At the Thursday, July 9th meeting of Stevensville Town Council, Mayor Gene Mim Mack disclosed that the Stevensville Bike Camp Committee had accepted a generous offer to locate the Bike Camp at the Stevensville Hotel. Even though the Mayor stated the improvements necessary would cost several thousand dollars, he and his wife were willing to invest in this idea. I commend the Mayor and his wife for taking this action as it respects their commitment to this idea and saves the taxpayers of Stevensville an equal amount of their money.
In the course of this debate some have wanted to characterize the issues raised as negativity. I suppose simply because those raising the concerns did not agree wholeheartedly with the proponents. Cathi Cook said it perfectly when she admonished those who were critical of person or persons doing their civic duty by participating in the debate and expressing their constitutionally protected right to free speech and participation in process.
There were indicators that while Stevensville Bike Camp Committee had done a lot of research some of the most basic details went undiscovered until raised June 25th. For instance, Kathleen Meyer said she was unaware that the location chosen for the Bike Camp would reduce soccer fields until that evening. This admission would tell me that at least some of what was raised was helpful in getting all the necessary details for consideration of the project before Council. Details that would not have come to light had the issue not been forced to discussion by a few circulating a petition.
I would ask that our administration and fellow citizens keep a more open mind going forward as I will. All is well that ends well!
Clayton D. Floyd Jr.
Stevensville