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Green Lake Zobel Park Rec Fund
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The Estates of Lawsonia
About Me
- Chief Highknocker
- You aren't local until you have at least three generations in the cemetery.
66 comments:
Might want to spell check that scoccer chief.
How come there's no info regarding the upcoming events in GL like Summer Solstice or Concerts in the Park? Are you not a friend of the Chamber???
Since when is it the Chief's job or duty to promote the Chamber of Commerce. Correct me if I'm wrong, but it is the Chamber's job to promote Green Lake? Now we need someone to promote the Chamber of Commerce???
The Chamber seems to be weak and lacking in energy and creativity. To cancel Christmas was a huge mistake. However, since this is a done deed, could they at least remove that tacky Santa house from their premises? And you wonder why downtown Green Lake is dying. Santa never visits Green Lake, especially in summer.
The Summer Solstice is my least favorite GL festival. It is a lame excuse to have a festival and try to milk people of their hard-earned money. Of all the festivals to cancel, this one should have been the first. The leadership at the Chamber has become and oxymoron. I am not surprised that some of their public funds have shifted to other organizations.
Who said it was the Chief's job, and why would it be a bad thing to promote your local Chamber of Commerce and their events?? It looked to me as I've been reading this blog that he's been promoting events around GL, I just thought maybe he could inform the blogosphere about the other events going on the community.
Seemed a little weird to me to leave out the things that bring the most people into the community - that being the Chamber events and the promotion of Chamber members who actually do something for this community.
Come to think of it, I don't think I've ever seen any promotion for the Thrasher Opera House events on this blog either, so it's obviously not a non-profit qualification to be included on this wonderful wealth of information biased blog. It seems to be a venue for a few groups or people that meet some sort of criteria by the Chief.
(How about that Chief - what's the criteria for an event to be deemed appropriate enough to be included on your blog?)
You (blogger) obviously have an axe to grind and I have hit a sore spot! How many people do you think the Soccer Camp is going to bring to the community - 10 or 20? Wow, that will be a great boost to the GL economy huh. So maybe it's not the promotion of events that is the key here - but the promotion of specific people?? Yeah, let's give the money to these other people and watch GL sink further into the depths of this lousy economy - yeah, yeah, that sounds like a wonderful idea.
Ugly comments you have and they seem sort of personal towards someone or something. Glad I was able to give you something to vent about - maybe now you won't explode!
Get your head out of the sand 2nd anonymous. Get out and support your local chamber or your community and businesses will completely die - get it.... Realty check please for anony 2!
OMG It's hard to beleive that there are actually people out there who really think that room tax dollars should be spent by giving it to groups like: GLO, Renew, Cornerstone etc. These are obviously community groups and not tourism groups.
That said, Community groups are great for the direct community that they support - however, room tax dollars were designed to bring in tourists - you know - money for the community to continue functioning. Oh gee, someone out there was actually against that and called it money grubbing. Wow! REALLY - wake up, it IS all about the money for the businesses that are left here struggling to survive.
Without tourism dollars spent here - Green Lake would not exist. It's not because Santa doesn't live here anymore... boo hoo. What a bunch of self serving hoo hah. Green Lake has a lot more problems than a Santa house.
These four posts show exactly why Green Lake is falling apart. The chief announces something good happening - a healthy activity for kids during the summer - and everyone attacks. They attack the chief for his choice of topics and his spelling, they attack the Chamber of Commerce, they attack the events that are planned, they attack the events that are canceled, they attack the soccer camp (won't draw enough people to the community).
Who would ever want to live in a community where the announcement of something as simple and positive as a soccer camp draws nothing but hostility, finger pointing and blame.
This is not to say citizens should not participate and be active in decisions. But it is to say that not everything needs to be scorned and met with anger. Come on, people! It's soccer for kids! Let's see how we can support it rather than try to tear it apart.
See the ball...be the ball...kick the ball!
Soccer has been berry, berry good to me.
Chief promotes MORE than just the Chamber~ if you pay attention to all the links on this blog you can check out the chamber, city, county, Thrasher, school, etc.....
