I believe that reading the questions on this survey is especially important as we enter into these upcoming “Community Planning Meetings”.  All I ask is that people at least read through the survey questions, and see if any of the ideas that have been put forth have any merit.  We are simply looking for honest data and feedback.

I am very concerned that we just paid an outside consulting group $125,000 to lead these Planning Groups into predetermined thought boxes.  It’s political silly season when candidates will say just about anything they think is popular, and will get them elected.  This election the buzzword is about “Community” vs “Resort”.  That is great, but we are a $12,000,000 a year budgeted community, and if we just change the words we use, but don’t change our spending and support habits, then it’s just empty, meaningless rhetoric.  What I am hearing is lots of talk about Hotels and Inns, none of which are of direct benefit to the community residents.  I am concerned that all of this “Planning Feedback” is just a way to get approval for a predetermined outcome, which probably involves some massively expensive something or other that is designed to “Support the Resort”.

As we head into this in the next few weeks, I would like everyone to think about the following….. try mentally replacing the phrase “resort like amenities” ….. with “Community Like Amenities”.  Just try saying that out loud a few times and see if any new ideas come to mind.  Start using that phrase in conversations.  Personally I think we have amazing “resort like amenities” already, but I am concerned that our youngest, oldest and general daily activities are being ignored.  A small Senior Center for people to get out of the house without having to actually “join a club or activity”, but maybe just to sit and read and feel “Not Alone”, would be nice.  I’ve heard that from many of the oldest in the community.  Also, we have some very good ideas for children that I think would benefit permanent resident families, grandparents, part time families, and visiting family members.  I also think there are a lot of small things that would go a long way to improving the daily lives of Big Canoe residents.

Remember…. the phrase for the next few weeks to meditate on is….

“COMMUNITY LIKE AMENITIES”

We need to change our thought patterns if we want to change our course.  And everyone remember to sign up for a Planning Group, and have your ideas heard.  And stand tough and don’t be pressured into directions you don’t want to go!  I believe that we have some amazing people in this community, with a wealth of good ideas.  Replacing POA Board and Developer ideas with OUR ideas is simply a matter of speaking up….. firmly.

Peace,
-david hh / publisher