Public Forum

[JackPurvis]

If there was a public forum somewhere, how could the public be encouraged to attend, and what subjects could be discussed? I am thinking topics like;

How does the school set tax levy?
What are the options for the Taneycomo bridge?
Do we need to rethink our Christmas light program?
What should be the public expectation of the commmunity pride concept?

If we are to make good decisions about issues, there should be POSITIVE communication from the residents of Branson. I would hope that criticism would come with solutions as well. Anybody can be a critic what our community needs are answers and solutions.

[Mellie]

Hi Jack. Good to see you on here! I think anything of community importance would be worth discussing in a public forum. The issues you listed, are a great start. Right now, I think the Taneycomo Bridge is at the top of everyone's list (second only to the Ozark Mountain Christmas).

Word of mouth will probably be your best attendance generator, but until then...I think posting the time/place on this board, along with newspaper ads would be a great starting place.

[TheOleSeagull]

Hi Jack,

Sounds like a great idea. Why not have the Board of Aldermen and the Mayor sponsor a couple of public forums to do just the type of thing you mentioned? During the off season a theatre should be available for such a purpose. It might also tie in the with the public survey program that is going to take place.

[CHRISTISAM2001]

HI Jack and Welcome!!:)

[JackPurvis]

GARY
How about the Golden Corral with Steve.
Can someone suggest time and date?
Jack

[TheOleSeagull]

Hi Jack, Sounds like a great idea. Why not have the Board of Aldermen and the Mayor sponsor a couple of public forums to do just the type of thing you mentioned? During the off season a theatre should be available for such a purpose. It might also tie in the with the public survey program that is going to take place.

GARY How about the Golden Corral with Steve.
Can someone suggest time and date?
Jack

Jack, If we want to obain maximum public benefit and input may I suggest that we need some additional time and information.

As an example, When you discussed the idea with the Mayor and your fellow aldermen, did they have any suggestions for a date that would best fit their schedule? Did they have any addtional topics they wanted added to the list? Does the city support such a public forum

Is the Golden Corrall the best place to hold a public forum of this sort? Have any of the other public officials who would have input if some of the topics are to be effectively presented and discussed been polled to see about their availability?. i.e. County Commission, Taneycomo Bridge issue, School Administrators to discuss the manner in which taxes are levied, etc.

[SnowyRiver]

Great Idea...
However, I do not believe POSTIVE ideas only. There is a misconception of POSITIVE...when it gets in the way of REAL communication. POSITIVE is on one end of the spectrum...NEGATIVE is on the other end of the spectrum.
What we need is REAL communication...there IS a difference.
Anyone can be a critic is also a bit of a myth. NO, not everyone can be a critic...only those with the fortitude to speak out can be a CRITIC. There seems to be a real shortage of those who will SPEAK OUT!
If there will be REAL communication, I would attend...if it is another politically correct love fest...you can count me out.
Now, please understand, many solutions are available...BUT...only if folks will LISTEN with open minds.

[Mellie]

:rofl: I'm afraid we'd do too much eating, and not enough talking, if we went to Golden Corral. But, I'm up for it, if you are.

[Branson EDGE]

Jack,

Since you've established a desire.need to have a gathering where we can discuss politics - I think it would be appropriate for you to set an agenda.

Groman has posed some good questions but its up to you to set the stage and pose the questions you want public input on.

[JackPurvis]

Gary
I have not discussed a forum concept with any officials.
I am thinking that we need a venue with public ownership and free expression,
I am not set on the Golden. You guys jump in here with your ideas PLEASE.

[JackPurvis]

Snowy
I trust you have some ideas about what can happen to make a better community as do others in Branson, Please don't think I want to muzzle anyone.

[JackPurvis]

Mellie
Please share your idea about a meeting place. I am open and wanting your input.

[Grizzly]

Jack,

I am pretty sure I can supply a theater if you want me to try.
I will try to call you tomorrow

Bob


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[JackPurvis]

Now we are talking. Now how about some dates folks? While we are at it any special topic?
Thanks Griz.
Jack

[Mellie]

Hey, Golden Corral would be fine with me. I was kind of kidding. But, a theater would be even better. Let us know, Grizzly.

[TheOleSeagull]

Hi Jack,

Sounds like a great idea. Why not have the Board of Aldermen and the Mayor sponsor a couple of public forums to do just the type of thing you mentioned? During the off season a theatre should be available for such a purpose. It might also tie in the with the public survey program that is going to take place.

Jack,

Since you've established a desire.need to have a gathering where we can discuss politics - I think it would be appropriate for you to set an agenda.
Groman has posed some good questions but its up to you to set the stage and pose the questions you want public input on.

Without the active participation of other elected officials and others with the power to effect change this will not be as effective as it could be. If its a political and election tool thats one thing, then you are absolutely correct but if its to be truly a public forum broader participation in terms of agenda, planning, and participation, etc. would appear to be appropriate. In doing research for an article yesterday, I did not get the impression that was the case at this point. For what it matters, the Ole Seagull would suggest that any effort made to avoid even the appearance of the proposed public forum being used as a tool in a re-election campaign rather than a vehcile to effect meaningful change within our community would be well spent.

Gary
I have not discussed a forum concept with any officials.
I am thinking that we need a venue with public ownership and free expression, I am not set on the Golden. You guys jump in here with your ideas PLEASE.

See above as to importance of other public officials. To me the venue is important in terms of being able to handle the size of the anticipated audience. Based on recent meetings, I have not noticed any problems with free expression.

