matter.

I've been in office coming up on five months now.  One of the biggest decisions I've helped make is the construction of a new water plant.  Of course there are those for and against the project.  The biggest concern has been the effect on household taxes.  Those against the measure are adamant about their taxes being high.  In the coffee shop, criticism is sharp against elected officials and the way they handle city business and recently business concerning the new water plant.  Though all their concerns are valid they still openly question the motives and procedures of the City Council.

However, I speak to you now of personal responsibility.  Whomever reads this will not look upon me favorably and I welcome comments at the bottom of this post.  Never have I seen a great public showing at City Council meetings by citizens expressing concern about their taxes or any other concern.  Most of the attendees of Council meetings are those in city departments such as Street Department, Park and Recreation, Water Treatment or other city officials.  Also in attendance are those specifically asked by the Mayor, City Administrator or City Council as part of recognition or to address about a specific concern.

It is a joy and a refreshing feeling to have a citizen attend the City Council meeting with a legitimate concern that effects them.  They come and take part in the process.  They come and address the Council, ask questions and hopefully get a satisfactory response or resolution to the matter.

We are elected by you to make large decisions reflecting the greater interest of the citizens of Shenandoah, Iowa.  You are our boss!  You have the right and duty to attend the many meetings open and available to you.  You have the right and open invitation to attend the City Council meeting and any number of board and committee meetings adjacent to it.  Concerning the water plant, instead of complaining and wondering why certain decisions are made, or our thinking at the time, you need to come to the meeting, and voice your questions and concerns.  That is where enlightenment takes place!

Twice on each agenda of City Council meetings are opportunities for the public to address the Council.  After hearing the Council discussion on an issue it is at that time that you voice your thoughts during the Citizens Opportunity to Address the Council.  You have the right to your opinions and complaints.  Yet, for your own good make sure your feelings are well informed ones.  Attend the City Council meetings and be informed as to how your elected officials handle the business of the city of Shenandoah.

After the meeting you may still harbor ill feelings toward the Council decisions but at least you'll come away hopefully understanding the reasons why.  The vast majority of those in the "coffee shop" mode never step inside a Council meeting.  Yet they are quick to dissect the decisions of those elected officials.  Again, it is their right to do so but the price paid is their own lack of knowledge of up-to-date information.

As a taxpayer you have the right to have your voice heard!  Be responsible and gather pertinent information inherent to your concern.  When you address the Council you complete a circle that our Founding Fathers helped forge from the blood and sweat of many thousands.  You reflect a voice.  When you express your voice you further advance a government for the people, of the people and by the people.

Anarchy and Seeking Peaceful Change

It is important to follow the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States and use them as the template of proper order of government on all levels.  It's important for the people, citizens of this nation, to know that they have been given the power and responsibility to provide a descent government for themselves.  If such a government fails to truly represent it's people then they may be elected out.  Every now and then a major change may need to be made.  Our Fathers knew this in light of their relationship with England.  They've provided the outline for peaceful transitioning of new government if it be the will of the people.  How important this piece is to the safety and continuation of this great nation.  In a modern time where we are having a spread of anarchy in the streets it's good to know that peaceful means of change is possible and in fact advocated by our Fathers.

Such has been the case with Vernon, New Jersey.  They have transformed their government.  A group of citizens recognized the corruption, organized and set forth to change their entire system of local government.  They did so under the Faulkner Act.

May we all remember our civic and national responsibility to tend to our own government for the sake of our happiness and accountability.  Today is the day to vote!  For those that have put the pencil to the paper for my name I thank you tremendously.  For those who did not yet did go to the ballot box I thank you immeasurably for the discharge of your duty.

Shenandoah Iowa City Hall Renovation

I've heard many residents of Shenandoah bewildered at the use of funds to renovate the City Hall approach. With other uses that tax payer money is going to it can be difficult for some to realize the purposes of some projects.

I advocate this use of funds. The end result of the plan is to have the City Hall more cosmetically coordinated with the downtown area. More importantly though it makes the City Hall entrance safer and more inviting for the Shenandoah residents and visitors.

The sidewalk has always been an eyesore and a safety hazard in my opinion. It's nothing short of a miracle that legal action hasn't been taken. At least none to my knowledge. The City Hall represents a communal ediface in which all who reside in it's jurisdiction should have equal opportunity and ease for entering therein.

I'm glad the city government took this action.

Missouri River Flood and Super Wal-Mart Construction

At the 9-13 Shenandoah City Council the Iowa Department of Transportation unveiled plans to increase a third lane for traffic northbound turning into the Walmart construction sight.  Plans are moving ahead and the equipment is running.

