2009 State of the City - Transcript
Mayor Michael Copeland
State of the City 2009
April 3, 2009
Good morning. It’s a great day in Olathe.
State of the City 2009
April 3, 2009
Good morning. It’s a great day in Olathe.
First, I want to recognize my colleagues on the City Council. There’s not a more dedicated, committed, and caring group of elected officials anywhere. You may only see them in public at events or meetings, but that barely scratches the surface of the time they put into serving you.
They are: Mayor Pro Tem and Ward 2 Councilman Jim Randall. At-large members John Bacon and Bob Montgomery. Ward 1 Councilman Larry Campbell. And, Ward 4 Councilwoman Marge Vogt.
You each not only make this very demanding job fulfilling and productive, you make it enjoyable, thank you.
No, Kathy, I didn’t forget you. Please come up here with me. Ladies and Gentleman, Ward 3 Council Woman Kathleen Huttmann has served the citizens of Olathe as either a Planning Commissioner or a City Council Member since 1999. She’s given countless hours to this community. As you know, Kathy’s not seeking reelection, but I want to say thank you for all you’ve done for our community.
Speech Begins
You each not only make this very demanding job fulfilling and productive, you make it enjoyable, thank you.
No, Kathy, I didn’t forget you. Please come up here with me. Ladies and Gentleman, Ward 3 Council Woman Kathleen Huttmann has served the citizens of Olathe as either a Planning Commissioner or a City Council Member since 1999. She’s given countless hours to this community. As you know, Kathy’s not seeking reelection, but I want to say thank you for all you’ve done for our community.
Speech Begins
Dyce Bonham is an Olathean. He has been since 1960 when our population was about 8,500. If you can imagine, we only had two banks….it really must have been a special place. Now, if there were only two lawyers….it would have been a virtual utopia.
Anyway, Dyce has seen our community grow from a sleepy bedroom town to a thriving urban city consistently touted as one of our country’s best places to live. Even Money Magazine again noted our direction by moving Olathe up to number 11 on its list of best places to live in America.
Dyce has been here to pitch in when our community struggled. He’s been here to celebrate when we excelled.
I talked to Dyce the other day about the challenges we’re facing as a nation and as a city, and he really helped put things into perspective.
He said this. Today Olathe’s a shining star in the valley. Things aren’t as brisk as they were, but we’re still doing better than just about anywhere else. He said today, we’ve reached a point of success that I never imagined we could. There’s always been a pride in this town, but today, we’re shining like never before. He said, you can feel it. There’s almost a swagger. We’re quietly humble, yet there’s a new sense that Olathe’s moved from a more or less isolated bystander to the leader that’s still held onto its small town feeling.
Yes, things are tougher right now, he said. But we’ve been through challenges before. The important thing though is to step back and appreciate where we are today, and all that lies in front of us.
Dyce is absolutely right, and he outlined what most of us in this room realize. This is Olathe. No challenge is too great. We’ll be a leader in this recovery, and we’ll continue setting the pace at the same rate as before.
Obviously today, the economy’s at the forefront of everyone’s mind, and it’s impacting each of us in this room. Of course, the City’s not immune to declining revenues, but rest assured we remain in a strong position.
Because of your city’s forward thinking and planning, we began making very difficult, but responsible decisions early on and took action midyear in 2008. That was well before most other cities began doing anything. We did so based on what we saw on the economic horizon. Those actions continued in developing the 2009 budget later that year and additional cost reductions this year.
The bottom line is this. We recognize what our residents are willing to spend for government and that it’s their money, not ours. We must continue recognizing how they want that money spent.
We’ve made responsible and strategic decisions to stay ahead of the curve, and we will continue to do so. We’ve applied our limited resources to what you have told us is most important, and you, in turn, have understood there would be impacts.
Those decisions were difficult. They impacted a considerable number of the men and women committed to serving you. But, they were responsible and necessary, for our future and financial health. That same approach will guide our decisions in the future.
Our strategic decisions haven’t been lost on the rating agencies that evaluate our financial stability. Since I last spoke to you, Moody’s Rating agency upgraded Olathe’s bond rating to AA+, despite the downturn. Their rationale cited the steps we’re taking to address today’s economic reality. I quote, “Olathe’s well managed financial operations are expected to continue despite revenue pressures” and “Moody’s believes Olathe’s financial operations will remain sound given the city’s willingness to make cuts in order to maintain a structural balance and healthy reserves”.
