I stepped off the elevator on the third floor and turned left as usual. Then it hit me, I must be in the wrong building! Where were those ugly low 1950’s modular couches, the memorial fountain and the dogeared copies of the Star Progress?
Then, from behind her new rosewood workstation, came the receptionist’s customary greeting, “Hi Rick, who are you here to see today?”
Someone has been doing some serious lobbying.
Overnight everything had changed. Out with the old, in with the new. Walls were washed or painted, council member’s mugshots were reframed and moved, Mr. Fox’s fountain had a new home with an Ikea rug and private seating, a conference table appeared out of nowhere and the vintage cluttered literature rack was, delightfully, nowhere to be found.
I’m all about home improvements.
But in this tight economy, with the city begging for donations at every turn, where did we come up with the money to turn this sow’s ear into a silk purse? Was Ty Pennington here and I just missed him?
I thought about the cuts to kids and seniors programs, fewer concerts in the park, fewer summer movies, reduced family services and I couldn’t help wondering, “Who’s bright idea was this?”
I wondered if it was a gift from the city manager, a heartwarming way to tell the people of Brea thank you for the big raise and bonus check.
Did I miss this on the agenda?
Nope. Never on the agenda, never discussed. No public hearing needed, not a council decision apparently. Just another one of those little things that magically seems to happen when no one is looking… municipal government chugging along like it has for decades.
Bus driver! Move that bus!
Should we expect anything less from our city officials? They cut benefits for police new hires, because we can’t afford them, and then give pay raises to the employees that “deserve” them. Now we have those new officers to thank for the remodeled lobby.
To many it may seem like a small matter, but what you point out puts it in perspective. Chalk this one up to the “What Were They Thinking?” category.
Not surprised at all really. The main reason I am so annoyed with politics as usual.
You’e not alone in that feeling Stacey. You, and others like you, can make a big difference in November 2012.
Wow! Well, keep making noise … must keep those city officials on their toes!
An open, transparent government willing to be held accountable by the people who elected them… I don’t think that’s too much to ask.
I’m all for things looking nice, but only when it can be afforded. Wow, what were they thinking?
Shannon, that’s part of the problem. They, the city council, weren’t given a chance to think, or vote. It seems the redecorating was as much a surprise to them as it was to me.
You’re very observant. I probably would have looked at that and just brushed it off as “wow, they remodeled?” That’s probably because I don’t pay much attention to politics and I really should. I just have lots of other things on my mind right now.
There are those that would say I’m making a mountain out of a mole hill. They would be wrong. I’ve been told, from the time I was a little boy, that if I watch the pennies, the dollars would take care of themselves.
I sympathize with your situation. So many others are facing similar difficulties in life right now. We all are in one way or another. It’s the very reason we need to pay attention and to be more knowledgeable when we cast our ballots.
Has there been any noise since the findings? IKEA will take that stuff back…
The noise level remains steady, however, we have no clue who has the receipt.