RedDog Mail

Dog loves to get mail, sort of letters to the editor style. Thanks, LR. Thanks for starting the "cerebral process" of deciding what to do with the $erpentine $treets of Mecca. I've been accused of being a "tree hugger" before, however, a few good swipes with a chain saw will certainly enhance the downtown property, at least those damned roots would be pushing up the sidewalks.

Here's a novel idea, as long as we are going back to straight streets, how about a trolley? It could make the loop from Walnut to say Harvey and from Main over to Washington. Now, that's sure to make a big hit in the "Blues Quarter." Just think of all the tourists that would bring in, not to mention the old geezers who come to Greenville in their "golden years" to retire, just so they could get to the boats and gamble away their Social Security checks. To hell with the Medicare Part D, bet the three months supply of Zocor on Red!

Seriously, Local Reflector has opened the debate on $erpentine $treets, so all of you weigh in. You can see in print here at Red Dog Bites, what you are not likely to see in the DDT. I can take a bit of Groundhog Day. The question is: How big is the politics of this issue and who stands to gain the most from it? Now, certainly, you can't pass up that challenge. Now MPB and NPR are good, but Red Dog will never ask you for a donation. How much better could it get? You report, you decide.. or something like that Faux News Network. Can you believe the "War on Christmas" debate? But that is another topic for another day.

TO: Reddogbites.blogspot.com Readers
Red Dog
Local Media Leaders
Others who value great discussion:

I'll be the first to admit that this commentary is a response to the local paper's editorial saying "take your time to decide downtown's future." I love when they elicit a spark or two in my thinking brain. But, I'm not interested in mailing a letter so I'll post a response here.

Greenville city council, as I stated earlier, did our local democracy no favors by quickly passing the Washington Avenue renovation issue with no discussion. Let's face it, they reached consensus behind closed doors and ensured a super-majority was in place so they could pass an agenda item without a 24 hour public notice. Their political maneuvering was legal and appropriate to the law's letter. But, doesn't it feel sneaky? Yeah - because it IS sneaky and they know it.

When Paul Artman was mayor, council overwhelmingly supported a straightening of the serpentine. Then, the tuesday meeting before work could've begun, they inexplicably changed their minds and kept the serpentine, citing cost overruns with Alexander Street. However, truth be told, political puppet masters of the day personally lobbied for the changes, and since they hold the "change" or $$$, they got what they wanted, which is the status quo.

The community affectionately known as "Old Money Greenville," which doesn't spend downtown, rolled upon the city council chamber with a grand petition. Paper taped end on end, as if a scroll, was unfurled to show overwhelming support for a serpentine design. It wrapped around the room and maybe out the door. The petition's wording was questionable - it never mentioned Washington Avenue being straightened. Their main concern was cutting the trees which were planted there. Some labeled them "historical" while others said it was wasting good trees. They didn't see the irony in the paper trail they created before council. Council paused and didn't fund the first Washington Avenue renovation despite the fact they'd only pay 20% of the tab with federal grants paying for 80% of the work.

Fast forward to Main Street's renovation. That's when the pool of money that would've funded Washington Avenue two years earlier was stripped. Broadway renovations AND the South Colorado Street Extension (through the new DRMC campus land) were back burnered. However, local politics killed the first effort at Washington Avenue renovation. Budget crunches on multiple levels only added nails to the coffin. I believe waiting is risky because grant, or tax, money not spent by cities is liable for seizure by higher legislatures.

The city engineer is well qualified to oversee the straightening of a city street. The biggest issue seems to be whether Washington needs four lanes or two lanes, and that's splitting hairs. Urban Planner? Greenville has Cato Walker and the secret bankroll of investors. Also, that part of downtown has already been drawn up in the Blues Quarter concept and there were few complaints about its actual design and physical description.

Public Meetings - We've been there with little effect. You'll only hear complaining about tree cutting. I guarantee it. Discussion wouldn't revolve around the economic implications for downtown businessowners. Economic impact is THE issue here.

A committee of Greenville leaders - who may we suggest? Longtime Greenville leaders were "leading" as the city was merely stumbling down hill, not rolling down a mountain like a avalanche into obscurity. You're inviting the same old thought and the same old political games by inviting the old players back in the mix. The new class of politicians is learning the game quickly enough and they're smart enough to shutter such civic input (as "well meaning" as it may be).

The first question is does the serpentine encourage economic progress for downtown Greenville?

Question #2 - will straightening the street mean more people (potential customers) will use Washington Avenue?

Question #3 - Would a straight boulevard offer an easier travel to and from Mecca...or the Blues Quarter?

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know these answers. But, I concede that labeling any position as "incorrect" is the incorrect thing to do. In fact, I find more confusion in interpreting the intentions of those who support an obviously defunct city street. I've never heard a qualified support of the serpentine. Saving trees, to me, isn't a qualified defense for maintaining an ineffective infrastructure design.

But, nothing will encourage increased public debate unless it's demanded of city council. If they're allowed to sneak this through, it will continue unabated and city council will become as benign as the Washington County Supervisors. The only difference will be the pay scale for such political behavior. And make no mistake, any non-posted agenda item passes with a "super majority" vote according to Robert's Rules of Order (which guide council meetings, thankfully).

I appreciate the locally-themed editorial comment as it inspired me to discuss local issues. Maybe others will discuss it around their coffee tables. Maybe online debate, anonymously, will offer a diversity of viewpoints and possibly (in my case) a qualified defense of maintaining the serpentine design of Washington Avenue.

One way communication is ineffective in many cases - just note city council. It kept chatter to itself and passed a million dollar street renovation and never asked or told anyone they were even considering it.

What do others think, Red Dog? I know you're small but the interaction is the best for relatively quick discussions of relavent issues local, state and sometimes national.

Concluding the Rantings of a Bored Thinker,

Local Reflector

Did LR just call me "small?" Ankle biting is a good attack dachshund technique, I'll have you know! You haven't seen any Badgers on this site, have you? And, Who are you referencing when you say local media leaders? I'd like to know, because I haven't seen any media leadership. Unless "fence riding" is a position of leadership.

READERS:
I will be silenced for a few days to change locations and get new service run. Keep the discussion going. I should be back on line around Tuesday. If you believe the cable guy.