Standard and Poors rating agency also continues looking positively on Olathe and our financial practices saying last November that Olathe is “strong, well embedded and likely sustainable”.
More recently, David MacGillivray, a financial advisor to cities across the country highlighted Olathe’s strategic and long term approach to responsible municipal financial management. He noted that Olathe was an exception in local government for taking financial steps before any other city he knew of. In fact, he said, Olathe is unique in having a long term approach rather than simply year to year. His assessment of Olathe as a leader in navigating through difficult times reaffirmed this--we are headed in the right direction.
It’s not just the rating agencies and financial experts who have validated our decisions. It’s our most important audience, our citizens, whose money we use to provide services.
This year’s citizen survey showed something remarkable. We’ve continued making progress in how we use our residents’ tax dollars, bucking a national and regional trend. While satisfaction in the metro declined this year, Olathe actually improved. Not because we’re spending more, but because we continue listening to you about how our limited revenue should be spent.
This past survey showed Olathe’s overall satisfaction index rising from 120 to 123, up from a baseline of 100 back in 2000. To put that into perspective, the metro area had remained stagnant around 100, but declined to 96 in the most recent survey. That stark contrast clearly speaks to the direction we’re headed.
Looking at the results, I think back on those who said we couldn’t possibly make a difference in how people felt about traffic. Not only did we make a difference, we saw dissatisfaction almost cut in half due to the investments our residents guided us to make. We continue as a metropolitan leader in nearly every major category, and our overall satisfaction level improvement in the last nine years dwarfs that of any other city surveyed.
We’re doing this with far fewer resources. We’re successful because of two things. One, we’re listening. Residents tell us what’s most important, and they know that’s where we’re investing their money. Our residents are savvy, and they understand in tough economic times, there will be impacts. But, they know we remain committed to providing excellence in the areas they feel are most important.
Two is people. Once again, we owe a huge thank you to the dedicated men and women who serve you. They’ve been tasked with the proverbial “do more with less”, and they’ve delivered without complaint. They go above and beyond time and time again, and there’s not a group of employees anywhere who take more pride in serving. They’re often underappreciated, but they do more for our City than many people realize. Seeing those survey results tells a better story about them than I possibly could. Would all the men and women who work for the city stand? Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in thanking them.
Are we out of the woods? No, not just yet. Like everyone else, we are facing more very difficult decisions as we develop the 2010 budget. They will not be easy, and they will not be without impact. But, they will be made with the same forward thinking approach and with the same guidance from our citizens that have put us ahead of a very, very steep curve. Once again, please follow the budget process, let us know your thoughts, share your ideas. The best decisions can only be made when the community’s involved. It’s your money, and we will continue treating it as such.
Ladies and Gentlemen in the face of the national bad news, there is a light shining from Olathe. Think about this. Farmers Insurance recently completed their new HelpPoint facility with a sign that goes against everything we’re hearing….help wanted. They’re working feverishly to bring 600 new employees to Olathe by June. Investment near the soon to be completed Lone Elm Interchange continues with plans moving forward for a new major distribution facility. John Deere’s announced their plans to build their North American sales headquarters here. Their 126,000 square foot building will bring some 400 jobs. The building’s green. Not John Deere Green, but green by LEEDs standards. Olathe already leads the entire state of Kansas in the number of certified and registered green buildings, and this project will add one more.
The John Q Hammons hotel continues moving forward. The Hotelier just recently closed on the ground and is completing design work. The beautiful 12 story, 330 room hotel and conference center at K-10 will be seen from miles and miles away. Dyce, did you ever imagine that?
I invite you to visit our website where you can literally watch construction happening at the K-State Olathe Innovations Campus. It’s not yet built, and already, Olathe students are experiencing wonderful new learning opportunities born from that partnership.
In this economy, Olathe continues shining. Think about this.
Since we last gathered, some 930 new jobs have been created. More that 1.7 million square feet of commercial development came to our city translating into over $200 million in economic investment. Over 900,000 square feet of industrial development has occurred with an $82 million investment.
We’ve even added 330 rooms with the addition of three new hotels.
Driving the survey numbers I mentioned earlier, the Railroad Grade separation is now completed. It’s already been honored as the state’s top engineering project and is being considered for the national honor. As is becoming commonplace in Olathe for projects and programs, we continue receiving calls from across the country seeking our guidance. They’re asking us how they can do it like Olathe.
