Facebook
RSS
![[Nameplate]](http://www.dddnews.com/images/nameplate.png)
|
|
Mostly Cloudy ~ High: 80°F ~ Low: 54°F Monday, May 21, 2012 |
|
Community Connections -- Trimming the FatPosted Monday, December 10, 2007, at 7:26 AM
I love food, especially ice cream and candy and chicken and dumplings and cornbread. My grandparents, Diser and Beulah Allen, owned a small grocery store in Friendship and I spent lots of time there growing up. It was a friendly place where in the winter the men played checkers or dominos and in the summer it seemed everyone in the world had to have a bologna sandwich. Coke and Pepsi came icy cold out of the soda chest and the Mountain Dew bottles read "bottled by Ma and Pa". The rule my grandparents made was that I could have whatever I wanted in the grocery store, but if I opened it I had to eat it all.
Well, when I combined a love of food with that "eat it all" mentality, and topped that off with my aversion to exercise and sudden middle age - I wound up with a lot more of me than was comfortable. Last June I realized I was at maximum load when I was climbing up the attic stairs here at the Chamber and they started creaking. It dawned on me that I could no longer carry anything over 2 lbs. up and down the stairs or I would exceed the weight limit. Since that time, I have slowly but surely lost a nice chunk of that extra weight. It is a daily struggle and I have to make myself get on the treadmill or stay away from the M&M jar we keep here, but I am at least at the stage where I have only 15 lbs. or so to go to be a comfortable weight for me. Thin I will never be, but it is nice to have trimmed off a bit of the fat. But boy howdy, trimming the fat is tough work - and that applies to many things. I attend the majority of City Council meetings and at just about every meeting, some issue is raised which relates directly back to the City budget: streets and sidewalks, parks, parking lots, drainage, mosquitoes, nesting birds, animal shelter, fire/police services, City wages - you name it and someone has brought it to the Council. At the last Council meeting the wage issue led to a discussion about the City budget. If you have read any of my former blogs, then you know what Kennett's sales tax rate is and how it compares to the towns around us (we are lower than anyone else). The Mayor and the City Council work with the City departments to maximize every bit of the budget that is now available. It seems that the City has trimmed about as much fat as they can and still cover basic services. What do you think? Are there things that you wonder about, or that you'd like to see done? What are some suggestions that you would make to trim the fat, or maybe plump up the budget? In case you didn't know, the Chamber is contracted by the City for economic development and tourism marketing, and we receive funding from the City for those services. We take that seriously and do our best to show results on that investment. Are there some things that we could do better? Please share your thoughts and let's look for ways to trim the fat together. Comments Showing comments in chronological order [Show most recent comments first] |
Hot topics 2010 Delta Fair Parade(2 ~ 9:49 AM, Sep 23)
Getting Old is Just Hail
From TEA to Trash
The Greatest Gift
Missouri State Fair
|
Email link
Read comments (25)
Blog archive
![[Feed icon]](http://www.dddnews.com/images/icons/feed-icon-14x14.png){kind=icon}
Saw your post on this over on the Kennett Topix. You either have mucho nerve, or are quite naive for entering into that cyber insane asylum.
Lived There, you and I have the same perception of Topix and for the most part I stay clear of it. Occaisonally I post there because some folks do have legitimate questions or comments. I am geniunely interested in how we can make things better.
You are also correct about me - I do often have mucho nerve, I also naively believe that anyone willing to complain should be willing to help resolve, and then sometimes I'm just stupid enough to encourage people to bring it on.
Ruth, as always, thanks for the encouragement - and for using your real name!
Jan, I do occasionally drop by Topix just to read who has been told to go to Hades for having the terminity (yep, I know, no such word) to wish someone good morning.
I would never post there, but get drawn by the fascination of so many poster's ignorance compounded by stupidity, akin to watching a perpetual train wreck without end.
How do you get on Topix? I tried googling it and didn't get anywhere. It sat and spun, and spun, and spun...and the little blue bar never went anywhere. I finally gave up.
I'm curious to see what all the buzz is about.
Jan,
Is there a written economic plan for Kennett? What are the goals for 1 yr, 5 yrs, 10 yrs out? Is this information readily available where the public can view and perhaps make comments? Ideas can breed other ideas.
What does the cost analysis for the city administrator say? For most cities, a city administrator is usually worth the cost.
