Balancing Growth and Stewardship with Bill Young | Ep 45

What's up guys? Sam McVey here with the What's up guys? Sam McVey here with the Killer Growth podcast. And today I have Killer Growth podcast. And today I have Killer Growth podcast. And today I have Bill Young, uh, chief strategy officer Bill Young, uh, chief strategy officer Bill Young, uh, chief strategy officer of Tharsio. of Tharsio. of Tharsio. » Tho » Tho » Tho it I only asked him like five times it I only asked him like five times it I only asked him like five times before. Tharso, he's going to tell us before. Tharso, he's going to tell us before. Tharso, he's going to tell us what that means. what that means. what that means. » Uh, Thoro is » Uh, Thoro is » Uh, Thoro is a Greek word means to move forward with a Greek word means to move forward with a Greek word means to move forward with courage and honor. And so we, you know, courage and honor. And so we, you know, courage and honor. And so we, you know, we're an Oracle integrator. Uh, we're we're an Oracle integrator. Uh, we're we're an Oracle integrator. Uh, we're based out of Washington DC. We've got a based out of Washington DC. We've got a based out of Washington DC. We've got a lot of state, federal, lot of state, federal, lot of state, federal, um, local, higher ed customers, um, um, local, higher ed customers, um, um, local, higher ed customers, um, dealing with Oracle cloud dealing with Oracle cloud dealing with Oracle cloud infrastructure. So, infrastructure. So, infrastructure. So, » and also the mayor of El Dredo. » and also the mayor of El Dredo. » and also the mayor of El Dredo. » I am. I am. I've, uh, had the honor to » I am. I am. I've, uh, had the honor to » I am. I am. I've, uh, had the honor to be the mayor now for three terms and be the mayor now for three terms and be the mayor now for three terms and um, prior to that, I was a city um, prior to that, I was a city um, prior to that, I was a city commissioner and served on the planning commissioner and served on the planning commissioner and served on the planning commission before that. It's just I was commission before that. It's just I was commission before that. It's just I was raised to be a part of your community raised to be a part of your community raised to be a part of your community and be a servant leader. So, and be a servant leader. So, and be a servant leader. So, » yeah. » yeah. » yeah. » Um, I love it. I love our I love our » Um, I love it. I love our I love our » Um, I love it. I love our I love our city. I love our people and uh city. I love our people and uh city. I love our people and uh it's been a good it's been a good it's been a good it's been a good it's been a good it's been a good experience. experience. experience. » So, let's hear your story. I feel like » So, let's hear your story. I feel like » So, let's hear your story. I feel like there's lots of gaps. I don't know. But there's lots of gaps. I don't know. But there's lots of gaps. I don't know. But Bill decided to go out into the world on Bill decided to go out into the world on Bill decided to go out into the world on his own and spread his wings and now his own and spread his wings and now his own and spread his wings and now he's here. he's here. he's here. » You know, I um I'm a Kansas kid, right? » You know, I um I'm a Kansas kid, right? » You know, I um I'm a Kansas kid, right? I grew up born and raised in Kansas. I grew up born and raised in Kansas. I grew up born and raised in Kansas. Grew up most of my life in western Grew up most of my life in western Grew up most of my life in western Kansas. Small towns. I love small towns. Kansas. Small towns. I love small towns. Kansas. Small towns. I love small towns. Um, you know, I've lived in towns as Um, you know, I've lived in towns as Um, you know, I've lived in towns as small as 500 and we moved we moved small as 500 and we moved we moved small as 500 and we moved we moved quite a bit when I was growing up. Um, quite a bit when I was growing up. Um, quite a bit when I was growing up. Um, but we settled in El Dredo. I think uh but we settled in El Dredo. I think uh but we settled in El Dredo. I think uh my junior year in high school we moved my junior year in high school we moved my junior year in high school we moved here. So, it's been I'm getting old, so here. So, it's been I'm getting old, so here. So, it's been I'm getting old, so it's been like 35 years ago. it's been like 35 years ago. it's been like 35 years ago. Um, came to El Dredo my junior year. You Um, came to El Dredo my junior year. You Um, came to El Dredo my junior year. You know, my parents finally decided to stay know, my parents finally decided to stay know, my parents finally decided to stay in one place, which was great. Um, I've in one place, which was great. Um, I've in one place, which was great. Um, I've got an older brother and a younger got an older brother and a younger got an older brother and a younger brother. So, I've I'm the classic middle brother. So, I've I'm the classic middle brother. So, I've I'm the classic middle child, which I think is great. Um, which child, which I think is great. Um, which child, which I think is great. Um, which means I, uh, which means I get to, you means I, uh, which means I get to, you means I, uh, which means I get to, you know, handle everything for my family know, handle everything for my family know, handle everything for my family and I'm also the one that apparently and I'm also the one that apparently and I'm also the one that apparently does everything wrong. So, you know, you does everything wrong. So, you know, you does everything wrong. So, you know, you get blamed for everything when you're get blamed for everything when you're get blamed for everything when you're the middle child. But, the middle child. But, the middle child. But, » yeah. Yeah. Anyway, moved here my junior » yeah. Yeah. Anyway, moved here my junior » yeah. Yeah. Anyway, moved here my junior year, loved Elder High School, went on year, loved Elder High School, went on year, loved Elder High School, went on to Butler in Witchaw State and met to Butler in Witchaw State and met to Butler in Witchaw State and met my wife here my wife here my wife here and then just decided to get into the and then just decided to get into the and then just decided to get into the workforce and um you know, I kind of workforce and um you know, I kind of workforce and um you know, I kind of had some great jobs, by the way, in El had some great jobs, by the way, in El had some great jobs, by the way, in El Dredo when I was in high school. Um Dredo when I was in high school. Um Dredo when I was in high school. Um worked fast food just like all of us do. worked fast food just like all of us do. worked fast food just like all of us do. » And then I got to go to work at the AM » And then I got to go to work at the AM » And then I got to go to work at the AM radio station out here when it was still radio station out here when it was still radio station out here when it was still a live radio station, KSRX. a live radio station, KSRX. a live radio station, KSRX. » And what did they cover? It was old » And what did they cover? It was old » And what did they cover? It was old country music and uh local ads and country music and uh local ads and country music and uh local ads and local news. local news. local news. » Nice. » Nice. » Nice. » Uh that's when I first met Gene Plamer. » Uh that's when I first met Gene Plamer. » Uh that's when I first met Gene Plamer. She sold ads for the radio station and She sold ads for the radio station and She sold ads for the radio station and she and I became close friends and she and I became close friends and she and I became close friends and uh when I went on to Witchaw State, I uh when I went on to Witchaw State, I uh when I went on to Witchaw State, I had an opportunity because of that had an opportunity because of that had an opportunity because of that relationship and because of the my relationship and because of the my relationship and because of the my awesome radio experience at KSRX, I went awesome radio experience at KSRX, I went awesome radio experience at KSRX, I went to work at some radio stations in to work at some radio stations in to work at some radio stations in Witchaw as a DJ. So, Witchaw as a DJ. So, Witchaw as a DJ. So, » you've got a good voice for radio. It » you've got a good voice for radio. It » you've got a good voice for radio. It makes » I've got a face for radio for sure. So, » I've got a face for radio for sure. So, » I've got a face for radio for sure. So, um, but yeah, I got to, you know, so I um, but yeah, I got to, you know, so I um, but yeah, I got to, you know, so I got to work in Witchaw. Uh, worked at got to work in Witchaw. Uh, worked at got to work in Witchaw. Uh, worked at T95. I worked at I worked at Power 93.9, T95. I worked at I worked at Power 93.9, T95. I worked at I worked at Power 93.9, » a rapid R&B station was my first radio » a rapid R&B station was my first radio » a rapid R&B station was my first radio job in Wtop, job in Wtop, job in Wtop, » which was which was kind of fun. Um, » which was which was kind of fun. Um, » which was which was kind of fun. Um, ended up at KZSN Kissing 102. Um, and ended up at KZSN Kissing 102. Um, and ended up at KZSN Kissing 102. Um, and became close friends with Dan Holiday became close friends with Dan Holiday became close friends with Dan Holiday and we started a little business and we started a little business and we started a little business together and produced a Hot 10 Country together and produced a Hot 10 Country together and produced a Hot 10 Country Countdown. was my first fora into Countdown. was my first fora into Countdown. was my first fora into starting my own business. Um, starting my own business. Um, starting my own business. Um, » wow. » wow. » wow. » I was 19 and uh produced that while » I was 19 and uh produced that while » I was 19 and uh produced that while Dan, you know, he was he was the voice. Dan, you know, he was he was the voice. Dan, you know, he was he was the voice. Um, I got to help produce that. So did Um, I got to help produce that. So did Um, I got to help produce that. So did that for a while and got it started that for a while and got it started that for a while and got it started getting into technology and got a job in getting into technology and got a job in getting into technology and got a job in technology and technology and technology and have spent the entirety of my adult have spent the entirety of my adult have spent the entirety of my adult really the entirety of my adult career really the entirety of my adult career really the entirety of my adult career in technology leadership and being able in technology leadership and being able in technology leadership and being able to really to really to really um mentor and lead people and empower uh um mentor and lead people and empower uh um mentor and lead people and empower uh people to be successful at their jobs. people to be successful at their jobs. people to be successful at their jobs. So that's went from there worked at the So that's went from there worked at the So that's went from there worked at the county for a while worked for a couple county for a while worked for a couple county for a while worked for a couple of consulting companies and then about of consulting companies and then about of consulting companies and then about 15 years ago went to the college as 15 years ago went to the college as 15 years ago went to the college as their originally to the college as their originally to the college as their originally to the college as their chief information security officer. chief information security officer. chief information security officer. » Okay. » Okay. » Okay. » Tom Irwin was a was the CIO at the time » Tom Irwin was a was the CIO at the time » Tom Irwin was a was the CIO at the time and he was a he was a great guy. Um good and he was a he was a great guy. Um good and he was a he was a great guy. Um good friend, good mentor to me. I didn't know friend, good mentor to me. I didn't know friend, good mentor to me. I didn't know when he hired me that he hired me with when he hired me that he hired me with when he hired me that he hired me with the intent of retiring and having me the intent of retiring and having me the intent of retiring and having me take his job. He didn't tell me that. take his job. He didn't tell me that. take his job. He didn't tell me that. That wasn't that wasn't part of the That wasn't that wasn't part of the That wasn't that wasn't part of the deal. It was, I guess, a test, but um he deal. It was, I guess, a test, but um he deal. It was, I guess, a test, but um he retired shortly after I came in there a retired shortly after I came in there a retired shortly after I came in there a couple years and um I became the couple years and um I became the couple years and um I became the CIO at the college and it was an amazing CIO at the college and it was an amazing CIO at the college and it was an amazing experience because, you know, not only experience because, you know, not only experience because, you know, not only did I get to stay in technology, I got did I get to stay in technology, I got did I get to stay in technology, I got to lead people, um mentor people, to lead people, um mentor people, to lead people, um mentor people, empower my team to be successful, but it empower my team to be successful, but it empower my team to be successful, but it was also the mission, right? education was also the mission, right? education was also the mission, right? education and helping kind of be part of that and