Design’s completed on the Quiet Zone and after very hard work, the project’s beginning this Spring. We’ve broken ground on a new police headquarters, giving our police department the space they badly need. Oregon Trail Park’s major renovation is nearing completion. Renovations at Mill Creek and Fairview Park are finished, and the new Brougham Neighborhood Park is open as is Eastbrooke Trail. A new trail named Rolling Ridge will soon link Oregon Trail Park to Ernie Miller Nature Center and Prairie Center Park.
Lone Elm Interchange construction may have inconvenienced some drivers on I-35, but steady progress continues. Next summer, the completed project will support the tens of millions of dollars in private investment that’s already been made in that area with more to come. One of those investments was the largest speculative distribution building ever constructed in this area.
We have a new facility to not only gather for a multitude of events, but to celebrate our community’s history. If you haven’t visited the Heritage Center at Mahaffie, it’s an absolute must see.
Plans are moving forward to redevelop Black Bob Pool. Our largest pool will soon have slides, a lazy river and other wonderful amenities.
We’ve increased our Automated Traffic Management System’s scope to allow even more progress in addressing the issue of traffic congestion in Olathe, and the Santa Fe Streetscape project in downtown’s moving forward this year. There’s no longer a parking shortage downtown. With the help of Johnson County government, the beautiful new parking garage was completed.
I’m sure you all were most interested in reading the story about the county’s plans for a new courthouse. Do you recall where they said they plan to build it? Where? In the county’s most historic area, downtown Olathe.
We are proud to be recognized as one of America’s best places to live by Money Magazine, but I’m equally proud to have been recognized as one of America’s most Inclusive communities by Interhab, an advocacy group for those with disabilities.
My friends, since I last spoke to you, there’s been an overall crime reduction in Olathe, and through a strategic approach to how we deploy our resources, we were able to reduce our police response times. It’s no surprise that Olathe’s crime analyst was recognized as the best in the world. Yes, good things continue happening in Olathe, and we continue to have the most promising future.
(VIDEO)
We have much to celebrate, but obviously, we can’t lose sight of the challenges we face in today’s economy. No one’s immune to it. We can’t pick up a newspaper or turn on the news without a constant and sensational reminder of just how bad things are financially.
It’s not a question of if we will recover, but when. We can’t say for sure, but Olathe will get through this and return to the level of prosperity we’ve known and higher. We’ll do it at such a pace that warrants the regional leadership role we’ve assumed. In Olathe, we can look forward to a future of promise and more opportunity with absolute certainty, not unease.
We can all appreciate that we’re in Olathe, at this time.
But today, I have a favor to ask of you. Just indulge me for a moment. Clear your heads. Now, think about the one thing you’ve done in life that you’re most proud of. The thing that really makes you feel good about yourself and the value you bring, the memory you cherish the most.
Think about it….By a show of hands, did that thing have anything to do with the size of home you own, your stock portfolio or the type of car you drive?
I didn’t think so. I suspect it involves simply helping others, be it your family, a friend or a perfect stranger.
What’s the price of that memory?
Would you forego that memory? What about the feeling you had when you stopped to help someone no one else would or seeing the grateful expression on a child’s face for being kind?
Can you put a price on that?
What is most important to you, really? Is it the material things you possess? Or, is it the many things in life which you give much more value like your faith, your family, friends, or your neighbors?
I could use this platform to just focus on the role our city government plays, touting our strength, successes and financial fortitude. But today is also about the role we each play in our community. Financially, we’ll recover. But, that recovery will be hollow if we don’t use this time to make a true difference for those who truly need it…now more so than ever. Today is the time to create one more of those special memories we will always cherish.
If there’s any lesson to be learned from the challenges we face, it’s this. No one can put a price tag on the value we feel when we help others. Today is the time to realize the opportunities we have to make a real difference when a real difference is truly needed.
Think about those who are not only being impacted by the economy, but by the lack of hope. Yes, Olathe’s been growing faster than nearly every other city, but, as we’ve grown, so has the need.
Ladies and Gentlemen, the media constantly reports of public fear about the economy. My friend Harlan Parker said something at a TLC event a couple of weeks ago that really made me realize something. The real thing to fear right now is the regret we would feel for having done nothing when we could have made a difference.
I want to share a little story about a group of people whose dedication and commitment to others truly defines our community, and one of the best things we can be doing today. Each of them is a community leader, and I suspect each of their businesses is feeling today’s economic realities. None gave into the pressure to just look inward, but recognized now is the time to look outward.
