We have the most bizarre situation going on right now in our little town of Lindsay.
But before I can explain, you must know a few facts about the town I live in...
There are approximately 11,000 residents.
Probably 90% are Hispanic
and about 50% (maybe more) of that 90% are fieldworkers.
( I have NO idea how many are legal.)
It is very low income
and there are very few who actually can or will vote.
********************
10 years ago,
Lindsay was a little, somewhat abandoned town that looked totally neglected.
Commercial buildings, schools and houses were horribly maintained.
The roads and sidewalks were holed and uneven.
Most of the downtown businesses had long since moved away.
There was absolutely no reason to come to Lindsay.
This once bustling and charming city was ghostlike.
********************
7 years ago,
the Mayor and City Council made a brilliant move by hiring a new
City Manager named Scot Townsend.
He and his family lived in Lindsay and were actively immersed in the community.
He had worked for the City for many years
and not only knew what changes and improvements needed to be made,
but passionately believed that they could be achieved.
********************
4 years ago,
Jim brought me to Lindsay for the first time.
He had been offered a job here and really liked this little town.
I was unimpressed and afraid.
It was totally out of my comfort zone and
I felt like my children deserved a more inspiring place to spend their childhood.
I did not want to live here.
But then I met Scot.
He gave us a tour of Lindsay
and pointed out ALL of the improvements
that were scheduled to take place over the next 5 years.
He was excited, driven and enthusiastic about the future of this little town.
Although I couldn't totally imagine the transformation that he described
I liked him,
I trusted him,
and I believed in HIM!
He easily pulled Jim and me into his vision
and we gladly became residents of Lindsay, CA!
********************
2 months ago,
You would be amazed at how this city looks.
In the time that we've lived here
Scot has delivered everything he promised...
even during the recession!
We have a new library, swimming pool & Wellness Center.
Many of the roads are smooth and repaved
with a new, charming round-about in the center of town.
An old, dusty railroad yard has been transformed into Sweet Brier Plaza
with weekly Friday Night Markets
that draws thousands of people from all over the Valley to enjoy the events.
The downtown area has all new streets, sidewalks, lighting and landscaping.
Many of the storefronts have been given "face lifts!"
The Police and Fire departments have been upgraded!
The football and soccer fields have been transformed.
There's an amazing after school program for Middle and High School students.
Over 500 residents have been able to get into homes because of special City financing!
Jobs have been created
And last but not least (and I'm sure I've forgotten something)
there's McDermont Fieldhouse...
an old, abandoned packing house that has been transformed into a sports complex extraordinaire!
Needless to say,
the results have far exceeded my expectations!
********************
Which brings me to today!
A few months ago,
one of the local newspapers wrote a controversial article
stating who the top paid public officials were in our County.
(Thank you City of Bell...grrrrrr!)
Several of our City Administration, including Scot, were on that list.
The problem with the article, however,
was that the newspaper posted ONLY the base income of all of the other city officials in the County
but posted the base income + benefits, Calpers (?), etc. of the Lindsay City officials.
That little snafu has caused an enormous uproar in our city.
Three disgruntled residents have spent the last month
trying to whip up the community of Lindsay against Scot.
They are misinformed and are constantly spreading lies about him and other City officials.
They have distributed flyer's stating,
"Our pesos are paying for his house!"
with pictures of his home and directions on how to find it.
They have threatened his family and
have been ruthless in their attempts to
minimize the progress that he has brought to this town.
It's been horrific to watch!
I am appalled that such behavior is condoned by anybody!
But, enough is enough!
Tonight there is a special public forum
scheduled to address this situation
and to defend our friend and the best interest of the city that we love.
Some high school students made a video
that has been circulating via email and You Tube.
It supports the growth and progress of our City.
I have been impressed to see the younger generation
come forward and support Scot and the City as well!
Countless emails and messages have been popping up all over the place
encouraging residents to come and support what's right!
This is my attempt to do the same.
The meeting is tonight @ 6:00pm
Lindsay High School Gym.
I'll see you there!
**On a lighter note...here is a little video from little, irreverent me. For some reason this scene has been going through my head ALL DAY LONG! I can't help myself. Enjoy!**
But before I can explain, you must know a few facts about the town I live in...
