West Coast Freight Move to Midwest Isn't Without Risk

As someone that imports product from around the world, I'm very much aware of the issues surrounding freight movements and the costs associated with getting freight from the west coast to Neosho.  The proposed, but not yet approved, inter-modal facility in the Neosho Industrial Park has some great potential.  Since the beginning, I've supported the concept.   Finding ways to make that move more reliable and at a reduced cost over current rates is a sound business goal that could have significant benefits to attracting and growing our local economy.

But it's not as easy as some make it out to be.  Many things have to happen that no one in Neosho has control over.  Below is an article on the impact of the Panama Canal expansion on imports.  While it may have some bias toward supporting the west coast ports, it does highlight some issues and risks associated with moving freight to the Gulf coast.

I hope you enjoy it.  If nothing else, having more knowledge about an issue is always good in helping to make better decisions and to form opinions.

Intermodal Data

Veteran's Article from 11/11/2011

Top Shot – Kinda

Originally posted in the Neosho Daily News 11/11/2011

There are times in my life that I look back and ponder some decisions I’ve made regarding my career and education.  Those would include my decision to stay “close to home” after high school vs. “going off” to college.  They would also include my decision to NOT stay in school and pursue an advanced degree of some sort (MBA, Law Degree, etc.) after receiving my Bachelors’ degree from MSSU.  But the one I ponder the most was my decision to NOT pursue a career in the US Military and serve my country in one of the branches of service.

Now that’s not to say I didn’t consider it.  I did visit with recruiters after high school.  I also spoke to some college friends who were in college ROTC programs.  But with bad eyes (i.e. not 20/20) and knowing that my vision “issue” would preclude me from pursuing a career as a military aviator, I didn’t even consider other options.  Looking back, I wish I would have considered it a bit more. 

Yesterday, I had the privilege of presenting the local Missouri National Guard training facility at Fort Crowder with a proclamation recognizing their contributions and service to Neosho and our military.  During the event, I got to meet a number of enlisted personnel and officers who work to train our soldiers as they prepare to defend our country and our freedoms around the world.  It was both exciting – and humbling – as I (and other elected and Chamber of Commerce members) saw firsthand the technology and resources used to train our troops.  We heard about IED’s, saw a trainer for Humvee rollovers, and even experienced simulated combat using an arcade-like training simulator to fire M-16’s and other weapons at the enemy.

In the simulator, ten of us took on the task to battle armed enemy forces coming from buildings.  While the simulator didn’t tell me how many times I was shot and injured (or worse) as I defended my position, I did have the highest kill percentage of the group (my good friend and military veteran Sy Werner was right behind me.)  While I don’t know if my score was “good”, 37% of the enemies I engaged were hit.  For me, as someone who never thought I’d have the opportunity to fire a round from a military weapon, I was pleased.  But more than that, it gave me a renewed respect and admiration for all of the men and women in our military who have, are, or will work to protect the freedoms and the country that we value so much.

Thank you to everyone at Fort Crowder (especially Chief Shields) for providing me with an experience I will remember for a lifetime.  We have a great group of men and women working right her in Neosho who directly impact the lives of our soldiers all over the world.  It’s a pleasure to know them.  It’s a pleasure to honor them.  And it’s reassuring to know they and many others are there for us – 24/7 – sacrificing their lives to protect, serve and secure our country.

Happy Veterans Day!  Until next time, stay the course and God bless!

The Mayor Ran a Red Light?

Originally Published in the Neosho Daily News on 10-25-2013

I’ve certainly enjoyed the change in weather this week.  The smell of burning fireplaces brings back so many childhood memories for me.  While I hate the cold we see in December and January, the fall temps are my favorite.  But I digress.

I had my second opportunity to see the new signalized crosswalk at Neosho High School in action this week.  And like my recent experiences with the new “diverging diamond” interchange at I-44 and Rangeline Rd in Joplin, it was interesting to watch others react – some not knowing exactly how to proceed.  Honestly, I also found it to be down-right confusing at first myself.  Adding to the pressure this time was the presence of a Neosho PD officer sitting close by.  I certainly didn’t want to mess it up…and no one else did either!