I’m talking about the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Fund Board. Because of their efforts, the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Fund was able to help more people and with more magnitude than anytime in its history.
What this group did, can’t be measured by GDP, GNP, the stock market or any other economic measure. But, they created true wealth.
While some of us were worrying about our stock portfolios, they were worrying about a wealth much more important. They were driven to support ten critical charities including TLC, SAFEHOME and KVC.
I recently had the chance to hear from a little boy in TLC’s care. When he was just five years old, his father attempted to force him into prostitution. That was the first time he attempted suicide. After the next two men his mother brought into their lives continued a pattern of unspeakable abuse and neglect, this little boy attempted suicide a second time. This beautiful and innocent boy experienced horrors at the hands of those who were supposed to be caring for him. He is only eleven years old, and his life, up to a short time ago, has been nothing short of tragic. He had no one to trust, no one to protect him.
This really put worry about my stock portfolio into perspective. Because of true wealth, he’s in the loving care of an organization that will truly help him.
Think about a child in your life. Now think about this. There was a two year old boy who came to SAFEHOME with his mother. Experiencing the horrors of violence in his home left him unable to speak or interact. He received needed care and love and was able to return to a normal life. What if no one was there to help? No one to protect him—no one to shelter him.
Yesterday, we celebrated KVC’s milestone of assisting in 1,000 adoptions since 2005. Today, over 1,000 little boys and girls have loving moms and dads. They have families. They have protection, and they have the love every child deserves.
Because of these groups, these children have something they didn’t have before. Something no one can put a price tag on….hope.
The economy will recover no matter what we do. But, these children and the many others in need right now are counting on all of us. They are counting on us to think about what’s truly important, and they are counting on us today. Remember, but for you, the very core of our community’s true wealth would drain faster than any bank account or 401 K.
Think about what wealth means to you, and please think about supporting these or other community causes. I know many of us may not be able to give at the levels we once did or will do again soon, so now it’s important that more of us step up, and grab a share of what wealth really is. It’s not just money, it’s time, compassion and love. That can make all the difference in the world, and now is the time to make that difference.
Last year, I spoke to you about the analogy of the cathedral. It showcased the importance of looking at our community as a whole rather than just our own small piece.
Today, I would like to build upon that theme and recognize some true cathedral builders whose extraordinary vision, generosity, and love for our community remind us all of how wealthy we truly are.
The Olathe Persons with Disabilities Advisory Board has made a dramatic difference in our community, and that success can be largely traced to the tireless efforts, commitment and most of all compassion of one of its members, the board’s chairman, Mark Gash. Mark, please join me on the stage.
Today, Olathe has become a regional and national leader in advocating and championing for the disabled. Mark has helped create a lasting and undeniable fabric of inclusiveness and appreciation for all Olathe citizens. Mark’s created a story of wealth that dwarfs anything you read in Fortune Magazine.
Mark, please accept this new recognition, our “Cathedral Builder Award” for all you do. Thank you.
At this time, it is my great honor to introduce Mr. David Ball, who is here to accept on behalf of his parents, Fred and JoAnn Ball. David please join me.
Earlier, I spoke about the 1,000 boys and girls who now have loving homes because of KVC. But for Fred and JoAnn, how many of those kids would still be waiting for the love, compassion and protection a family brings. It’s hard to say for sure, but their impact has been undeniable.
Fred and JoAnn have been tireless champions for KVC, providing generous support, raising money and giving countless hours both behind the scenes and in leadership positions in the organization. They’ve literally made a huge difference to thousands in need, and they’ve continued creating cherished memories. David, I’m proud to call your parents my friends and count them as Olatheans.
David, please accept this on behalf of your two incredible parents.
Ladies and gentlemen, these cathedral builders are showing us what’s possible. They’ve proven that true wealth lies within each of us. That wealth has nothing to do with our net worth, but what’s in our hearts. Join me in thanking them again. Now, it’s up to us.
I have one final request for each of you, and this one’s easy. It requires no money but just a little time. Please, exercise your right and obligation to vote next Tuesday. Remember that thousands of men and women have died while protecting that right or are fighting today. Honor them by casting a ballot in this and every election.
Today, there are things we can’t afford to do because of the economy. But, we can never afford to look solely inward and not recognize the need to make a difference.
Ladies and Gentlemen, there is a very clear light at the end of this tunnel, and we’re racing through it. Olathe remains the place to live and raise a family, invest and do business. Olathe will be the first train reaching the end of the tunnel, because you will make it happen…just as you always have.