(justthetruth is kennettnative)
Truth,
When Charles Brown was Mayor, he gave me a copy of the comprehensive plan that the City had done several years ago. To my knowledge there is no updated written comprehensive, economic or strategic plan for the City. I am also unaware of any cost analysis for any jobs or services.
3 or 4 years ago the Chamber Economic Development Committee and the City Industrial Committee discussed this very thing. They asked me to obtain estimates from consultants who specialize in feasibility studies, cost analysis and strategic plans and the prices ranged from $30,000 - $150,000.
It was not deemed an effective use of City funds at that time.
It would great to have the input of folks genuinely dedicated to improving our community. As with any municipality, all City information is public information and you are entitled to review whatever records you would like to see.
Thank you for your very logical questions and comments. Please keep in touch.
Ruth, by the way - even the mythical postman gets worn down and frazzled. Thanks so much for the lift!
Jan,
Although born and raised in Kennett, it has been nigh onto fifty years since I have lived there, and our last visit was in 1995. but, I do log onto DDD often to read the local news and to see what is ongoing. (and check the obits to make sure I am not listed) I guess you can take the boy out of Kennett, but not Kennett out of the boy.
As a now nonresident, I will not presume any real knowledge of the facts as they exist on the ground there, but with that said, here goes. There appears to be a central and ongoing theme in Kennett, what can the town do to grow and prosper? While there twelve years ago, I walked around that once vibrant Square and found it, dilapidated, deserted, and depressing to say the least.
First, what does Kennett have to offer, what can set it apart from the thousands of other cookie cutter clone towns across America, all cut from the same stamp, and all facing the same predicament? What can be done to have visitors come and spend money, that benefits the entire community, then return on repeat visits, tell their family, friends, neighbors and fellow workers about the great experience they had in Kennett? Frankly, at present as I understand it, little, or nothing at all.
Kennett is competing with all other locales in the US for factories and industry to promote growth and prosperity, this, while we have a fast dwindling manufacturing base as a whole. Sometimes we have to think outside the box, when one has been given nothing but lemons, make lemonade.
For example, what is the number one growth industry in America? It is healthcare and medical facilities.
There is a very small town that attracts hundreds of thousands of people every year for dental, medical, pharmaceutical, and eye care, they come from all over the US, Canada, and around the world. Why? Because they receive first class treatment, and effect huge savings while doing so, and this town is not in the US. Los Algodones (The Cotton) is located just across the Mexican Border near Yuma Arizona. http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=Los...
Yes, I know such an undertaking in the US cannot compete with the inherent lower costs in Mexico, and it would not have to. It only has to offer an enhanced grade of care and treatment at a significant savings than other US locales to attract people from all over. And I only proffer Los Algodones as an example of what can draw people, many coming back repeatedly, and some even planning their family vacations around.
The wife and I both needed dental care, and we were floored by local quotes here in the US. What would have cost several thousand dollars, we obtained for $1200.00, In addition to the cost savings, it was the service, service, and more service, that impressed us the most with our dentist in Los Algodones, whom had one of the most modern dental clinics I have ever seen.
Dentures, when the impressions were being made, a person from the dental lab was waiting to whisk them off for initial work, then in less than an hour, they were back. The final corrections for fitting was done by the dentist, while the lab person waited, then off to the lab again. Four hours later, the dentures were completed, checked for final fit, and it was done.
The wife required a root canal, fillings, and a crown, the work was done in a very competent and professional manner, the clinic staff was very friendly, spoke English, and the facility was immaculately clean.
One thing that struck me, was the owner of the clinic and dentist was an American living in Yuma. I asked her how could she justify having her practice in Mexico where her profit per patient was much less? Her answer was quite simple, volume, and that in Los Algodones every aspect of dental care was geared toward pleasing the customers. Offering the best services as to, quality, professionalism, promptness, very short or no appointments, and cost savings.
This principle could be applied to any business, town or city wishing to attract people who are willing to spend their money, you must give them a reason for doing so. As in the movie, build it, and they will come.
[Re: goat lady ]
http://www.topix.com/forum/city/kennett-...
Thanks!
Lived There and Ruth - you are absolutely correct that we need to consider all of our options.
There are huge opportunities in the healthcare industry, especially as the baby boomers continue to age. In fact, Twin Rivers Regional Medical Center is now our largest local employer, employing nearly 400 people. Combined with the health and mental health services that VNA, Family Counseling and American Homecare Management provide on a regional level, that number goes to nearly 2,000 people.
