Guest Post by Bob King
Bob King is currently running for Town Council in the Town of Mt.Airy.
This post is in response to Keep cooperation in Mount Airy by resident, Todd Eudy, in Today's Carroll County Times.
Bob King is currently running for Town Council in the Town of Mt.Airy.
This post is in response to Keep cooperation in Mount Airy by resident, Todd Eudy, in Today's Carroll County Times.
I knew it would happen soon, I just didn't know when or who would be the culprit of the innuendo that Bob King is pro-growth. Nothing could be further from the truth. Todd Eudy has never met with me and talked to me about my opinions on growth so I find it interesting as to how he knows my feelings on the subject.
I am fully aware of the findings of the recent Mt. Airy Needs Assessment prepared by Mt. Airy BeLocal and the 2007 Survey completed by the Growth and Development Task Force. The citizens of Mt. Airy are not interested in any residential growth that is not supported with infrastructure upgrades; neither am I. This is my home, too.
Let me tell you what I am interested in and what I do stand for.
#1) I am interested in the findings of the BeLocal survey that suggests the citizens would like to see more of a variety of business in Town. There are vacant buildings and empty lots. The Town should actively be seeking potential opportunities to fill these spaces with thriving businesses to serve our neighbors while strengthening our commercial tax base. This will also provide jobs for both our residents and our growing teenage demographic.
#2) I am interested in the continued revitalization of our downtown. Several plans have been presented to our Planning Commission concerning the Rail Yard and the F&M Bank building. Once the requirements of our Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance have been met by the owner, approved by the Planning Commission and the Town Council, construction should begin.
#3) I am interested in improving our infrastructure, ensuring we have adequate water supply now and in the future and discussing traffic on Main Street and other areas of Town. I am interested in resurrecting the idea of the Rising Ridge Road Connector that will relieve traffic on Main Street and Rt.27 and create another north/south artery as an alternative.
#4) I know that the supporters of the current administration consider me to be a "wild card;" they are not sure if my vote will be conducive to their agenda, therefore they want to portray me as pro-growth as a scare tactic. Pro-Growth and Pro-Developer are terms that have been used over the past 6 years to scare residents. However, I am not pro-growth. I am pro- Mount Airy. My philosophy is that we must all work together. The business community, the development community, the residential communities and the government. We all have a stake in the outcome and the future of our Town.
#5) I am interested in beginning the discussion of a community center. It is what most people stated they would like to see. With everything else there needs to be open, honest , transparent and civil discussion on what we want and how we intend to pay for it.
#6) I am interested in finally, after more than a decade, seeing the Rails to Trails project come to fruition. I am interested in bringing together all the players that need to make it happen, reaching consensus and moving forward.
#7) I am interested in finding solutions. Solutions can only come from frank and civil discussions, and this letter from Mr. Eudy does not make for a good start to frank and civil discussion. As to the conversation on civility, this does not mean that if we disagree with others on the Town Council that we are uncivil. Civility is the manner in which the discussion is handled. Constant interruptions by others, attack style tactics, mus-characterization of statements and individuals, frequent berating from supporters at meetings are just some of the ways that those that claim to have the higher ground when dealing with dissent have acted. This is what must be curtailed. I was taught manners as a very small child, and will use those teachings in every situation.
Mr. Eudy, until you have sat down with me, and can say with certainty that you know who I am, you know about my philosophy and my beliefs, you have zero credibility. You have allowed yourself to be strung along by those who insist we go back to the attack days of the past; the days that tore this town apart. I will have nothing to do with tearing down my fellow candidates; I will not play along with your game of deceit. Truth always wins. Integrity always prevails. Honesty is always the best policy. Character is what our Town is made of. On your next rampage, I hope you will think twice about writing a letter about Bob King.
Thank you to the Mt. Airy Blog for allowing this post.
You go, Bob!
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