Anyone that voted against the measure the first time has to feel as if they were brushed aside. We live in a society where majority rules. Well in this situation majority ruled and then was quickly brushed under the carpet. I am truly excited to have new facilities that we all can be proud of. But I am not proud of a system that can so quickly overturn the will of the people. I also hope the board follows their plan but I ask myself: should we trust a group of people that was initially unprepared and unprofessional? The only reason they even drew up a plan is because thats what some needed in order to vote yes next time. They didn't want the plan in the first place and sure as hell won't stick to it. That's change you can believe in.....or something.
Note: I don't proof, sorry
I look at this a little different way. I don't see the voters as being brushed aside..I see them as being brushed right back into the Rec Center to re-vote. And it would seem that the same people that voted against it the first time voted for it the second time due to receiving the information they requested.
It will put my mind a bit more at ease knowing my children will be able to play on safe playgrounds. I agree, HU (if you don't mind) this tax will be a good thing.
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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
Anyone that voted against the measure the first time has to feel as if they were brushed aside. We live in a society where majority rules. Well in this situation majority ruled and then was quickly brushed under the carpet. I am truly excited to have new facilities that we all can be proud of. But I am not proud of a system that can so quickly overturn the will of the people. I also hope the board follows their plan but I ask myself: should we trust a group of people that was initially unprepared and unprofessional? The only reason they even drew up a plan is because thats what some needed in order to vote yes next time. They didn't want the plan in the first place and sure as hell won't stick to it. That's change you can believe in.....or something.
Note: I don't proof, sorry
You make good points, but that is the way democracy works. There is a process that must be followed and the PB did so. They picked themselves up off the ground and went at it again. So, in a nutshell, if the Majority you mention have enough passion, all they have to do is pick themselves up, gather their resources, vote all the Park Board out, put their people in, and rescind or modify the whole structure. Sure it's a lot of work but....see my first sentence again.
At the risk of sounding like John Kerry, I voted against it the first time before I voted for it the second time. The logical argument of the "greater good of the community" versus the risk of rampant misuse and crony capitalism, left the "greater good" winning out. The ballot was written so that an unchangeable amount of tax revenues would go toward the construction of a new Recreation Center. Of course they understated what they hope to garner in monies, and of course the next budget will reflect that windfall...but...and here's the rub, what if there is another seated board in place that reflects the will of the "majority" you reference....? Wouldn't it be a good thing?
Anyone that voted against the measure the first time has to feel as if they were brushed aside. We live in a society where majority rules. Well in this situation majority ruled and then was quickly brushed under the carpet. I am truly excited to have new facilities that we all can be proud of. But I am not proud of a system that can so quickly overturn the will of the people. I also hope the board follows their plan but I ask myself: should we trust a group of people that was initially unprepared and unprofessional? The only reason they even drew up a plan is because thats what some needed in order to vote yes next time. They didn't want the plan in the first place and sure as hell won't stick to it. That's change you can believe in.....or something.
I actually think the tax was a good idea. It will make Williston a much better place for everyone to enjoy. But I don't think it is fair for Randy to tell everyone to move on. When the measure failed its supporters didn't just "let it go". The first time this issue was voted on the park board was unprepared. They had no plan in place and hoped the support they had would be enough for the measure to pass. The public said no, they wanted to know the exact details of where THEIR money would be spent. The park board was sloppy and unprofessional. But alas, penalized they were not. They simply had plans drawn up and recruited more support. They knew exactly what was needed this time. The will of the people was overturned in a matter of months. There should be a certain amount of time that must pass before a measure can be re-introduced. Why should people even bother to vote? Their vote can be erased next election. Opposition to this kind of measure are not usually organised. Further, the park board doesn't even have to follow the plan. In the end they can do whatever they like. Again I like the idea of having nice parks and facilities but time will tell how things end up. Then the people that had their vote nullified can say they told you so.
I think my comments might have been taken a little out of context. I have lived here a long time and it is my contention that people tend to get riled up in flurries, and the outcome of the two different votes was a perfect example of that. I didn't intend to demean, in any way, those who were opposed. My point was intended to be, that the the tax has been passed, and we need to make the best of it. Transparency and checks and balances will be the key to the success of that tax. The character of the people who administer the spending, those who control the projects, and those who may or may not make side deals in their own best interests, will be the most important factor deciding whether or not we made a good move in approving this tax.
