Transparency, Transparency, Transparency — and… The Parcel

What in the sam hill is going on with the two acres next to Town Hall that the town recently purchased, hereafter referred to as “the parcel?” How far along are town council’s plans to construct a medical center, new town hall, and a post office? Most community governments, especially small towns like Springdale, would be talking with citizens for their input. TSS has received several citizen comments saying workforce or affordable housing would be a better fit for that parcel than what is being proposed. If we have been asked for our opinion as to whether they should have purchased the land or what are the best uses for it, I am not aware of it.

Why did the Mayor respond with such angst when Pat Campbell shared those plans with a citizen of Springdale? She should have been the one sharing the information with all of us. It should have been in the town newsletter the minute they had a concept. If citizens were on board with their ideas, then, and only then, should time and money be spent on specific plans, building styles, etc.

Planning Commission and Town Council usually grill citizens and businesses when they want to add a structure or change something on their properties. How tall is that? How much space here? Why can’t you make do with this? But when it’s from the town council, no accountability or specificity seems required.

Planning Commission, in approving the parcel change zoning from village residential to public use, asked so few questions it was stunning.

Months ago, I asked a friend to write an article for TSS in favor of Mayor Bruno (I was pretty sure she was voting for her and consistent TSS readers will know I was not). My friend declined, adamantly, I mean adamantly, saying she steered very clear of politics. It occurred to me much later that she was at the caucus prior to the presidential elections, and was vocal and engaged in expressing her strong opinions about one of the presidential candidates.

I realized something I should already have known. Many are involved in national politics but steer clear of local politics. And yet, it is locally where our impact can actually be felt. But, unfortunately, it is in local politics where we may end up feeling uncomfortable with our friends and neighbors. We can learn to be Scalia/Ginsburg. I know we can.

Please engage — locally. Our current local governing body seems steeply inclined away from transparency. What happens in Springdale usually impacts us more directly and immediately than what happens in DC. We need to assert our right to know. The Town Council meeting on the 14th has several important agenda items. You should get information this Friday.

We have a huge, not so far in the future, sewage situation which will HAVE to be addressed. What warrants a 4000 sq ft medical center when the current one sees a couple of dozen patients a week? How should our money be spent or saved or donated to charity, for crying out loud? It is your money, our money, our stewardship. It is unfair to expect 5 citizen legislators to have all the answers, to always be right. If believing voting is a right, isn’t knowing the issues a duty? I don’t know. Maybe I’m waxing dramatic beyond what’s appropriate. If so, apologies. But, see you at Town Council or read your letters to them?