HomeMy WebLinkAboutJill Anderson Public Works letterMeet 0
I come to you tonight with a prepared written statement that I would like to read. I would first like to say
thank you for running for office and for fulfilling a civic duty and responsibility that most of us wouldn't do
for fear of confrontation, disagreement or having to make tough and not always the most desirable decisions.
Your job is a thankless one and I want to go on record tonight as one member of our fine community as
saying thank you for your hard work and the countless hours you spend on my families behalf. I appreciate all
that you do.
My reasons for reading my thoughts are because I have had many, many months to think about a particular
issue that seem to keep resurfacing in the various committees, meetings or groups I am involved with and I
hope to articulate those thoughts through reading them instead of talking off the top of my head. My
comments are not directed at any specific individual and are not meant to criticize or condemn anyone. I am
simply sharing an observation and am finding that it is shared by others I have talked to as well.
We are having an experience in our neighborhood that has been very challenging. We've seen dear friends
move and their homes demolished. What was once a private and sheltered area is now exposed and will be
for a couple of years to constant dust, noise and zero privacy. We have all had to make adjustments and will
continue to do so until the completion of the project. The premise of this project taking place was based on a
need for an amended protective covenant by our neighborhood. It was changed by a majority of the
neighbors and now we must live by them. We have now reached a rock and a hard place because that very
amended covenant is not just being challenged but practically denied as one of having any validity by those
who wrote it. Many of us are asking, "Why have a covenant, if it does nothing for you and it isn't enforced?"
A conditional use permit is also tied into this project and some of the conditions of this permit are the subject
of much question, debate and definition. "Why place conditions on the permit if they are not enforced?"
While we understand and are very grateful that there is an effort taking place to meet those conditions, there
are those who are trying to manipulate and skew the intent and purpose of those conditions which were
required by planning and zoning on July 7, 2005.
Why have a city ordinance which addresses the upkeep of your business property if it is not enforced? Why
place a curfew on my own child if I am not willing to implement the consequence for not abiding by that
curfew? Why have a dress code at the High School to insure the best educational environment for our
students if it is not enforced? Every society is full of rules and regulations, laws and ordinances and all are
implemented to guarantee a safe environment in which to raise our families and to coexist together. Making
the rules is the easy part. Enforcing them ... well that is a different story. Noone knows that better than our
public safety officials.
But if we don't have constant and consistent enforcement of the simplest rules and regulations, no matter who
you're related to, what you job is or what your title may be, I feel that we are letting each other down and are
asking for trouble in the future. Just recently I had a conversation with a member of planning and zoning and
they shared many of the same feelings that I share with you tonight. "It's an uphill battle, Jill and we need
more people with backbone to stand up and hold individuals accountable. But we must do it consistently."
Don't misunderstand my comments. I am thankful that our manpower is spent of felons and others who try to
diminish our quality of life. I appreciate what is being done. But I urge you all to continue to be consistent
with all members of our society on all issues.
And finally I give you all permission to give me a fine if I litter, issue a ticket when I speed, and if my children
disturb the peace ... let them know of their consequence.