I can't lay hands on the information I printed a couple of years ago about the health care corridor that was developed I think in the Knoxville, Tennessee area. With vision and lots of governmental and private funding, they created a regional corridor which included healthcare, research and technology. The regional concept is beginning to jell in our part of the world, but it is a fragile thing.
This is where the planning and exchange of ideas helps. The Chamber has committees dedicated to education and workforce development, transportation, economic and community development, tourism and marketing and area merchants. Lots of folks volunteer their time to develop action plans and then they work very hard to achieve those plans. Any ideas that are generated through this blog will be presented to those groups.
Kennett is just like many other smaller towns - we have many challenges. Lived There, we have made some progress on downtown in the last 4 years. The property where the Barton's Lumber Co. used to be was donated to our development corporation by Keith and Robbin Mitchell and we leveraged the value of that donation to access a state grant to demolish all of the unsafe buildings plus the old city pool in Jones park. Sheryl Crow donated the funds to build a new community swimming facility and an additional $186,000 was donated for enhancements (slide, tables, lockers, etc.) and to develop the adjacent land into a park, build a pavillion, and purchase playground equipment. We leveraged a portion of Sheryl's donation and received another grant which created new parking areas on the pool property and behind the south side of the square. Later that year we applied for and received an appropriation from Senator Bond which is now being used to repair sidewalks and install new lighting. We connected with a development company in 2005 and they are now renovating the former Ely Walker shirt factory building, creating 46 one and two bedroom apartments - a $9 million project which will open next summer. In 2006 Kennett was selected as one of the first 10 DREAM (Downtown Revitalization and Economic Assistance to Missouri) communities out of 100 applications. This initiative is helping us to develop a marketing plan, further design streetscapes and building facades, and creates addtional funding opportunities. While there is still much work to be done and this does not resolve all of our problems, it will definitely improve our odds.
But being a small town can help us, too.
We have the advantage of having easy access to numerous metro areas but we don't have the daily hassle. Technology brings the world to us and us to the world. Small town America is beginning to look pretty good to people who are tired of the city.
Ruth, on the alternative crops - I will check into that in more detail. I do know that since so much cotton is grown in the area sometimes the pesticides harm the beneficial insects needed to successfully pollenate other crops. Some of the chemicals used to control weeds are harmful to other plants.
There are strict regulations to control the "drift", but it still happens. Now I support farmers (no farmers, no food!)
but the farming industry is very chemical-dependent. That's a topic for another blog by someone much more knowledgeable than I am.
There are successes in the area as anyone who goes to Pumpkin Hollow can see. We raise about an acre of tomatoes each year and we are overwhelmed with "u pick" folks at the end of the season. Please keep sending information so that we can continue to consider the possibilities.
Jan,
The reason I specifically referenced dental and eye care as an example. These are aspects of health care for which the average patient pays 100% out of pocket expenses.
Unless one has a premium health insurance plan, (expensive, or a great employment benefit) are on Medicaid, (free) your normal plain vanilla health insurance plan covers nothing for eye and dental, nor does Medicare (except for special circumstances) for those over the age of 65.
Recipients of these two medical services are the ones who would have the greatest incentive to seek out care (with all things equal as to said care) from the most cost effective providers. For unlike just signing an insurance or Medicare form, where the majority of expense is allayed. This constitutes a very personal outlay of monies which could have great financial impact upon those with limited or minimally fixed incomes. And, irregardless (yep, I know, no such word, double negative, et al) of one's financial resources, whom amongst us does not like to simply save money?
If all aspects as a whole for such specific care could be adequately provided at the lowest cost, in one narrowly defined locale, the patient traffic volume alone would more than offset the professional's lower charges, and the entire community would peripherally benefit as to, construction, new unrelated businesses, jobs for locals, lodging, restaurants, entertainment, shopping and etc.
Lived There - Gotcha. I'm in that boat myself on the eye and dental care.
We do have the SEMO Health Network, which provides healthcare and dental services to the uninsured or the underinsured and they do an excellent job.
They carry a full load, so maybe there are some other docs out there who would like to consider something similar to Los Algodones. Any takers?
It would not just be the DDS/DMD optician/optometrist types required, but an entire logistical support infrastructure of dental labs, etc, which could expedite and guarantee swift, quality, low cost service for the end consumer.