helping kind of be part of that and helping kind of be part of that ecosystem that molds young minds and ecosystem that molds young minds and ecosystem that molds young minds and gets them prepared for life. And I did gets them prepared for life. And I did gets them prepared for life. And I did that for 13 years. And then that for 13 years. And then that for 13 years. And then couple years ago, um, Eric Wymer, who's couple years ago, um, Eric Wymer, who's couple years ago, um, Eric Wymer, who's the CEO of Tharce IT, asked me to come the CEO of Tharce IT, asked me to come the CEO of Tharce IT, asked me to come in as their chief strategy officer and in as their chief strategy officer and in as their chief strategy officer and help them scale and grow their company. help them scale and grow their company. help them scale and grow their company. And it's all been uphill since or And it's all been uphill since or And it's all been uphill since or downhill, however you look at it. It's a downhill, however you look at it. It's a downhill, however you look at it. It's a lot of work. I'll tell you what, it's a lot of work. I'll tell you what, it's a lot of work. I'll tell you what, it's a lot it's a lot of work going back to the lot it's a lot of work going back to the lot it's a lot of work going back to the private sector out of the public sector. private sector out of the public sector. private sector out of the public sector. I bet. I bet. I bet. » Um it is a lot of work. Um but it's » Um it is a lot of work. Um but it's » Um it is a lot of work. Um but it's good. good. good. » I love it. I I get to travel. I work » I love it. I I get to travel. I work » I love it. I I get to travel. I work from home, so I get some more family from home, so I get some more family from home, so I get some more family time » when I'm home, but I am traveling quite » when I'm home, but I am traveling quite » when I'm home, but I am traveling quite a bit. a bit. a bit. » So, uh so back up just a little for me. » So, uh so back up just a little for me. » So, uh so back up just a little for me. That transition, what was your That transition, what was your That transition, what was your background in technology? What what kind background in technology? What what kind background in technology? What what kind of pushed you towards that? of pushed you towards that? of pushed you towards that? » I listen. So, my dad is a nerd. um a » I listen. So, my dad is a nerd. um a » I listen. So, my dad is a nerd. um a great guy, accountant. Um spent he's a great guy, accountant. Um spent he's a great guy, accountant. Um spent he's a CPA » and back in the 80s he bought a IBM Data » and back in the 80s he bought a IBM Data » and back in the 80s he bought a IBM Data Master 2000. That was right before PCs Master 2000. That was right before PCs Master 2000. That was right before PCs came out. It was, you know, the big came out. It was, you know, the big came out. It was, you know, the big mainframe computer. That was what he mainframe computer. That was what he mainframe computer. That was what he bought for his uh his office and I bought for his uh his office and I bought for his uh his office and I learned how to code QBasic when I was learned how to code QBasic when I was learned how to code QBasic when I was six and we rewrote some programs. I've six and we rewrote some programs. I've six and we rewrote some programs. I've just always been into technology. just always been into technology. just always been into technology. Um so it comes naturally to And then we, Um so it comes naturally to And then we, Um so it comes naturally to And then we, you know, once I got into college, I you know, once I got into college, I you know, once I got into college, I took business classes and leadership took business classes and leadership took business classes and leadership classes because the technology side of classes because the technology side of classes because the technology side of it was just pretty natural for me. it was just pretty natural for me. it was just pretty natural for me. So, So, So, » my technology education has all been » my technology education has all been » my technology education has all been through » OJT and certifications and just » OJT and certifications and just » OJT and certifications and just working with it. I mean, I've taken some working with it. I mean, I've taken some working with it. I mean, I've taken some computer classes, but I really I'll be computer classes, but I really I'll be computer classes, but I really I'll be honest, I'm not a fan of school. I was honest, I'm not a fan of school. I was honest, I'm not a fan of school. I was not great. I didn't like going to not great. I didn't like going to not great. I didn't like going to school. So, I was always afraid that if school. So, I was always afraid that if school. So, I was always afraid that if I to majored in in IT or if I took like I to majored in in IT or if I took like I to majored in in IT or if I took like a ton of tech classes that I just a ton of tech classes that I just a ton of tech classes that I just wouldn't like it anymore because I was wouldn't like it anymore because I was wouldn't like it anymore because I was not a big fan of school. Yeah. I had not a big fan of school. Yeah. I had not a big fan of school. Yeah. I had some great teachers in school, some great teachers in school, some great teachers in school, » but the whole process of school was » but the whole process of school was » but the whole process of school was bothersome to me. bothersome to me. bothersome to me. » It's funny. I feel like some of the best » It's funny. I feel like some of the best » It's funny. I feel like some of the best IT guys I've ever met like had no IT guys I've ever met like had no IT guys I've ever met like had no education background in IT. They're just education background in IT. They're just education background in IT. They're just really good at it. really good at it. really good at it. » Yeah. My all of my Yeah. All of my » Yeah. My all of my Yeah. All of my » Yeah. My all of my Yeah. All of my education is um you know, centered education is um you know, centered education is um you know, centered around business and leadership. around business and leadership. around business and leadership. » Yeah. That's awesome. So um so during » Yeah. That's awesome. So um so during » Yeah. That's awesome. So um so during that time you know I that time you know I that time you know I probably I mean it's been a while it's probably I mean it's been a while it's probably I mean it's been a while it's been 15 years ago been 15 years ago been 15 years ago you know I was trying to figure out ways you know I was trying to figure out ways you know I was trying to figure out ways » 2011 by the way » 2011 by the way » 2011 by the way » way was that was the planning and zoning » way was that was the planning and zoning » way was that was the planning and zoning commission » yeah so I was trying to that has been a » yeah so I was trying to that has been a » yeah so I was trying to that has been a minute » that's 17 years » that's 17 years » that's 17 years » thanks appreciate that » thanks appreciate that » thanks appreciate that » I have an article that was given to me » I have an article that was given to me » I have an article that was given to me yesterday from way back then yesterday from way back then yesterday from way back then » what great » what great » what great » from one of your proud followers we'll » from one of your proud followers we'll » from one of your proud followers we'll talk about that later talk about that later talk about that later » you Oh, I I uh » you Oh, I I uh » you Oh, I I uh my So, just to step back, sorry to bore my So, just to step back, sorry to bore my So, just to step back, sorry to bore everyone, but you know, my family's got everyone, but you know, my family's got everyone, but you know, my family's got um a lot of military history. Both my um a lot of military history. Both my um a lot of military history. Both my grandfathers served in World War II. My grandfathers served in World War II. My grandfathers served in World War II. My dad's a Vietnam veteran. I've got dad's a Vietnam veteran. I've got dad's a Vietnam veteran. I've got brothers in, you know, and that brothers in, you know, and that brothers in, you know, and that have served in the Global War on terror. have served in the Global War on terror. have served in the Global War on terror. I did not join the military. Um I was I I did not join the military. Um I was I I did not join the military. Um I was I I should have, I would have, whatever. I I should have, I would have, whatever. I I should have, I would have, whatever. I I mean there's there's no excuse other I mean there's there's no excuse other I mean there's there's no excuse other than that I was lazy, fat, and out of than that I was lazy, fat, and out of than that I was lazy, fat, and out of shape at the time and just wasn't in shape at the time and just wasn't in shape at the time and just wasn't in the cards for me. But I needed to figure the cards for me. But I needed to figure the cards for me. But I needed to figure out how to give back to my community. out how to give back to my community. out how to give back to my community. And um I was talking to my grandpa and And um I was talking to my grandpa and And um I was talking to my grandpa and he said, "Look, you know, because he was he said, "Look, you know, because he was he said, "Look, you know, because he was very a very proud veteran." He said the very a very proud veteran." He said the very a very proud veteran." He said the only important thing is that we find the only important thing is that we find the only important thing is that we find ways to serve our fellow man, you know, ways to serve our fellow man, you know, ways to serve our fellow man, you know, to try and figure out how to help those to try and figure out how to help those to try and figure out how to help those around us. And and so I wanted to get around us. And and so I wanted to get around us. And and so I wanted to get involved in my community. And so I involved in my community. And so I involved in my community. And so I started volunteering for advisory boards started volunteering for advisory boards started volunteering for advisory boards and things that I could and then the and things that I could and then the and things that I could and then the planning commission piece came up and I planning commission piece came up and I planning commission piece came up and I figured that was a really good way to figured that was a really good way to figured that was a really good way to get introduced to the real process, you get introduced to the real process, you get introduced to the real process, you know, our comprehensive plan and what know, our comprehensive plan and what know, our comprehensive plan and what the future of El Dredo could look what the future of El Dredo could look what the future of El Dredo could look like. Um, and I served on the planning like. Um, and I served on the planning like. Um, and I served on the planning commission for a couple of years before commission for a couple of years before commission for a couple of years before I decided to run for city commission, I decided to run for city commission, I decided to run for city commission, which um, I lost the first time I ran. which um, I lost the first time I ran. which um, I lost the first time I ran. » Oh, really? What year was that you » Oh, really? What year was that you » Oh, really? What year was that you ran? ran? ran? » Uh, it would have been a year or two » Uh, it would have been a year or two » Uh, it would have been a year or two after that. I was I was on the planning after that. I was I was on the planning after that. I was I was on the planning commission for about a year. I ran commission for about a year. I ran commission for about a year. I ran against Shane Krauss and we actually against Shane Krauss and we actually against Shane Krauss and we actually tied and that's when I learned a value. tied and that's when I learned a value. tied and that's when I learned a value. » Oh, actually your city commission spot » Oh, actually your city commission spot » Oh, actually your city commission spot began in 2011. began in 2011. began in 2011. » So it would have been it would have been » So it would have been it would have been » So it would have been it would have been 9 09 when I ran against Shane Krauss. 9 09 when I ran against Shane Krauss. 