The State of Central Event, May 23, 2024
5/23/2024
Transcript from The State of Central Event, May 23, 2024
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good evening and thank you all for being here tonight. As I understand it, the last time we held one of these events was pre-covid. I don’t know about you, but I’m relieved that, three years later, we’re finally getting back to some semblance of normal and putting that stressful experience behind us. That we’re still in the process of getting back to normal is frustrating to me; I’m not a patient person. But we’re getting there.
Maybe. Will we ever return to normal? Doesn’t matter. What does matter is treating every day as a new set of challenges and opportunities to seize without being burdened by the pressures of what already happened or what might happen. That’s no way to live.
But I digress.
It might sound trite, but it truly is an honor to represent the citizens of Central. I take that responsibility seriously. My only regret—and something I’ve learned in more than two years as mayor, is that there are never enough hours in the day to accomplish what needs accomplished.
Yet, I’m very encouraged about the baby steps we’re taking toward a unified community. Nothing happens overnight, but we’re trending in the right direction because we’re more focused than ever on the importance of community engagement and we’re making strides toward keeping the community informed.
The next step is to fully realize the power of true collaboration between our citizens and their local government and elected officials. Is it perfect? No. Are we perfect? Heavens, no. But, again, I truly believe we’re moving in the right direction.
Let me give you a few examples of what I mean by telling you about three major projects that have been completed over the last few years.
Let’s start with a major, multi-million-dollar upgrade to a water line that runs along Church Street. No doubt you encountered those work crews doing the work. But it’s finished now. Now, I know that’s not the most exciting and inspiration project; we’ll get there later. But it was crucial that we got it completed.
Why? Because, unlike ribbon cuttings and community events, it’s infrastructure that lays the groundwork for a town’s growth and vitality. It’s out of sight and out of mind, but it has a lasting impact on our Town and its citizens.
Sure, we could have taken all of our federal grant monies from the Biden Administration’s American Rescue Plan, which directed billions of dollars to governmental institutions around the country, and have used it all on bells and whistles. Granted, we did fund some “fun” projects (more on that later.) But a large focus of that money instead went to the the Church Street water line replacement. It was a project that underscored our commitment to public health and our commitment to laying a foundation for responsible growth.
You all are aware that deteriorating water lines can cause major problems—especially among disadvantaged communities. That’s not fair. And it’s why previous Councils and our Town Administration took the proactive steps to ensure that wouldn’t happen in Central. The old water line had been in service for many decades and had begun to deteriorate, posing a risk to water quality and reliability.
The replacement project was a substantial undertaking, taking many years to get moving and involving the installation of new water lines designed to last for years to come. This new infrastructure ensures that our residents have access to clean, safe, and reliable drinking water, a fundamental necessity for any community. The new water line not only improves water quality but, again, also enhances the overall resilience of our town’s infrastructure.
Now let’s talk about something a little more visible. A little more exciting for the public. Were any of you able to attend the ribbon cutting of the Green Crescent Trail? For those of you who didn’t or haven’t heard, our portion of this multi-jurisdictional project is complete. Please come out and visit. Spend as much time as you want. Then, after you’ve had your exercise, stick around and have lunch in one of our many restaurants before walking off those calories by shopping at one of our small businesses downtown. Make a day of it.
Alongside industry partners, private businesses, state leaders such as Representative Jerry Carter (the importance of his financial commitment cannot be overstated; frankly this probably doesn’t happen without Jerry Carter). Then there are the active citizens seeking new ways to get outside and enjoy exercise and nature. The Friends of the Green Crescent Trail championed this project for years and I’m thrilled to see their dream come to life. It absolutely doesn’t happen without Chad Carson, Heidi Williams, and so may others. (It’s always dangerous to point people out; if I’ve not mentioned your particular contribution, please let me know. Or throw tomatoes at me. I have thick skin.)
Back to the trail itself. In a world that’s so enamored with screens and technology and the power of buying products online with the click of a mouse and a next-day trip to the driveway to pick up whatever you bought, the Green Crescent Trail is a reminder that delayed gratification in the form of scenic landscapes, safe outdoor spaces, connecting with nature, connecting with family…these are still vital considerations all of society must understand. The Green Crescent Trail does that.
At the end of the day, this initiative was driven by our commitment to fostering a sense of community. The walking trail is accessible to all, including individuals with disabilities, thanks to the inclusion of smooth pathways and resting areas. We have installed informative signage along the trail. And it’s a tie-in to our already world-ranked Disc Golf Course, meaning we now truly have a crown jewel of outdoor recreation in our town. I’m so proud of that, probably more so than anything that’s been accomplished in my time as mayor.