Of course, when the lights came on and went from yellow to solid red, I stopped.  And when they changed from a solid red to a flashing red (and the crosswalk was empty), I looked both ways and proceeded through the intersection.  It was then that I saw several head turns in my direction with expressions of disbelief that I would do such a thing. “Complete disregard for the law” was the look from one motorist.  Did the mayor just run a red light?  Well, the answer was “no”, but I knew then that confusion still surrounds the new crosswalk and how it works.  If you’re one of those that’s still uncertain, I’ve got some simple tips to help you.

First off, the lights are only on when a pedestrian is present.  So unlike a traffic light, most of the time there is no light whatsoever.  When a pedestrian does walk up and request to cross, the signal needs to give drivers a bit of warning.  That warning starts with a few seconds of flashing yellow lights.  We all know what yellow lights mean.  We see them every day.  It’s the “hey, something’s coming and you better pay attention and be ready to stop” signal.  The flashing yellow then turns to solid yellow, and just like at a traffic light, a solid yellow means a red “Stop” is next.  That’s pretty straight forward.

It’s the red lights that seem to cause the most confusion – specifically, can I go if the lights are red?  The answer is – “it depends.”  When the solid red appears, it’s the universal “Stop – don’t move” signal.  Just like a standard traffic light, you stop and wait.  Regardless of how many are crossing or if they are already clear, if the light is “solid” red, you must stay stopped….period.  Again, pretty straight forward.  But what about the flashing red lights that follow?

Since different people walk at different speeds and since stopping on a major road for no reason can create congestion, the designers of the system gave drivers some latitude.  If people are still walking across, you must stay stopped.  But if the crosswalk is empty, the flashing red lights give you the ability to start moving again and proceed.  Just like when a traffic light is broken and all directions are flashing red, you pull up, stop, check for traffic and then proceed.  The same goes for drivers behind you.  They must also stop, but can proceed if the crosswalk is empty.

With anything new, it can be confusing.  And even though I knew the answer, I went back and watched a MoDOT video as I wrote this.  After a few times, it will become second nature, but until then remember these key points:

                Solid Red – stop, stay stopped, don’t proceed – period

                Flashing Red – stop, check for pedestrians, and if it’s clear, head on down the road

I’ll finish today with one more bit of info about those lights.  They are officially known as “HAWK” lights:  High intensity, Activated cross WalK.  The design was imported from Europe and adapted for crosswalk use in America.  The first was installed in Tuscon, AZ in 2000.  It was, until December 2009, categorized as “experimental” in the US.  

Until next time:  stay the course, keep the faith, and may God bless Neosho!

Highway Costs are Taxing

Below is my weekly column published 5/16/2014

It’s been almost a year since I wrote about the demise of a proposed sales tax to support Missouri’s highways.  But unlike last year, it now appears a sales tax option will be coming to the voters of our state no later than November.  While some have already spun this as a tax increase, I’d rather call it a tax option – after all, we the people will make the final decision – our legislators simply made the choice available.  I’m glad we get the chance to weigh in on the matter.

I stand by my principled view that overall, I’d like to see a smaller government and lower taxes for everyone.  But as you learn in life (and as I had reinforced by my college economics professor) – there are no free lunches.  Roads don’t get build for free.  Roads and bridges don’t last forever.  It takes money to keep our road infrastructure functioning.  The sales tax – if approved - will generate around $550 million a year with a 10-year sunset.  5% of that comes back to both counties and cities for local projects.

Personally, I felt a fuel tax would be the “fairest” tax – meaning that those who use the roads more (and therefore buy more gas) pay more in taxes, but that’s not what we got.  The concern I heard was such a tax would equate to as much as $0.20-$0.25 per gallon at the pump to generate the needed revenue.   That’s over a 5% increase in gasoline prices – adding $5 or more to the average fill-up. 

