Wyoming is facing two big issues right now - the Galbraith Rd. exit closings off I-75 and its proposed $3.45 million Aquatic Center, which is to be constructed outside city boundaries in Woodlawn. It is interesting to note the city�s approach to these two issues.
As for the Galbraith Rd. exit issue, the city has spared no expense in publicizing a huge city-wide forum and asking citizens to write letters expressing their opinions. What is ironic is that Wyoming citizens are in unanimous agreement about the Galbraith exits. On the other hand, while the majority of Wyoming citizens are opposed to the proposed Aquatic Center, City Council refuses to hold a public forum and has been skimpy about publicizing information, other than trying to make citizens think that it is �a done deal�.
When the Galbraith Rd. situation surfaced, City Council lost no time in forming a task force - they were to do research and come up with alternative solutions. But with the Aquatic Center, City Council let the 11-member Wyoming Recreation Commission decide the location of the pool (in Woodlawn); then they formed a task force of citizens. However, this task force was given the narrow mission of �designing a pool at the Woodlawn Recreation Center�, instead of being able to do research and examine alternatives. Furthermore, the city spent thousands of tax dollars on a pool consultant who �told� the city �what it wanted� instead of LISTENING to the citizens (who would have provided better information for free). Citizens have been speaking out at Council meetings since last summer (2005) asking for a public meeting about the pool, but these requests have fallen on deaf ears.
At the �Galbraith Rd. forum� held on April 17, ODOT officials said that they welcomed public input and would look at all alternatives suggested, up to the time of construction. However, Wyoming City Council refuses to examine any alternatives to the current pool proposal; they don�t answer letters and ignored a petition (380 signatures) requesting public input. One plan fits all, regardless of how the citizens feel or what they say.
A group has now formed in Wyoming, called Concerned Wyoming Citizens. These are citizens who are not happy with City Council�s narrow approach to the pool proposal; they want to provide input, and they want to be heard. Their membership is growing rapidly (new members are welcome - just send an email to [email protected]).
In Wyoming, most citizens THOUGHT that they ELECTED officials to REPRESENT them. But apparently not for the pool. City Council has its own agenda, and they plan to move forward regardless of what the taxpayers want or need. Folks, this has to stop. Isn�t the majority supposed to rule?
(NOTE: For those citizens who want to be heard, Concerned Wyoming Citizens welcomes and encourages your ideas and opinions - just send an email to [email protected]. (There is no �s� after citizen in the email address). Also, please visit http://www.geocities.com/concernedwyomingcitizen/ for details about the pool proposal and to read what residents have to say.)
Respectfully submitted,
Debbie Bellman
40-year resident of Wyoming
Concerned Wyoming Citizen member