Very nicely stated Bj. I know that the community builders are working hard at bringing more to the area. I for one am looking forward to the park that Steve and others are pushing so hard for. BTW, how is that going Steve. Any updates you can give us?
Lonewolf and Steve both have very good points. This community is one of the most giving, involved communities in the state, upper midwest for that matter. You don't see as many people or business' in other citites willing to donate money, labor, materials, advertisements....etc.....not only now because times are good, but they have/will also be willing to help as much as possible when things do slow down. There is alot of pride in the people of Williston in this city.....from the fast food chains, local bar owners, construction workers, banks, business owners, etc.....
Things will slow down, but hopefully the "bubble burst" is more of slow leak then a pin to the balloon. Williston does need something more, something to bring and keep people in the town. Shopping? Refinery? Affordable housing? Motels (on the way). Restaurants? Something other then just related to the oilfield. Something to keep young people here for their line of work, granted some jobs just won't be able to be kept here, but a reason for people to come, work, and stay when the balloon does leak.
You make a good point, Lonewolf. I hear alot of talk about how bad Williston is going to be when the bubble busts. My question to those people is...if we know for certain this bubble is going to burst, why aren't we as citizens of Williston not trying to find out how we best prepare outselves for that time?
Ask the leaders of cities that have survived difficult times and they'll tell you the reason they have survived and other cities have failed is because the citizens of the failed cities weren't willing to invest in their community. Meaning, they don't take a pro-active approach at making it better.
I believe, Lonewolf, you have taken a pro-active approach, even though not on a large scale like purchasing and starting a business, at making our city better by volunteering your time to the Parks and Rec over Holloween. These are the kinds of efforts that bring a community together to form a bond that helps it survive the tough times.
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Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. – Philippians 2:3-4
After talking with family and friends here in Williston, there is quite a security bubble protecting this community.
That bubble is going to pop, dont know when, but when it does its going to be a hard couple of years for Willistonites. I for one am not looking forward to it. Some say it will be at least 10 years before they even start drilling the Bakken, some say we wont make it that long.
Im not really sure how things with Obama are going to affect us. Us in the middle class souldnt be bothered by the tax increase, notice I said shouldnt. Someone campaining will say one thing, then when he gets in the office will do another. Who knows, He might raise the taxes for all of us to give to the people that dont pay taxes.
-- Edited by Lonewolf at 09:09, 2008-11-06
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My father worked in profanity the way other artists might work in oils or clay. It was his true medium, a master.
Being back in Williston is quite a stark contrast compared to the rest of the country. On the drive to Williston, I stopped over in Whitefish, MT to visit some old friends of mine that are feeling the crunch of the subsiding housing market. My buddy is currently working as a plumber and is working roughly one day a week due to the virtual stoppage of housing construction... in western MT (and most of the US).
After talking with family and friends here in Williston, there is quite a security bubble protecting this community. It's quite interesting, and slightly bizarre. I honestly feel like I am in some odd sort of twilight zone episode driving around this town and witnessing all of the development.
Seriously... I used to skateboard through the old abandoned Sand Creek trailer court (The slabs), and now there are actually people living up there!
Not the Williston I knew growing up... for better or for worse?? You tell me.
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"When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro." -Dr. Johnson
In your chrystal ball, how do you see the coming winds of change affecting our economic bubble we North Dakotan's live in? Is there a bright future for our state? Considering the fact there are more millionaires per capita in our local counties than there are pretty much any other county across the country, how will Obama's proposed tax increases effect them?
Will the changes make bringing franchises to our area easier, more difficult, or will it have no adverse effect at all?
And most important, does the election of a Democrat mean the NFC will regain power in the NFL?
OK, that was stupid, but funny as I was typing it.
Finally, will our Democrat Senators honestly fall in line with Obama on his promises to shut down our coal plants?
New topic now open for discussion. Enjoy!
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Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. – Philippians 2:3-4