 The sales tax (which we get to vote on) is the other option for a quasi-consumption tax – the difference being that those who buy more (of everything) will pay more taxes.  (As a side note, you don’t pay sales tax on gasoline.)  The downside is the proposed ¾-cent tax hits everyone – regardless of how far or how much we drive.  The legislature has lessened that blow by exempting items such as food and prescription drugs.  Given that most goods we buy in stores today are delivered there by trucks (that drive our highways), some will say that taxing all goods is fair since it helps pay for the roads that allowed the goods to deliver.  While it’s not a strict tax on road use, I do see some connection.

 At the end of the day, the funding issues at MoDOT aren’t going away.  With more money, they will build more.  Without more money, they won’t.  I applaud MoDOT on the cost-cutting measure already put in place.  They've cut a lot of staff and closed a number of offices (the one on 32nd in Joplin is one I notice the most.) It does appear they have tried to do their part. And when you lose almost half a billion in funding vs past years, you have no choice but to stop building and change your focus to little else other than maintenance and snow removal.

 We should know in the next few weeks if November is truly the date to decide this issue.  But until then, unlike last year, at least voters will get the chance to decide on MoDOT’s funding for the future – and ultimately decide on an option to support the future of our Missouri highways for the next 10 years.

 I want to give a quick compliment to our folks in the Neosho Parks Dept.  With most of the flowers now planted and spring rains bringing life back to our parks, they are looking beautiful.  I took a stroll around Big Spring Park this week – what a jewel we have in our downtown!  Sales tax revenues continue to come in strong.  Business growth is picking up as well.  We certainly have a lot to be proud of.

 Until next time:  Stay the course, keep the faith, and may God bless Neosho.

Laws Need Consequences (from May 31, 2013 NDN Column)

It’s that time of year again when the Missouri General Assembly has wrapped up its session and bills passed by both chambers are sitting on the governor’s desk awaiting a signature or a veto.  As an elected official looking out for Neosho’s best interests, I made a point to speak with our folks in Jefferson City as they crafted some of these bills – especially when those bills seemed to take away “local control” of how we govern.  (I prefer fewer laws vs. more of them and I don’t agree the one-size-fits-all laws are often in our best interests locally.)  While those bills I didn’t support ultimately passed and are awaiting action by Gov. Nixon, it’s worth discussing at least one of them.

HB307 is one that has drawn the attention of both municipalities and the Missouri Municipal League (MML).  The MML went as far as saying “This bill, based on anecdotal and unsubstantiated information, is an intrusion into local personnel matters.”  As I read it, the bill, among other things, attempts to put a legislative fix in place to prevent a chief of police from being terminated for the wrong reasons (i.e. political ones.)  In doing so, the state lays out the six (6) ways (and only six ways) a chief may be fired.  I’ll admit on the surface, it sounds like a reasonable idea!  But there are some issues with how the bill is written and how it goes about it that concern me.  Also, the bill was written in response to isolated abuses in other parts of the state, but puts a burden on ALL of us because of those few bad apples.

Here are some questions/comments I passed on to those in Jefferson City watching out for our part of the state.  In no particular order:  Why just the police chief?  Could the same political issue not happen with the city prosecutor (who goes after the “wrong” person) or the city judge (who didn’t side with the “right” person?)  If a city manager (in our case) was firing someone for “political” reasons, wouldn’t there be a high likelihood that the governing board overseeing the manager’s actions could be the ones actually driving the termination?  What’s the penalty?

It’s important to know that I made a point to both call and discuss in person these comments with our current police chief.  Chief McCracken and I both have a tremendous amount of respect for each other and he knows my questions weren’t indicative of my lack of support for him or his job.  Both of us understood the pros and cons of the issue.  Ultimately, I simply don’t believe the bill solves the problem (and given his long tenure with our city through many councils and managers, I’m not sure there even is a problem.)

If there is one thing I’ve learn over the past year or so is that some state laws seem to be more “feel good” in nature and turn out to be hollow when it comes to enforcement.  Just last month, we saw the consequences of what happens when you “knowingly” break state election laws.  Despite finding out forms weren’t completed, monies were sent out of state with no accounting of their ultimate use, ads were paid for by 3^rd parties and labeled “Paid for by candidate”, not much happened.  In essence, the laws designed to protect the very election process that sits at the core of our democracy were trampled, spat on, completely ignored – KNOWINGLY – and what’s the penalty? Pay $300 and don’t do it again.