Olathe will always excel. We remain on strong financial footing, and we’ll continue taking the forward thinking approach and responsible steps to keep us that way. We’ll excel as jobs and economic investment continue building in our community. We’ll excel as our schools continue providing educational opportunities second to none and take the strategic steps to overcome any barriers that may emerge.
Yes, the pace has temporarily slowed, but rest assured we have the foundation to emerge from a jog back to a sprinter’s pace and continue our role as a regional and national leader. We have every reason to look forward with hope and promise, not with uncertainty, because, ladies and gentlemen, the state of our city is strong.
But, more importantly, we’ll excel because we will never lose sight of being a leader in community, being a leader in helping others when they need it most and being a leader in creating cherished memories in the face of a challenging time….
Because you, ladies and gentlemen…simply wouldn’t have it, any other way.
Thank you and God Bless
Anyway, Dyce has seen our community grow from a sleepy bedroom town to a thriving urban city consistently touted as one of our country’s best places to live. Even Money Magazine again noted our direction by moving Olathe up to number 11 on its list of best places to live in America.
Dyce has been here to pitch in when our community struggled. He’s been here to celebrate when we excelled.
I talked to Dyce the other day about the challenges we’re facing as a nation and as a city, and he really helped put things into perspective.
He said this. Today Olathe’s a shining star in the valley. Things aren’t as brisk as they were, but we’re still doing better than just about anywhere else. He said today, we’ve reached a point of success that I never imagined we could. There’s always been a pride in this town, but today, we’re shining like never before. He said, you can feel it. There’s almost a swagger. We’re quietly humble, yet there’s a new sense that Olathe’s moved from a more or less isolated bystander to the leader that’s still held onto its small town feeling.
Yes, things are tougher right now, he said. But we’ve been through challenges before. The important thing though is to step back and appreciate where we are today, and all that lies in front of us.
Dyce is absolutely right, and he outlined what most of us in this room realize. This is Olathe. No challenge is too great. We’ll be a leader in this recovery, and we’ll continue setting the pace at the same rate as before.
Obviously today, the economy’s at the forefront of everyone’s mind, and it’s impacting each of us in this room. Of course, the City’s not immune to declining revenues, but rest assured we remain in a strong position.
Because of your city’s forward thinking and planning, we began making very difficult, but responsible decisions early on and took action midyear in 2008. That was well before most other cities began doing anything. We did so based on what we saw on the economic horizon. Those actions continued in developing the 2009 budget later that year and additional cost reductions this year.
The bottom line is this. We recognize what our residents are willing to spend for government and that it’s their money, not ours. We must continue recognizing how they want that money spent.
We’ve made responsible and strategic decisions to stay ahead of the curve, and we will continue to do so. We’ve applied our limited resources to what you have told us is most important, and you, in turn, have understood there would be impacts.
Those decisions were difficult. They impacted a considerable number of the men and women committed to serving you. But, they were responsible and necessary, for our future and financial health. That same approach will guide our decisions in the future.
Our strategic decisions haven’t been lost on the rating agencies that evaluate our financial stability. Since I last spoke to you, Moody’s Rating agency upgraded Olathe’s bond rating to AA+, despite the downturn. Their rationale cited the steps we’re taking to address today’s economic reality. I quote, “Olathe’s well managed financial operations are expected to continue despite revenue pressures” and “Moody’s believes Olathe’s financial operations will remain sound given the city’s willingness to make cuts in order to maintain a structural balance and healthy reserves”.
Standard and Poors rating agency also continues looking positively on Olathe and our financial practices saying last November that Olathe is “strong, well embedded and likely sustainable”.
More recently, David MacGillivray, a financial advisor to cities across the country highlighted Olathe’s strategic and long term approach to responsible municipal financial management. He noted that Olathe was an exception in local government for taking financial steps before any other city he knew of. In fact, he said, Olathe is unique in having a long term approach rather than simply year to year. His assessment of Olathe as a leader in navigating through difficult times reaffirmed this--we are headed in the right direction.
It’s not just the rating agencies and financial experts who have validated our decisions. It’s our most important audience, our citizens, whose money we use to provide services.
This year’s citizen survey showed something remarkable. We’ve continued making progress in how we use our residents’ tax dollars, bucking a national and regional trend. While satisfaction in the metro declined this year, Olathe actually improved. Not because we’re spending more, but because we continue listening to you about how our limited revenue should be spent.