This segment of the meeting turned lengthy as it led into discussion of dangerous traffic on Highway 59 especially due to the Interstate 29 closure.  The Iowa DOT admitted that they haven't done a traffic count along 59 since probably 2008.  Shenandoah Police Chief announced that traffic has increased three-fold since the detour took affect.  The DOT may utilize resources to check the traffic count north and southbound on 59, but they are firm that the third lane will be built.

A suggestion came up during the meeting that we need to investigate into the possibility of installing traffic cameras in a couple locations on Highway 59 within the Shenandoah city limits.  Though becoming unpopular in places such as California these cameras may benefit the cause of safety for the effected stretch of road.

I am for this idea of traffic cameras.  The pressures on truck drivers is understandable.  They are squeezed for time on an already tight schedule.  The detour doesn't help any.  However, safety must and should always prevail especially within city limits.  I don't mean to focus on truck drivers but rather local resident drivers as well.  This matters to not only fellow drivers but also to the safety of pedestrians.  There are a great many Shenandoah residents who's occupation is located at Orchard Corners or the several businesses along Highway 59.  Walking this stretch of road is extremely dangerous and hazardous.

The entire stretch of road is a disaster waiting to happen.  In order to control the situation steps must be taken to tone down the speed and and level of aggressive driving currently taking place.  It's not just "through" traffic. Because of the detour many of the businesses have prospered under single to double digit percentage increase in business.  We've got through traffic as well as increased traffic turning onto 59 that must be considered.

All our fears up to this point have been aimed at the recent history of the detour affects.  Now compound on that the fact that we are fast approaching the snow and ice season.

I advocate an extra stoplight at the intersection of 59 and the south entrance to Orchard Corners and/or the installation of traffic cameras both there and also at the current stoplight by Mondo's.  I'd strongly suggest that from now into the foreseeable future and beyond we all take extra care in our surroundings while driving the new "Interstate 59."

9/11 Terrorist Attacks Felt in the Midwest Heartland of Iowa

September 11, 2001 – 9/11 – 911, or whatever else it may be called. Few epic moments define our modern world and the United States of America. Arbitrarily, the Republic was shaken to the core in downtown New York City. I remember that day though it was a couple thousand miles away in the Midwest. As I reflect may I offer a few observations for the future.

I was working in a warehouse in the small community of Riverton, Iowa. Riverton has always jokingly and seriously been known as the town that floods when it sprinkles. Situated squarely between Shenandoah and Hamburg, Riverton resides right on the Nishnabotna River. The setting is given when we heard that the north tower had been struck. That was a pivotal moment in the American psyche, that was to define the following course of this country. During those moments we didn't know if it was an accident or an act of terrorism. We wanted to believe in an accident. Why? Because the thought of terrorism was too large, too coordinated and quite frankly too Hollywood to be real. We've lived so long in a “comfort zone” and just survived the bloated “dot com” boom that our own pride prevented the consideration of the worst.

There was no television in the warehouse so we intently and quietly listened to the radio for developments. Constantly the media projected numbers. Numbers, numbers, a ceaseless string of numbers! “Up to 60,000 may be dead!” Though physically we were not in the center of the circus of vertigo in New York City, emotionally we were connected as one nation in peril. THAT - was the bonding glue that will survive the United States of America now and in the future as it did at that moment.

I remember my supervisor coming in a while later and with a degree of fear and anger.  She said that another plane struck the tower. She, herself, a long time military patriot hearkened the innate call of danger. At that moment we didn't know that it was the other tower that had been struck. We continued to listen intently for confirmation of the second plane. The resolve was all but complete – the United States of America had been attacked. Whether we liked it or not we were now at war with an army most vague to identify.

Andrew Card informs President Bush the U.S. is under attack.

The confident heart fell as if in a refiner's fire when the news came that the towers crumbled to the ground. The towers came down but the curtains opened up to a future unknown. So vulnerable we felt. So open and helpless became the individual American. So unprepared was this people as we lingered in disbelief.

After work I hurried home to view the constant updates and rehash on the news channel. Time and time again like so many I watched the reruns of the falling towers. For days the numbers varied and finally settled to a number.

Not long after the symbol of the world financial institution fell I strongly noticed how still the sky was. Following protocol the President of the United States was taken to a safe military bunker. Yet, soon thereafter orders manifest that all aircraft were to be grounded.

Those white streams in the sky from the wake of a plane's exhaust disappeared altogether. Especially for a person out in the rural country those planes represent civilization and the surety that America is vibrant and moving. In other words “business as usual.” Suddenly in just a few minutes of epic event, American skies were just thrown back to the 18^th century when all that occupied therein were the birds. Yet, even the birds seemed more somber and reserved. It was as if a divine power which blanket this great nation called upon all life to mourn.

