Some Thoughts

So a number of articles have caught my attention and I thought I’d comment on them.

First up, the light bulbs that the city claims they are interested in hearing your feedback:

They claim they will listen to you when you tell them which light bulb you like, but aren’t the least bit interested in what you have to say when it comes to street, sidewalk and parking design.

This article should be placed in the "are you kidding me" file. The light pole isn't even the same pole (or base) that will be installed once the project is completed. How hard is it to get the same pole that will line our streets after this $10 plus million dollar project is completed. Apparently for our city it is impossible. So folks, enjoy the bone the city has so graciously tossed you in allowing you to pick out which of two light bulbs you like best. Could those who are responsible for this project moving forward, be be anymore condescending to those who are paying for it and will have to live with it for the next fifty years? 

What about that tank...I mean armored vehicle:

It's a strange day indeed when Bob Washburn and the Concord Monitor agree on anything. And I'll chime in here and agree with both and add my agreement to Bruce Currie's comments. The National Guard should be the go to organization for an extraordinary event that would require the police to utilize an armored vehicle. 

I also agree with the comments that the militarization of the police appears to do little in curbing crime. While it is important to have a police force that can protect the community, it is also important to remember the role of the police force. It is a dual role to serve and protect, not to protect and intimidate. 

I have always found the Concord Police department to be highly professional and effective without having to resort to militaristic or intimidating tactics. If there are times that a vehicle like the Bearcat are necessary then the city should work with the National Guard to ensure that one is available. Too much damage will be done to the image of our police department by arming them with a tank.

Combining the tree lighting and Midnight Madness:

Why would anyone think it is a good idea to have fewer reasons to go downtown between Thanksgiving and Christmas. You have two successful events on two separate dates, that both attract a large group of folks to the downtown. Each event brings a slightly different mix of people with it and how they impact downtown businesses. Instead of bundling these two events, why not have more events throughout the holiday season to attract even more shoppers and diners downtown. A men’s night and a women’s night out. What about a Sunday shopping spree for kids. For the restaurants and bars, special seasonal meals and drinks. Paul Brogan’s piece in todays Monitor is right on the money.

And finally Bargain Days:

Let’s remember that under Jessica Eshelman’s rein as the head of Main Street Concord Inc. that there was a move to reduce Bargain Days from a three day event to just two days. And while Kim Murdoch and her volunteers have done a good job of expanding this event, the real Kudos should go to the merchants. 

It was the merchants who insisted that Bargain Days remain a three day event. And it is the merchants who have guided, sweated, participated and worked their butts off to insure this event not only continued, but continued to remain relevant. So let’s remember to thank the merchants for their enthusiastic participation. Because without them we would have a two day event without all the great events that have been added these last two years.