Wow~
And to think that the Chief does it all for free, out of the goodness of his heart. I have to agree with Anonymous #2, though. While it is not the chamber's fault when another local business fails and closes, it certainly makes you wonder why they keep throwing more money at lost cause, especially when the internet is such a low-cost method of reaching people. Are expensive advertising costs worth it? Apparently not.
I am glad you asked about why I promote certain things on here. Mostly because someone asked me to. I don't have any problem promoting anything on here. It was really the reason I started this whole thing. I didn't see much presence on the web for Green Lake events and I thought this might be one more way to do it. I never thought it would become an open forum for local politics. I rather surprised me but there was obviously a need for it. I would gladly promote more local events. Sometimes I just don't promote things because I am actually dealing with stuff in my own life and no one else is doing this for me. There really is no rhyme or reason for why I put things on here other than my current energy level. If this was a paid position I might be more attentive. If someone wants to start their own blog feel free. It would seem the school board issues could support a whole blog on its own. (And I really don't have a problem with people correcting my spelling.)
Thanks readers and bloggers.
That was good info from you Chief - thanks! I do wonder why you keep doing this though... The negativity is astounding on this blog.
I think Chief sticks with it to brush up on his spelling.... :)
Good luck getting the kids around Green Lake to go outside and play. Even if this event was free, the turnout would probably be disappointing. I hope I am wrong. Go SCOCCER! RA RA RA!
Or...They could have really drawn the participants if they would have brought Johnny Depp to town and made it a Pirates of the Caribbean themed Scoccer Camp.
Then the saying would be...
"Go Scoccer! Ar, Ar, Ar!"
The dissension and discord can be disheartening. People all over never agree on everything, but it used to be a better balance requiring reasonable compromise.
Very sadly, the politics, dishonesty, and money grubbing has caused such consequences that people have become livid over being forced to make sacrifices (not compromises, sacrifices) because others' greed, incompetence, ignorance, etc.
People have been divided as a way of weakening measures of accountability. People need to speak up and out to conquer the wrongs. No more apathy and complacency.
Soccer is a great game and I hope many children and parents participate. Thanks for the reminder Chief! :)
Wow! Way too many 'dis'(s) in that last blog. I'm sorry but I became 'dis'interested as soon as I started reading it. Bye!
Wow. Too many words hurt your pea-sized brain? Unfortunately, your ego didn't DISengage before the rest of us had to read your childish insults! Bye is right...don't let the door hit ya where the good Lord split ya! :(
Soccer camp for kids? When is the madness going to end!@#?
How about some American sports? This soccer camp idea is just more IB crap. Why do American kids have to play non-American sports?
Just read the sports news and see who endorses soccer. The same countries who push IB education and anti-American values.
The absurdity of the previous post makes me wonder if it was posted with tongue in cheek? I can see reason in believing that American culture and family values are being systematically flushed down the crapper, from government on down to schools and within the homes. But I don't believe there's anything wrong with soccer and I truly doubt it is a form of indoctrination of some international takeover. Really, I don't.
I for one am very excited to see Green Lake bring in some extra activities for the kids in the community. I'm not really into soccer, but I sure signed my child up for the camp. I was told they were actually getting quite a few kids signed up for this. I do think it is quite pricey for the average family for the week, but I'm hoping if there is a good turn out, it will bring other activities for the kids. Ripon has some AWESOME activities (i.e. soccer, tball, etc) which my child is involved in only because my own community does not offer them. Lets support this soccer camp in hopes that we can have other programs for the families that choose to call Green Lake our home.
It's a nice idea to have activities for the area youth. From my experience, regardless of what town I lived in, there was usually more conflict from the city and town working together financially and otherwise to make it worth anyone's while. God forbid either entity pay more than their fair share. Good luck organizing anything for the kids around here. Most of them would all rather be sitting on their computers playing mindless games or watching TV, anyway.
The Mrs. and I took a drive to see her sister up yonder past Hooterville in the next county. We was supprised to see children outside playing in their yards, riding their bikes, and generally behaving like children. Took me back a good many decades to when I was a young'un. You just don't see that around Green Lake. Who'd a ever thunk it?
