This year is one of the most important years politically in our community. This November, voters will decide who controls the Pickerington school board, the Violet Township Trustees, and the City of Pickerington. There has never been a better time for the smart growth issue. And, there has never been a better time for an organization dedicated to smart growth.
This will be a make or break year for PATA. Unless there is change within PATA, I boldly predict that PATA-supported candidates and issues including the referendum in Pickerington will be soundly defeated. Let me offer my recommendations for change.
First, update your mission to include quality of life issues. Pickerington school district is one of the top ten most affluent districts in Ohio (out 612). In more affluent communities, quality of life issues are far more important than tax issues. In Pickerington, we value the QUALITY of schools, residential homes, commercial development, and the environment (trees/parks, recreational and green/open areas) we live in.
Secondly, PATA needs to set realistic, measurable goals and list them ?– 1, 2, 3, 4, etc. What does PATA advocate instead of what does PATA oppose? Your goals should be proactive and performance oriented.
Thirdly, PATA needs to be public and elect new leaders. Have public quarterly open meetings. Welcome all who share in your mission, regardless of their race, gender, income, education, occupation or political views. If your goals are noble, no one will have to hide under the ?‘secrecy?’ veil that permeates this PATA website. The public doesn?’t trust any organization that feels the need to operate in a secret, covert manner. The chief elected official for PATA should be an individual like Chris Logsdon or John Brinson with leadership and public communication experience. People like Logsdon and Brinson are capable of bring people together and accomplishing goals. With all due respect, Lisa Ross and Bob Harding are the wrong leaders for PATA. They have no leadership experience and are very antagonistic. With them in charge, you will lose. Don?’t get me wrong, use their energies and the time they have to devote, but out of the sight of the public. I hope their egos won?’t stand in the way of a noble cause. Individuals with high self esteem understand their limitations and know how to best use their talents and skills.
Finally, PATA needs to become apolitical to be effective. Right now, PATA is perceive as a 'support group' for Oakes/Rigelman and is on an anti-City of Pickerington crusade. You need to get all doors open and gain the ?‘ear?’ of all elected officials. You need to be objective in your analysis of government. While the City of Pickerington has higher residential density, it also has been far more effective in attracting quality commercial developments like the two new hotels, the Marcus complex and the commercial complex around Damon?’s. Give credit where credit is deserved. The township on the other hand, while very effective at providing services, has a poor record of attracting quality commercial facilities. We don?’t need any more storage units along major highways in the township.
In closing and answering John Brinson's question, I don't think my views and contributions are desired in the current PATA organization. I won't post any more of my opinions on the PATA website.
This will be a make or break year for PATA. Unless there is change within PATA, I boldly predict that PATA-supported candidates and issues including the referendum in Pickerington will be soundly defeated. Let me offer my recommendations for change.
First, update your mission to include quality of life issues. Pickerington school district is one of the top ten most affluent districts in Ohio (out 612). In more affluent communities, quality of life issues are far more important than tax issues. In Pickerington, we value the QUALITY of schools, residential homes, commercial development, and the environment (trees/parks, recreational and green/open areas) we live in.
Secondly, PATA needs to set realistic, measurable goals and list them ?– 1, 2, 3, 4, etc. What does PATA advocate instead of what does PATA oppose? Your goals should be proactive and performance oriented.
Thirdly, PATA needs to be public and elect new leaders. Have public quarterly open meetings. Welcome all who share in your mission, regardless of their race, gender, income, education, occupation or political views. If your goals are noble, no one will have to hide under the ?‘secrecy?’ veil that permeates this PATA website. The public doesn?’t trust any organization that feels the need to operate in a secret, covert manner. The chief elected official for PATA should be an individual like Chris Logsdon or John Brinson with leadership and public communication experience. People like Logsdon and Brinson are capable of bring people together and accomplishing goals. With all due respect, Lisa Ross and Bob Harding are the wrong leaders for PATA. They have no leadership experience and are very antagonistic. With them in charge, you will lose. Don?’t get me wrong, use their energies and the time they have to devote, but out of the sight of the public. I hope their egos won?’t stand in the way of a noble cause. Individuals with high self esteem understand their limitations and know how to best use their talents and skills.
Finally, PATA needs to become apolitical to be effective. Right now, PATA is perceive as a 'support group' for Oakes/Rigelman and is on an anti-City of Pickerington crusade. You need to get all doors open and gain the ?‘ear?’ of all elected officials. You need to be objective in your analysis of government. While the City of Pickerington has higher residential density, it also has been far more effective in attracting quality commercial developments like the two new hotels, the Marcus complex and the commercial complex around Damon?’s. Give credit where credit is deserved. The township on the other hand, while very effective at providing services, has a poor record of attracting quality commercial facilities. We don?’t need any more storage units along major highways in the township.
In closing and answering John Brinson's question, I don't think my views and contributions are desired in the current PATA organization. I won't post any more of my opinions on the PATA website.