This past survey showed Olathe’s overall satisfaction index rising from 120 to 123, up from a baseline of 100 back in 2000. To put that into perspective, the metro area had remained stagnant around 100, but declined to 96 in the most recent survey. That stark contrast clearly speaks to the direction we’re headed.
Looking at the results, I think back on those who said we couldn’t possibly make a difference in how people felt about traffic. Not only did we make a difference, we saw dissatisfaction almost cut in half due to the investments our residents guided us to make. We continue as a metropolitan leader in nearly every major category, and our overall satisfaction level improvement in the last nine years dwarfs that of any other city surveyed.
We’re doing this with far fewer resources. We’re successful because of two things. One, we’re listening. Residents tell us what’s most important, and they know that’s where we’re investing their money. Our residents are savvy, and they understand in tough economic times, there will be impacts. But, they know we remain committed to providing excellence in the areas they feel are most important.
Two is people. Once again, we owe a huge thank you to the dedicated men and women who serve you. They’ve been tasked with the proverbial “do more with less”, and they’ve delivered without complaint. They go above and beyond time and time again, and there’s not a group of employees anywhere who take more pride in serving. They’re often underappreciated, but they do more for our City than many people realize. Seeing those survey results tells a better story about them than I possibly could. Would all the men and women who work for the city stand? Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in thanking them.
Are we out of the woods? No, not just yet. Like everyone else, we are facing more very difficult decisions as we develop the 2010 budget. They will not be easy, and they will not be without impact. But, they will be made with the same forward thinking approach and with the same guidance from our citizens that have put us ahead of a very, very steep curve. Once again, please follow the budget process, let us know your thoughts, share your ideas. The best decisions can only be made when the community’s involved. It’s your money, and we will continue treating it as such.
Ladies and Gentlemen in the face of the national bad news, there is a light shining from Olathe. Think about this. Farmers Insurance recently completed their new HelpPoint facility with a sign that goes against everything we’re hearing….help wanted. They’re working feverishly to bring 600 new employees to Olathe by June. Investment near the soon to be completed Lone Elm Interchange continues with plans moving forward for a new major distribution facility. John Deere’s announced their plans to build their North American sales headquarters here. Their 126,000 square foot building will bring some 400 jobs. The building’s green. Not John Deere Green, but green by LEEDs standards. Olathe already leads the entire state of Kansas in the number of certified and registered green buildings, and this project will add one more.
The John Q Hammons hotel continues moving forward. The Hotelier just recently closed on the ground and is completing design work. The beautiful 12 story, 330 room hotel and conference center at K-10 will be seen from miles and miles away. Dyce, did you ever imagine that?
I invite you to visit our website where you can literally watch construction happening at the K-State Olathe Innovations Campus. It’s not yet built, and already, Olathe students are experiencing wonderful new learning opportunities born from that partnership.
In this economy, Olathe continues shining. Think about this.
Since we last gathered, some 930 new jobs have been created. More that 1.7 million square feet of commercial development came to our city translating into over $200 million in economic investment. Over 900,000 square feet of industrial development has occurred with an $82 million investment.
We’ve even added 330 rooms with the addition of three new hotels.
Driving the survey numbers I mentioned earlier, the Railroad Grade separation is now completed. It’s already been honored as the state’s top engineering project and is being considered for the national honor. As is becoming commonplace in Olathe for projects and programs, we continue receiving calls from across the country seeking our guidance. They’re asking us how they can do it like Olathe.
Design’s completed on the Quiet Zone and after very hard work, the project’s beginning this Spring. We’ve broken ground on a new police headquarters, giving our police department the space they badly need. Oregon Trail Park’s major renovation is nearing completion. Renovations at Mill Creek and Fairview Park are finished, and the new Brougham Neighborhood Park is open as is Eastbrooke Trail. A new trail named Rolling Ridge will soon link Oregon Trail Park to Ernie Miller Nature Center and Prairie Center Park.
Lone Elm Interchange construction may have inconvenienced some drivers on I-35, but steady progress continues. Next summer, the completed project will support the tens of millions of dollars in private investment that’s already been made in that area with more to come. One of those investments was the largest speculative distribution building ever constructed in this area.
We have a new facility to not only gather for a multitude of events, but to celebrate our community’s history. If you haven’t visited the Heritage Center at Mahaffie, it’s an absolute must see.
Plans are moving forward to redevelop Black Bob Pool. Our largest pool will soon have slides, a lazy river and other wonderful amenities.