But, of course today, no such undertaking would be possible to develop from scratch, without visionary committed community leaders, dedicated to a well laid out long term plan, to see it born, then guided through the growing pains of adolescence.
It would require lucrative recruitment drives to entice professionals (i.e.: instant practices for recent graduates) to the concept. If American citizens or legal resident professionals showed insufficient initial interest, this could then open up the B-1B visa avenue for obtainment of foreign professionals.
Word of mouth is the best of advertisements, but the Chamber of Commerce and city council would initially need audacity and innovation for advertising far and wide, in many different venues, to showcase what the town has to offer, and why people should come to take advantage of it.
Visualize those now empty, or grossly under utilized buildings, with store front's streaked glass, staring bleakly back at one. Now transform them into bustling dental and eye care clinics. Crowded with people, the square itself now presents a visual impact of an earlier small town Americana, simulated gas lights and other decorative artifacts lend to the effect. There are restaurants and coffee shops, some offering open air dining out onto the side walks, boutiques and gift shops, with unique and quality merchandise to be had inside, outdoor live music adds to the festive atmosphere. The center piece for it all, that grand old courthouse edifice, it's presence, without pretence or artifice, harkens one back to a simpler and bygone era.
Overly optimistic, perhaps, or just a preview of greater things that could come?
Take note of the visitor traffic below, I can think of no small town American community, which would not welcome with open arms, even a very small percentage for such potential.
Below excerpted from: http://www.dentistsofalgodones.com/ Text within [ ] brackets is mine.
"Los Algodones is a colorful little town filled with over 350 dentists, [all located in just a four square block area] Pharmacies, restaurants, liquor stores, curio shops, and a few places to enjoy a really good margarita. [although their primary purpose in coming is not tourism per se, the visitors do spend money on unrelated extraneous things] On an average January day over 33,000 tourists walk across its international border."
Jan,
My last post was in response to you, and I should have noted it as such, for that omission, I apologize.
Rather than writing a book online about suggestions for Kennett's future prosperity, I will submit a few thoughts in outline form:
Begin a dialogue on
1. Protecting the existing infrastructure, (i.e. roads) by encouraging diesel truck drivers to use the major bypasses as designed - they continue to drive through downtown
2. Invest and attract healthcare services and industries as you have done - perhaps, home health services and products that can alleviate an already overburdened health care system
3. Eliminate the ineffective, costly, recurring, non-targeted aerial dispersal of adulticides and migrate to the strategic use of larvacides such as Bti or TMOF and its analogues
4. Attract innovative biotechnology companies that have a vested interest in combating crop pests
5. Attract innovative alternative energy manufacturers that produce commodities such as fuel cells, clean coal technologies, biodiesel, etc.
6. Continue to beautify the downtown area and spread a campaign to demolish abandoned buildings and clean up unsightly property
7. Forge an alliance with small towns and universities in the region to encourage creative solutions to similar issues
8. Consider putting a stop light on Independence to prevent auto collisions
9. Encourage people to donate outdated computer equipment to local schools
10. Have one specific goal per year that dominates all other matters and put an ad in the paper and possibly on billboards to stimulate cooperation and a sense of communal purpose
Thank you for all you have done and continue to strive to do for Kennett.
WOW!! You folks are GREAT and your timing is perfect. The various Chamber committees will definitely receive copies of your suggestions to incorporate into our plan of work.
Lived There, one of my favorite quotes and the theme I live by is from Robert Kennedy: "There are those who look at things the way they are, and ask why...I dream of things that never were and ask, why not?" Please continue to contribute your thoughts!
bbaker, go ahead - write that book! Although I'm going to have to look up some of the terms in #3, you are right on target with all of your suggestions.
The region is coming along in some ways that you recommend - a couple of biodiesel plants have opened in the area recently, a new coal plant is under construction in Osceola, MODOT is installing a traffic light at Russell St. & Independence in 2008, but we need to keep everything moving. Thanks for you comments!
Jan: It is well to admire and be guided by the principles of such men as Robert Kennedy, whom you referenced.
Having no formal education beyond the eighth grade, it was the life story and writings of one Eric Hoffer, which turned and influenced my life like no other thing. http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=Eri...
