Letter from the Editor, March 10

By Larry Peirce
Banner-Press Editor

Let's start this column with some overdue positive vibes.

In athletics and academics, some of the community's younger generations certainly have made their mark on the regional and statewide stage.

The wrestlers from East Butler, Aquinas and David City high schools showed what they are made of at the Nebraska State Wrestling Tournament last month in Omaha.

The local basketball teams thrilled the fans this season, competing hard all the way.

East Butler's girls basketball team capped a great year Saturday by pushing Elkhorn Valley to the last minute, never quitting, and coming home with a state Class D-1 runner-up trophy.

David City High's speech team continues to dominate and won districts.

Last week's story by Kreig Ritter highlighted the "no quit" attitude on the Rising City boys basketball team. Give them credit for sticking out a tough season for their school. Not a single one of the Terriers took the easy way out and quit.

And then there's Olympic gold medalist Curtis Tomasevicz.

What a proud time it has been for Shelby and Curtis's family and friends.

One of the remarkable - but not so unusual - things about the hometown hero's visit to the Shelby gym on Monday was the way he entered the building.

He didn't get whisked away to some side room to await some grand introduction. He stood there in the back of the gym, talking to people he knew, as if he was waiting for someone else - someone special -- to arrive.

And then he humbly got up and thanked his supporters and urged the students to set goals and go after them. On this special occasion, he gave as much as he got.

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Communities our size are going to be facing some giant challenges in the months and years ahead.

I've said this before and I doubt if it really raises much interest.

It isn't a volatile issue. Those of us who have been somewhat spoiled by the services we receive from government are headed for a rude awakening.

I really hope I'm wrong about this, but it looks like the good ol' days of having all the funds we need for all the projects and services we want are going to be history.

Look at what is occurring at the state level or, in a better comparison, at some of our neighboring counties such as Saunders, which have to re-think their budgets in mid-year.

So we'll see what the future holds. That "must-have" service provided by the school, city or county may turn into the "can't-afford" service of the future.

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My columns have been somewhat edgy lately. I hope readers understand that opinion columns are intended to provoke thought and discussion.

Thought and discussion, however, lead to disagreements, and that leads to conflict, and conflict leads to. . . .

Progress?

If a community does not have conflict, chances are it is stuck, and you hope it is stuck on a good course where everyone agrees and is pleased with the direction.

When the conflict is handled in an attitude of collaboration and cooperation instead of the we-win-you-lose attitude, then the community makes progress.

A few people have taken offense at my protest -- OK it's sarcasm -- about someone, anyone, not just certain persons, who might claim to speak for "the people."

No one has the monopoly on this idea. My comments are simply meant to provoke thought. I don't assume that everyone must agree with me. It's obvious strong comments are going to sting, but I checked my conscience and it was clear.

I don't think I used bad language or name-calling.

I did, however, express my disappointment to those citizens who give shallow consideration to things that pass as political thought. If that bothers some people, I hope it has some positive effect in the long run. If they criticize me, well I asked for it.

I can agree wholeheartedly with anyone who says local public officials need to spend more time listening to and talking with the people they represent.

There's another side of that scenario: Citizens also need to take advantage of opportunities to share their views and ideas in a constructive manner.

And I don't mean to be overly critical, but the statement that City Council members won't listen still doesn't fly.

Why do I make that presumption?

The turnout at recent City Council subcommittee meetings doesn't support the notion that Council members turn a deaf ear.

Remember, being heard is not the same thing as getting what a person wants every time. Speaking up doesn't mean instant credibility.

The lack of citizen (and in some cases Council member) attendance at subcommittee meetings has been a disappointment.

The subcommittees meet at 5:30 p.m. the fourth Tuesday (Government) and Wednesday (Utility) of each month.

Yes, it's a new concept and yes, it's a 5:30 p.m. meeting, but it's once a month. It's designated for increased public access to elected officials, face to face.

If a citizen wants to discuss problems and solutions and not be limited to a few minutes of comment, (as in the City Council meeting) the subcommittee is the place to do it.

The subcommittees are not bound by the same Open Meetings Act restrictions as the Council meeting. When the attendance at these meetings picks up, I'll be the first to point it out.

The citizen also has access to a pen and paper. Want to direct your ideas toward elected officials? Send a letter to them or to the newspaper.