[pamlet]

One thing I'd like to suggest - is that it be planned well .. AND publicized well. We had a "movement" here to incorporate out little town - and hardly anyone knew about it. I finally heard about it by the third meeting .. and I'm VERY active in the community ... a little notice in the paper won't do it ..

[Mellie]

How about sometime around January 15'th? That would give people time to get Christmas and New Year out of the way, and give you a few weeks to get the word out.

[VerdigrisRafter]

Gosh all, If it is a community meeting why not meet at the new convention center...there should be ample room there

[backrowcenter]

What moved you to take the trouble to register as a new poster just to suggest the use of the new convention center for this public forum?

Not that it's a bad idea, but just because it seems strange that you supposedly lurk on this board, then register and post for the first time in this rather innocuous thread the idea that we should use the Convention Center for Mr. Purvis' proposed public forum...... Seems a little strange to me.

It almost seems to me like you might be registering under a new identity ..... no, that could never be true. Never mind.

[VerdigrisRafter]

Backrowcenter, nothing secretive about it...please don't be paranoid...I just changed to a broadband service and changed servers.
My name is John Logan, I am involved in local issues, and the convention center has been made available for public event by contract. That was the purpose of my suggestion. Nothing more.
What is your name? Can you to be open as well?

[Grizzly]

Backrowcenter, nothing secretive about it...please don't be paranoid...I just changed to a broadband service and changed servers.
My name is John Logan, I am involved in local issues, and the convention center has been made available for public event by contract. That was the purpose of my suggestion. Nothing more.
What is your name? Can you to be open as well?


John,
It is a viable question. You may not know it, but we are inundated with trolls here and they often enter into a discussion the very way your new oersona did. FRC is known to most of us and does not hide behind anonimity.

Your suggestion is very valid. I think since Jack is asking about this we might find out exactly what he meant about a public forum and not turn his idea into a million man march without seeing what he original idea was. So far our media guru, Gary, has expanded this into a presidential debate. (JOKE!).

I got the feeling Jack was not looking for a multi-jurisdictional regional open house. He wants to talk with the people interested in Branson City issues. I could be wrong and that is not just a possibility but a likelyhood. After all it is cold out and I am trying to hybernate.

Lets figure out what a "public forum" means to the guy before we worry about the location. Might be we need a booth at the Shack!



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[VerdigrisRafter]

Grizzly,
Probably a booth at the Shack would suffice (smile)...I got my Christmas shopping done today, and Lana is out shopping so I was bored and thought I would see what was going on...
By the way who or what is FRC as mentioned in your post...
MERRY CHRISTMAS.
John

[Grizzly]

Grizzly,
Probably a booth at the Shack would suffice (smile)...I got my Christmas shopping done today, and Lana is out shopping so I was bored and thought I would see what was going on...
By the way who or what is FRC as mentioned in your post...
MERRY CHRISTMAS.
John


Silly me, I meant BRC - backrowcenter


Merry Christmas

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[JackPurvis]

Hi Gary
I think you are right, I hope to have some kind of agenda on paper before presentation to the officials. I can assure you this is NOT an election tool.
Thanks for your input.
Jack

[Grizzly]

BTW
This will hijack a thread but I got my Christmas shopping done today too and I know you have heard all the whining about the landing costing the downtown businesses. Well, I wanted a pair of matching diamond rings (small diamonds) for My wifw and daughter this Christmas. I have gone down to the local jewlery store across from our old offices (no name here) three times in past two weeks always in mid-afternoon. They were closed as well as two other shops with non-jewelry items I wanted. I tried after work also and they were closed.

I gave up and went to the Landing today and bought everthing. The only thing fighting inflation today is poor service.

Sidenote- I have bought from that DT store 10 out of the last 15 years.



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[JackPurvis]

Hi John
Glad you liked my sweater.
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Jack

[JackPurvis]

Hi Grizzly
Hope you didn't try to call me today. Went up to Whiteman to see #3 son pin on LTC Leaf.
On the way home hit a deer just south of Ozark. Give me a call.
Jack

[Grizzly]

Hi Grizzly
Hope you didn't try to call me today. Went up to Whiteman to see #3 son pin on LTC Leaf.
On the way home hit a deer just south of Ozark. Give me a call.
Jack


We can tlak next week after a merry Christmas!

I am in the office Moday morning I think.


Bob

[backrowcenter]

Backrowcenter, please don't be paranoid...
What is your name? Can you to be open as well?

I have no position in this thread at all -- and certainly no axe to grind. However, as Grizzly mentioned, anytime I see a first time poster on this forum jump into a conversation with a "position" the red flags come up.

Hey, welcome to the board.

Why don't I sign my full name.... Nobody should sign their full name except maybe the board moderators and certainly they should not post their pictures with their name. I can see someone supplying their name perhaps to gain some business or win some votes, etc. But, hey, I have no agenda and no need for fame or notoriety.

As an example for this belief (that no one should use their full name on the internet), I went to Google and typed in your name (which you gave) followed by Branson -- and two or three pages of references later postings from 1branson.com started to be listed. That is nothing I want to have out there.

In PM's to people on this board whom I have come to know (or trust) I have routinely signed my name. I'm not a controversial guy.... I just like to have fun and take part in the conversations.

[Mellie]

Nobody should sign their full name except maybe the board moderators and certainly they should not post their pictures with their name.
Well, you have to remember that we know this...from trial and error. Not everyone, especially those who are new to internet forums, realizes the dangers of posting personal information on the internet.