Jim Ireton, like all good leaders, hit the ground running. No sooner was he sworn in as mayor he announced a Mayors Roundtable meeting to be held the following night with Urban Salisbury on the agenda. The room was packed with 100 or more people. When is the last time any meeting of the city had that many in attendance? Jim Ireton gave Urban Salisbury the opportunity to present their plans for the future of the downtown area. This presentation had previously been suppressed by council president, Louise Smith. Council Vice President, Gary Comegys said previously that he didn't want to fund Urban Salisbury any longer because they hadn't done anything in the past. How would he know what they have been doing, he never asked them and the council would not give them the opportunity to make their presentation.
An investment by the city, in the amount of $55,000 will produce a return of $438,085. Is anyone out there making $7.97 on a $1 investment, anywhere? The breakdown of this return is as follows:
Facade Grants $109,000
Volunteer Hours $50,400
Special Projects $104,500
Park 'n Flea $154,000
Special Events $5,700
Memberships & Donations $14,485
It makes it hard to say no to these numbers, yet the former mayor, Louise Smith and Gary Comegys wouldn't even allow them on the agenda to be heard. Instead the former mayor puts a line in the budget for a $25,000 part time position to be given to Michael Day. When has Michael Day or anyone else given the city a return on their money? Lore Chambers sits in her office applying for awards for a city that in all honesty is not deserving of awards or recognition. Not at this time.
James Gillespie said it best when he said "the city has no identity." How is Salisbury identified? High crime? No jobs? This is not how we want our city identified, not by any means. Then Brad Gillis made a good point about marketing Disneyland before it's built. This is exactly what Lore Chambers is doing. She is marketing something that simply is not there. We're not even close to being marketable. All the awards, recognition and designations in the world will not make Salisbury what it was, what it can be or what it should be. Once people visit our city they will learn the truth and wonder, like we all do, how in the world did Salisbury win these awards? There is nothing notable here other than the zoo.
There are only two council members, Debbie Campbell and Terry Cohen, that have always voiced their support for this organization, the other three were prepared to cast their infamous 3-2 vote. What they weren't prepared for was the number of people showing up and taking a stand. The council chambers was filled to capacity, people were standing around the room, there was, at one time 25 or more people in the hall, all seats in the hall were filled, people were standing along the walls and windows. This was the greatest public display I have ever seen put forth in Salisbury.
The pressure was on the Scheme Team tonight and they knew it. The handwriting is clearly on the wall. The people voted for change and they want it. Had they voted against Urban Salisbury tonight, I am willing to bet there would have been a petition to recall filed.
I read on the Daily Times forum "The winds of change are blowing a gale", I believe they are right.
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
14 comments:
Remember this, folks--this is democracy in action. We can effect change in Salisbury, but we have to get off our butts and show up!
I think that the old school and law still exist , tar and fethered.
They will soon get the message , that being , Shanie,Comegy,Smith
and Barrie.
Let's not go GA-GA for unity on the Council. That only makes reasonable dissent more difficult.
The vote last night was under unusual if not unique circumstances, so I don't read much into it.
And notice how the audience all but vanished when even more significant matters (the budget) were discussed. Essentially it was packed with U-S supporters -- many being non-residents of Salisbury -- who vacated when that matter was done. Few people not closely involved in the downtown showed or spoke.
Plus ça change plus c'est la même chose!
What's that "loud, sucking noise" that I heard while this was happening last night?
R. Perot
You bet ur bottom dollar the next election for the two council members Comegys/Smith will have a large turnout to kick their asses out.
I'm against frivolous spending of taxpayer money unless............it's for me, me, me, me, me
Everyone comments that the amount of return on this investment is X. Where exactly does this "return" come from and how do you come up with this figure?esp. since everyone is moving out.
Save
Our
Standpipe
NOT
1:32-
Absolutely NOT!
Well I just got back from Easton for a doctor's appt. and lunch. I have lived here forever.... just why didn't Salisbury take a lesson from their book. What a great downtown.. and lunch and shopping was great!! Sorry folks. we need to get ours back up and running...
I think support for this is a good idea. Imust question your description of return. Where are those numbers coming from and when did we start getting money for volunteer hours??? The funding of US is a good thing but much has to happen before you see any kind of return like you described. I hope it does happen.
I woke up to the radio dj talking about this today. It was soooooooooo refreshing to hear some positive news coming out of Salisbury. I'm a firm believer that Salisbury will get its act together and live up to its potential.
Look at Berlin, it was a run down town before a few brave artists and business owners took a chance, now it is a Renaissance town, Salisbury could do it too--especially now that there are no "favors" owed to others from the mayor.
Those gale winds feel really good right about now : )
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