Outgoing aldermen tried to better the community
It was out with the old and in with the new last week for McMinnville government officials.
Outgoing aldermen Billy Wood, Rickey Minton and Rickey Jones were replaced on McMinnville’s Board of Mayor and Aldermen by incoming members Michael Chrisawn, Jimmy Haley and Bobby Kirby.
The ceremonial changing of the guard gives us a least a moment to reflect upon the last few years and what was accomplished by our outgoing officials. They tried to greatly change the city for the better and, for the most part, enjoyed success in doing just that.
After decades of enduring a varmint-infested eyesore smack dab in the middle of Main Street, aldermen finally found the motivation to clean up The Hole. Now it’s just a grassy lot, but that is a 100 percent improvement over its previous condition.
After decades of talk and no action, city officials were finally successful in opening a fire substation. This addition will greatly reduce response times for fires which erupt on the north side of town.
Aldermen made the unpopular decision of closing the city pool for the summer and proceeding with plans to construct a much nicer $2 million facility. Yes, there was uproar when it was announced there would be no pool for the summer of 2002, but somehow we managed to survive. And we will reap the benefits of the new pool for decades to come.
Annexation has certainly been an inflammatory subject, especially for residents who live in the annexed zones. While this has been a controversial issue, aldermen were acting with the best interest of the city in mind.
If anything, there was too much of the elephant for these aldermen to eat in one sitting. After years of having what could be called a complacent city board, Jones, Wood and Minton were committed to tackling heavy-duty projects. They didn’t want to sit back and be caretakers. They wanted to take action.
In taking that stance, they discovered politics can come with verbal assaults, some of which were administered by this newspaper. As we bid farewell to the three, and wish them the best in whatever projects they decide to accept, it’s also time to welcome in the new board members.
As city officials, it’s vital to remember you’re representing the people of McMinnville. You’re spending the tax dollars of the people of McMinnville.
In accepting your new role, and with knowledge of the Sunshine Laws of this state, you must conduct city business in full view of the public. When it comes to that fact, there is no compromising. There should be no secrets. With that in mind, and no shortage of tasks ahead, we wish the incoming members the best of luck.
Along with most concerned citizens, the Standard is looking out for the best interests of McMinnville and Warren County. As our elected officials, you are the people selected to make decisions and guide this city with vision and careful planning. Your degree of success at this new job directly relates to our quality of life.