I'm Getting Involved in Our Towns Politics

[M.D. Holloway]

In an attempt to make a very small difference I applied and was accepted into our towns planning and zoning commission.

Attended my first meeting tonight. Very interesting.

Some topics included:
1) Water runoff funding - define what gets taxed; developed property with structures or anything that changes the land (includes parking lots)
2) New Firehouse Motion to Pass; fencing, landscaping, even the trash bin location has to be scrutinized.
3) New scoreboards for the baseball / softball fields; sponsorship questions - what is the selection criteria and what if a sponsor is rejected what is the legal ramifications?
4) Road expansion projects; TXDOT vs. Town Funding, who pays what, plenty of details
5) Light Rail Train Station Proposal
6) Traffic Light at Our Sons School; more complicated than you can imagine

Some of these topics would seem to have obvious solutions but actually they do get a bit more complicated. The folks involved (including the Mayor) do the work on a purely volunteer basis. Seems like there are less hidden agendas and more general concern for the community - than again I haven't been in it for very long. Could be some rascals for sure!

[bryanthompson]

Cool beans. If ya'll can actually get stuff done, that's great.

Now that our retar^H^H^H^H^H mayor has announced that she won't be running again, I'm hoping our council can actually make some good things happen. I watch the meetings on TV and am constantly amazed at the ridiculousity of it all.

[cantdrv55]

Mike, what's involved in applying for a spot in the commission? How much volunteer time do you think you will have to put in?

I'm asking because my neighbor was allowed to build a rental on her property. I'm against it because I live on a small, semi-private street with only 5 homes. I know everybody on our street. Now, there's a parking issue because her tenants have three cars. I don't think the planning committee took that into consideration.

[pwd72s]

Wal-Mart already there? If not, that is one time I wouldn't want to be on a planning committee.

[Moses]

First order of business? Take care of the lady with all the flags in her yard!

[M.D. Holloway]

Originally posted by cantdrv55
Mike, what's involved in applying for a spot in the commission? How much volunteer time do you think you will have to put in?

I'm asking because my neighbor was allowed to build a rental on her property. I'm against it because I live on a small, semi-private street with only 5 homes. I know everybody on our street. Now, there's a parking issue because her tenants have three cars. I don't think the planning committee took that into consideration.

There may already be something on the books to address this. She may be within the law or she may have ignored it and is trying to get away with something and nobody has raised a fuss.

You might call up the town hall and ask when the next open session is for Planning and Zoning or contact the town counsel member who is invloved in P&Z and give him a shout.

One thing is certain, in many towns not many people get involved. The ones that do actually can get stuff done.

[dhoward]

Don't let 'em mandate low-flow toilets.......

[M.D. Holloway]

Originally posted by pwd72s
Wal-Mart already there? If not, that is one time I wouldn't want to be on a planning committee.

We have an "Up-scale" Wally to be finished out in late Novemebre - Plano TX had the first up-scale version complete with a sushi bar and high end jewery as well as a designer boutique. Seems sort foolish but the one in Plano was a test store and it really went over well. Walmart is looking at 5 demographics to own: Hispanics, Aging Boomers, Upper Income, Blacks, and rural. They will look to design different stores to accompodate each. The one going up in our hood is for upper income and expected to draw other upscale magnets.

I'm not a big fan of Wallymart but I did some research and the retail development that is being built has helped to increase the prop value of the surrounding hoods - certain buyers are very keen to the ease and "village" aspect. I know it sounds strange but some folks like cities, others like it rural and yet others (the strong money) seem to like the bustling village feel. What ever...

[M.D. Holloway]

Originally posted by Moses
First order of business? Take care of the lady with all the flags in her yard!

That who thing has blown over and she has taken them down. The HOA president is being ousted for his lake of consideration in handling the matter decently and a new HOA board is being formed next week. Talk about a brew-ha-ha!

I did see her out over the weekend, enjoying libations in a driveway with a few other folks. The women likes her hootch!

Of course, they could say the same about us. Any given Friday night our drive has the fold out chaisrs and Momma and a few other hens are downing the lites whilest the kids play at the pond.

[Nathans_Dad]

Sweet! When do you start getting to go on swanky junkets with special interest groups? Is there a form where you sign up for that?

[tabascobobcat]

Soon the Libs will be saying that "It's All Lube's Fault"

[Seahawk]

Lube,

I did a similar stint in the small community I lived in before we bought the farm...the experience was alternately rewarding and vexing.

I admire your desire to help...my motives we purely selfish

You gonna start reading Camus this week?

[M.D. Holloway]

My intro and Chap 1 are due Sept 30 - no time for Camus!