The rest is history but that is where I was. No wonderful activity or spectacular place that I was. Yet, equally important as all other American stories mine will live in infamy as a chapter in my life to be shared with my own children and grandchildren.

I will not discuss religious doctrines or political thoughts. I will share, however, what my life has taught me of this great nation. For current society and posterity sake may it serve to expand wider fields to view.

We are a wealthy nation. Yes, we do have pride here as well perhaps even to a dangerous level. We are also the most charitable and helpful nation on earth. Whether we are liked as a nation or not, we are still indisputably sought out and looked toward for leadership and example. We have a mighty military commissioned to protect our own as well as allied nations. We have massive social deficiencies but the foundation, though weakening, principles of this nation remain in the hearts of so many.

Should this not be so? In such a whirlwind world should we not count it as an inspired gift that we have a country constructed in such a way as to encourage and foster leadership and worthy attributes? The basic heart of man is good and true. If that heart is given the opportunity to thrive it will change it's world. This is what liberty has profited us. Our country has been outlined to provide man liberty and freedom. That liberty and freedom enables happiness. Happiness derives from personal initiative in the progress of work and family. Liberty naturally wants to expand because that happiness in the heart compels the host to share it and testify of it.

We as Americans wear the robes of liberty. How we exercise it determines their colors. Liberty thrives only when connected from one heart to the next – and the next. When we as a nation are bonded as one - liberty cannot be conquered. After the attack a decade ago we were “one” for a time. That oneness is what gave us resolution of heart. It's what gave us the will to stand on our borders, arms locked, till death if the need were to arise for the preservation of our country and spirit of liberty.

We have a duty attached to the expensive liberty which we are to cherish. We have the duty to preserve order by participating in local, state and even federal government and policy making. We have a duty to be willing to protect and preserve this nation and it's tenets. We have a duty to raise our families to the best of our abilities with our posterity's interest at heart. It is the rising generation that will carry the banners of family and liberty forth into the future.

I love this country! I love what it has provided me and my family. I love the responsibility placed upon me even by the cries of our Founding Fathers from the grave. I love that we are able to clasp hands in fellowship even though we may have differing faiths. I love the liberty-inspired free enterprise and free market degree that we have. It's what helps to foster personal growth, expansion and happiness.

I hereby testify that we are a truly inspired nation. That inspiration put to pen so many years ago is born into the hearts of every true American whether domestic born or immigrant. With this liberty we can rise above the political turmoil which we now suffer. Life doesn't have to be complicated. The principles of liberty and freedom are not difficult to understand. Any institution, organization or branch of society that pins it's will against it's own people in a direction of misdirection and confusion is not born of liberty.

We of strong hearts and compassionate minds have the commission, ourselves, to make the difference in this world. Let us all get out there and serve our fellow citizens with love and concern. As our conviction toward our neighbor strengthens our flag will indeed blind all those powers who wish to bring our banner to it's knees. Long may the flag wave pure and happy!

New Stop Signs in Shenandoah Iowa

This post is concerning my views on the new stop signs erected throughout the city afforded on behalf of the school district. There are many grumblings of the inconvenience surrounding this action. Claims are made that it even presents danger instead of preventing accidents. On the other side, voice is heard that it makes for a welcome addition to the overall safety and awareness of not only the students but also pedestrians in general.

This post will be short, sweet and to the point. It is true, and I do admit, that it was an incovenience to me to remember to stop at these signs. Especially meeting Nishna off of Center and also eastbound on Nishna. The many years of common driving has dulled the need to be watchful of signs and warnings. In fact i've noticed that more people watch for vacinity police than they do proper heeding to the signs at hand.

We are not only Americans, residents of Iowa and contributors to the community of Shenandoah we are coexisting human beings. Being such we are the most adaptable yet most complacent life forms on earth. Part of our growth physically, spiritually, emotionally, mentally and academically is the willingness to learn and adapt. When the economy is in dark times we eventually learn to cut down on our expenses and resort to food storage techniques and more disciplined spending. When storms come, many of us tend to come out of our shells to help clean up a neighbor's property. The learning process, especially when it involves inconvenience, should be a joy and a challenge to anyone who wants to grow and further develop.

In my own experience over the past few weeks of the new stop signs i've entered a change. Being compelled to slow down has offered less tension while driving. In fact the slower pace has offered a more enjoyable ride. I now welcome these new signs to the city of Shenandoah. Yes, for the benefit of all pedestrians but mostly for the compelling need to change from within.

As an added note, the Shenandoah Police Department has been very lenient and understanding during this time of transition. They do continue to ask that all drivers exercise increased caution and awareness of all city signs.    

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