9 09 when I ran against Shane Krauss. » We tied and here's here's a great » We tied and here's here's a great » We tied and here's here's a great lesson in municipal governance in the lesson in municipal governance in the lesson in municipal governance in the state of Kansas. Ties are decided by a state of Kansas. Ties are decided by a state of Kansas. Ties are decided by a game of chance. game of chance. game of chance. » There's not a runoff. There's not a » There's not a runoff. There's not a » There's not a runoff. There's not a re-election. It's a game of chance. re-election. It's a game of chance. re-election. It's a game of chance. » So I lost a TV show. Yeah. So that's » So I lost a TV show. Yeah. So that's » So I lost a TV show. Yeah. So that's real. real. real. » Oh, no. For real. » Oh, no. For real. » Oh, no. For real. » There's literally a I'm not going to be » There's literally a I'm not going to be » There's literally a I'm not going to be able to think of it. TV show I was just able to think of it. TV show I was just able to think of it. TV show I was just watching and that's what it came down watching and that's what it came down watching and that's what it came down to. to. to. » True story. So So we're up in the county » True story. So So we're up in the county » True story. So So we're up in the county commission room. commission room. commission room. » You know, they done the recount. It » You know, they done the recount. It » You know, they done the recount. It was a tie. So they're, you know, the was a tie. So they're, you know, the was a tie. So they're, you know, the county commissioner was like, "Well, you county commissioner was like, "Well, you county commissioner was like, "Well, you know, what do we do?" The clerk was know, what do we do?" The clerk was know, what do we do?" The clerk was like, "Well, it's a game of chance like, "Well, it's a game of chance like, "Well, it's a game of chance according to the statute." So they're according to the statute." So they're according to the statute." So they're kicking things around. They're like, kicking things around. They're like, kicking things around. They're like, "You guys want to arm wrestle?" I'm "You guys want to arm wrestle?" I'm "You guys want to arm wrestle?" I'm like, "Sure." like, "Sure." like, "Sure." » They're like, "You guys want to have » They're like, "You guys want to have » They're like, "You guys want to have like a shooting sporting clay shooting like a shooting sporting clay shooting like a shooting sporting clay shooting contest?" I'm like, "Absolutely." contest?" I'm like, "Absolutely." contest?" I'm like, "Absolutely." They said, "Well, those aren't games of They said, "Well, those aren't games of They said, "Well, those aren't games of chance. Um, how about a coin toss?" And chance. Um, how about a coin toss?" And chance. Um, how about a coin toss?" And so, we flipped a coin and I lost the so, we flipped a coin and I lost the so, we flipped a coin and I lost the coin toss. coin toss. coin toss. » Oh my gosh. » Oh my gosh. » Oh my gosh. » So, two years later, so my daughter's » So, two years later, so my daughter's » So, two years later, so my daughter's like 10 years old. Two years later, I like 10 years old. Two years later, I like 10 years old. Two years later, I told, you know, my wife and I talked and told, you know, my wife and I talked and told, you know, my wife and I talked and I said, "I'm going to give it a shot I said, "I'm going to give it a shot I said, "I'm going to give it a shot again." And my daughter said, "Dad, you again." And my daughter said, "Dad, you again." And my daughter said, "Dad, you really need to practice your coin tosses really need to practice your coin tosses really need to practice your coin tosses if you're going to do this again." if you're going to do this again." if you're going to do this again." So, I I won pretty handily um two years So, I I won pretty handily um two years So, I I won pretty handily um two years later and it's, you know, I served later and it's, you know, I served later and it's, you know, I served on the commission for a couple of terms. on the commission for a couple of terms. on the commission for a couple of terms. Um took a breather for two years and Um took a breather for two years and Um took a breather for two years and then and then ran for mayor and came then and then ran for mayor and came then and then ran for mayor and came back as mayor. So, back as mayor. So, back as mayor. So, » um I've enjoyed it. I I I love getting » um I've enjoyed it. I I I love getting » um I've enjoyed it. I I I love getting to interact with the community. You to interact with the community. You to interact with the community. You know, the first time I ran for know, the first time I ran for know, the first time I ran for commission that first year, the year commission that first year, the year commission that first year, the year that I tied, I knocked on every door in that I tied, I knocked on every door in that I tied, I knocked on every door in town. town. town. Um Randy Wells was running well Wells Um Randy Wells was running well Wells Um Randy Wells was running well Wells Design at the time and he said, "You Design at the time and he said, "You Design at the time and he said, "You know, you just you need to know, you just you need to know, you just you need to » Yeah. » Yeah. » Yeah. » You need to meet everybody." And I got » You need to meet everybody." And I got » You need to meet everybody." And I got an opportunity to knock on a lot of an opportunity to knock on a lot of an opportunity to knock on a lot of doors that people didn't answer, doors that people didn't answer, doors that people didn't answer, » but I got an opportunity to really sit » but I got an opportunity to really sit » but I got an opportunity to really sit down and talk to a lot of people. And I down and talk to a lot of people. And I down and talk to a lot of people. And I wasn't there wasn't there wasn't there » really selling anything. I was just want » really selling anything. I was just want » really selling anything. I was just want to introduce myself cuz, you know, I'm to introduce myself cuz, you know, I'm to introduce myself cuz, you know, I'm not I'm not we're not a family that's not I'm not we're not a family that's not I'm not we're not a family that's been in Elo for generations. You know, been in Elo for generations. You know, been in Elo for generations. You know, we moved here, like I said, when I was we moved here, like I said, when I was we moved here, like I said, when I was in high school. in high school. in high school. So, I knocked on every single door in So, I knocked on every single door in So, I knocked on every single door in town, registered voter or not, I knocked town, registered voter or not, I knocked town, registered voter or not, I knocked on every door and talked to tons of on every door and talked to tons of on every door and talked to tons of people over about three months. people over about three months. people over about three months. » How does that work? Like when you're » How does that work? Like when you're » How does that work? Like when you're door knocking because I don't I don't door knocking because I don't I don't door knocking because I don't I don't feel like I've hardly ever gotten that feel like I've hardly ever gotten that feel like I've hardly ever gotten that since I've been living here. since I've been living here. since I've been living here. » Yeah. I mean, I had a home just » Yeah. I mean, I had a home just » Yeah. I mean, I had a home just » you have a pamphlet. I mean, I did have » you have a pamphlet. I mean, I did have » you have a pamphlet. I mean, I did have little just little cards, you know, kind little just little cards, you know, kind little just little cards, you know, kind of little cards, of little cards, of little cards, » handout cards, but » handout cards, but » handout cards, but » really just introduced myself and » really just introduced myself and » really just introduced myself and » told him that I'm running, you know, » told him that I'm running, you know, » told him that I'm running, you know, running for city commission. I just running for city commission. I just running for city commission. I just wanted to meet you and introduce myself. wanted to meet you and introduce myself. wanted to meet you and introduce myself. You know, there's not I'm not, again, I You know, there's not I'm not, again, I You know, there's not I'm not, again, I wasn't really there to sell anything, to wasn't really there to sell anything, to wasn't really there to sell anything, to sell myself even. I just wanted to sell myself even. I just wanted to sell myself even. I just wanted to introduce myself so that people knew who introduce myself so that people knew who introduce myself so that people knew who I was and also um you know, wanted to I was and also um you know, wanted to I was and also um you know, wanted to take that opportunity to personally ask take that opportunity to personally ask take that opportunity to personally ask somebody for their vote. I think that somebody for their vote. I think that somebody for their vote. I think that's important. You know, we we get that's important. You know, we we get that's important. You know, we we get mailers, we see ads on TV, whatever. I mailers, we see ads on TV, whatever. I mailers, we see ads on TV, whatever. I mean, we don't run ads and alder on TV, mean, we don't run ads and alder on TV, mean, we don't run ads and alder on TV, but you know what I mean, from a but you know what I mean, from a but you know what I mean, from a political standpoint, you just get all political standpoint, you just get all political standpoint, you just get all these mailers and there's just so much these mailers and there's just so much these mailers and there's just so much noise that comes in around that. And the noise that comes in around that. And the noise that comes in around that. And the reality for me was I wanted people to reality for me was I wanted people to reality for me was I wanted people to know who I was. I wanted a chance to know who I was. I wanted a chance to know who I was. I wanted a chance to talk to people that were willing to just talk to people that were willing to just talk to people that were willing to just chat. And I got to tell you, honestly, chat. And I got to tell you, honestly, chat. And I got to tell you, honestly, there were a lot of the conversations we there were a lot of the conversations we there were a lot of the conversations we never talked about city stuff. never talked about city stuff. never talked about city stuff. » Just talked about how their life's » Just talked about how their life's » Just talked about how their life's going. talked about who I was, who they going. talked about who I was, who they going. talked about who I was, who they were. were. were. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Got into a lot of conversations about, » Got into a lot of conversations about, » Got into a lot of conversations about, you know, with sitting down across the you know, with sitting down across the you know, with sitting down across the kitchen table from somebody and they kitchen table from somebody and they kitchen table from somebody and they just tell me about their history in just tell me about their history in just tell me about their history in Alredo. Alredo. Alredo. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Which is really what I wanted to learn. » Which is really what I wanted to learn. » Which is really what I wanted to learn. Um, and a lot of those ended up voting Um, and a lot of those ended up voting Um, and a lot of those ended up voting for me. So, which was great. And, and for me. So, which was great. And, and for me. So, which was great. And, and then over time, I've then over time, I've then over time, I've » I mean, the most I think one of the most » I mean, the most I think one of the most » I mean, the most I think one of the most rewarding things about being a rewarding things about being a rewarding things about being a commissioner or being the mayor, if you commissioner or being the mayor, if you commissioner or being the mayor, if you take advantage of it, is just getting to take advantage of it, is just getting to take advantage of it, is just getting to meet people and talk to people. go sit meet people and talk to people. go sit meet people and talk to people. go sit at the senior center and visit with at the senior center and visit with at the senior center and visit with people. Go to the, you know, the people. Go to the, you know, the people. Go to the, you know, the American Legion. American Legion. American Legion. Go downtown. I mean, I'm I'm the MC for Go downtown. I mean, I'm I'm the MC for Go downtown. I mean, I'm I'm the MC for our Veterans Day parade most years. I our Veterans Day parade most years. I our Veterans Day parade most years. I get I got I get the privilege probably get I got I get the privilege probably get I got I get the privilege probably because I do have a face for radio. I because I do have a face for radio. I because I do have a face for radio. I get the privilege for, you know, get the privilege for, you know, get the privilege for, you know, announcing the baseball games. I announcing the baseball games. I announcing the baseball games. I announce the Broncos games when they're announce the Broncos games when they're announce the Broncos games when they're here and I get to announce the uh here and I get to announce the uh here and I get to announce the uh the Walnuts games, too, which is great. the Walnuts games, too, which is great. the Walnuts games, too, which is great. And um And um And um » you know, it's just it's just that it's » you know, it's just it's just that it's » you know, it's just it's just that it's very fulfilling to be a part of the very fulfilling to be a part of the very fulfilling to be a part of the community. community. community. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Yeah. » So, » So, » So, » yeah. Yeah. You made it. So, so how old » yeah. Yeah. You made it. So, so how old » yeah. Yeah. You made it. So, so how old were you when you moved to were you when you moved to were you when you moved to » I was 16. » I was 16. » I was 16. » 16. Okay. » 16. Okay. » 16. Okay. » 16. » 16. » 16. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Yeah. That's a big deal. And I I think » Yeah. That's a big deal. And I I think » Yeah. That's a big deal. And I I think in a small town it's really hard to in a small town it's really hard to in a small town it's really hard to integrate. Harder than a big city, you integrate. Harder than a big city, you integrate. Harder than a big city, you know? I think big city you're you come know? I think big city you're you come know? I think big city you're you come in and there's always new people showing in and there's always new people showing in and there's always new people showing up. So, you're always meeting people. up. So, you're always meeting people. up. So, you're always meeting people. You're used to that. Um but small towns You're used to that. Um but small towns You're used to that. Um but small towns can kind of feel a little clickish. And can kind of feel a little clickish. And can kind of feel a little clickish. And » it's very clickish. But I'm I'm I mean » it's very clickish. But I'm I'm I mean » it's very clickish. But I'm I'm I mean to be honest and you know I to be honest and you know I to be honest and you know I We talked about this a little bit in my We talked about this a little bit in my We talked about this a little bit in my last class reunion. I mean, it was not last class reunion. I mean, it was not last class reunion. I mean, it was not hard for me. So, yeah. So, I like I said hard for me. So, yeah. So, I like I said hard for me. So, yeah. So, I like I said before, I have an older brother and a before, I have an older brother and a before, I have an older brother and a younger brother and we moved quite a bit younger brother and we moved quite a bit younger brother and we moved quite a bit growing up. It my older brother is more growing up. It my older brother is more growing up. It my older brother is more of an introvert and it was difficult for of an introvert and it was difficult for of an introvert and it was difficult for him. him. him. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Um, he didn't he didn't make new friends » Um, he didn't he didn't make new friends » Um, he didn't he didn't make new friends well. He's a great guy, but just didn't well. He's a great guy, but just didn't well. He's a great guy, but just didn't make new friends. Well, make new friends. Well, make new friends. Well, » my younger brother was fortunate enough » my younger brother was fortunate enough » my younger brother was fortunate enough that like when we moved to Eldredo, he that like when we moved to Eldredo, he that like when we moved to Eldredo, he was still in middle school, so he had was still in middle school, so he had was still in middle school, so he had that opportunity to really kind of build that opportunity to really kind of build that opportunity to really kind of build his network. I moved here my junior his network. I moved here my junior his network. I moved here my junior year, year, year, » right? But I'm also the guy that will » right? But I'm also the guy that will » right? But I'm also the guy that will just go sit down at any lunch table and just go sit down at any lunch table and just go sit down at any lunch table and you know let them kick me out if if they you know let them kick me out if if they you know let them kick me out if if they don't want me there. So, you know, and don't want me there. So, you know, and don't want me there. So, you know, and go talk to people and so and I was go talk to people and so and I was go talk to people and so and I was really fortunate cuz I have a cousin really fortunate cuz I have a cousin really fortunate cuz I have a cousin that lives here. Um and so he kind of that lives here. Um and so he kind of that lives here. Um and so he kind of helped bring me in and we were helped bring me in and we were helped bring me in and we were pretty close family and uh and we pretty close family and uh and we pretty close family and uh and we became he was actually ended up being became he was actually ended up being became he was actually ended up being the best man at my wedding. Um but yeah, the best man at my wedding. Um but yeah, the best man at my wedding. Um but yeah, so it was that was helpful when we so it was that was helpful when we so it was that was helpful when we moved here. But even the really small moved here. But even the really small moved here. But even the really small towns that I moved to, I moved to towns that I moved to, I moved to towns that I moved to, I moved to Lacrosse, Kansas my freshman year, Lacrosse, Kansas my freshman year, Lacrosse, Kansas my freshman year, » you know, I was the 100th kid to enroll » you know, I was the 100th kid to enroll » you know, I was the 100th kid to enroll in the high school that year, you know, in the high school that year, you know, in the high school that year, you know, so it was I mean, you talk about a small so it was I mean, you talk about a small so it was I mean, you talk about a small school. small school. small school. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Um but I » Um but I » Um but I » dove right in. So » dove right in. So » dove right in. So » I don't mind going I'm talking. It's one » I don't mind going I'm talking. It's one » I don't mind going I'm talking. It's one of the great things about traveling for of the great things about traveling for of the great things about traveling for my job. Like I'll be at a hotel, there's my job. Like I'll be at a hotel, there's my job. Like I'll be at a hotel, there's a a a » you know there's a class reunion going » you know there's a class reunion going » you know there's a class reunion going on or or or a wedding party, I just go on or or or a wedding party, I just go on or or or a wedding party, I just go hang out with them. I you know, you go hang out with them. I you know, you go hang out with them. I you know, you go buy some people some drinks and they buy some people some drinks and they buy some people some drinks and they don't mind you hanging out with them and don't mind you hanging out with them and don't mind you hanging out with them and getting to know them. So getting to know them. So getting to know them. So » a wedding crasher. I mean, I mean, I » a wedding crasher. I mean, I mean, I » a wedding crasher. I mean, I mean, I wouldn't say wedding crasher as much as wouldn't say wedding crasher as much as wouldn't say wedding crasher as much as just hanging out, but the class reunions just hanging out, but the class reunions just hanging out, but the class reunions are fun because you get to make things are fun because you get to make things are fun because you get to make things up. You're like, "Oh, do you remember up. You're like, "Oh, do you remember up. You're like, "Oh, do you remember Mrs. Smith as an English class?" You Mrs. Smith as an English class?" You Mrs. Smith as an English class?" You know, and they're like, "Oh, now I know, and they're like, "Oh, now I know, and they're like, "Oh, now I remember you, Bill." No, you don't. I remember you, Bill." No, you don't. I remember you, Bill." No, you don't. I was I wasn't there, but was I wasn't there, but was I wasn't there, but » but let's hang out and visit. So, I've » but let's hang out and visit. So, I've » but let's hang out and visit. So, I've I've gotten to do that quite a few times I've gotten to do that quite a few times I've gotten to do that quite a few times um in my adult career. So, um in my adult career. So, um in my adult career. So, » what I mean, obviously doing media and » what I mean, obviously doing media and » what I mean, obviously doing media and radio for a while, uh so the baseball radio for a while, uh so the baseball radio for a while, uh so the baseball kind of lets you experience pieces of kind of lets you experience pieces of kind of lets you experience pieces of that again. It does, but it all it lets that again. It does, but it all it lets that again. It does, but it all it lets me experience pieces of that Sam, but it me experience pieces of that Sam, but it me experience pieces of that Sam, but it also » I just I love seeing community together. » I just I love seeing community together. » I just I love seeing community together. You know, we have You know, we have You know, we have » there's a lot of people that are like, » there's a lot of people that are like, » there's a lot of people that are like, "God, Elder is the city of parades. I "God, Elder is the city of parades. I "God, Elder is the city of parades. I love our parades cuz you just get to see love our parades cuz you just get to see love our parades cuz you just get to see people and people and people and » you get to see smiles and I love » you get to see smiles and I love » you get to see smiles and I love that during a baseball game. I wish that during a baseball game. I wish that during a baseball game. I wish that there were more people at our local there were more people at our local there were more people at our local baseball games that, you know, some my baseball games that, you know, some my baseball games that, you know, some my favorite one is of course the Fourth of favorite one is of course the Fourth of favorite one is of course the Fourth of July weekend when we're there and July weekend when we're there and July weekend when we're there and » I mean the place is packed and » I mean the place is packed and » I mean the place is packed and everyone's having fun. So, yes, I get to everyone's having fun. So, yes, I get to everyone's having fun. So, yes, I get to experience the whole, you know, get to experience the whole, you know, get to experience the whole, you know, get to kind of relive some radio days and yeah, kind of relive some radio days and yeah, kind of relive some radio days and yeah, you know, act like a DJ if I want to, you know, act like a DJ if I want to, you know, act like a DJ if I want to, but uh but uh but uh » but the reality is for me it's just » but the reality is for me it's just » but the reality is for me it's just seeing people happy. You know, my seeing people happy. You know, my seeing people happy. You know, my favorite time of year is when the spray favorite time of year is when the spray favorite time of year is when the spray parks open up because kids are running parks open up because kids are running parks open up because kids are running around and having fun and families are around and having fun and families are around and having fun and families are in the parks. You know, spring and in the parks. You know, spring and in the parks. You know, spring and summer is always my favorite time of the summer is always my favorite time of the summer is always my favorite time of the year because of that. So, year because of that. So, year because of that. So, » yeah. » yeah. » yeah. » So, that's why that's why I do it. um » So, that's why that's why I do it. um » So, that's why that's why I do it. um do do that piece of it just because, you do do that piece of it just because, you do do that piece of it just because, you know, it's just it's just fun to see know, it's just it's just fun to see know, it's just it's just fun to see people having fun. people having fun. people having fun. » Yeah. Yeah. You're saying that a lot. » Yeah. Yeah. You're saying that a lot. » Yeah. Yeah. You're saying that a lot. That's really interesting. It's a cool That's really interesting. It's a cool That's really interesting. It's a cool uh So, break that down into your passion uh So, break that down into your passion uh So, break that down into your passion as mayor for Aldredo. as mayor for Aldredo. as mayor for Aldredo. um look what your focuses are and um look what your focuses are and um look what your focuses are and uh uh uh » you know the that year that I » you know the that year that I » you know the that year that I walked around and met people when I walked around and met people when I walked around and met people when I uh ran for commission the first time you uh ran for commission the first time you uh ran for commission the first time you know I had a lot of people ask me why know I had a lot of people ask me why know I had a lot of people ask me why are you doing this and I would tell them are you doing this and I would tell them are you doing this and I would tell them I was like look my daughter's 9 years I was like look my daughter's 9 years I was like look my daughter's 9 years old um I want I I want her to go off to um I want I I want her to go off to um I want I I want her to go off to college and have a lot start a life I college and have a lot start a life I college and have a lot start a life I don't want her to not come back to don't want her to not come back to don't want her to not come back to Eldredo because there's not Eldredo because there's not Eldredo because there's not opportunities » if she's not probably going to come back » if she's not probably going to come back » if she's not probably going to come back to El Dredo, but it's not because to El Dredo, but it's not because to El Dredo, but it's not because there's not opportunities here for it. there's not opportunities here for it. there's not opportunities here for it. And and I don't I don't want to get down And and I don't I don't want to get down And and I don't I don't want to get down the road and there not be opportunities the road and there not be opportunities the road and there not be opportunities and me say, you know, I didn't do and me say, you know, I didn't do and me say, you know, I didn't do anything to help fix that. anything to help fix that. anything to help fix that. