Can't We All Just Get Along?
Have you noticed a difference in Ogden recently. Lift Ogden signs have been removed from Ogdenites' lawns. The reason, I am told, is multi-faceted, but two of the points are significant to me.
First, Lift Ogden recognized that the "WOW" factor of the signs has faded. When they first went up, the signs were very noticable and made a statement regarding those who are in favor of the possibility of a gondola linking Malan's Basin to the rest of the Wasatch Front. After a string of thefts and vandalism as well as just having been out for a while, no one really pays attention to them anymore (...kind of like a long skinny white sign with a large punctuation mark on it).
Second, I am told, Lift Ogden recognized that the signs (along with the Smart Growth Ogden signs) were becoming divisive. Neighbor was being pitted against neighbor over the mere disagreement on political issues. Lift Ogden decided to take a step forward and put out the olive branch by removing the signs and asking Smart Growth to do the same... Drive around the city if you want to know SGO's response to that request.
I was also surprised at a recent mailer sent out by Smart Growth which intimates that those in favor of a gondola don't wish for a street car. I have not met many (if any) pro-gondola people who do NOT want a streetcar... Most (myself included) are wanting both, but see that the gondola is a catalyst to bring people to Ogden so that they will use the streetcars.
Basic reasoning and a perusal of the facts and reactions from SGO show clearly that SGO is not wanting to work toward and amicable conclusion, rather they 1) just don't want "others" on "their" mountains, or 2) don't want what "that corrupt mayor, 'Gondola Godfrey' wants".
To me, the travesty is that, in spite of efforts to try and cool things down, there are some who still don't want to play nice.
First, Lift Ogden recognized that the "WOW" factor of the signs has faded. When they first went up, the signs were very noticable and made a statement regarding those who are in favor of the possibility of a gondola linking Malan's Basin to the rest of the Wasatch Front. After a string of thefts and vandalism as well as just having been out for a while, no one really pays attention to them anymore (...kind of like a long skinny white sign with a large punctuation mark on it).
Second, I am told, Lift Ogden recognized that the signs (along with the Smart Growth Ogden signs) were becoming divisive. Neighbor was being pitted against neighbor over the mere disagreement on political issues. Lift Ogden decided to take a step forward and put out the olive branch by removing the signs and asking Smart Growth to do the same... Drive around the city if you want to know SGO's response to that request.
I was also surprised at a recent mailer sent out by Smart Growth which intimates that those in favor of a gondola don't wish for a street car. I have not met many (if any) pro-gondola people who do NOT want a streetcar... Most (myself included) are wanting both, but see that the gondola is a catalyst to bring people to Ogden so that they will use the streetcars.
Basic reasoning and a perusal of the facts and reactions from SGO show clearly that SGO is not wanting to work toward and amicable conclusion, rather they 1) just don't want "others" on "their" mountains, or 2) don't want what "that corrupt mayor, 'Gondola Godfrey' wants".
To me, the travesty is that, in spite of efforts to try and cool things down, there are some who still don't want to play nice.
posted by Lancer at 9:29 AM
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