The recent youth fishing tourney was a great idea! Once we have some decent bike paths, someone could organize some youth rides. The kids around here need to start appreciating our natural resources more. Also,I urge every parent to have their kids take swimming lessons if they haven't yet. It's one of the most important things you can do for your child. Everyone should know how to swim. Why do we never hear about swimming lessons in the local paper? This should be heavily promoted. Some fishing "classes" would also be a great idea. Not every kid has parents who know how to fish. Where are they supposed to learn? How about some nature "field trips" for the kids? This area is full of opportunity to get kids involved and interested, and all the chamber can think of is showing them how to kick a ball? Come on, you can do better than that (I hope).
To the last poster - Green Lake Area Chamber only has two people in the Chamber on a regular basis. You expect events, kids programs and a summer program! Be realistic, we are a small community with not a lot of finances. If you have ideas, volunteer to set up a week of activities for the kids rather than criticize...
Usually the people that criticize never volunteer for anything.
The Green Lake Chamber also has committees that assist them with their endeavors. Knowing how to delegate is a valuable skill that demonstrates good leadership. Much of the work that goes on is done by volunteers. I have volunteered in the past and continue to do so as time allows. And for the record, there is nothing wrong with constructive criticism. Nothing would ever change for the better without it.
I agree...the chamber is totally reliant on volunteers. Nothing in this town happens without them. So, don't 'boo-hoo' about how the two, lonely overworked souls at the chamber can't make things happen. Delegation and efficient use of time make it all possible.
If I am not mistaken, the chamber also has paid part-time employees in addition to the two full-time employees. Where I come from, two full-times working a 40 hour week can get an awful lot accomplished!
Usually the ones who complain don't volunteer for anything? This is your opinion and not fact. It is my opinion that you've made a foolish assumption because you don't see the many people volunteering for many things, behind the scenes, simply because these volunteers are not working for what YOU think is more important than what you think YOU do.
And the last blog means what????
It means: certain people's egos are out of control and they ASS-ume it is only what THEY do that is important.
The Board of the Chamber must be held accountable not just the employees.
Why are there 3 groups separately trying to do what the chamber should be doing? Renew and the GlO are holding meetings and trying to raise money and trying to get some of the room tax money to do things for the businesses and tourism that the chamber should be in charge of. It is rediculous. They should be all one group working together. The Chamber Board and Director are totally to blame for letting these groups be formed without their involvement. The functions of these 2 groups fall completely under the mission of the Chamber. Get together and get on the same page...and then something might be done in the city!
No one will be "together" until people stop thinking it is okay to take from some in order to give to themselves. It's become all about what people can get for themselves. Oh, and city "leaders" should admit they don't know what they don't know and LEARN without their individual feelings of insecurity and inadequacy getting in the way.
Insecure and inadequate? You sound like you need to run for office and serve this community. I have been in office five plus years after moving here and I try my best with the knowledge I bring to the table. I have learned so much during these years about public works, unions, TIFs and that knowledge gathering continues. My service to the City entitles me to about $100 per month for my time. No one serves for the money but for the ability to make a difference. I have a business background, a degree in management and communication and common sense. Why not call me and discuss what we might do better?
I welcome any ideas.
The Downtown Renewal Project is about improving the look of buildings. GLO is not just a Green Lake City organization but chooses to serve the broader area. So their missions are unique and not just like the Chamber's mission.
We welcome any group that wants to help serve this area and it citizens. The City or Chamber cannot do it alone. We could use support and ideas!
I can't believe we are re-hashing this same old argument again. The chamber has no authority to stop other groups from forming. The functions of these groups are not the same, but (yes) related. I believe the chamber could be doing more to revitalize downtown, but they have their baskets full just trying to organize chalk art. Since the needs of downtown are not being met, certain people took it upon themselves to save Green Lake before it is wiped off the map completely. We need to give tourists a reason to come here, and a reason to come back. Right now, there's nothing here that would make me want to come and spend time or money.
Go Donna! I believe in you and in Green Lake. Together we can make it happen, but things could get more uncomfortable before they get better. Such is the nature of change.
Where did the "leadership" get it in their heads that only their ideas of what is negative, positive counts, and only the "leadership" works hard and is making any sort of improvements? Leadership that were elected/hired to represent the people and work in the people's best interests seem to think the people are nothing but burdensome morons with no right to hold the "leadership" accountable. Yes. Very odd. And even more odd is people who make excuses for the leading bullies.
