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Posted: 28 April 2008 09:31 PM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 31 ]
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Chris_McGraw - 28 April 2008 07:13 PM
KATYS DAILY - 28 April 2008 05:35 PM

I’m tired of the fluff and all the nicey nice all the time.

I hate all that nicey nice fluff too, so here it is.

If it’s THAT important to you, if you’re THAT passionate about it, adjust your schedule and attend a meeting.  Not being mean, just being honest.  You could write a letter, or submit a complaint, but the meetings are where the business is done, and attending a meeting is where you ask your questions, state your case and opinion, and have a direct dialog with the local government.  If you’re complaining about someones overgrown hedge, then maybe a complaint or letter will do the job.  But since you’re trying to eradicate or modify a 5 year old ordinance, attendance at a meeting might be required.  On this mostly anonymous public forum, discussions are had, but decisions are not made.

I learned (probably more than I wanted to, lol) that going to a meeting is the way to get your voice heard.  Attending a few meetings will give you a lot of insight as to how issues are dealt with and the reasoning behind them.  I questioned the board on a proposed ordinance and they listened, regrouped, and went through all the steps again to our satisfaction.  Ultimately their ordinance went through but I think that because we were there we made a difference.  I attend regularly and know the board will readily accept a question or comment from anyone.  I have a voice at meetings, just ask Chris McGraw smile

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Posted: 28 April 2008 11:50 PM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 32 ]
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havashot - 28 April 2008 09:31 PM
Chris_McGraw - 28 April 2008 07:13 PM
KATYS DAILY - 28 April 2008 05:35 PM

I’m tired of the fluff and all the nicey nice all the time.

I hate all that nicey nice fluff too, so here it is.

If it’s THAT important to you, if you’re THAT passionate about it, adjust your schedule and attend a meeting.  Not being mean, just being honest.  You could write a letter, or submit a complaint, but the meetings are where the business is done, and attending a meeting is where you ask your questions, state your case and opinion, and have a direct dialog with the local government.  If you’re complaining about someones overgrown hedge, then maybe a complaint or letter will do the job.  But since you’re trying to eradicate or modify a 5 year old ordinance, attendance at a meeting might be required.  On this mostly anonymous public forum, discussions are had, but decisions are not made.

I learned (probably more than I wanted to, lol) that going to a meeting is the way to get your voice heard.  Attending a few meetings will give you a lot of insight as to how issues are dealt with and the reasoning behind them.  I questioned the board on a proposed ordinance and they listened, regrouped, and went through all the steps again to our satisfaction.  Ultimately their ordinance went through but I think that because we were there we made a difference.  I attend regularly and know the board will readily accept a question or comment from anyone.  I have a voice at meetings, just ask Chris McGraw smile

You and your neighbors had a valid concern about a proposed ordinance, you voiced that to your elected officials and became part of the discussion and ultimately part of the solution, at times lending insight that I know I personally appreciated.  Yes, you have a voice, but we both know that being vocal isn’t always a bad thing.

I do appreciate the positive comments smile

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Posted: 29 April 2008 05:43 AM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 33 ]
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Chris_McGraw - 28 April 2008 07:13 PM
KATYS DAILY - 28 April 2008 05:35 PM

I’m tired of the fluff and all the nicey nice all the time.

I hate all that nicey nice fluff too, so here it is.

If it’s THAT important to you, if you’re THAT passionate about it, adjust your schedule and attend a meeting.  Not being mean, just being honest.  You could write a letter, or submit a complaint, but the meetings are where the business is done, and attending a meeting is where you ask your questions, state your case and opinion, and have a direct dialog with the local government.  If you’re complaining about someones overgrown hedge, then maybe a complaint or letter will do the job.  But since you’re trying to eradicate or modify a 5 year old ordinance, attendance at a meeting might be required.  On this mostly anonymous public forum, discussions are had, but decisions are not made.

+1

As far as the good ole boy network: I don’t know anyone on here (well except for 1 person and she is a girl), so that pretty much rules out a network. kinda have to know the folks. Just tired of seeing all the whining about an ordinance. Go to a meet ing and change it. Oh and I drive to the DC area everyday to work, so I know all about long drives and irregular work schedules.