The trail has quickly become a favorite spot for morning joggers, families on weekend outings, and anyone looking to enjoy the great outdoors. It is heartwarming to see so many people making use of this wonderful new amenity, and I believe it will continue to be a treasured part of our town for years to come.
One final project is worth mentioning: our historic train depot. This space is more than just a building; it is a symbol of our town's rich heritage and a testament to our collective history. Over the past several years, we embarked on a comprehensive restoration project to preserve this landmark for future generations. We opened it to the public last year and it’s already become a big hit. Let me put a plug in, here. Want to rent the facility for your next birthday party, wedding reception baby shower or whatever, let us know. It’s a wonderful venue.
We worked with local historians, architects, and community volunteers to ensure that the restoration respected the original design while incorporating modern amenities. The project included some needed repairs, but we were able to restore the original wooden beams, and fill the space with photographs of days gone by, when the Town of Central was a much different—but no less community-oriented—place than it was then.
The restored depot now serves as a vibrant community center, hosting events, art exhibitions, and local markets. This project has not only preserved a piece of our history but also revitalized a central part of our town, bringing new life and activity to the area.
Again, I extend my heartfelt gratitude for your presence here tonight. Our small town is more than just a place where we live; it's a community where we support each other, where our children grow, and where our dreams take root.
We’ve made these strides. How do we take the next step? How do we fully realize the dream of a modern Town of Central that retains the small-town charm that makes it a great place to live, work and play? How can we fully realize our dreams for the Town of Central?
Bear with me as I offer up a few ideas.
Moving forward, among the most important things we can do as a Council and Town Administration is to foster an environment in which community engagement is the norm. Indeed, it should be a core value. Our town thrives when each one of us takes an active role in its well-being. Whether it's volunteering at local events, participating in town meetings, or simply lending a helping hand to a neighbor in need, your involvement makes a world of difference. When we come together, we create a stronger, more vibrant community. Each act of kindness, each moment of giving, builds the foundation of a town we can all be proud of. I call it municipal discipleship. As SWU is a faith-based institution, they (and Rev. Ken Dill) can tell you how important it is that we don’t just stop at evangelizing. The next step is discipleship.
We can do that by urging everyone in this room—and everyone in your personal and professional network— to stay informed. In this age of rapid information, it's more important than ever to be aware of what's happening in our town.
Attend town council meetings, read our newsletters, and stay connected through our social media channels.
After all, an informed citizenry is the backbone of a healthy democracy. If it is to continue being healthy, we have to all commit to being informed. Truly informed. That takes more than getting worked up by political posts on Facebook. It takes more than sharing headlines that are designed to make you mad and share it with others but without any context.
So, my challenge to you is to tune out the noise (and it’s all noise, right?) If you see people in the community concerned about something at Town Hall, encourage them to come see us. Far too often we just jump onto Facebook and Instagram or any of the other echo chambers that technology has wrought in our society instead of meeting face to face with people with whom we may not agree. Social media is not a political forum; it’s a place to share often-uniformed anger. Unplug. Knock on a neigbor’s door. Respectfully share your opinion. But don’t hide behind a screen. Come out into the light. Seek to understand where others are coming from. Do that, and they’ll be more likely to seek an understanding of where you stand.
I believe that’s the only way of understanding the issues we face and the opportunities before us. Radically altering how we, as a society, engage in public discourse will empower us all to make thoughtful decisions. And, of course, it helps you hold us, your elected representatives, accountable for the decisions we make. Seek to understand first. Then share your concerns face-to-face. Still not getting anywhere? Well, that’s when you turn up the heat. And that’s fine. I’m thick-skinned. I knew what I signed up for. I can take it. So, let us know when we do something right, and let us know when we do something wrong. That’s democracy. Let’s cherish it, starting right here in Central.
Finally, let's talk about the power of collaboration. Our town government is here to serve you, but we can't do it alone. We need your ideas, your feedback, and your active participation. When citizens and town government work together, we can tackle challenges more effectively and seize opportunities more swiftly. Let's envision a future where every voice is heard, every concern is addressed, and every effort is made to improve the quality of life for all our residents.
In closing, I believe in the potential of our town. I believe in the strength of our community, the wisdom of our citizens, and the dedication of our local government. Together, we can create a brighter future for ourselves and for generations to come.
Thank you, and let's continue to work together to make our town the best it can be.
Good night, and may our community flourish with unity and purpose.