If the same slap-on-the-hand penalties exist for firing a police chief, why bother writing the law?  My compromise was simple – instead of laying out a process that adds burdens to the local municipalities, why not make these “political” actions a  felony punishable by fines and jail such that anyone performing acts out of political revenge are punished?  Until then, I’m not sure much will change.   The last twelve months certainly show that laws with little or no penalty won’t prevent an action from happening. But I certainly think laws that include a proper penalty will do more than any board or extra layer of appeal would ever do.

School is out and another school year is behind us.  For me, this one is bitter-sweet.  This year marks the end of an era for a very special lady in the Neosho R-5 district.  Mrs. Alma Stipp, our current Neosho R-5 superintendent of schools, is retiring.  I got to know Alma as a principal at Central school during my early days on the Neosho school board.  She certainly impressed me and stood our as one who deeply cared about students and learning.  In 2006, when an Asst. Supt. Position came open in Neosho, I commented to then-Supt. Dr. Richard Page, “It’s not the board’s job to tell you who to hire and I’ll support whoever you choose, but if you don’t hire Alma to fill that job, you’re crazy!” She soon took over that position and filled in this past year in the top spot after Dr. Page left the district.  So here’s a quick “thank you” to my favorite superintendent” Alma Stipp -  You’ll be missed!

Until next time:  stay the course, keep the faith, and may God bless Neosho!

It Comes With the Job

My weekly column - published 5/3/2013

It Comes With the Job (I guess!)

I've said hundreds of times that I love my job serving the citizens of Neosho.

Without a doubt, it has been one of the most enjoyable opportunities in my 43 years on this earth. But as with any job or occupation, there are always things that pop up that remind you that even with the best of intentions, some days are better than others. But I would have never dreamed that local politics in today's world would include things such as threats or innuendos of harm, but would you believe they still happen – even here in Neosho?

As a city, we don't make a big deal over things like this. But last week, city hall went on alert after a generalized comment was made about a bomb and a potential threat at city hall. This wasn't a Boston-type threat that required an evacuation or a shutdown of the area, but it still reminds me that even in local politics, there is always a risk. I thought I'd share a few more of my experiences since serving on the council.

I remember very clearly, about two years ago, when a comment was made to me that Neosho "needed another Kirkwood incident." I'm normally a pretty calm person, but even I was a little shocked with that one – enough so that I had conversations with law enforcement. To those that aren't familiar, in early 2008, a gunman went into a city council meeting in Kirkwood, Mo. and killed five, including the city's public works director, two council members, and the mayor (who died months later of his injuries.) And as we learned from the Neosho church shooting in August of 2007, to say it can't happen here simply isn't true.

Other memories directly relate to some "local" issues and council actions on them. One was during the early discussions on the TDD when a "friend" showed up at my office and said we needed to "go on a ride". While I had no reason not to "trust" this individual, it was a bit awkward (maybe I've seen one too many of the Godfather movies.) The ride lasted about 30 minutes and it turned out to be more of a lecture on how things are supposed to "work" in Neosho, but it still caught me off guard. Those "rides" happened on more than one occasion.

Another was related to last April's election when my term was up. It was a call from a local business person (and supporter) who had been approached about needing "change" in Neosho. While the details don't matter, I was very surprised by the tone of the conversation and the "promises" that were made if those changes were to happen. And given the comments, it was obvious those behind it were full of hate and anger – something that can sometimes be the spark that causes other bad things to happen. In the end, nothing came of it. The election was fairly decisive and we moved on. But it did remind me of the unfortunate truth of politics and how brutal some can be when money and power hang in the balance.

Regardless of the risks, politics continues to be a passion for me. And serving my community is something I truly value in my life. But as with anything, risk can sometimes be around the next corner. I don't expect sympathy or compassion – it's my decision to be doing this job. And I don't believe any "hits" are out on me based on my views or council actions, but it does make you step back sometimes and think "Really? In Neosho? Are you kidding me?"

