Paul Ferrer

Minot

What am I missing? All this drama playing about a “gathering place.” I’m confused.

I can’t remember seeing anything that clearly defines what is a “gathering place” in the context that it is being used and the purpose for it. At one time I thought I read that it was supposed to be a ploy to attract folks to the downtown area to benefit the merchants of Main Street. But having spoken to one of the merchants, I was told that the merchants as a whole don’t really support this.

So, I believe that’s not it. Then I thought it might be a “local” expression of some sort of Scandinavian significance. Maybe. If a “gathering place” means a site for folks to meet, why not use one of the City’s parks – Oak Park or Roosevelt Park? But those aren’t in the downtown area. And they are already established locations so we probably wouldn’t get the money.

But then I think I might have the answer: it’s all about the money. Here is a large chunk of Federal funds that are being waved in front of the City Council’s face and we better grab it while it’s still being offered.

Of course, any money from the government will come with strings attached that will place requirements and restrictions for its use. (Compare to the restrictions for the new Ramstad Middle School). And don’t forget: money from Government is really funds from our – the taxpayers’ – pocket.

I think the best plan is to forget this whole thing and move on. From the numbers I’ve seen, it appears that the general public overwhelmingly thinks so too.