Councilman's Corner
The McAlester Watercooler Invites ALL McAlester City Council members to join in the discussion on the ongoing events and future of McAlester – the Best Hometown in Oklahoma!
Vice-Mayor Greg Rock
Ward 1 Councilman
First let me say that as I awoke on Tuesday, I felt something different. It was as though the brief storm that occurred during the evening had begun to wash away some of the things that have plagued this city for a number of years. It wasn't just a storm that caused this feeling though. It was the notion that a new type of leadership was in place at City Hall. My attitude was more positive than it has been in recent weeks. I was genuinely excited to make my next visit to City Hall. There are so many issues that I would like to talk to our new City Manager about. I have noticed a change in a few of my citizen's attitudes as well. However, the change has not been a positive one. The underlying theme of some of the dialog that I have had with some of you has been: 'We are getting tired of fighting this fight.' Fight may not be the most appropriate word to use, but sometimes the show fits. Whatever the reason, be it, intimidation by some or apathy on the part of others, it is irrelevant. We must remain focused and vigilant towards our city government. I have never been one to claim to be a great motivator. I don't think that I have that special something that takes over when I speak about keeping on keeping on. What I have though is the ability to stick to a task or venture. Sometimes just forging ahead is motivation enough to 'rally the troops', if you will. That is exactly what I plan to do. I will still ask questions of whomever, whenever. I will still demand that exact, necessary information be provided to the council before decisions can be made. My goal is an open, transparent government that facilitates the needs of its citizens. As I have said before, the work that a number of you are doing is awesome! It is great to see the citizens rise up to take back their government. We may not always share the exact opinions, but we share the common goal of making McAlester a better place. I know a lot of you are not big supporters of our former President Bill Clinton. I will agree with a number of you that he hurt our nation with scandal and deceit. I was able to visit his Presidential Library this past 4th of July and while I was there, I saw and heard some very interesting things. Some I knew, others I did not, but the underlying themes that I took away from that place where these: We must work together to help create a brighter tomorrow for our children. Secondly, we must realize that public service is of the utmost importance. Public service is not just an opportunity for elected officials. It is an opportunity for those with a just cause to stand up and speak out for their cause. I have seen a lot of public service here in McAlester in the past few months, and I implore you to keep up the good work.
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