Shilly Shally Shannon

Dear Nieces and Nephews, There was a very interesting article in the Chronicle last week (1-15-15). Legislator Shannon Wong (D-Goshen) reflects on her first year in office.

Excerpted from the article by Geri Corey:

Calling the Orange County Government Center “a real mess,” Wong wants people to remember that there is an approved plan for renovation in place. One with bonding that was approved by an 18 to three vote. “A solid majority,” she noted.

The plans are moving along — meetings with department heads, schematic designs created, and more. On the day, the legislature voted to bond the project, architect Gene Kaufman showed up to say that he wanted to buy the building. His stated purpose: building preservation. His proposal includes work/live spaces for artwork and artists.

“The area isn’t zoned for that use," she said. "It’s zoned OB — office/business, not residential."

Wong favors renovation of the building for two reasons. First, the village has clearly stated that it’s in support of renovation and that it wants to move in that direction. Second, Wong asks, “Why add an art facility when art facilities are already here and struggling?” 

“It makes sense for the host community to have the county building there in the middle of Main Street and open for business," she said. "With the court building next door, it’s where county offices belong. Goshen is the county seat, has been a gracious host and is suffering through this process. This may not be the perfect solution, but it’s a path forward and that’s compromise.”

Oh Shannon! Where do we begin? You silly, silly legislator, you did not do your homework and made a public statement based on a lack of knowledge. or something else...

What Art facilities in Goshen are suffering? How many are there? The streets of Goshen are not lined with starving artists, just an overabundance of self-serving politicos.

We are glad to see that you have not bought into that whole “$60 billion deficit” scenario; this is a simple deduction based on your support of spending $74M and more on renovation, which is what you are doing by parroting the County Executive. You certainly would not advocate for such spending if the deficit nonsense were accurate would you? And with the “plans moving along- meetings with department heads, schematic designs created, and more.” we have further evidence of either the “non-deficit” or something more...

Schematics? And more? ARE WE STILL PAYING CLARK PATTERSON LEE? HOW MUCH??? FOR WHAT? And isn’t Clark Patterson Lee now working on another project for the County? Oh Yes! Under the umbrella of Delaware Engineering. Perhaps they will suggest a revival of Eddie’s water loop. (And nieces and nephews, keep an eye on the “reservoir land”.)

Do you know exactly how much has been spent and how much went to whom? We expect to hear these figures coming from you at the next legislative meeting.

As far as zoned uses, you may benefit from some land use training. In fact you may simply look up “Zoning Board of Appeals” in the state statutes or for more specific info take a look at the GMU $96-a. 

This is start, but Auntie is not doing any more homework for you.

If you decide to “go along to get along” then Auntie and the Team will be aware of your true calling and bestow that special designation on you.

You know, the appellation that is Rodentia.