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Posted: 29 April 2008 08:46 AM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 34 ]
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I can’t WAIT to attend a meeting.  I completely agree that we can’t just type our feelings here. It’s a bit cowardly to assume that this path would work.  However, it’s a fabulous “mock trial”, if you will?  I posted the “Sk8 Police” thread, and I’m so glad I did.  I’ve had people ask me if I was “Twisted Sister” in the grocery store and a few other places.  I must admit that I was a little frightened to answer as I wasn’t sure “who” they were and there are definitely more than a few that don’t agree with me. However, each time I answered “yes” and was suprised to see just how many people agree with me in this little town.  I’ve just recently become really involved in the elementary school PTA, so I must attend those meetings on the first Monday of each month.  I believe in skating, but Education comes first!  Since there are only 2 PTA meetings left for the remainder of the year, I can not miss those. So, here is my game plan…

I’m going to attend the HARP meeting in May and talk about possible skate park locations.  I’ll take all of that feedback with me when I attend the July Borough meeting.  I figure that way, I’ll have some knowledge about “where” our kids can skate from HARP and some options of what we can do to create such a space.  I’ve had a slogan I spit out once in a while to people who are constant complainers: “Don’t complain to me about the problem if you aren’t going to be part of the solution.” This applies to me right now, I’m making it my own personal goal to be a part of the solution and see it through.  There are a few others that want to do this with me, so perhaps with some support and our voice, we will make some changes.  I want to thank all of the people on this site (even if I don’t like what they have to say) for their opinions as it’s really been a great learning experience, and I feel I’m better prepared for what the board will come back with.

As for the when the ordinance came to be, it was January 2003, so it isn’t so old that we can’t dust it off and make some changes!  SKATERS RULE!!!!!!

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Posted: 29 April 2008 10:01 AM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 35 ]
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Twisted Sisters - 29 April 2008 08:46 AM


I’m going to attend the HARP meeting in May and talk about possible skate park locations.

I think the new complex (on the dump) would be a grat area for it. but they have to allow bikes on it as well…

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If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping in a closed room with a mosquito.
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Posted: 29 April 2008 11:44 AM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 36 ]
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Chris_McGraw - 28 April 2008 07:13 PM
KATYS DAILY - 28 April 2008 05:35 PM

I’m tired of the fluff and all the nicey nice all the time.

I hate all that nicey nice fluff too, so here it is.

If it’s THAT important to you, if you’re THAT passionate about it, adjust your schedule and attend a meeting.  Not being mean, just being honest.  You could write a letter, or submit a complaint, but the meetings are where the business is done, and attending a meeting is where you ask your questions, state your case and opinion, and have a direct dialog with the local government.  If you’re complaining about someones overgrown hedge, then maybe a complaint or letter will do the job.  But since you’re trying to eradicate or modify a 5 year old ordinance, attendance at a meeting might be required.  On this mostly anonymous public forum, discussions are had, but decisions are not made.

Dear Chris,

Sorry to give the details but after a baby and three surgeries in one year I have no leave. If I can be compensated my lost wages of $25-30 hr. rate then I will consider missing work to attend the meeting. Paying bills takes priority right now rather than trying to change poorly written policies. I can invest time writing letters making phone calls if that will help in anyway.

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Posted: 29 April 2008 01:56 PM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 37 ]
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Sorry to hear that.  You won’t be paid wages.  We welcome all comments.

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Posted: 29 April 2008 06:09 PM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 38 ]
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Ahh, so that is the price.  Lets say you get a 10 hour shift, at $30 an hour.  Your passion is limited to something less than $300.

I am really sorry you have had a tough time of it in the last year.  Believe me, I know how that goes.  I lost a job in November due to an emergency health issue.  But we move on.

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Posted: 29 April 2008 06:22 PM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 39 ]
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JustPlainC - 29 April 2008 06:09 PM

Ahh, so that is the price.  Lets say you get a 10 hour shift, at $30 an hour.  Your passion is limited to something less than $300.

I am really sorry you have had a tough time of it in the last year.  Believe me, I know how that goes.  I lost a job in November due to an emergency health issue.  But we move on.

Dear C,

If $300 is so minor to you, pay me $300 and I will go to the meeting. How’s that for passion? What do you do for a living that you make so much more? Plus, that can be alot for some people who are on a fixed budget. Not all of us are doctors, lawyers, independent business owners or IT Professionals. We work for a living and that can be alot of money. Who said my work is my passion anyway?  It is a responsibility. That is different.

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Posted: 01 May 2008 03:59 PM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 40 ]
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I am not really sure why this thread got started but there is a skate park at Theatre Road and the trail.  Right next to Old Trail Animal Hospital.  This is also the place that has an awesome summer camp (OPSAC) for kids. I might be on the wrong track as I am not sure if the thread was to look for a skate park, skateboards, or to complain about skaters in the neighborhood but if this info works for you - there you go.

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