Do the sheep think their blind loyalty to the crooked system will spare them or benefit them somehow?
Hey Donna...have you forgotten that the ad hoc committee that was formed by Joe Parise and chaired by Ald. Tom Jones a few years ago came up with hours of research concerning the look and function of downtown buildings and grants to improve them and the downtown. I was at most of the meetings. Not a single thing was done about it, and at the time. Tom Jones and others on the committee were totally frustrated that they couldn't get these items to be discussed on the agenda at the city, where YOU were the council Pres.and because Joe didn't want to deal with some of the members on the committee (friends of Green Lake ie Tom Wiscomb and others) The city finally discussed and changed only a FEW of the items only after Tom insisted on an appearance before the council. Donna, you have a short memory! You totally sided with Joe on just about everything. It is on record. At the time, Jones and other members of the ad hoc committee were upset with you and Joe and your attitudes towards them after all the work they did.
Renew is discussing the same things and trying to do the exact same things. Why don't they contact the old ad hoc committee to get all the information from those meetings?
Also, many people were at the first or second GLO meeting where Ellen K. stated to all that as director of the chamber,she Did Not want to be involved with that organization! It was pretty shocking to many. She should be involved in both of these groups! What is her reason for not wanting to be involved? Makes no sense.
So continues the Green Lake merry-go-round....and yes, the city council and chamber board should be held responsible for a good portion of this mess!
Thank you for sharing (above). It is because people don't reach out and share what they know, that others think they are alone and nothing can be done about city and school politics.
It doesn't make sense to have all these little groups springing up here and there with a plan to save Green Lake.
There needs to be coordination and leadership, the leadership also needs to have authority, which these little breakaway factions do not have. What happens when the new group come up with a plan, get ready to implement it, then need money? Or need planning permission or State approval or whatever?
I was privy to the inner workings of the old City Lights group and had access to the meeting notes from all their formal gatherings. It read something like this -
1 - We all love Green Lake and we want to save it.
2 - We have a vested interest in seeing it prosper as we're all business owners or have close links to such.
3 - Lets brainstorm a bunch of ideas on how to save Green Lake then prioritize them and make it work.
4 - Ok, we have a good looking list of ideas, and now we're ready to rock and roll.
5 - Ooops.....we don't have any cash.
6 - OK, let's all chip-in a few dollars out of our own pockets to cover the marketing and flyers and other stuff we need to implement our plan.
7 - Holy crap batman, where did everyone go?
They spent over a year, came up with some fantastic ideas (some crap ones too) but achieved nothing since they did not have the authority or support to get anything worthwhile implemented.
The only committee with any authority and any hope of succeeding, (in my humble opinion) would be one comprised of -
The Mayor of GL
A second appointed City official with the capacity to get things done.
The President of the Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber VP
A regional representative of local area Chamber groups (This may need to be someone from the State).
A select few motivated individuals cherry-picked from the local business community with the foresight and commitment to make a positive contribution to the group.
Off course, everyone would need to share a similar vision for the Town, else it would be a series of meetings leading to nothing. For example, one of the recommendations coming from the 2 year feasibility study conducted a while back concluded that retail was not necessarily important to Green Lake. That would change the shape of any plan impacting the downtown quite radically, and so the committee members would need to decide upfront if they actually supported such a vision. If they did not, they couldn't really move forward without changing the members of the group.
And thus lies the problem for Green Lake at this moment. People can't agree what we should do with this charming little Town, and when opinions are divided it's impossible to move forward on common ground.
A way around the issue might be for some smart person or persons to create a business plan for the town. It would need to be modeled and shaped around a Town that has already been through a similar process. The Main Street Wisconsin Development program is one example of a 'template' which can be copied and implemented in different communities without having to re-invent the wheel. But in isolation it doesn't fit Green Lake at the moment since it assumes a certain level of business activity and downtown functionality, which GL no longer has. So the plan needs to be more deep rooted.
Once a plan has been put to paper, it could be posted to the community to see who might step forward to support it. If a commitment is made from the right people (see the list above), them a committee could be formed with the single-minded goal of driving the business plan forward. It's no different in many respects to an entrepreneur forming a Corporation, hiring a board of directors and taking a business from foundation through to a prospering and successful entity.