A dominate theme I took from Mr. Hoffer's experience was, just because one has no education in the classical sense, you do not have to accept your present limitations as a given. If one should seek knowledge and understanding on any subject, it can be garnered from our public libraries, and now on the Internet, gratis, and simply for the asking.
In short, if one has the want, one will get the how.
One more suggestion:
I recommend that Kennett - or the region for that matter - set up a Web site that deals exclusively with innovative ideas for small town economic development.
I would suggest that the site should be monitored and all comments/suggestions should be screened by an elected committee that represents diversified interests.
Here is a Web site that could be emulated but improved upon:
http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/pr...
This New York Times article only bolsters the need of (and for) low cost dental care. I consider it to be one of the most neglected aspects of medical care in America today.
"In Kentucky's Teeth, Toll of Poverty and Neglect "
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/24/us/24k...
bbaker - the economic development idea site is a great and I have added it to my "gotta have" list for 2008. Thanks a bunch!
Lived There - I greatly admire your tenacity. You are a great inspiration for any age, gender, race or religion. I recently listened to Kevin Carroll, author of the "Rules of the Red Rubber Ball" speak about his childhood - his father left, never to return, after his youngest brother was born. When he was 6 years old, his mother left the 8, 6 and 3 year old brothers alone in a strange house, telling them to stay inside until she got back. Five days later the boys went next door to a neighbor's house and asked her to call their grandparents. The brothers were raised by their grandparents and Mr. Carroll said that every day his grandfather would ask "Boy, how's your want-to today? Tough to accomplish anything without the "want-to". Thanks!
I also have another code taped to the inside of my day planner - Gene Autry's cowboy code:
1. Don't take unfair advantage of the enemy.
2. Don't go back on your word.
3. Tell the truth.
4. Be gentle with children, elderly people and animals.
5. Don't be racially or religiously intolerant.
6. Help people in distress.
7. Be a good worker.
8. Respect women and parents.
9. Don't drink or smoke.
10. Obey the law and be a patriot.
O.K., Gene - how about 9 out of 10?
You may find these books useful:
http://www.greenwood.com/catalog/C6576.a...
http://www.amazon.com/Smart-Communities-...
http://www.amazon.com/Against-All-Odds-C...
Do you know if a city can own a gas station? I have no idea, but a strategically-placed gas station could certainly generate revenue for Kennett and its schools.
Also, I would encourage hydrogen electrolysis technology to be implemented or at least seriously considered for publically-owned vehicles to increase gas mileage and eliminate costs. A friend of mine and I are working on this now for our vehicles.
Opportunity not taken, is opportunity wasted, AKA a void in the US remaining unfilled.
"Americans go to Mexico for a cheaper perfect smile"
Snip
"BARGAIN-HUNTING
"We've gone from a handful of patients when we started 2-1/2 years ago to 150 new patients a month," said Joe Andel, an American who owns the Rio Dental clinic in Ciudad Juarez with his Mexican dentist wife, Jessica.
Rio Dental, which uses U.S. labs to make its crowns, picks patients up at the airport in El Paso, Texas, across the border and has treated people from as far away as Alaska and Hawaii.
"The Internet makes this possible. It allows patients to find us and research us and shows we can do dental work of equal or superior quality to the United States," Andel said."
http://www.reuters.com/article/lifestyle...
So much for clean bio fuels. And the filth from them strikes pretty close to Kennett, making national news in the NYT.
"Pollution Is Called a Byproduct of a 'Clean' Fuel"
"Leanne Tippett Mosby, a deputy division director of environmental quality for the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, said she was warned a year ago by colleagues in other states that biodiesel producers were dumping glycerin, the main byproduct of biodiesel production, contaminated with methanol, another waste product that is classified as hazardous.
Glycerin, an alcohol that is normally nontoxic, can be sold for secondary uses, but it must be cleaned first, a process that is expensive and complicated. Expanded production of biodiesel has flooded the market with excess glycerin, making it less cost-effective to clean and sell.
Ms. Tippett Mosby did not have to wait long to see the problem. In October, an anonymous caller reported that a tanker truck was dumping milky white goop into Belle Fountain Ditch, one of the many man-made channels that drain Missouri's Bootheel region. That substance turned out to be glycerin from a biodiesel plant.
In January, a grand jury indicted a Missouri businessman in the discharge, which killed at least 25,000 fish and wiped out the population of fat pocketbook mussels, an endangered species."
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/11/us/11b...