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This week’s Locals Only
I’m already second-guessing myself, on No. 7, after Monday night’s vote . . .
It’s a drizzly, gloomy Saturday, but I’m having a pumpkin latte, and feeling good. So good, that I’m coming up with a Top 10 Things About the City of Ocean Shores:
1) The staff and volunteers at the Interpretive Center. This is the Rodney Dangerfield of Ocean Shores City departments. Gets no respect, and little money. Yet, second only to the ocean, this is the most popular thing visitors want to see. And to think, it was nearly closed . . . (If it wasn’t free, would the City have tried to close the ocean?)
2) Fire Department volunteers. Much respect to the professional Ocean Shores firefighter/paramedics. Few of us would want their jobs. But a handful of highly trained, extraordinarily dedicated volunteers do the same job. This city without them is a frightening thought . . .
3) Mike Styner. For going on a year, he’s been the “double chief,” in charge of both the police and fire departments. As far as I can tell, he didn’t ask for any more money when he was asked (by then-Mayor Dean Bunkers) to do this. And, as far as I can tell, both departments are running smoothly.
4) The Permits Department. They had their ranks cut, like many other city departments in the Bunkers Era. But they continue to operate efficiently and professionally. The city will take in some $300,000-plus in new construction and other permit fees this year. Without this money (which I’m sure places like Hoquiam and Aberdeen would love to have), there probably would be deeper cuts, in other departments.
5) The Library board and volunteers. They never gave up the fight, nor shrank from the work of keeping the Ocean Shores Library open, on a shoestring 2010 budget. It would have been easy to say, “We give up!” But not these folks.
6) Miles Beach. The Waterworks Utility Superintendent was asked (by guess who? That’s right: Bunkers) to be the Project Manager of the water system upgrade. Again, it appears he agreed to take on more work. And the results, thus far, have been very promising: the project is on schedule to be completed by June.
7) John Lynn. The rookie councilman has consistently questioned the city’s spending, demanded explanations, and insisted we not spend money we don’t have.Although he did vote for that 1 percent tax increase . . . And, by the way, if Lynn and company (you’re not expecting the department heads to do it, are you?) can’t figure out how to reduce spending and increase revenues (other than tax increases), Ocean Shores will have its own mini-Armageddon, of 2012. This is when city-wide re-assessments should go into effect. If the assessments are done properly, it will probably mean a huge reduction in the tax roll, for our fair city.
Crime Watch volunteers. Their jobs is quite a bit less stressful than the paramedic volunteers, but they are no less essential, checking on the homes of part-time residents . . . and, on several occasions, discovering break ins.
9) ACT. Another volunteer group, the Action Committee for Tourism are the people behind some of the city’s biggest festivals, from Sand and Sawdust to the newer Paddle the Shores.
10) Dean Bunkers . . . And the Locals say: “Whaaaaaaaat?! First of all, he doesn’t even live here, anymore. And second, all you did while he was Mayor was give him a hard time!”
Well, I’m starting to re-think this former Navy officer. Ocean Shores wanted a “strong” mayor, and they got one. In just a year-and-a-half, Bunkers made a string of bold, tough choices. I don’t agree with all of them, but he sailed Ocean Shores through some stormy seas.
Perhaps his bilge pumps kept us from sinking . . .
tscanlon@northcoastnews.com
You have got it!! However, at times they do listen. It is those small nuggets that one hopes for. One can petition the Lord with prayer, but he does not have to respond. As to small groups, many a small group has grown into larger groups. I think one good example is the Revolutionary War that created the United States. “A little rebellion now and then is a good thing” – Jefferson
Advice and counsel from citizens is good. However the council is not obligated to act of every piece of “advice and counsel” offered. Although what may appear to some that they are being ignored may actually a decision by council that that particular advice is not feasible or realistic at this time or in their view.
And, at some point, the constant droning of “advice” from a small group is just tuned out.
Strange that people think that politicians are enclosed in bubbles and don’t seek advice and counsel from constituents, professionals, friends, and others. Our system of government does not require people to hold office in order to provide solutions or answers. Many times our local officials have stated that they “don’t have the time to read or check up on things before them.” That failure because of commitments to one’s job, family or self results in many of the questionable decisions made in Ocean Shores. Repeatedly you see things done over because they were not done right. Even our change in the form of government here has not been completed. Many of our ordinances and policies have not been updated. So, what you may take as a complaint, your opinion, is really advice and counsel.
You have missed my point completely. I have not offered any opinions on just how to run the city and I have no desire to run for office. My point (or complaint, if you so desire) is that I am somewhat tired of those that are out here bloviating about how things “should” be, but don’t seem to be willing to put their money where their mouth is and get on the ballot with all their answers/solutions.
fixed – for clarity, if you or any retired person wants to get into local politics because of a desire to serve the community thats a choice.(I support that) But after a person enters into public office, they have a responsiblity to lead, manage, and use those “answers/promises they made to the community to serve and protect all of us. And when that doesn’t happen and hasn’t happened here locally,then be prepared for flack. One also reaches a point in life where its time to just fall back and re-group,for awhile. That is also a choice and an opinion-mine. Your opinion/choices are just as relevant also and even if I didn’t agree, I would still support and defend your right to have them. Hope that clears things up a little.
GB, Now I’m really confused. Are you saying we retired folks should stay out of local politics or those that sit back and complain about everything should just mind their own business?
Good Locals Only Tom!
I agree with you green bean on the commments made on the ‘1% tax is on’ and with your final comment most of all! LOL
That 15 Nov piece on the “1% tax is on” really was one of the most thought provoking blogs in recent days. Ya get the full range of feelings, attitudes, “laid back sniping vs having an opinion, a little touch of frustration from some of the ole military guys, and even a constituional interpretation on ones rights. All in all, it covered a wide range of insight into how alot of folks really feel in this town. As to voting for the persons with ALL the answers to fixing our many problems, well, maybe those persons, who ever “they” are, have the most important answer – Stay OUT of local politics!! Your BP will thank you. enjoy being retired in O. Shores…LOL
“If the assessments are done properly, it will probably mean a huge reduction in the tax roll, for our fair city.” However it really makes no difference. They still get their 1% a year until they hit the $3.375 levy amount. Until then, it can grow and grow. Levy goes up when values go down. The end result is that the previous revenue is increased by 1% if voted by council until they hit the limit. Then they will just put Ambulance Utility Fees on our water bills. See Aberdeen and Hoquiam as proof.