This may be naive on the surface and a little utopian sounding, but if you stop to consider it for a while it may be the ONLY approach that is really viable.
DB
Uh...DB...nothing about what you posted sounded naive or utopian. You sound like someone who possibly knew about the steps to be taken regarding how to research how to put together a detailed marketing plan, and then how to design that plan around what is, what is wanted, and what can be.
As it is, we've got too many people who are about 10 years behind the times and do not have the lens or foresight, let alone the ability to be honest and actually reach the community for support. ;)
It takes a village. But the leadership only wants the village's money not it's input, and only cares just enough about the village as far as no one gets hurt while the villagers support the leadership's outdated, one sided agendas.
Quote from anon above -
"It takes a village. But the leadership only wants the village's money not it's input, and only cares just enough about the village as far as no one gets hurt while the villagers support the leadership's outdated, one sided agendas"
That's a great summary of how society works (or doesn't). These are not Green Lake issues, they're common in all democracies. We the people elect representatives whom we believe will fairly and forcibly represent our views in Government, but they often forget who put them there and why.
The Democratic society that we think we crave for is being tested out again with utopian socialist aspirations coming down the line from high level Government. We think, on a basic level, that we'll loose our right to be heard and to shape the future of our community. But even in a Democratic society there are leaders and followers and those of us who are not willing to step up to the plate ought to know better than to sit in the wings bitching and moaning at those who do.
"A reasonable man adapts himself to his environment. An unreasonable man persists in attempting to adapt his environment to suit himself. Therefore, all progress depends on the unreasonable man." George Bernard Shaw
Are we being the "unreasonable" men and women referenced in the quote above, thus the primary obstacle to progress? I think in many cases that we are. Reading this blog certainly makes me feel that way, with its continual theme of opposition, opposition and more opposition. Most people voicing strong opposition to community development have little or no capacity to propose an alternative to what is on offer. In opposing from the sidelines it makes us feel as though we're part of the system, important, that we've influenced an outcome here and there. But in not contributing alternative ideas and not coming forward to air our views publicly, we haven't earned the right to relentlessly oppose other people, in which case we should shut the hell up.
I hope all the negativity on this blog isn't truly indicative of how most of us feel around here, but I fear sometimes that it really is. Unless that changes it's going to be an uphill struggle to stop GL disappearing off the map as a destination for tourists, businesses, new families and the type of people we need to enhance our community.
What a crying shame.
DB
Who are you db?
"In opposing from the sidelines it makes us feel as though we're part of the system, important, that we've influenced an outcome here and there. But in not contributing alternative ideas and not coming forward to air our views publicly, we haven't earned the right to relentlessly oppose other people, in which case we should shut the hell up."
Many people do oppose ideas just to seem important or convince themselves they are part of the process. But many ARE a part of the process, whether they are elected officials, hold a title, sit in a position, etc. These people are a part of the process whether they speak up or not, and they trust the elected officials who have proven they are NOT working the best interest of individuals or society. When opposition rears it's uncomfortable head, it IS a form of offering alternative; in other words, people oppose what they want STOPPED.
And when one is opposing the "majority", one must prove the reasons why the nonsense must be stopped, and bring people together, before any improvements/changes can be made.
Politicians EARN the right to represent the people, the people HAVE the right to expect they will be properly and honestly represented. People are getting fed up with being told to "shut the hell up", and the people are NOT shutting the hell up.
If elected officials, administrators, leaders, etc. can't take the heat of being held accountable because they've misrepresented the people, they should get out of the kitchen. Period.
"Politicians EARN the right to represent the people, the people HAVE the right to expect they will be properly and honestly represented. People are getting fed up with being told to "shut the hell up", and the people are NOT shutting the hell up."
Exactly my point, and offered as part of my reasoning on why I beleive we are in the can (as a community). Or, maybe GL is exactly where it should be, maybe we are here by design.