I actually think the tax was a good idea. It will make Williston a much better place for everyone to enjoy. But I don't think it is fair for Randy to tell everyone to move on. When the measure failed its supporters didn't just "let it go". The first time this issue was voted on the park board was unprepared. They had no plan in place and hoped the support they had would be enough for the measure to pass. The public said no, they wanted to know the exact details of where THEIR money would be spent. The park board was sloppy and unprofessional. But alas, penalized they were not. They simply had plans drawn up and recruited more support. They knew exactly what was needed this time. The will of the people was overturned in a matter of months. There should be a certain amount of time that must pass before a measure can be re-introduced. Why should people even bother to vote? Their vote can be erased next election. Opposition to this kind of measure are not usually organised. Further, the park board doesn't even have to follow the plan. In the end they can do whatever they like. Again I like the idea of having nice parks and facilities but time will tell how things end up. Then the people that had their vote nullified can say they told you so.
The tax is passed. Let's move on from the coulda woulda shoulda and focus on making sure it is utilized in the manner the voters intended, and that it becomes the premier facility WPR envisioned.
If you are worried about how the 1/2 is going to be used in the day to day operations, or don't trust that those on the Board have your best interests at heart, then man-up and run for a seat.
If you are worried about the other 1/2 going to where the Rec Center will be placed; or what will be included in the facility, or how it will be designed, built, and operated... then contact members of the Park Board, or the Director of P&R and tell them you want to be part of the process...and don't accept anything less. Otherwise, simply hold your peace, and accept the results of what those who follow up on it, come up with. Just my 15 cents worth. ;o)
It appears that NDGirl gave you another reason besides spite and anti tax. Some may have based their decision on other issues such as past history, duration of the tax, their own idea of the actual need...Those that did not agree with the tax can not all be placed in spite/anti tax categories.
-- Edited by Sue Evans on Tuesday 29th of November 2011 07:20:49 PM
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Our ELECTED officials are our employees. These individuals asked for this job. We must govern our employees.
So you're saying there were hundreds of people that voted no last time that moved out of city limits?
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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
Another consideration for the No voters being less. I voted no the last go around, and would have voted no this go around, but bought a house out of city limits and could not vote. There were quite a few people that I know that feel this should not have passed but were in the same situation. We work, and shop in Williston but live in the 5 miles surrounding the city.
Question just popped up in my head...does this mean I get a new truck?
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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
I think it really boils down to the fact that the voters actually wanted a dedicated plan in place that was locked in. I don't think there were really that many people who had a problem with the tax itself. The t's were crossed, and the i's were dotted correctly this time. There was no arrogance and there was not haughtiness, simply a logical argument in favor, hard to oppose that.
Congratulations to the citizens of Williston, and to WPR for its' perseverance.
Just got done talking to Jeremy Ludlum about that.
There had to have been a significant number of "no" voters that simply wanted to see an organized approach. A laid out plan for how the money is going to be spent.
The remaining "no" votes were due to spitefulness towards park board members and pure anti-tax people.
The people in this town are no dummies (for the most part). They weren't going to allow this tax to pass without making the park board dot their i's and cross their t's.
And as far as that goes, major kudos to the park board for getting that stuff done in a relatively short period of time.
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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
It's interesting to note the difference between the number of "yes" and "no" voters this time as opposed to last time. Was the NWQL committee able to get out the vote more effectively? Was the plan set forth by Parks and Rec more compelling? Or are voters really that fickle?
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Science can purify religion from error and superstition. Religion can purify science from idolatry and false absolutes. Each can draw the other into a wider world. A world in which both can flourish.
I understand your sentiments, Vicki. I feel things are different this time. Considering there is collaboration between two entitites there would appear to be a system of checks and balances in place to assure that this rec center gets done right and eventually is managed well.
Nice job everyone!
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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
Then let's hope it is done right this time. Last time during this it was a really bad deal. I know for myself when the boom went bust - things did not get any better and that building went to a bad state. Yet, we paid. You people who are in charge will be held responsible how things end up. Congratulations.
