Editor,
The April meeting of the Springtown City Council addressed several issues including a request for voluntary annexation into the town. The council (including myself) failed to pass the proposed annexation for various reasons. The initiative was supported by the previous mayor (Paul Lemke) and a non-resident property owner, (John Wasson), who solicited the property owners to request annexation to increase the land mass for a proposed walking trail, to garner more federal grant money for the construction of the walking trail, to increase the likelihood that Springtown would be annexed into Gentry and to create a Wasson family legacy. The people requesting annexation are Lemke family members and friends that are sympathetic to the Wasson family. Clearly their desire to be annexed was politically motivated and not for the betterment of the town.
The permanent residents of Springtown do not want a walking trail. They do not wish to be annexed by Gentry now or in the future. There is no viable reason to annex additional land to Springtown, which cannot provide services such as police or fire protection, water or sewer service, or proper road maintenance. While those wishing to be annexed claim they want to be part of our community, most I have never seen at a Springtown council meeting or any Springtown sponsored event. They don't have to be annexed into the town to participate in community activities. The touted increased income and population is minimal and would have little impact on the town's financial status. I see no benefit to either the town or those wishing to be annexed.
The town of Springtown was inactive from 1945 to 1996, at which time the town charter was reactivated. Why did the city limits not include the properties at that time? Why annex now? Even those wishing to be annexed could not answer that question. There was more interest in this issue in one meeting than the repayment of FEMA funds over the last five years. No one (including residents or prospective residents) asked why the town has to return $30,000 to FEMA or expressed any concerns of the impact of losing 40 percent of the town's operating capital. No one asked how the town spent over $300,000 of federal grant money on a bridge that sags under its own weight. No one asked if the bridge was safe.
While some people requesting voluntary annexation attended the meeting, others did not care to attend. Those who did choose to attend took Mayor Barrett to task for policy enacted by the previous administration. Incumbent members of the council who passed the egregious policy did not defend the ordinance they voted to enact. I agree the method of public comment is limiting, but berating the council for actions that occurred prior to their time of service does not further your cause. The current council has much work to do; give them some time to make the improvements. Mayor Barrett sought the opinion of his constituents prior to the meeting; it appears the council members in favor of the annexation did not. Mayor Barrett demonstrated his strength of character when faced with bullying, accusations and name calling, as did the people who engaged in those activities.
Terri Klein
Springtown
Councilwoman
Terri,
Thanks for the copy of your opinion contribution. Much of it is an accurate report of the council meeting, but some is opinion and some is exaggeration.
I didn't witness any bullying during the business part of the council meeting. Could you be more specific about what you interpreted to be bullying?
Your statement about a "Wasson Legacy" is interesting, but I am sure that none of the property owners who requested annexation were motivated in any way by such a picture. You might want to ask them their opinion regarding their motivations.
As I think you know, I have talked and worked for 30 years to preserve the beauty of the Springtown portion of Flint Creek for future generations. It has been a difficult battle. If I succeed, this nature preserve will be my reward. I and my family don't need or expect any honors.
What I think would be great would be for you, Karee and the mayor to prepare a statement of your vision for Springtown two decades from now. For example, do you envision improvements to the infrastructure? Might there be a way to repave Main Street and/or some of the other streets? Can you imagine a way to preserve the charming landmark, the Methodist church?
Best wishes,
John Wasson
Los Angeles, Calif.
Editorial on 04/22/2015