I'm glad I pointed to your good points, DB!! ;)
City Gal - Yes, I did agree with Mayor Parise on many issues since he was getting things done for the City during his administration. The dam renovation, the new wastewater treatment plant (required by the DNR), the Ernie Hunter South Street development, the Henry Condi redevelopment of the old Fabrico building, the Maplewood subdivision, selling out all the business park lots and getting two new businesses(the new medical office and Crossroads) on Cty Hwy A. This City needed all those activities and the developments will bring in much needed tax revenue. The City Council at that time reviewed the Ad Hoc Committee Report which requested a bike path, sports camps, encouragement for retail/business development and ways to attract new residents, etc. Several smaller items were handled from their list of requests. An example was a new pier in Deacon Mills. Not all their suggestions could be done right at that time due to money constraints or other factors. The new council under Mayor Mirr again reviewed the report. Mayor Mirr held a meeting for downtown property owners and business owners and more liquor licenses were obtained for the establishments that requested them. The committee asked for bike paths and a park & recreation member requested funds and was granted a $550,000 grant for a multi-use path that eventually will tie our City with Ripon (long range plan). The arts network was formed by Council Member Robyn Wallenfang and the Chamber. This was another idea from the Ad Hoc Committee. Two new groups (Green Lake Organization and the Downtown Renewal Group) formed and wanted to assist the Chamber and the City in helping with ecomonic development either by updating our downtown or by bringing tourists to the area. These are very small groups and we welcome their efforts as well. GLO started the soccer camp and that was also one of the Ad Hoc Committee's requests. The Council is currently looking at ways to improve the sidewalk across from the Thrasher for safety reasons. Everything takes some time and lots of money. Six people on the Council or a small Chamber cannot do everything requested. As we move into the 2010 budget process, I personally would like to see the City hire a city administrator. Ripon handles their day to day operations using that type of position. Economic development could be a piority for this position. The City of Green Lake needs someone with that responsibility and focus on a daily basis. The Council has been busy with FEMA projects as you can see by the old public works building being eliminated, the parking lot redone and new rocks put in by the south spillway, the dam and the river. The north spillway project will happen later this fall. Most of the council are retired people or business owners. We all are responsible people with the City's interest at heart!
DB - Please meet with Mayor Mirr on your ideas! You mentioned that people are being told to "shut up". I have never heard this from any member of the council or from any citizen. If this is happening, I would like to be informed of that. Please call me.
Donna you forgot one issue that you supported ex-mayor Parise on. The time consumming annexation fiasco comes to mind.
Donna, your very long list of things you think you did correctly is a perfect example of someone avoiding the issues that residents are very unhappy about, and sends a clear message that you'd like people to shut up (regardless that you didn't actually say "shut up").
Also, this is the second time your posts have bordered on unecessarily sarcastic, and another perfect example of leadership trying to "best" the people the leadership is supposed to represent. No matter how "polite" you think your words sound, the underlying tone sounds nothing more than a polite "shut up".
I think that Donna's contributions to this blogsite have been very informative and without any "shut-up-edness" or sarcasm. You don't have to agree with her, but it is rude of you to insinuate that she is avoiding issues and trying to make folks "shut up". She doesn't have to take the time to post openly and fairly, but she does. I for one have much respect for her. Keep up the great work, Donna.
Read between the lines. It sounded to me that she was defending herself while talking down to anyone opposing her decisions.
It gets so no one can even question or have any input on how the city is run by the people running it, without someone whining that they're feelings are hurt. Public officials need to get over themselves and work with the people not against them!
So we now have interpreters for the blogs. Thanks for telling me what I missed. I feel so stupid. Thank God there are people like you who will tell me what people are really telling me.
Why not give it a break.
Right, wrong or indifferent, Donna Moore at least has the gumption to come on this blog sight and address issues that "We, the People" see as important.
I was on the ad hoc committee and I am talking about the first ad hoc committee that Tom Jones chaired. All of the items Donna says were passed were from the second ad hoc committee that met at the chamber offices and was formed a year or so after the first one. The items on the first committee were not implemented, including many items that needed to be placed as rules on the planning committee.
DB has great ideas, but the idea of a business plan etc...was done at great length and many hours for the first ad hoc by Larry McIntyre's wife, Barbara. She did a wonderful job researching and copying the plans of working and successful small towns such as West Dundee Il and others in Wisconsin. Her report was full of all these great ideas that DB mentioned and maybe DB is her. It is too bad that none of her work was acknowledged by Parise and the council, even after Tom Jones thanked her in public at the city meeting he attended. Others on our committee were also ignored because Joe had personal issues with them. It is too bad. Barbara and others had great expertise and intelligent ideas and experience.
