Garden County Nebraska

GardenCoNe.com

Oshkosh, Lewellen, Lisco

Mayor: Cynthia S. Talley 305 West 1st Street, Oshkosh NE 69154 Phone: (308) 772-3686 email CTalley@gardencone.com

February 14, 2006

There are many things to update you on this time.

First, the application for our welcome center was reviewed by the State Byways Committee on January 23, 2006 and it was denied. I quote, "The Committee determined that the above-mentioned project did not have complete support form the Western Trails & Scenic Byway organization. Currently, there are differing opinions among byway members as to the best geographic and strategic location for a visitor center. Furthermore, the Committee expressed concern about the proposed location in regards to it’s proximity to the newly constructed Lake McConaughy Visitor Center. It is important for long-term sustainability that byway projects have full support along the Byway route." I will be exploring other funding avenues. I still believe that a key to capitalizing on tourism is a centralized information/reservation/organization/community center as is outlined in our welcome center plan. I also strongly believe that we need to diversify our economic base, and tourism is part of that diversification. We must keep moving forward, looking at all options.

Work on sustainable agricultural cycles continues. A meeting to form a think tank of possibilities is being planned. I have recently been working with Rob Eirich, University of Nebraska Extension Educator on this project.

The Health Board met last week to investigate some complaints that had been made about properties. The recommendations of the Committee were presented to the City Council. Follow up action will take place.

Finally, I have just finished rereading the Declaration of Independence, Constitution and the Bill of Rights. When was the last time you read them? They are beautiful, inspirational masterpieces. People have given their lives in defense of these beliefs. I believe in the political process. I believe in the principles our nation was founded on. We take them for granted. We fail to get involved and exercise our political freedoms. As your mayor, I serve the entire community. There is only one way to know what you are thinking. I must ask and then listen with respect. I also continue to invite you to come and see me at City Hall on Wednesday evenings. LeAnn has my schedule.

This election brings you many choices. Talk with the candidates. Find out what they believe. What do they stand for? What vision do they have for the office they are seeking? What are they like to work for? Talk to the employees, they’ll tell you. Share with the candidates your expectations. Ask them how they plan to resolve disagreements. Is conflict ever resolved by pretending it doesn’t exist? All elected officials are accountable to you, the people they serve, regardless of the office they hold. That means that you are in charge. You hold the power. We, as elected officials are here to serve you. If you are not registered, get registered. It’s easy. If you can’t make it to the polls, get an absentee ballot and mail it in. There are many options to accommodate you. I will share with you a quote from our minister on Sunday, "Be civil to your adversaries. Be kind to those who disagree. Give us hearts full of courage."

From the bottom of my heart, I remind you-

This is our community. It will be what we make it.

Your mayor.

Cindee Talley