Next Thursday night, May 9, I'll be heading up another town hall meeting and listening post for citizens to come out, hear about what's happening in Neosho and discuss any topics you wish to bring to your elected officials. It will be at the Neosho Golf Course meeting room. It will start promptly at 7 p.m. I hope to see you there.

Until next time: keep the faith, stay the course, and may God bless Neosho!

RICHARD DAVIDSON: Help wanted — for a week

RICHARD DAVIDSON: Help wanted — for a week

Eminent Domain Vs. Economic Development

Over the past few weeks, I’ve had some questions asked about my view on the use of eminent domain for the purpose of private economic development. As someone who has been on the receiving end of such an attempted action, I can tell you I’m not sold on the concept, regardless of whether or not it is technically “legal” in the eyes of the courts. It’s a slippery slope and one I would prefer NOT to slide down.

Before I get too involved, let’s go back and look at some history. The concept of eminent domain isn’t new. The idea is mentioned in the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. That amendment contains a number of protections related to abuse of government authority. From it we gain protections dealing with double jeopardy, the need for a grand jury, protections from self-incrimination, the idea of due process, and our topic today, “improper takings”. The last words of the amendment “…nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation” give the basis for the concept (and restrictions) specific to eminent domain.

Court decisions over the years have attempted clarified our founding father’s ideas. The words “just compensation” have never really been a problem. The U.S. Supreme Court has repeatedly held that such compensation is usually “fair market value” at the time of the taking (with some rare exceptions). That’s pretty straight forward. In simply terms, if the government “takes” your land, you’re going to get paid for what is taken. That’s certainly the right thing to do. But the bigger issue (and to some, the concern) relates more to what is meant by the words “public use”.

In my research, that term public use has historically been about benefiting the public interest or the public welfare. Things such as schools, highways, bridges, etc. typically come to mind when people refer to public use. That’s pretty straight forward. And while none of us ever “want” our land taken, I think we can certainly agree those would be areas where “public use” applies and could be justified as a last resort.

But in 2005, the U.S. Supreme court, in a 5-4 decision, expanded the concept and ruled that the powers of state and local governments could in fact take private property for “private” commercial development if that planned development has a “public purpose” (such as new jobs or increased tax revenue). It’s that ruling that has some concerned that by expanding “public use” to mean “public purpose”, it may open the door to abuse. As an example, using eminent domain to take land for a private strip mall is not something I’d view as having a “public purpose” - it goes too far – even if members of the “public” can use it and such use could create jobs or expand tax revenues. To me, that is NOT what our founding fathers intended. If a land owner doesn’t want to sell to another private individual or group for such a development, move on and find land elsewhere. Having government intervene isn’t the solution.

The good news is that most eminent domain actions will continue to involve land where “public use” is purely the issue. But just knowing the potential is there, I understand the reason some have a concern.

So to again answer the question posed to me in the first paragraph - I believe the 2005 ruling opens the door for abuse. And unless a very good case is made and a clear “public” benefit is shown, I’m not one to believe such an action is proper – even if it’s technically “legal”. Free markets and private negotiations are the best solution to settling those types of disputes. Going to the government for “help” isn’t an option I’d recommend.

Thanks again to all of you for your continued support. I hope to see some of you at the Bright Futures golf tournament Friday or at the Duck’s Unlimited banquet Saturday. Until next time, stay the course, keep the faith, and God bless Neosho!

This Week It’s About Honesty

Below is my weekly column for 2-17-2011

During the school year, my daughter and I usually make a pilgrimage to McDonald’s on Monday mornings to start the school week off with a Bacon Egg & Cheese biscuit, hash brown and a diet Coke. We’ll talk about the week ahead and I’ll offer the periodic reminder that she can’t have a boyfriend until she’s 25. As long as I’m getting more smiles than eye rolls, I’m good with that. Ultimately, I do all I can to get some daddy/daughter time because someday (and that someday is coming soon), the days of hanging with dad, walking her into the school and getting a kiss on the cheek in front of her friends will no longer be “cool”. (I’m preparing the best that I can!)