I know everything has gotten totally off topic, but Monday was the first day of Soccer Camp and I thought it turned out awesome! Great turn out and my daughter had a wonderful time. Wonderful support from the community and my only complaint is that it doesn't run longer~! Thank you Green Lake for bringing this to our community!
That's right about the first ad hoc committee, whose purpose was to review zoning and update it. It didn't get done. People on the committee and in attendance put a ton of work into it.
The first step to determining a future for Green Lake is to look at the zoning code carefully and see where we are, and then determine what kind of future we want here, keeping in mind the comprehensive plan.
At first glance this may not seem relevant to pressing issues, such as a diminished downtown, but what if our downtown had been zoned retail only on the first floor prior to the real estate bubble? Other local communities have this in place. Would it have solved all the problems? No. Would it have kept Green Lake from looking like our only business is selling off the community? Yes.
What if the city and the business community had stood solidly behind the vision of the comprehensive plan? Could Maplewood have turned out differently, with a look more in keeping with what has brought visitors to Green Lake for decades? Yes. Does that matter? Yes. It's our long-term bread and butter.
I have to earn a living, too, but the era of short-term profits being the only thing that mattered, well, I'm glad it's over. It brought wealth to some and also caused a lot of damage, here and everywhere, especially the fighting and dividing into camps.
Let's all take a deep breath and start over, with goodwill towards one another, and see what we can get done.
I won't put words into the poster's mouth (writing) but I understood the point he/she was trying to make about Donna Moore. I didn't see a problem with Donna posting here and trying to help sort things out. In fact, I wrote on here and thanked Donna for contributing. But I could also read a slight condescending tone too from her that I chose to ignore in my attempt to welcome her here.
I'd like to see everyone take a breath and start over with nothing but goodwill toward each other. But you can't expect goodwill when one side abuses their power and the other side is angry because of that abuse. The abuse has to stop first and the abusers have to be eliminated from the equation. Then people will trust and work together.
I happen to know it is Donna who is working hard for the city. Mayor Mirr did not work with FEMA. Mayor Mirr did not handle the budget. Mayor Mirr did not handle the reassessment process. Donna has done this for him in the background without any credit. Let's not bash her for her efforts for the citizens of Green Lake.
Sheesh. I never meant for it to sound as if Donna was being personally attacked and was a horrible person with horns on her head. I meant to remind Donna that the condescending undertone officials constantly use when "setting the people straight" is insulting and makes matters worse. It is the people's duty to check the politics and politicians, and politicians have got to stop taking it personally and grow thicker skin. Everyone is so busy proving they've done nothing wrong, they refuse to see mistakes they've made and refuse to see what are the people's valid concerns.
What is this argument even about? Is this related to the chamber having to share their room tax money with other groups? You all lost me many blogs ago.
The Green Lake Organization put on a soccer camp this week that was just wonderful. Over 40 kids signed up, some even from Maine and Georgia. Thursday is the last day and the kids will be provided lunch after the camp is over.
Thanks GLO members and volunteers! It is great to see that another group in the community can bring tourists to Green Lake.
The soccer camp was absolutely WONDERUL! Great community involvement. I loved how water and fruit was given out and the picnic on Thursday was great. Of course the instruction was also incredible. We are a "local" family and granted its nice to have our "summer" people come join in, but kinda sick of hearing how everything in GL is to draw in our "out of town friends". Maybe we need to start appreciating the families that live here year round. It seems like everything is geared for out of towners and sure we will "let" the locals come too. Not very nice feeling having lived here now for almost 7 years. Just doesn't seem like a very "family friendly" place to stay for a long time to me...at least not yet.
Congrats to the GLO for a successful soccer camp. What's next?
Unfortunately the traffic in town was horrible...I saw 3 (yes, 3) cars going through town at the same time. Now we'll need to put in stop-and-go lights with all the increased traffic from Soccer Camp.
We are becoming so like Lake Geneva!
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