Rudyard Kipling wrote the poem "IF," in which the second stanza reads:
"If you can dream---and not make dreams your master;
If you can think---and not make thoughts your aim,
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same:.
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build'em up with worn-out tools;"
Your time has come, Salado, when you must make a decision. In May, your vote said that you wanted leadership that was positive, open, and balanced. In an open forum, you asked each candidate where they were on positions such as sewer, roads, and business. The Village Voice asked each candidate to write a 200 word statement on questions presented. All candidates verbally and in writing told the Village their position.
The overwhelming majority got what they asked for. The Aldermen/Alderlady have been unanimous in sewer, roads, business, ordinances, environment, and a number of other issues. We have also been open in saying, "It will cost. A 2008 budget does not work in 2015." "If you want a sewer, it will cost. It has been very clear in two town halls that the cost will be somewhere between $1 and 10.5 million dollars." "If you want roads, it will cost. A plan for roads is near completion."
You know this. You dream, but you do not make dreams your master. Salado is unique because you dream realistically and build boldly.
You think but you do not make thoughts your aim. Your reputation is educated, intelligent, and street-smart.
You have met triumph and disaster and have treated triumph and disaster just the same. In each case, you have kept your head, your spirit, your courage, and plowed ahead. Just think what you have gone through -- floods, construction, and loss of businesses.
You are currently being tested, again. Your elected officials are not going to lie to you; we are not manipulating you with untruths; and we are open.
Yes, we make mistakes and we admit them. Once, when we forgot to vote on a motion with an amendment, we admitted it. The next BOA, we corrected it. And, last evening, we did not have copies of the budget available for a called session of the BOA, and it was a mistake. We should have had them and we will on the 25th when we vote. You may also want to pick a copy up from the city hall. There are no secrets; no hidden agenda. The Village Voice did an excellent job several weeks ago explaining the increase.
On 25 September, 6:30 P.M., the Aldermen/Alderlady will vote on the budget and the increase in property tax. No secrets -- it has been in the Village Voice, in the monthly BOA meetings, and this BLOG which averages 60 readers a day. And, when that time comes there will be no "wishy-washy" vote. We will do what you elected us to do.
One of the speakers Monday evening said that he was going to begin a "roll-back" on the proposed increase of 6 cents per hundred property tax. A roll-back is when a petition is circulated to acquire enough names to force an election to repeal a tax increase. Such an election usually costs the village between $4000 and $6000 according to the officials who administer the election. It is his right to do so.
In the end you will make the decision.
There will be two more town hall meetings on the Bond election. The purpose is to make sure everyone has a chance to hear the latest, voice an opinion, and ask a question.
On 4 November, you will make a decision.
All that is asked is research, examine, and know the actual facts in making your decision.
Finally, it is very easy to sink to the level of a verbal confrontation that requires mud slinging and accusations. It only divides a village. What good does that do? Besides, you are intelligent, educated, and street-smart; you will determine what is truth and untruth.
Therefore, we ask you to make the decision. We are convinced that whatever you decide will be right.
A very good friend said recently, "the right always wins." And, it will. This is Salado
With the greatest of respect,
Skip Blancett and I am your Mayor.
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