I just returned from a pleasant Thanksgiving weekend in Las Vegas. I spent
the time with a dear friend who resides in Summerlin; consistently winning the
award as one of best planned communities in the country… for good reason!
They’re brilliant. They usually don’t build or open new commercial pads until
one is filled. Duh! Residences range from apartments, condo, townhouses, regular
houses and estates. People pay an extra annual fee to reside in Summerlin. We
almost moved there a couple of years ago and this is where we would have lived.
The benefits to residents are substantial. There are plenty of places to
shop, dine, worship and recreate and all of these things don’t entail taking one
step into a casino. There are multiple and well maintained dog parks… another
story. They are well maintained common areas, available to all residents.
Las Vegas also demands better water management. They’ve spent millions of
dollars in incentives, promoting people turning their water-sucking grass lawns
into something that makes better sense (and still looks lush and beautiful).
There are mandatory watering days there and people adhere for two reasons: 1)
It’s the right thing to do, 2) it’s mandated and fines are imposed AND
ENFORCED…. another concept we could easily and wisely embrace.
What struck me on our walk one morning were the magnificent and frequently
used ball fields. They get to be used by young and old and the facilities are
wonderful. Why can’t we have something like that so our youngsters have some
healthy outlet for their boundless energy?
I have lived here for nearly 5 years and have volunteered and working for the
city of Banning. I have heard promises made and made and made. I have heard too
many electeds and seen staff roll their eyebrows and remind me, "These things
take time!"
Be that as it may, there is one simple fact: Nothing can ever get finished if
it never gets started. While I will miss Councilmember Art Welch, I welcome Bob
Botts and Debbie Franklin who could bring fresh ideas and forward thinking to
the old council members (metaphorically speaking, of course).
I have heard way too often from decision makers that "Banning is a poor
city." What exactly does that mean? Yes, incomes are definitely lower than in
other cities but that doesn’t mean that people with families don’t want the best
for their progeny.
People keep saying that salaries are lower in Banning. Take some time to
check that out, too. Add the salaries, generous benefits package, including
medical and retirement and the "public" sector is out earning the "private"
sector!
I am well aware that some government processes take a long time but Banning
has taken that to the extreme. THINGS JUST DON’T NEED TO TAKE AS LONG AS THEY DO
IN THE CITY OF BANNING!
Let’s give folks in the city something to be proud of and let’s start with
the children!
