Because of Security National, our community is moving forward
My Word by Tim Flemming
I would like to reply to a few of the talking points that Mr. Cobb felt were so important, in his Feb. 12 My Word. First, I would like to start, well, at the beginning. Mr. Arkley does not need a “friendly” media source. Projects like the Sequoia Park Zoo and helping local nonprofit organizations do not need “friendly” press.
Next, in 1999 there was a vote over the Balloon Track and its rezoning, but that does not in any way have anything to do with what happens to the Balloon Track and its rezoning in 2006. Seven years is a long time. Not only were a lot of people voting against Wal-Mart and not the rezoning issue, but after seven years some voters might have changed their minds, since Wal-Mart is no longer part of the equation.
Seven years ago there were a lot of local citizens who were not old enough to vote in 1999 and now they are of age. Are you saying that those of the younger generation don’t have a right to have their say in this matter, Mr. Cobb? Next, if you have a problem with the beachfront issue, you should probably take that up with the people who sold the property, not the people who bought it. It was the decision of the sellers, not the Friends of the Dunes or the Arkleys. Next, you keep talking about a democratic process, so why, then, do you take issue with Mr. Arkley donating money to the political groups that he believes in? You being against his rights to do this is an insult to the democratic process. Making financial donations is part of the democratic process. Yes, he sent $500,000 to defeat Tom Daschle, but the bottom line is that the people did not vote for Daschle. This is democratic process.
Your comment about our elected council members not having any courage is just painfully insulting and disrespectful. Just because they did not agree with your views in 2004 doesn’t mean they lack courage. Disagreeing is part of the democratic process. When voting, the issue either wins or loses the vote.
I respect your views on the Balloon Track, but I would like to see your research on waterfront properties in Third World countries. I had no idea Third World countries were turning down chances for economic growth because they have issues with the Home Depot. I understand your fear about this development and our local businesses, but I saw numerous local businesses stand up for the development. I have also seen local businesses growing faster and staying longer since we began opening our doors to the likes of Costco, Longs Drugs, Blockbuster Video and Target. Competition is good, and most business people understand this.
On Feb. 9, the City Council meeting made me so proud to be a native of Eureka. I was able to see my town working the democratic process as well as standing up and speaking out in support of this development. As you will see, people who love this city, including local business owners, would like to see it grow and want to grow with it. I agree with you that our community can do better. Because of Security National, our community is doing better and striving to move forward.
I hope in the future, sir, you will refrain from attacking your community members. Calling Mr. Arkley arrogant and accusing the City Council of having no courage is not necessary. I respect your opinion, just please act like an adult and stop the name calling. I am also begging you not to use such a serious community issue as this for personal political gain and grandstanding to build your constituency for your next election. Thank you.
Tim Flemming, business manager for the North Coast Substance Abuse Council, lives in Eureka. The views presented above are his own.
The opinions expressed in My Word pieces do not necessarily reflect the editorial viewpoint of the Times-Standard.
Comments
Gee Tim, I guess you really have no idea of what the Arkleys do when they "help" organizations like the Sequoia Park Zoological Society. They basically improved the Society and the Zoo by making the City withdraw their contract with the Society (because we wouldn't roll over, re-write our bylaws and turn the organization completely over to the handpicked-by-the-Arkleys "Zoo Foundation") and turning it over to Arkley's cronies (many paid to attend board meetings!). This new organization has no voting membership and no community oversight or input. And the City's long-term plan (as told to the SPZS Board when the hostile takeover was announced) is to lease the Zoo to the "Foundation" for $1/year and get out of the cost of maintenance and animal care. It will become the Arkley's private zoo. Do you really thing that was an improvement?
This is just one example of the strings attached to every Arkley deal. I could go on and tell you of Eureka Building Department bending of rules for the Arkleys (an interim Building Dept. Director quit when Harvey Rose -- remember that scoundrel? -- told him to ignore some laws when it came to the Arkley's Vance Hotel construction project). Their main reason for wanting the Balloon Tract back then (remember that?) was to force Rendevous Music to move there (against their will) so they could bulldoze Rendevous' building and use that as parking for their Vance building. (I overheard Kramer saying this in public.) Instead, the bought-and-paid-for Eureka City Council gave them the prime parking in Old Town (reserved) and "replaced" only some of the spaces several blocks away. This in a section of town that has historically had chronic parking problems. Funny, the Council wouldn't do that for anyone else in Old Town, even those who have been there for decades!
Oh yeah, what about the Redwood Concert Ballet? Do you have any clue as to what happened there? All I can say is that a friend overheard Rob Arkley at the Avalon Restaurant say that if people were upset over Redwood Concert Ballet, just wait until they see what he does to "that obstructionist" Jack Bellinger (the previous Zoo Superintendent) and the Sequoia Park Zoo Society.
And then there's the hijacked Cherie e-mail written after her "ditzy" NCJ Balloon Tract interview. If you can, find a copy of it and read it. That will show you how evil (and really nasty and ugly) the Arkleys really are.
These are evil, dangerous people. They think because they have some money (big fish-small pond syndrome) they can say and do whatever they want. They certainly have proved that they are adept at buying politicians. Just what is needed when every donation or project --everything -- you do is geared toward getting all the money you can.
Do you really think the Arkleys do anything without expecting something in return? If you think they are philanthropists, you are ignorant and misled. Rob has stated publicly, many times, that he doesn't think the government should run any social programs (just want 'em to hand out corporate welfare, eh Rob?). He believes in a dog-eat-dog, every-man-for-himself world. Sounds real charitable and humanitarian (NOT!). Open your eyes. Money isn't everything (although republicans seem to think so). People like you make me totally embarrassed to be a Eurekan (actually, a human). Gullible, greedy and stupid are not attractive qualities. And a bought-and-paid-for city council is not democracy.
Posted by: Rick Siegfried | March 7, 2006 10:10 PM
I enjoy reading through your blog. KarlaX
Posted by: KarlaX | April 26, 2006 12:01 AM