This week (on Tuesday because of the snow), we sat in our usual corner table. She filled the drinks while I unwrapped the biscuits on the familiar brown tray. She sat down, approved my work, and we began our meal. Through the window I noticed the scrolling marquee from Boulevard bank and the “congrats” line for my dentist, Dale Kunkel, and his employer of the month recognition. It then switched to the Neosho R-5 screen listing the February character word - “Honesty”. I found a moment of silence to ask her some questions – specifically “Do you know this month’s character word?” followed by “So what does ‘honesty’ mean to you?” I got the answer “being the kind of person whom other people can have confidence in.”

Since that is the school’s definition, I accepted the answer, but I expanded on it. I explained to her that honesty as it relates to everyday life means that you tell the truth (Webster’s says “adherence to the facts”). It is very simple concept, but life doesn’t always make it so simple. Sometimes the “hard truth” doesn’t go over well. Sometimes bending the truth a bit can help smooth things over (my grandma called that a ‘white lie’), or possibly the truth doesn’t help the cause at all so changing the story helps get people to take your side or position. Whatever the reason, we can all relate to at least one of the three (and there are many more than that!)

At all levels of our government, I place a high importance on honesty. From the candidates I support in elections to discussions I may have with local, state or federal officials, I expect nothing less than honesty in addressing issues that may arise. I respect those who will tell the truth, those who are honest with the public, and those that will give a straight-forward answer to a legitimate question. To me, honesty is quite refreshing in a world where personal motives and special interests seem to have more influence in what happens vs. simply doing what is right. To quote John Gardner, a politician, writer and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, “The citizen can bring our political and governmental institutions back to life, make them responsive and accountable, and keep them honest. No one else can.” I certainly try to do my part.

Today’s Neosho city government strives to take an approach where honesty is viewed to be the only acceptable means of dealing with our citizens. We’ve learned from the past and your current council and city administration are making a concerted effort to regain the trust of our citizens. We’re working hard to restore your belief that your government is honest, capable and working for ALL of the people. I think we’re making great progress.

So after a great breakfast, a walk into Carver elementary, and a kiss on the cheek, I’ll say this: I’m glad our society works from a young age to instill values and character in our kids. I appreciate our schools for helping to reinforce the values taught by parents in homes across our country. I appreciate our citizens noticing the positive changes we are making in our city government. In the end, we all benefit by grooming our current and future leaders to be more involved and concerned with doing the right thing, behaving in ways that instill confidence, and working hard to ensure that truth and honesty prevail. It certainly makes a noticeable difference…and Neosho is an obvious example.

The snow has melted and the sun is back. It looks like a great weekend of weather is here. My compliments to John Mills and his helpers for a great job on the Art Gala. It was a great time. Until next time, thanks for the support, stay the course, and may God bless out town!

Airport Land for Sale

A small airport west of Ozark known as Air Park South is being sold by Springfield-Branson National Airport, and proceeds from the eventual sale will be used to increase space for general aviation planes at the Springfield airport.

Airport Director Brian Weiler said the Federal Aviation Administrationand Missouri Department of Transportation agreed to let the airport use funds from the land sale for general aviation improvements because the Springfield airport initially used FAA and MoDOT funds to buy about 240 acres west of U.S. 65 in 2001.

The money at the time was intended to improve access for general aviation aircraft. The site includes a rough 3,000-foot asphalt runway that’s too short to accommodate business jets. The airport tried to buy an additional 36 acres to extend the runway to 5,000 feet but the property owners declined to sell.

Springfield-Branson National Airport spokesman Kent Boyd said the airport in 2004 initiated eminent domain proceedings to determine what the 36 acres was worth.

“They came back with a value of $220,000 an acre, which if you do the math comes out to a really big number — about $8 million,” he said. “We’d previously spent $5 million for more than 200 acres. The additional acres just didn’t work.”