We’ve increased our Automated Traffic Management System’s scope to allow even more progress in addressing the issue of traffic congestion in Olathe, and the Santa Fe Streetscape project in downtown’s moving forward this year. There’s no longer a parking shortage downtown. With the help of Johnson County government, the beautiful new parking garage was completed.
I’m sure you all were most interested in reading the story about the county’s plans for a new courthouse. Do you recall where they said they plan to build it? Where? In the county’s most historic area, downtown Olathe.
We are proud to be recognized as one of America’s best places to live by Money Magazine, but I’m equally proud to have been recognized as one of America’s most Inclusive communities by Interhab, an advocacy group for those with disabilities.
My friends, since I last spoke to you, there’s been an overall crime reduction in Olathe, and through a strategic approach to how we deploy our resources, we were able to reduce our police response times. It’s no surprise that Olathe’s crime analyst was recognized as the best in the world. Yes, good things continue happening in Olathe, and we continue to have the most promising future.
(VIDEO)
We have much to celebrate, but obviously, we can’t lose sight of the challenges we face in today’s economy. No one’s immune to it. We can’t pick up a newspaper or turn on the news without a constant and sensational reminder of just how bad things are financially.
It’s not a question of if we will recover, but when. We can’t say for sure, but Olathe will get through this and return to the level of prosperity we’ve known and higher. We’ll do it at such a pace that warrants the regional leadership role we’ve assumed. In Olathe, we can look forward to a future of promise and more opportunity with absolute certainty, not unease.
We can all appreciate that we’re in Olathe, at this time.
But today, I have a favor to ask of you. Just indulge me for a moment. Clear your heads. Now, think about the one thing you’ve done in life that you’re most proud of. The thing that really makes you feel good about yourself and the value you bring, the memory you cherish the most.
Think about it….By a show of hands, did that thing have anything to do with the size of home you own, your stock portfolio or the type of car you drive?
I didn’t think so. I suspect it involves simply helping others, be it your family, a friend or a perfect stranger.
What’s the price of that memory?
Would you forego that memory? What about the feeling you had when you stopped to help someone no one else would or seeing the grateful expression on a child’s face for being kind?
Can you put a price on that?
What is most important to you, really? Is it the material things you possess? Or, is it the many things in life which you give much more value like your faith, your family, friends, or your neighbors?
I could use this platform to just focus on the role our city government plays, touting our strength, successes and financial fortitude. But today is also about the role we each play in our community. Financially, we’ll recover. But, that recovery will be hollow if we don’t use this time to make a true difference for those who truly need it…now more so than ever. Today is the time to create one more of those special memories we will always cherish.
If there’s any lesson to be learned from the challenges we face, it’s this. No one can put a price tag on the value we feel when we help others. Today is the time to realize the opportunities we have to make a real difference when a real difference is truly needed.
Think about those who are not only being impacted by the economy, but by the lack of hope. Yes, Olathe’s been growing faster than nearly every other city, but, as we’ve grown, so has the need.
Ladies and Gentlemen, the media constantly reports of public fear about the economy. My friend Harlan Parker said something at a TLC event a couple of weeks ago that really made me realize something. The real thing to fear right now is the regret we would feel for having done nothing when we could have made a difference.
I want to share a little story about a group of people whose dedication and commitment to others truly defines our community, and one of the best things we can be doing today. Each of them is a community leader, and I suspect each of their businesses is feeling today’s economic realities. None gave into the pressure to just look inward, but recognized now is the time to look outward.
I’m talking about the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Fund Board. Because of their efforts, the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Fund was able to help more people and with more magnitude than anytime in its history.
What this group did, can’t be measured by GDP, GNP, the stock market or any other economic measure. But, they created true wealth.
While some of us were worrying about our stock portfolios, they were worrying about a wealth much more important. They were driven to support ten critical charities including TLC, SAFEHOME and KVC.
I recently had the chance to hear from a little boy in TLC’s care. When he was just five years old, his father attempted to force him into prostitution. That was the first time he attempted suicide. After the next two men his mother brought into their lives continued a pattern of unspeakable abuse and neglect, this little boy attempted suicide a second time. This beautiful and innocent boy experienced horrors at the hands of those who were supposed to be caring for him. He is only eleven years old, and his life, up to a short time ago, has been nothing short of tragic. He had no one to trust, no one to protect him.
