Crossroads

jon · Crossroads

Kim wrote:

Hi Jon,
I know that alot of mistakes were made in the hope of progress, my question is what is the status of the things that are supposed to be coming to the Crossroads? { IE: Jeanette Lee's Pool Est., The Outback, Zaxby's & the Outlets } Any word on if these things are still predicted to happen? Alot was predicted, but so far it hasn't happened. A little info on these things would be appreciated.
Also, in light of Roanoke Rapids financial crisis it would be a good will effort if the City Council forfeited their pay stipend . To me that would be putting their money with their mouth is & sincerely wanting to help the citizens. Thanks in advance for being willing to respond to questions you will no doubt be asked.

Kim

Kim

Thank you for reposting this, I look forward to your reply.

Sincerely, Kim

doomster

I'd for sure like to know of any future things heading our way or any of the so said things coming progress situation.

As far as the salary of a city council person goes.........its not enough to really matter. They need that and more for the job they do.........its just a little kick to help off-set some of their spending. I am sure they probably spend more than they make when it comes to the tiny check as being a council person.

jon · crossroads

Kim, Outback is on hold for right now, as is Jeanette Lee, it seems like everyone is waiting on everyone else to make the first move. There is a hotel and waffle house that will be annouced soon. It is going to take time and better economic conditions for development to pick up out there. I have no plans to give up my council stipend, that would satisfy you, but what else should I give up to satisfy someone else? Where does it end? I can only speak for myself about being sincere. If I was not truly and sincerely trying to do the best I could for the citizens of Roanoke Rapids I would not subject my family to the daily barrage of criticism of their father/spouse. I could resign and be done with it. I had a vote in bringing the theater here and I will do everything possible to see that it works the way it was intended to.

Cap'n Slappy

I don't expect any councilman or the mayor to forfeit their pay because taxes were increased. These guys give up a lot of time to conduct the business of the city. I'll assure you none of them is getting rich at the city's expense.

Kim

I am sure you & your family have been harrassed by some, which is bad....We all make wrong decisions at times Jon. As for the stipend, I am not aiming at attack at you personally but for all of the council to consider it.
I am sure none of you want to give it up, but then none of us wanted the millions of dollars of mistakes either. All I clearly said is it would be a good will gesture, but apparently it won't happen.

Kim

P.S. ~~
Capt. Slappy,
I in no way think the City Council is getting rich , but then every penny/dollar would help eh?

slash

I agree with slappy. If someone robs your house should the police give up their salary that week because they didn't stop it?

Kim

Well I am glad you all are satisfied with their City Councils performance on the Crossroads deal, but some of us aren't. If I was responsible for such a mess as that I sure wouldn't in good conscience take money for a job that is going to cost the citizens of Roanoke Rapids millions.

THE CURE

If my taxes are only going up 5 cents on the $100 to pay for the theater I think thats a pretty good deal.

Nighthawk

It would be a good gesture Kim, but its not even a drop in the bucket. Most of the guys that are businessmen and self employed lose money by being involved in city government. I know Reggie did, and its quite possible Jon is too. For the retired guys this may not be such a big deal, but people currently employed, and esp. people in sales jobs take a hit to work for the community. So I don't really begrudge that pittance. Though I will say that the RR School Board gave up their portion with the budget getting tight and they didn't even approve a tax increase.

Kim

It isn't going to happen anyways, but I think Nighthawk understood my sentiments.....As for it only being $100.00, my thoughts on that are that $ 100.00 is better in my pocket than paying for others mistakes. But anyways, enough of this....none of them will be willing anyways, so it's a moot point.

flyupsidedown

Everyone seems to be in a hand-wringing mode. The council needs to put their heads together and get pro-active. Many failures have paved the way to great successes. That is common knowledge for any business . It is not a time to shrink back but get some grit. The Carolina Crossroads concept is a God-send. The strategy is right but the devil is in the implementation details. They cannot afford to sit back and blame the economy or bad decisions. Make some right ones. It needs jump starting. It represents a broader tax base and hundreds maybe thousands of jobs. Further investment or incentives are needed to get it moving. We need politicians with character, who can take a hit and don't second quess and run for the hills. My God, we need leadership, movers and shakers, not dissection experts. We all know what went wrong - move on. If you dissect anything long enough you kill it. This area is perfect for development. We are in a choice spot along the 95 corridor and it needs to be exploited to the fullest. People are counting on you (city council) get up off the ground, stop pointing fingers, work together. Like the old addage: Lead, Follow or get out of the way. This is were we find out what you're made of - when the going gets tough and the pressure is on - can you compose yourselves and rise to the occasion. There is a legacy before you - I for one would go down with my boots on not wallowing in past mistakes. Get back in the saddle. So what if there is a slight tax hike - If it is needed it will be temporary until the tax base broadens and it won't bankrupt anybody, let's get real. If you are gun-shy to make bold decisions because of the past then maybe you're not cut out for the leadership this area needs. There are more missteps to be made along the road of opportunity to success.

The Rock

It looks like old boy got scared and ran off.

Cap'n Slappy

That's not exactly how I would expect our city councilman to handle the situation.

Kim

Well if it walks like a duck, it's a duck right?? Although in this case, maybe it's a weasel.

Crossroads

crossroads