Some of our City’s leaders, managers and others in positions of significant influence, look myopically at their own pet issues and call it “Vision”. Some of our senior, seasoned and most experienced citizens publicly machine-gun a torrent of issues that they view as our city’s problems, offer no solutions and yet call it “Vision”.
A majority of our citizens, many whom have earned respect and have been leaders in their own lives and times, some of which are pining that they never had the chance to give of themselves, sit idly by on the sidelines, meeting everyday for coffee with others of their own kind. Many successful in their own worlds beyond comprehension or common knowledge. They dare to be blind as to the impact that their involvement in city issues could influence, guide and reach amazing consensus on issues affecting our city in ways that will outlive them. Yet they say that they are beyond their time, no one is caring one iota about anything they may offer to a “Vision” for Mason City.
There it is. A description of the population of Mason City and the unspoken reason why we are mired in the muck of no forward movement.
As for the myopathy of City Hall and their tagalongs some consider themselves too self-important, some have surrendered to oblivion, some newly elected have been muted, many Millennials in positions of authority and responsibility are too busy texting and trolling their way through life to take their responsibilities seriously.
Case in point, although there has been some pleasant surprise in getting an independent developer interested in actually investing in Mason City with a fresh, well considered synergy, the individuals, elected or hired and actually charged with improving Mason City, be that the Economic Development corridor, the chamber of commerce, or the total army of those soldiers charged with the responsibility of our future, had nothing at all to do with the courageous overture of Gatehouse LLC except a standard and generic solicitation. Where were they? Who is earning their keep? Who continues to circle the wagons for the protection of their own positions and self-interest? Aren’t you disgusted with more effort going into self-preservation than the tasks that people in those positions are charged with?
Whether you like this proposal or not, you have to admit that someone investing in Mason City with a solution for a lingering problem with Music Man Square is refreshing.
Now on to a few simple observations; every quadrant of this city is in need of attention and has its own issues that should be priority public considerations not just a focus on downtown.
First someone wants a hockey facility. As I understand it, 2 million dollars has been the youth hockey association investment commitment. Two days ago Sears announced that it will be bankrupt. Sears owns K-Mart. In the near west corridor of our city, an huge amount of square footage is available and with bankruptcy looming, a bargain to be had. Regardless of the current property condition, ownership or intentions, it is more than cost effective to repurpose it, get it back on the tax roles and save a destitute chunk of our west corridor that represents the only real expansion Mason City is experiencing. Let’s be honest, hockey is a destination location activity, not compatible with a repurposing of Southbridge mall space, which for the best purpose must remain retail.
Again let’s be practical, the buyers of the insolvent Southbridge Mall paid pennies on the dollar as their purchase cost. If that facility could be filled with varied retail, with the total investment the new owners have in it, rent per square foot would reduce by two-thirds. Where is the EDC and Chamber in launching an all out effort to make this a possibility? Expending super human effort every day to achieve this goal. Ahhhhh, myopathy to the River City Renaissance or River City debacle however you view it.
Second, the south quadrant has a ghost town called Southgate. There is a city mover and shaker in the ownership position on that property. A concert/event venue is also a destination activity. What is keeping this large amount of square footage from being repurposed into that aspect of the River City Renaissance and adding to the property tax role once again. I suspect the owner would sell at a price that renovation would be well within the means of the grant dollars.
As for the north quadrant I applaud the forgivable loan program and every month that area improves. The tax base also improves. Even so, more needs to be done. The future folks, it’s all about the future.
Finally, let me sum up what it takes in the 21st century to manage and grow a community. It takes Millennials stepping up and taking charge in a way that shows honor and respect to their predecessors. These predecessors are not archeological finds. They are your wisdom and experience to draw on as you take the reins of power and influence. They are your oracle that you now desperately need in large part because as a generation we failed you by not providing the tools you need to succeed.
It takes experience, wisdom and the steady hand on the rudder that comes from decades of life success, failure, bumps, bruises and victories to step up once again and help this next generation that is woefully ill-prepared to take all of us into the next century. Why let them repeat or even fail to recognize those things that we have already learned? We have already paid the tuition of their condition, why pay more when we can provide them the tools that higher education failed to provide?
What is my buy in here? Many of you know me, many more of you don’t. I served and fought for my country in a variety of capacities, I am happily retired, but I am willing to put some skin in the game if you are too. We can help pull this community currently on life support forward for future generations and their quality of life.
Can you live with your self to do less? The time has come to be a community, an all-generational community, the largest and best city in North Iowa. The envy of all and the laughing stock of none. Take a stand. Give of yourself. Millennials, open yourself to wisdom and experience and resources that are right under your nose. Seek them out and pry them out of their comfy existence for the good of our community. Start looking at ourselves with a vision of 360 degrees rather than that of a laser pointer. Run away screaming from the myopia that has been inflicting us. Success will follow and don’t give up.
J.W. Sayles
Mason City, Iowa
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