This really put worry about my stock portfolio into perspective. Because of true wealth, he’s in the loving care of an organization that will truly help him.
Think about a child in your life. Now think about this. There was a two year old boy who came to SAFEHOME with his mother. Experiencing the horrors of violence in his home left him unable to speak or interact. He received needed care and love and was able to return to a normal life. What if no one was there to help? No one to protect him—no one to shelter him.
Yesterday, we celebrated KVC’s milestone of assisting in 1,000 adoptions since 2005. Today, over 1,000 little boys and girls have loving moms and dads. They have families. They have protection, and they have the love every child deserves.
Because of these groups, these children have something they didn’t have before. Something no one can put a price tag on….hope.
The economy will recover no matter what we do. But, these children and the many others in need right now are counting on all of us. They are counting on us to think about what’s truly important, and they are counting on us today. Remember, but for you, the very core of our community’s true wealth would drain faster than any bank account or 401 K.
Think about what wealth means to you, and please think about supporting these or other community causes. I know many of us may not be able to give at the levels we once did or will do again soon, so now it’s important that more of us step up, and grab a share of what wealth really is. It’s not just money, it’s time, compassion and love. That can make all the difference in the world, and now is the time to make that difference.
Last year, I spoke to you about the analogy of the cathedral. It showcased the importance of looking at our community as a whole rather than just our own small piece.
Today, I would like to build upon that theme and recognize some true cathedral builders whose extraordinary vision, generosity, and love for our community remind us all of how wealthy we truly are.
The Olathe Persons with Disabilities Advisory Board has made a dramatic difference in our community, and that success can be largely traced to the tireless efforts, commitment and most of all compassion of one of its members, the board’s chairman, Mark Gash. Mark, please join me on the stage.
Today, Olathe has become a regional and national leader in advocating and championing for the disabled. Mark has helped create a lasting and undeniable fabric of inclusiveness and appreciation for all Olathe citizens. Mark’s created a story of wealth that dwarfs anything you read in Fortune Magazine.
Mark, please accept this new recognition, our “Cathedral Builder Award” for all you do. Thank you.
At this time, it is my great honor to introduce Mr. David Ball, who is here to accept on behalf of his parents, Fred and JoAnn Ball. David please join me.
Earlier, I spoke about the 1,000 boys and girls who now have loving homes because of KVC. But for Fred and JoAnn, how many of those kids would still be waiting for the love, compassion and protection a family brings. It’s hard to say for sure, but their impact has been undeniable.
Fred and JoAnn have been tireless champions for KVC, providing generous support, raising money and giving countless hours both behind the scenes and in leadership positions in the organization. They’ve literally made a huge difference to thousands in need, and they’ve continued creating cherished memories. David, I’m proud to call your parents my friends and count them as Olatheans.
David, please accept this on behalf of your two incredible parents.
Ladies and gentlemen, these cathedral builders are showing us what’s possible. They’ve proven that true wealth lies within each of us. That wealth has nothing to do with our net worth, but what’s in our hearts. Join me in thanking them again. Now, it’s up to us.
I have one final request for each of you, and this one’s easy. It requires no money but just a little time. Please, exercise your right and obligation to vote next Tuesday. Remember that thousands of men and women have died while protecting that right or are fighting today. Honor them by casting a ballot in this and every election.
Today, there are things we can’t afford to do because of the economy. But, we can never afford to look solely inward and not recognize the need to make a difference.
Ladies and Gentlemen, there is a very clear light at the end of this tunnel, and we’re racing through it. Olathe remains the place to live and raise a family, invest and do business. Olathe will be the first train reaching the end of the tunnel, because you will make it happen…just as you always have.
Olathe will always excel. We remain on strong financial footing, and we’ll continue taking the forward thinking approach and responsible steps to keep us that way. We’ll excel as jobs and economic investment continue building in our community. We’ll excel as our schools continue providing educational opportunities second to none and take the strategic steps to overcome any barriers that may emerge.
Yes, the pace has temporarily slowed, but rest assured we have the foundation to emerge from a jog back to a sprinter’s pace and continue our role as a regional and national leader. We have every reason to look forward with hope and promise, not with uncertainty, because, ladies and gentlemen, the state of our city is strong.
But, more importantly, we’ll excel because we will never lose sight of being a leader in community, being a leader in helping others when they need it most and being a leader in creating cherished memories in the face of a challenging time….
Because you, ladies and gentlemen…simply wouldn’t have it, any other way.
Thank you and God Bless