In 2006 the Springfield-Branson National Airport Board voted to put the land up for sale. After a lengthy review by MoDOT and the FAA — including posting the proposed land sale for public comment on the Federal Register — both agencies agreed to let the airport use sale proceeds as proposed, for the general aviation improvements.

General aviation aircraft include privately owned light planes and business jets. Weiler said the airport currently accommodates 12 single-engine planes, 25 multi-engine private aircraft and 18 business jets.

He said there’s been a list of airplane owners waiting for hangar space to open up. The land sale should help remedy that.

“We do know there is additional demand out there,” Weiler said.

Proceeds from the land sale could be used to build additional hangars, develop roads and taxiways and develop sites that could be leased to private owners who might want to build their own hangars.

“We are in the early stages of determining where that money would go,” Weiler said. “I really want to see some options.”

Weiler said the airport’s Master Plan has identified three possible locations on airport grounds where additional general aviation facilities could be developed.

Because there’s been a longstanding need for more accommodations, Weiler said the airport could pursue other sources of federal funding to make those improvements while the airport waits for someone to buy the old airport land near Ozark.

More information about the site is available on the Web athttp://www.flyspringfield.com /land.

City Revenues Maintain Trend in December

The City’s 1% General Sales Tax remained strong in December as receipts from the state were up 22.13% over the same month in 2010.  This marks the 6th straight month that revenues have been up double digits vs. the previous year.

Many believe the continued increases are a direct result of the May, 2011 tornado in Joplin. 

Revenues are expected to remain above normal for another 1-2 months as retailers continue to rebuild.  Wal-Mart reopened its 15th and Rangeline location on November 9th.  Any impact on Neosho’s retail traffic from this reopening should show up starting with January or February sales tax receipts from the State.

Pondering the Past

My weekly NDN article published 11/11/11.

There are times in my life that I look back and ponder some decisions I’ve made regarding my career and education. Those would include my decision to stay “close to home” after high school vs. “going off” to college. They would also include my decision to NOT stay in school and pursue an advanced degree of some sort (MBA, Law Degree, etc.) after receiving my Bachelors’ degree from MSSU. But the one I ponder the most was my decision to NOT pursue a career in the US Military and serve my country in one of the branches of service.

Now that’s not to say I didn’t consider it. I did visit with recruiters after high school. I also spoke to some college friends who were in college ROTC programs. But with bad eyes (i.e. not 20/20) and knowing that my vision “issue” would preclude me from pursuing a career as a military aviator, I didn’t even consider other options. Looking back, I wish I would have considered it a bit more.

Yesterday, I had the privilege of presenting the local Missouri National Guard training facility at Fort Crowder with a proclamation recognizing their contributions and service to Neosho and our military. During the event, I got to meet a number of enlisted personnel and officers who work to train our soldiers as they prepare to defend our country and our freedoms around the world. It was both exciting – and humbling – as I (and other elected and Chamber of Commerce members) saw firsthand the technology and resources used to train our troops. We heard about IED’s, saw a trainer for Humvee rollovers, and even experienced simulated combat using an arcade-like training simulator to fire M-16’s and other weapons at the enemy.

In the simulator, ten of us took on the task to battle armed enemy forces coming from buildings. While the simulator didn’t tell me how many times I was shot and injured (or worse) as I defended my position, I did have the highest kill percentage of the group (my good friend and military veteran Sy Werner was right behind me.) While I don’t know if my score was “good”, 37% of the enemies I engaged were hit. For me, as someone who never thought I’d have the opportunity to fire a round from a military weapon, I was pleased. But more than that, it gave me a renewed respect and admiration for all of the men and women in our military who have, are, or will work to protect the freedoms and the country that we value so much.

Thank you to everyone at Fort Crowder (especially Chief Shields) for providing me with an experience I will remember for a lifetime. We have a great group of men and women working right her in Neosho who directly impact the lives of our soldiers all over the world. It’s a pleasure to know them. It’s a pleasure to honor them. And it’s reassuring to know they and many others are there for us – 24/7 – sacrificing their lives to protect, serve and secure our country.

Happy Veterans Day! Until next time, stay the course and God bless!