Published: June 06, 2009 03:56 pm      

Continue to complain

If 5,800 people showed up for a meeting of the Kokomo Common Council, president Mike Kennedy likely would call for security.

And shortly thereafter, he would call for a motion to alter the evening’s agenda and allow a spokesperson to address the council. Such a motion summarily would be seconded and passed.

The spokesperson would have the rapt attention of every member of the council. The crowd’s size – twice that of Barack Obama’s and Hillary Clinton’s Kokomo campaign rallies – would ensure the council’s careful consideration.

The spokesperson says the crowd is concerned about Kokomo’s appearance. Those gathered demand the city force property owners to rid their lots of accumulated junk, and that they all will assist the city in this endeavor.

Each council member would praise the crowd’s activism. City Hall would harness the volunteers’ enthusiasm and launch a “Clean Kokomo” campaign the very next day. Every governmental body would do the same – except the Galveston Town Board.

For four straight months, hundreds of residents in the community of 1,532 have attended meetings of the board. They have complained of abandoned structures and unkempt property. And they’re particularly unhappy about junk spilling onto the sidewalk from board member John Zook’s place.

The only actions taken by the board have been against the complainants. At last week’s meeting, board members refused businessman Bruce Moss a place on the agenda.

“Last month was Bruce Moss’ meeting,” board president Jim Buettner said. “This month’s the town board meeting.”

Board members also voted to return their July 13 meeting to the town hall. More than likely, it was an attempt to limit the size of the crowd. The last two meetings were held in the Community Building.

Despite the smaller venue, board members can expect more grievances. Galveston residents will – and should – continue demanding action until the town is cleaned up.