Something new...something old...

Something new...

There is a new place to shop in Kingman for clothes and other accessories. It is a familiar national chain and judging by the amount of cars I've seen in the parking lot since it opened (even though the official grand opening hasn't happened yet) I'd say the folks in Kingman are thrilled.

It is a new Ross Dress for Less retail store.

Due to open at a later time in this 'strip mall' is an Office Max (or Depot, I get confused). Quite the location considering there is a Staples store just six or so doors down in the same center. Also in the shopping center there is a Big 5, Big Lots, PetSmart, and other things I can't remember at the moment.

This shopping center used to be the home of Wal-Mart and the Albertson's grocery store. Albertsons closed and Wal-Mart relocated behind this shopping center and became a Super Wal-mart.

The good news is that sales tax dollars are being spent right here in Kingman. My wife is contributing sales tax dollars as I type. This really is good news for a cash starved Kingman (she is not shopping in BHC or Vegas). Wish there was more of this kind of excitement in this town... not the town to the west 40 miles away that already has so many more shopping venue's (where fine residents of Kingman spend what could have been potential sales tax money for Kingman).

Something old...

The bad news is that more traffic will be on Stockton Hill near the most bottle necked area.

Today, the 'Save the Sacred Street of Seneca' folks (another friendly nickname for the Clipboard Brigade) are pleased while looking for the best bargains on name brand apparel, while adding to the traffic count. They know that the commercial developer at this shopping center was one of the interested parties to the original Kingman Crossing project that was rejected by the city in years past. They don't have to deal with a new 'nuisance' to the quality of 'their' life.

Oh, but 'this' nuisance maintains the integrity of the General Plan. All hail the General Plan!!

Never mind that traffic flows in this town stink, the General Plan must be maintained and protected at all cost!! Let them eat cake.... errr.... I mean... Let them drive on Stockton Hill!!

Somehow these same folks that swear allegiance to the General Plan have convinced some residents of Kingman (that clearly aren't paying attention) that by voting for their referendum that a new regional park will magically sprout up. It seems the talk of jungle gym's really got folks excited enough to sign a petition sheet, simply astounding.

Something new, perhaps...

I'm a solutions kind of guy. So how can something old work together with something new?? How about working together?? (yeah that sounded lame but humor me for a minute)

I've written a resolution, an INCLUSIVE resolution to see if 'together' the residents of Kingman can find a solution where perhaps the city and its leaders have not (as interpreted by the many opinions shared over the last few months).

I'm following up with what I shared with City Council at the last meeting. I'm organizing an effort to have representation from the outspoken community groups -- with various levels of interest regarding the management of our city property and the possible public safety and convenience improvements proposed for the same area -- to sit down and hammer out solutions that can be presented in a unified way to the city leaders. As in, this is what we want, this is what we will support... there we just did your job for you and given you an easy decision to make.

Regional parks are NOT on the ballot. Enclosed shopping malls are NOT on the ballot. Rather, very important issues that could affect the future of this city are. I know they can seem complicated, but they are simple. Especially simple if the community groups I have in mind join this effort to be part of the solution instead of remaining part of the problem.

I'm hopeful to share this resolution very soon. I've asked for some help on this to make sure the effort is indeed as inclusive it can be.

In my view, the Clipboard Brigade is a very important piece to this puzzle and I'm hoping they will take part to help in the collaboration.

I am half happy today because of the new sales tax that is being generated at places like Ross. Tomorrow I want to be happy that city finance issues are dealt with, and at the same time public safety and convenience issues are. Working together at this time can help achieve this.