SPLATH IS NOT “PRO CAWLEY”

Dear Lowell,

Apparently, more clarity may be called for from my “side,” although I thought my previous blog was clear.  I was just told that some folks who are for Lowell High School being relocated to Cawley stadium think that I am “on their side,” and want me to say so.  In fact, Bud Caulfield called me for the 1st time in the 23 years we have been open, to ask me to go on the radio this morning and advocate with him.  When I told him my position–that I MIGHT be convinced that Cawley is the best option, but that I am more “anti-eminent domain” than anything else, he dropped me like a hot potato!! 🙂

I am NOT “PRO CAWLEY.”

(But, if someone handed me 140 million dollars, I’m inclined to be buying a new car…assuming I could still also afford the insurance, gas, the tickets…  Just sayin’.)

I am also NOT on the “PRO DOWNTOWN”  side.

I AM for a more civil and intelligent dialogue, between neighbors, adversaries, friends, residents and businesses.

I AM NOT “PRO DOWNTOWN.”

I AM for more information, accurate information, all information available.  There is way too much disinformation.

(What does busing kids to school cost?  What is the REAL cost of renovating those old buildings?)

I AM NOT “PRO CAWLEY.”

I AM for finding a solution without trying to take the dentist’s lot by eminent domain and hurting their business, or my own.  That’s two steps backwards.

I AM NOT “PRO DOWNTOWN.”

I AM for economic expansion and seeing the long term upside for Lowell.  More businesses, more residents, less tax burden per household.

I AM NOT “PRO CAWLEY.”

I AM for the best opportunity for the excellent future education of the students of Lowell high school, whether they walk, bus, UBER or ride a donkey.

I do wonder how the quality of education might improve given new facilities and increased pride and morale?

I AM NOT “PRO DOWNTOWN.”

I AM for Lowell to be great, not just ok, and think bigger than a perpetual downtown, and city, filled with economically disadvantaged people, students and store fronts that cannot remain viable.

I AM NOT “PRO CAWLEY.”

I AM for expanding the economic commercial base of downtown, thereby creating greater opportunity for our city without more heavily taxing the already challenged population with the lowest average income in the region, while not sacrificing two existing, tax paying, employee employing, downtown businesses.

I AM NOT “PRO CAWLEY.”

I AM for the ongoing discussion that minimizes emotion, maximizes listening, facts, compromise and an understanding that NO decision will satisfy everyone.  And that’s ok.

I AM NOT smart enough or informed enough to know what “the best” answer is.

I AM smart enough to know, that there are benefits to Cawley, and benefits to downtown, and that a solution can be found that does not hurt successful, downtown businesses.  Like mine.

We are now open for lunch.  We’d like to remain that way!