There are approximately 11,000 residents.
Probably 90% are Hispanic
and about 50% (maybe more) of that 90% are fieldworkers.
( I have NO idea how many are legal.)
It is very low income
and there are very few who actually can or will vote.
********************
10 years ago,
Lindsay was a little, somewhat abandoned town that looked totally neglected.
Commercial buildings, schools and houses were horribly maintained.
The roads and sidewalks were holed and uneven.
Most of the downtown businesses had long since moved away.
There was absolutely no reason to come to Lindsay.
This once bustling and charming city was ghostlike.
********************
7 years ago,
the Mayor and City Council made a brilliant move by hiring a new
City Manager named Scot Townsend.
He and his family lived in Lindsay and were actively immersed in the community.
He had worked for the City for many years
and not only knew what changes and improvements needed to be made,
but passionately believed that they could be achieved.
********************
4 years ago,
Jim brought me to Lindsay for the first time.
He had been offered a job here and really liked this little town.
I was unimpressed and afraid.
It was totally out of my comfort zone and
I felt like my children deserved a more inspiring place to spend their childhood.
I did not want to live here.
But then I met Scot.
He gave us a tour of Lindsay
and pointed out ALL of the improvements
that were scheduled to take place over the next 5 years.
He was excited, driven and enthusiastic about the future of this little town.
Although I couldn't totally imagine the transformation that he described
I liked him,
I trusted him,
and I believed in HIM!
He easily pulled Jim and me into his vision
and we gladly became residents of Lindsay, CA!
********************
2 months ago,
You would be amazed at how this city looks.
In the time that we've lived here
Scot has delivered everything he promised...
even during the recession!
We have a new library, swimming pool & Wellness Center.
Many of the roads are smooth and repaved
with a new, charming round-about in the center of town.
An old, dusty railroad yard has been transformed into Sweet Brier Plaza
with weekly Friday Night Markets
that draws thousands of people from all over the Valley to enjoy the events.
The downtown area has all new streets, sidewalks, lighting and landscaping.
Many of the storefronts have been given "face lifts!"
The Police and Fire departments have been upgraded!
The football and soccer fields have been transformed.
There's an amazing after school program for Middle and High School students.
Over 500 residents have been able to get into homes because of special City financing!
Jobs have been created
And last but not least (and I'm sure I've forgotten something)
there's McDermont Fieldhouse...
an old, abandoned packing house that has been transformed into a sports complex extraordinaire!
Needless to say,
the results have far exceeded my expectations!
********************
Which brings me to today!
A few months ago,
one of the local newspapers wrote a controversial article
stating who the top paid public officials were in our County.
(Thank you City of Bell...grrrrrr!)
Several of our City Administration, including Scot, were on that list.
The problem with the article, however,
was that the newspaper posted ONLY the base income of all of the other city officials in the County
but posted the base income + benefits, Calpers (?), etc. of the Lindsay City officials.
That little snafu has caused an enormous uproar in our city.
Three disgruntled residents have spent the last month
trying to whip up the community of Lindsay against Scot.
They are misinformed and are constantly spreading lies about him and other City officials.
They have distributed flyer's stating,
"Our pesos are paying for his house!"
with pictures of his home and directions on how to find it.
They have threatened his family and
have been ruthless in their attempts to
minimize the progress that he has brought to this town.
It's been horrific to watch!
I am appalled that such behavior is condoned by anybody!
But, enough is enough!
Tonight there is a special public forum
scheduled to address this situation
and to defend our friend and the best interest of the city that we love.
Some high school students made a video
that has been circulating via email and You Tube.
It supports the growth and progress of our City.
I have been impressed to see the younger generation
come forward and support Scot and the City as well!
Countless emails and messages have been popping up all over the place
encouraging residents to come and support what's right!
This is my attempt to do the same.
The meeting is tonight @ 6:00pm
Lindsay High School Gym.
I'll see you there!
**On a lighter note...here is a little video from little, irreverent me. For some reason this scene has been going through my head ALL DAY LONG! I can't help myself. Enjoy!**