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Yeah. » So, for me, it was about being part of » So, for me, it was about being part of » So, for me, it was about being part of the part of the drive and the decisions the part of the drive and the decisions the part of the drive and the decisions to try to bring business to town, to try to try to bring business to town, to try to try to bring business to town, to try to create opportunities, to try to to create opportunities, to try to to create opportunities, to try to create a good the best quality of life create a good the best quality of life create a good the best quality of life that we can. that we can. that we can. » Yeah. And and so » Yeah. And and so » Yeah. And and so so I mean that was kind of what got me so I mean that was kind of what got me so I mean that was kind of what got me started, what really was my passion to started, what really was my passion to started, what really was my passion to get going. Um my daughter has taken a get going. Um my daughter has taken a get going. Um my daughter has taken a different path which I'm super happy different path which I'm super happy different path which I'm super happy about and proud of. That's probably not about and proud of. That's probably not about and proud of. That's probably not going to lead her back to El Dredo. going to lead her back to El Dredo. going to lead her back to El Dredo. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Um » Um » Um but you know, I want us to grow. I want but you know, I want us to grow. I want but you know, I want us to grow. I want us I don't want us to become Witchah. us I don't want us to become Witchah. us I don't want us to become Witchah. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Um by any means, but » Um by any means, but » Um by any means, but » what does that mean grow? It means bring » what does that mean grow? It means bring » what does that mean grow? It means bring opportunities for families to come here opportunities for families to come here opportunities for families to come here and experience and experience and experience the I think the big advantages of El the I think the big advantages of El the I think the big advantages of El Dredo which is small community Dredo which is small community Dredo which is small community um family oriented events, family um family oriented events, family um family oriented events, family oriented community that has oriented community that has oriented community that has opportunities for people to live and opportunities for people to live and opportunities for people to live and work here but also be able to live here work here but also be able to live here work here but also be able to live here and potentially work in Witchah, you and potentially work in Witchah, you and potentially work in Witchah, you know, Andover, wherever DC know, Andover, wherever DC know, Andover, wherever DC » DC. Well, I mean, so, you know, CO co as » DC. Well, I mean, so, you know, CO co as » DC. Well, I mean, so, you know, CO co as much of a much of a much of a » pain in the butt as CO was um it did » pain in the butt as CO was um it did » pain in the butt as CO was um it did really expand the remote work really expand the remote work really expand the remote work opportunities. I mean, I've got opportunities. I mean, I've got opportunities. I mean, I've got neighbors that work for companies and neighbors that work for companies and neighbors that work for companies and you know, you know, you know, » California and » California and » California and » yeah, » yeah, » yeah, » and frankly, if you can work for a » and frankly, if you can work for a » and frankly, if you can work for a company in California and live in Elo, company in California and live in Elo, company in California and live in Elo, » yeah, » yeah, » yeah, » making California wages, you're doing » making California wages, you're doing » making California wages, you're doing really well. So um but so many people really well. So um but so many people really well. So um but so many people wanted to get out of the cities and so wanted to get out of the cities and so wanted to get out of the cities and so my company went completely remote with my company went completely remote with my company went completely remote with co and really hasn't come back. We have co and really hasn't come back. We have co and really hasn't come back. We have an office in DC. I go out there, nobody an office in DC. I go out there, nobody an office in DC. I go out there, nobody works in the office until I go out there works in the office until I go out there works in the office until I go out there once a month, go out there for a once a month, go out there for a once a month, go out there for a week and then our leadership team comes week and then our leadership team comes week and then our leadership team comes in for that week and we you know kind of in for that week and we you know kind of in for that week and we you know kind of » have some face to face time that's » have some face to face time that's » have some face to face time that's important. important. important. » Yeah. Um, but it does give me the » Yeah. Um, but it does give me the » Yeah. Um, but it does give me the opportunity to work from home and be opportunity to work from home and be opportunity to work from home and be able to, you know, run out to Walmart or able to, you know, run out to Walmart or able to, you know, run out to Walmart or run to Dillons and still interact run to Dillons and still interact run to Dillons and still interact with people and be a part of that with people and be a part of that with people and be a part of that without having to move from a city that without having to move from a city that without having to move from a city that I love, right? I love, right? I love, right? » So, » So, » So, » yeah. » yeah. » yeah. » Um, so so anyway, you know, the I think » Um, so so anyway, you know, the I think » Um, so so anyway, you know, the I think the drive and what growth looks like the drive and what growth looks like the drive and what growth looks like to me is just creating a community. It to me is just creating a community. It to me is just creating a community. It doesn't mean doubling from, you know, doesn't mean doubling from, you know, doesn't mean doubling from, you know, 13,000 to 26,000. just means building a 13,000 to 26,000. just means building a 13,000 to 26,000. just means building a community for the 13,000 maybe 14, you community for the 13,000 maybe 14, you community for the 13,000 maybe 14, you know, however, whatever we get to, know, however, whatever we get to, know, however, whatever we get to, » building a community that people want to » building a community that people want to » building a community that people want to be a part of. be a part of. be a part of. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Yeah. » And it's tough, man. Like, I can't I » And it's tough, man. Like, I can't I » And it's tough, man. Like, I can't I can't get people to run for city can't get people to run for city can't get people to run for city commission. commission. commission. » I can get people to complain about what » I can get people to complain about what » I can get people to complain about what city commission does, but I can't get city commission does, but I can't get city commission does, but I can't get people to run for city commission. And I people to run for city commission. And I people to run for city commission. And I want people want people want people » to be a be a part of the conversation. » to be a be a part of the conversation. » to be a be a part of the conversation. » Let's talk about that. Why don't » Let's talk about that. Why don't » Let's talk about that. Why don't people want to run? people want to run? people want to run? » It's time. » It's time. » It's time. » Mhm. Um, you know, the people that I I » Mhm. Um, you know, the people that I I » Mhm. Um, you know, the people that I I want to be on that I really want to be want to be on that I really want to be want to be on that I really want to be on the commission are younger people. on the commission are younger people. on the commission are younger people. Um, people entrepreneurs, young business Um, people entrepreneurs, young business Um, people entrepreneurs, young business owners, young homeowners, people that owners, young homeowners, people that owners, young homeowners, people that want to make El Dorado their home for a want to make El Dorado their home for a want to make El Dorado their home for a long time. long time. long time. Um, we've we've had some great um, Um, we've we've had some great um, Um, we've we've had some great um, experienced people on the commission as experienced people on the commission as experienced people on the commission as well over the years. Um, but I I need a well over the years. Um, but I I need a well over the years. Um, but I I need a younger generation. But here's the younger generation. But here's the younger generation. But here's the reality with your generation. You reality with your generation. You reality with your generation. You guys have kids. guys have kids. guys have kids. » Yeah. Yeah, you got a lot going on. I » Yeah. Yeah, you got a lot going on. I » Yeah. Yeah, you got a lot going on. I get that. I do. I mean, you know, my get that. I do. I mean, you know, my get that. I do. I mean, you know, my daughter was very active. daughter was very active. daughter was very active. » We had one, but uh but she was very » We had one, but uh but she was very » We had one, but uh but she was very active and I coached her in active and I coached her in active and I coached her in softball, competitive travel softball. I softball, competitive travel softball. I softball, competitive travel softball. I mean, you know, it's it's tough to to mean, you know, it's it's tough to to mean, you know, it's it's tough to to juggle things. So, I think part of it is juggle things. So, I think part of it is juggle things. So, I think part of it is that I think the other part of it though that I think the other part of it though that I think the other part of it though is people don't want they just don't is people don't want they just don't is people don't want they just don't they're not comfortable putting their they're not comfortable putting their they're not comfortable putting their name out there. not comfortable name out there. not comfortable name out there. not comfortable with the prospect of, you know, going to with the prospect of, you know, going to with the prospect of, you know, going to sit down at Willies or Fiesta and having sit down at Willies or Fiesta and having sit down at Willies or Fiesta and having dinner and having people come up to you dinner and having people come up to you dinner and having people come up to you and talk to you about their the pothole and talk to you about their the pothole and talk to you about their the pothole in front of their house, which I'm not in front of their house, which I'm not in front of their house, which I'm not I'm not overly comfortable with either. I'm not overly comfortable with either. I'm not overly comfortable with either. And there's a lot of times that I've And there's a lot of times that I've And there's a lot of times that I've said, "Look, I if you have a pothole, I said, "Look, I if you have a pothole, I said, "Look, I if you have a pothole, I I do not carry a shovel and asphalt in I do not carry a shovel and asphalt in I do not carry a shovel and asphalt in the back of my truck, but I you know, the back of my truck, but I you know, the back of my truck, but I you know, here's the number to call, and if you here's the number to call, and if you here's the number to call, and if you don't get some resolution, then let me don't get some resolution, then let me don't get some resolution, then let me know, but I'm really trying to have know, but I'm really trying to have know, but I'm really trying to have dinner with my family or whatever, and dinner with my family or whatever, and dinner with my family or whatever, and it's tough. My wife rarely sends me to it's tough. My wife rarely sends me to it's tough. My wife rarely sends me to Dylan's anymore because to go get a loaf Dylan's anymore because to go get a loaf Dylan's anymore because to go get a loaf of bread takes 30 or 45 minutes of bread takes 30 or 45 minutes of bread takes 30 or 45 minutes » because people want to talk and I and » because people want to talk and I and » because people want to talk and I and I'm a talker too, right? I want to and I'm a talker too, right? I want to and I'm a talker too, right? I want to sit and talk to people. sit and talk to people. sit and talk to people. » Um, so I think that's a big driver like » Um, so I think that's a big driver like » Um, so I think that's a big driver like people don't want to put themselves out people don't want to put themselves out people don't want to put themselves out there. Plus, there. Plus, there. Plus, » we've reached a time in our society » we've reached a time in our society » we've reached a time in our society where it's a whole lot easier where it's a whole lot easier where it's a whole lot easier » to be a keyboard warrior to to voice » to be a keyboard warrior to to voice » to be a keyboard warrior to to voice your opinion from behind a keyboard your opinion from behind a keyboard your opinion from behind a keyboard » relatively anonymously. I mean, a lot, » relatively anonymously. I mean, a lot, » relatively anonymously. I mean, a lot, you know, your name may be associated you know, your name may be associated you know, your name may be associated with it, but you're not being really with it, but you're not being really with it, but you're not being really countered live and people are asking you countered live and people are asking you countered live and people are asking you questions that you have to try to figure questions that you have to try to figure questions that you have to try to figure out how to answer. And so I I don't out how to answer. And so I I don't out how to answer. And so I I don't know. You know, for years it's been what know. You know, for years it's been what know. You know, for years it's been what people don't want to do it because it people don't want to do it because it people don't want to do it because it doesn't pay enough. There's no doubt doesn't pay enough. There's no doubt doesn't pay enough. There's no doubt about that, right? about that, right? about that, right? » We don't do it for the pay. » We don't do it for the pay. » We don't do it for the pay. » No. » No. » No. » I mean, I as the mayor make $2,000 a » I mean, I as the mayor make $2,000 a » I mean, I as the mayor make $2,000 a year. year. year. » That's $461.37 » That's $461.37 » That's $461.37 after taxes quarterly. after taxes quarterly. after taxes quarterly. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Yeah. um which doesn't pay for the gas for the um which doesn't pay for the gas for the um which doesn't pay for the gas for the quarter to get to and from the quarter to get to and from the quarter to get to and from the commission meeting. So I don't but we commission meeting. So I don't but we commission meeting. So I don't but we don't do it for the money. Um don't do it for the money. Um don't do it for the money. Um » I do think that you might get some more » I do think that you might get some more » I do think that you might get some more people willing to run people willing to run people willing to run » if it paid. I mean our county commission » if it paid. I mean our county commission » if it paid. I mean our county commission makes you know they make bank like 354 makes you know they make bank like 354 makes you know they make bank like 354 grand a year something like that plus grand a year something like that plus grand a year something like that plus benefits. benefits. benefits. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Yeah. » You know um for working a couple days a » You know um for working a couple days a » You know um for working a couple days a week couple mornings a week. week couple mornings a week. week couple mornings a week. » Yeah. But I I'm not I don't mean that » Yeah. But I I'm not I don't mean that » Yeah. But I I'm not I don't mean that against them because there's a lot of against them because there's a lot of against them because there's a lot of work outside of the meetings and I think work outside of the meetings and I think work outside of the meetings and I think that's one thing people don't realize is that's one thing people don't realize is that's one thing people don't realize is you know we have a lot of study to do a you know we have a lot of study to do a you know we have a lot of study to do a lot of work to do outside of the city lot of work to do outside of the city lot of work to do outside of the city commission meetings even outside of our commission meetings even outside of our commission meetings even outside of our work sessions. So we've got a meeting work sessions. So we've got a meeting work sessions. So we've got a meeting regular meeting twice a month uh the regular meeting twice a month uh the regular meeting twice a month uh the first and third Monday of every month first and third Monday of every month first and third Monday of every month and then on on the off Wednesdays in the and then on on the off Wednesdays in the and then on on the off Wednesdays in the other weeks we have work sessions which other weeks we have work sessions which other weeks we have work sessions which are study sessions. It's opportunities are study sessions. It's opportunities are study sessions. It's opportunities for us to learn more about a topic. for us to learn more about a topic. for us to learn more about a topic. Plus, we're regularly sent lots of Plus, we're regularly sent lots of Plus, we're regularly sent lots of information. information. information. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Right. And and you know, we get weekly » Right. And and you know, we get weekly » Right. And and you know, we get weekly reports from our city manager and we reports from our city manager and we reports from our city manager and we » and if you're if you want to be an » and if you're if you want to be an » and if you're if you want to be an effective city commissioner, an effective city commissioner, an effective city commissioner, an effective mayor, you've got to read effective mayor, you've got to read effective mayor, you've got to read those things. We've had commissioners in those things. We've had commissioners in those things. We've had commissioners in the past that the first time they look the past that the first time they look the past that the first time they look at the packet is when they sit down at a at the packet is when they sit down at a at the packet is when they sit down at a Monday night meeting. Monday night meeting. Monday night meeting. » Yeah. And it's frustrating because we » Yeah. And it's frustrating because we » Yeah. And it's frustrating because we need to be I think it's in it is need to be I think it's in it is need to be I think it's in it is irresponsible of us to not try to be as irresponsible of us to not try to be as irresponsible of us to not try to be as informed as we can and to try to gain as informed as we can and to try to gain as informed as we can and to try to gain as much information as we can before we much information as we can before we much information as we can before we make decisions. make decisions. make decisions. So I think another part of this is you So I think another part of this is you So I think another part of this is you talk about entrepreneurs and business talk about entrepreneurs and business talk about entrepreneurs and business owners. Full transparency, one of the owners. Full transparency, one of the owners. Full transparency, one of there's a combination of things, right? there's a combination of things, right? there's a combination of things, right? Four kids, 12 and under, that's life. Four kids, 12 and under, that's life. Four kids, 12 and under, that's life. Being self-employed, set my own 90 hours Being self-employed, set my own 90 hours Being self-employed, set my own 90 hours a week, as Josh Kogan said on the last a week, as Josh Kogan said on the last a week, as Josh Kogan said on the last podcast. podcast. podcast. » There's also the reputation side of it » There's also the reputation side of it » There's also the reputation side of it and the conflict of interest side. Um, and the conflict of interest side. Um, and the conflict of interest side. Um, that I think as business owners, a lot that I think as business owners, a lot that I think as business owners, a lot of business owners I've talked to in of business owners I've talked to in of business owners I've talked to in town get a little nervous about that. town get a little nervous about that. town get a little nervous about that. Now, if you look at who's actually Now, if you look at who's actually Now, if you look at who's actually paying attention, paying attention, paying attention, you know, who's actually paying you know, who's actually paying you know, who's actually paying attention to the meetings until there's attention to the meetings until there's attention to the meetings until there's something like a homeless shelter or something like a homeless shelter or something like a homeless shelter or data center, there's there's not like a data center, there's there's not like a data center, there's there's not like a crazy amount of activity upon what crazy amount of activity upon what crazy amount of activity upon what you're voting for and what you're you're voting for and what you're you're voting for and what you're talking about, unless it's really talking about, unless it's really talking about, unless it's really controversial. And that's that's like controversial. And that's that's like controversial. And that's that's like the buildup, right? Those moments are the buildup, right? Those moments are the buildup, right? Those moments are always going to happen. They're going to always going to happen. They're going to always going to happen. They're going to happen in your term. But I I speak on happen in your term. But I I speak on happen in your term. But I I speak on that. I'm curious because I, you know, that. I'm curious because I, you know, that. I'm curious because I, you know, at this point in my life, I'm less at this point in my life, I'm less at this point in my life, I'm less worried about that. I feel like I've worried about that. I feel like I've worried about that. I feel like I've earned enough trust, right? I've been earned enough trust, right? I've been earned enough trust, right? I've been involved enough in the community that if involved enough in the community that if involved enough in the community that if I have to take a side, I could probably I have to take a side, I could probably I have to take a side, I could probably But in my 20s, no way. Like in my 20s, I But in my 20s, no way. Like in my 20s, I But in my 20s, no way. Like in my 20s, I was like, I I don't know how to walk was like, I I don't know how to walk was like, I I don't know how to walk that line. Um, that line. Um, that line. Um, » it's tough. You know, I'll give you an » it's tough. You know, I'll give you an » it's tough. You know, I'll give you an example of of what politics or even a p example of of what politics or even a p example of of what politics or even a p perception of politics can do. So, we perception of politics can do. So, we perception of politics can do. So, we lived in a small town in western Kansas, lived in a small town in western Kansas, lived in a small town in western Kansas, right? My dad had just gotten done with right? My dad had just gotten done with right? My dad had just gotten done with college, had kind of started his college, had kind of started his college, had kind of started his accounting career, opened a business, accounting career, opened a business, accounting career, opened a business, entrepreneur, bu started his own CPA entrepreneur, bu started his own CPA entrepreneur, bu started his own CPA firm and built had built a really good firm and built had built a really good firm and built had built a really good client base over four or five years. client base over four or five years. client base over four or five years. And then he was selected to serve on a And then he was selected to serve on a And then he was selected to serve on a grand jury, a federal case that was grand jury, a federal case that was grand jury, a federal case that was about water rights. And you're talking about water rights. And you're talking about water rights. And you're talking about water rights in western about water rights in western about water rights in western Kansas. And the grand jury, Kansas. And the grand jury, Kansas. And the grand jury, whether he voted this way or not, how a whether he voted this way or not, how a whether he voted this way or not, how a grand jury works, whatever the majority grand jury works, whatever the majority grand jury works, whatever the majority says, the grand jury found in favor one says, the grand jury found in favor one says, the grand jury found in favor one way or another. And he lost his business way or another. And he lost his business way or another. And he lost his business over the thing. over the thing. over the thing. » Wow. » Wow. » Wow. » He was part of the grand jury that found » He was part of the grand jury that found » He was part of the grand jury that found against » Jeez. » Jeez. » Jeez. » You know, I I couldn't tell you the » You know, I I couldn't tell you the » You know, I I couldn't tell you the details of it, but you know, we ended up details of it, but you know, we ended up details of it, but you know, we ended up having to move. I mean, he lost his having to move. I mean, he lost his having to move. I mean, he lost his business and we had to move. Lost a ton business and we had to move. Lost a ton business and we had to move. Lost a ton of his clients. Gosh, of his clients. Gosh, of his clients. Gosh, » not all of them, but » not all of them, but » not all of them, but » enough to make to to to » enough to make to to to » enough to make to to to » to to destroy a business. It's tough. » to to destroy a business. It's tough. » to to destroy a business. It's tough. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Right. Because you're making decisions » Right. Because you're making decisions » Right. Because you're making decisions » or you're even part of a decision. » or you're even part of a decision. » or you're even part of a decision. » Well, you're not helping quench the fear » Well, you're not helping quench the fear » Well, you're not helping quench the fear that I just I give you an opportunity. that I just I give you an opportunity. that I just I give you an opportunity. No, I'm telling you though, you have to No, I'm telling you though, you have to No, I'm telling you though, you have to understand. No, when I talk to people, I understand. No, when I talk to people, I understand. No, when I talk to people, I want them to understand the want them to understand the want them to understand the ramifications. Now, that being said, ramifications. Now, that being said, ramifications. Now, that being said, » there's always going to be controversial » there's always going to be controversial » there's always going to be controversial topics. topics. topics. » There's always going to be challenges » There's always going to be challenges » There's always going to be challenges that we have. If if listen if if if it that we have. If if listen if if if it that we have. If if listen if if if it were what my grandpa used to say if it's were what my grandpa used to say if it's were what my grandpa used to say if it's not if it's not difficult everyone would not if it's not difficult everyone would not if it's not difficult everyone would do it right so do it right so do it right so » but I think the most important thing and » but I think the most important thing and » but I think the most important thing and the challenge with the that grand jury the challenge with the that grand jury the challenge with the that grand jury is nothing was transparent nothing's is nothing was transparent nothing's is nothing was transparent nothing's transparent in a grand jury transparent in a grand jury transparent in a grand jury » proceeding what we do is try to keep » proceeding what we do is try to keep » proceeding what we do is try to keep things as transparent as possible we things as transparent as possible we things as transparent as possible we everything that we read at our work everything that we read at our work everything that we read at our work sessions everything that we have in sessions everything that we have in sessions everything that we have in front of us as far as information is front of us as far as information is front of us as far as information is available to the public every bit of it available to the public every bit of it available to the public every bit of it » and I really hope and wish that » and I really hope and wish that » and I really hope and wish that people would take advantage of that and people would take advantage of that and people would take advantage of that and see the information that we're see the information that we're see the information that we're getting. getting. getting. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Um I answer the vast majority of the » Um I answer the vast majority of the » Um I answer the vast majority of the phone calls that I get. Some I don't cuz phone calls that I get. Some I don't cuz phone calls that I get. Some I don't cuz I'm working and some people don't leave I'm working and some people don't leave I'm working and some people don't leave call back numbers or really messages call back numbers or really messages call back numbers or really messages that make me want to call them back to that make me want to call them back to that make me want to call them back to be honest. be honest. be honest. » Um I talk to a lot of people. Um I get a » Um I talk to a lot of people. Um I get a » Um I talk to a lot of people. Um I get a lot of emails. lot of emails. lot of emails. I digest all of that because that's our I digest all of that because that's our I digest all of that because that's our job. But every we talk through our job. But every we talk through our job. But every we talk through our decisions at our work sessions. If you decisions at our work sessions. If you decisions at our work sessions. If you get opportunities to to to sit through a get opportunities to to to sit through a get opportunities to to to sit through a work session, you'll see the work session, you'll see the work session, you'll see the conversation that happens before we conversation that happens before we conversation that happens before we ultimately then leave there and ultimately then leave there and ultimately then leave there and digest that and then come back to make a digest that and then come back to make a digest that and then come back to make a decision at a regular meeting. decision at a regular meeting. decision at a regular meeting. » I think the difference between the » I think the difference between the » I think the difference between the scariest piece that I talked about the scariest piece that I talked about the scariest piece that I talked about like with my dad's business and what we like with my dad's business and what we like with my dad's business and what we do here is the opportunity to do here is the opportunity to do here is the opportunity to communicate and be transparent. Y communicate and be transparent. Y communicate and be transparent. Y » you think about a jury or a grand jury, » you think about a jury or a grand jury, » you think about a jury or a grand jury, you can't communicate about it. You you can't communicate about it. You you can't communicate about it. You can't talk about it. You can't say this can't talk about it. You can't say this can't talk about it. You can't say this is what we're really talking about or is what we're really talking about or is what we're really talking about or these are the facts that came before us these are the facts that came before us these are the facts that came before us because then it's all just if you can't because then it's all just if you can't because then it's all just if you can't do that, then it's all just perception. do that, then it's all just perception. do that, then it's all just perception. So, what I would say is So, what I would say is So, what I would say is if somebody wants to run for I I want if somebody wants to run for I I want if somebody wants to run for I I want homeowners, business owners, homeowners, business owners, homeowners, business owners, entrepreneurs to run, right? Like I saw entrepreneurs to run, right? Like I saw entrepreneurs to run, right? Like I saw I I do my best to stay off of social I I do my best to stay off of social I I do my best to stay off of social media. media. media. » Yeah. Um, » Yeah. Um, » Yeah. Um, » easier said than done. » easier said than done. » easier said than done. » It is easier said than done, but » It is easier said than done, but » It is easier said than done, but somebody um had posted something the somebody um had posted something the somebody um had posted something the other day like, you know, other day like, you know, other day like, you know, I can't remember what it said, but it I can't remember what it said, but it I can't remember what it said, but it was, you know, oh well, our mayor works was, you know, oh well, our mayor works was, you know, oh well, our mayor works in technology, so you know, in technology, so you know, in technology, so you know, » oh, » oh, » oh, » should he have a voice in this? And so » should he have a voice in this? And so » should he have a voice in this? And so my thought was, so are we looking for my thought was, so are we looking for my thought was, so are we looking for people to to serve our community that people to to serve our community that people to to serve our community that don't own a home, that don't work don't own a home, that don't work don't own a home, that don't work because they're, you know, I mean, what because they're, you know, I mean, what because they're, you know, I mean, what if we have a a commissioner that's a if we have a a commissioner that's a if we have a a commissioner that's a plumber and we start talking about our plumber and we start talking about our plumber and we start talking about our storm sewer system? Oh my gosh, there's, storm sewer system? Oh my gosh, there's, storm sewer system? Oh my gosh, there's, you know, you know, you know, » conflict of interest. » conflict of interest. » conflict of interest. » And it's not even conflict. Listen, my » And it's not even conflict. Listen, my » And it's not even conflict. Listen, my company has nothing to do. We've got we company has nothing to do. We've got we company has nothing to do. We've got we have no business with city of El Dredo. have no business with city of El Dredo. have no business with city of El Dredo. » Um, my company did uh some technology » Um, my company did uh some technology » Um, my company did uh some technology work years ago for the community college uh years ago for the community college uh years ago for the community college uh because we work in higher education. because we work in higher education. because we work in higher education. There's there's nothing that happens at There's there's nothing that happens at There's there's nothing that happens at the city level in any of the decisions the city level in any of the decisions the city level in any of the decisions that I make that financially benefit me that I make that financially benefit me that I make that financially benefit me other than trying to find ways to lower other than trying to find ways to lower other than trying to find ways to lower property taxes and lower taxes because property taxes and lower taxes because property taxes and lower taxes because benefits all of us. Whatever benefits me benefits all of us. Whatever benefits me benefits all of us. Whatever benefits me benefits everybody. benefits everybody. benefits everybody. » Yeah. Which is perfect. » Yeah. Which is perfect. » Yeah. Which is perfect. » And so » And so » And so yeah. So, so it's it's I want people yeah. So, so it's it's I want people yeah. So, so it's it's I want people that are invested in our community. I that are invested in our community. I that are invested in our community. I want people that have again want people that have again want people that have again businesses that are homeowners that businesses that are homeowners that businesses that are homeowners that are raising their families here to want are raising their families here to want are raising their families here to want to run and be a part of the to run and be a part of the to run and be a part of the conversation, an active, constructive conversation, an active, constructive conversation, an active, constructive part of the conversation. part of the conversation. part of the conversation. » I like how you say someone that's making » I like how you say someone that's making » I like how you say someone that's making this home, right? If you're if this is this home, right? If you're if this is this home, right? If you're if this is going to be your home for ever, like get going to be your home for ever, like get going to be your home for ever, like get involved, right? Like invest into making involved, right? Like invest into making involved, right? Like invest into making this a better home. Um, and I I just I this a better home. Um, and I I just I this a better home. Um, and I I just I want to be clear because, you know, this want to be clear because, you know, this want to be clear because, you know, this is not going to be my home forever. is not going to be my home forever. is not going to be my home forever. » Sure. » Sure. » Sure. » Someday when my daughter is married and » Someday when my daughter is married and » Someday when my daughter is married and has kids, cuz we've got one kid. And my has kids, cuz we've got one kid. And my has kids, cuz we've got one kid. And my daughter was fortunate enough to grow up daughter was fortunate enough to grow up daughter was fortunate enough to grow up in a town or grow up near her in a town or grow up near her in a town or grow up near her grandparents and has great relationships grandparents and has great relationships grandparents and has great relationships with my wife's mom and with my mom and with my wife's mom and with my mom and with my wife's mom and with my mom and dad. You know, someday, wherever she dad. You know, someday, wherever she dad. You know, someday, wherever she ends up, someday she's in the army, so ends up, someday she's in the army, so ends up, someday she's in the army, so it's going to be a while from now, DE it's going to be a while from now, DE it's going to be a while from now, DE and I will probably move closer to her, and I will probably move closer to her, and I will probably move closer to her, but we're fully invested here now. We h but we're fully invested here now. We h but we're fully invested here now. We h I have been for 35 years. You know, we I have been for 35 years. You know, we I have been for 35 years. You know, we have owned homes for 27 of those years. have owned homes for 27 of those years. have owned homes for 27 of those years. I we will celebrate our 29th anniversary I we will celebrate our 29th anniversary I we will celebrate our 29th anniversary this year. this year. this year. » Awesome. » Awesome. » Awesome. » You know, we're this is this is our » You know, we're this is this is our » You know, we're this is this is our home. So, I'm not making any promises home. So, I'm not making any promises home. So, I'm not making any promises I'm going to be here for the rest of my I'm going to be here for the rest of my I'm going to be here for the rest of my life because at some point I'm going to life because at some point I'm going to life because at some point I'm going to go be near my grandkids. go be near my grandkids. go be near my grandkids. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Quite a way quite a while from now. » Quite a way quite a while from now. » Quite a way quite a while from now. » Yeah. No pressure, daughter. » Yeah. No pressure, daughter. » Yeah. No pressure, daughter. » No. None. None. If if you're watching » No. None. None. If if you're watching » No. None. None. If if you're watching this from your army base in Germany, no this from your army base in Germany, no this from your army base in Germany, no pressure. Please do not start having pressure. Please do not start having pressure. Please do not start having kids yet. kids yet. kids yet. » Um » Um » Um » Yeah. No, that's good. That's good. A » Yeah. No, that's good. That's good. A » Yeah. No, that's good. That's good. A good example. Transparency again. And I good example. Transparency again. And I good example. Transparency again. And I I think saying forever's uh you know, I think saying forever's uh you know, I think saying forever's uh you know, that's a tough ask for anybody. um that's a tough ask for anybody. um that's a tough ask for anybody. um talk about trust and we can go talk about trust and we can go talk about trust and we can go specific deltoid I think government as a specific deltoid I think government as a specific deltoid I think government as a whole and communication so tr whole and communication so tr whole and communication so tr communication doesn't always solve trust if you don't doesn't always solve trust if you don't doesn't always solve trust if you don't trust the way it's being communicated um trust the way it's being communicated um trust the way it's being communicated um or maybe you don't identify where it's or maybe you don't identify where it's or maybe you don't identify where it's being communicated so that's a lot of being communicated so that's a lot of being communicated so that's a lot of stuff I'm seeing right now especially stuff I'm seeing right now especially stuff I'm seeing right now especially with the trendy topic of the data center with the trendy topic of the data center with the trendy topic of the data center so so so » right » right » right » unpack that like where can they find » unpack that like where can they find » unpack that like where can they find this information I've learned even quite this information I've learned even quite this information I've learned even quite a bit more in the last 3 or 4 quite a bit more in the last 3 or 4 quite a bit more in the last 3 or 4 months having Sarah and Dyler on the months having Sarah and Dyler on the months having Sarah and Dyler on the podcast about the how much is podcast about the how much is podcast about the how much is documented, how to get access to it, documented, how to get access to it, documented, how to get access to it, where it's at. But it's also not where it's at. But it's also not where it's at. But it's also not where anyone's at. And that's anyone's at. And that's anyone's at. And that's » it is it is the hardest the hardest » it is it is the hardest the hardest » it is it is the hardest the hardest thing that I think the biggest challenge thing that I think the biggest challenge thing that I think the biggest challenge that we have is trying to get that we have is trying to get that we have is trying to get information to people where they're at. information to people where they're at. information to people where they're at. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Yeah. » It it's it's tough because you know, do » It it's it's tough because you know, do » It it's it's tough because you know, do you focus on X? Do you focus on you focus on X? Do you focus on you focus on X? Do you focus on Facebook? Do you focus on podcasts? Do Facebook? Do you focus on podcasts? Do Facebook? Do you focus on podcasts? Do you focus on our website? you focus on our website? you focus on our website? » You know, we still have a a portion of » You know, we still have a a portion of » You know, we still have a a portion of our population that takes the paper. our population that takes the paper. our population that takes the paper. » You know, it's it's it's tough and you » You know, it's it's it's tough and you » You know, it's it's it's tough and you we but we we are doing our best to try we but we we are doing our best to try we but we we are doing our best to try to get as much information out in as to get as much information out in as to get as much information out in as many different formats as we can. I many different formats as we can. I many different formats as we can. I mean, Dylan does a great job with his mean, Dylan does a great job with his mean, Dylan does a great job with his weekly managers minute or whatever it weekly managers minute or whatever it weekly managers minute or whatever it is. It's great. is. It's great. is. It's great. » Yeah. He does Friday. There's there's » Yeah. He does Friday. There's there's » Yeah. He does Friday. There's there's there's constant information being there's constant information being there's constant information being updated on our website. Um we we put you updated on our website. Um we we put you updated on our website. Um we we put you know newsletters or information packets know newsletters or information packets know newsletters or information packets and all the water bills that go out and all the water bills that go out and all the water bills that go out which go to every residence which go to every residence which go to every residence » in the city. So now there's a lot of » in the city. So now there's a lot of » in the city. So now there's a lot of people and I'm one of them that is people and I'm one of them that is people and I'm one of them that is guilty of this that don't really open my guilty of this that don't really open my guilty of this that don't really open my water bill because I just pay it right. water bill because I just pay it right. water bill because I just pay it right. And so it's it's » I don't know. We try to have we try to » I don't know. We try to have we try to have forums when we do um Goldfest, you have forums when we do um Goldfest, you have forums when we do um Goldfest, you know, every year at Goldfest, we've got know, every year at Goldfest, we've got know, every year at Goldfest, we've got a tent set up for the city that had a tent set up for the city that had a tent set up for the city that had whatever the current topic is. There's whatever the current topic is. There's whatever the current topic is. There's information there about it. I would I information there about it. I would I information there about it. I would I would say that would say that would say that we're working hard towards it, but it is we're working hard towards it, but it is we're working hard towards it, but it is we're it's it's not complete. we're it's it's not complete. we're it's it's not complete. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Yeah. » And we're trying to figure it out. We're » And we're trying to figure it out. We're » And we're trying to figure it out. We're trying to figure out better ways to get trying to figure out better ways to get trying to figure out better ways to get it out. When you talk about trust it out. When you talk about trust it out. When you talk about trust though, I I think that local municipal governance is where I local municipal governance is where I want to be because want to be because want to be because I don't like paying taxes any more than I don't like paying taxes any more than I don't like paying taxes any more than the next. I there's never been a time the next. I there's never been a time the next. I there's never been a time that I've done cartwheels on my way to that I've done cartwheels on my way to that I've done cartwheels on my way to the sponsor of government. the sponsor of government. the sponsor of government. » I am the sponsor of government. I want I » I am the sponsor of government. I want I » I am the sponsor of government. I want I want small government want small government want small government by bacon sticker. by bacon sticker. by bacon sticker. I uh I've never Yeah, I've never done I uh I've never Yeah, I've never done I uh I've never Yeah, I've never done cartwheels on my way to the tax office cartwheels on my way to the tax office cartwheels on my way to the tax office to pay my taxes ever. I It's And if you to pay my taxes ever. I It's And if you to pay my taxes ever. I It's And if you ever see me doing it, you know, run me ever see me doing it, you know, run me ever see me doing it, you know, run me over cuz I've been Something's infected over cuz I've been Something's infected over cuz I've been Something's infected me. Um but here's what I would say is me. Um but here's what I would say is me. Um but here's what I would say is there's levels of taxes that you pay. there's levels of taxes that you pay. there's levels of taxes that you pay. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Yeah. » You pay your municipal taxes. You should » You pay your municipal taxes. You should » You pay your municipal taxes. You should be able to go out and touch the streets be able to go out and touch the streets be able to go out and touch the streets that your taxes are paying for. Shake that your taxes are paying for. Shake that your taxes are paying for. Shake the hand of the fireman and the police the hand of the fireman and the police the hand of the fireman and the police officer that your taxes are paying for. officer that your taxes are paying for. officer that your taxes are paying for. It's tangible things, right? It's the It's tangible things, right? It's the It's tangible things, right? It's the parks, it's the pool, it's that you can parks, it's the pool, it's that you can parks, it's the pool, it's that you can you can really see you can really see you can really see for the most part where your taxes are for the most part where your taxes are for the most part where your taxes are going, going, going, » right? » right? » right? » Um, school districts should be the same » Um, school districts should be the same » Um, school districts should be the same way, right? You can you can see the new way, right? You can you can see the new way, right? You can you can see the new schools, you should be able to see schools, you should be able to see schools, you should be able to see quality education happening, you know, quality education happening, you know, quality education happening, you know, all of these things, um, college, it's all of these things, um, college, it's all of these things, um, college, it's look, when we get to the state and look, when we get to the state and look, when we get to the state and federal level and the money that we're federal level and the money that we're federal level and the money that we're just shoveling off to our state in our just shoveling off to our state in our just shoveling off to our state in our state and federal taxes, it kind of state and federal taxes, it kind of state and federal taxes, it kind of disappears into outer space. We don't disappears into outer space. We don't disappears into outer space. We don't know where it goes and what happens to know where it goes and what happens to know where it goes and what happens to it. It's tough. So, what I try to do to it. It's tough. So, what I try to do to it. It's tough. So, what I try to do to build trust is is during our budget build trust is is during our budget build trust is is during our budget process, we talk extensively about this process, we talk extensively about this process, we talk extensively about this line item, where this money goes, how line item, where this money goes, how line item, where this money goes, how much we're going to be spending on much we're going to be spending on much we're going to be spending on streets, how much we're going to be streets, how much we're going to be streets, how much we're going to be spending on these parks, and it is all spending on these parks, and it is all spending on these parks, and it is all laid out. And again, that budget is laid out. And again, that budget is laid out. And again, that budget is fully available for anyone to go to our fully available for anyone to go to our fully available for anyone to go to our website and review if they need some website and review if they need some website and review if they need some quality reading that's hundreds of pages quality reading that's hundreds of pages quality reading that's hundreds of pages long, long, long, » right? you know, we everything that we » right? you know, we everything that we » right? you know, we everything that we do is put in front of the public. do is put in front of the public. do is put in front of the public. » And why is there still an » And why is there still an » And why is there still an opportunity for the public to say that's opportunity for the public to say that's opportunity for the public to say that's not true? not true? not true? » Because they because they're not trying » Because they because they're not trying » Because they because they're not trying to find the information or they're not to find the information or they're not to find the information or they're not or they're not reading the information. or they're not reading the information. or they're not reading the information. » Yeah, » Yeah, » Yeah, » there's so there's and I just will be » there's so there's and I just will be » there's so there's and I just will be totally frank about this, right? There's totally frank about this, right? There's totally frank about this, right? There's also a portion, and it's a very small also a portion, and it's a very small also a portion, and it's a very small portion of our public portion of our public portion of our public that when I when I first ran for city that when I when I first ran for city that when I when I first ran for city commission years ago, I was talking to commission years ago, I was talking to commission years ago, I was talking to some older commissioners and they some older commissioners and they some older commissioners and they warned me that there's cave people. warned me that there's cave people. warned me that there's cave people. There's citizens against virtually There's citizens against virtually There's citizens against virtually everything. So, it doesn't matter. You everything. So, it doesn't matter. You everything. So, it doesn't matter. You know, my grandpa told me when I decided know, my grandpa told me when I decided know, my grandpa told me when I decided to do this, he said, you know, remember to do this, he said, you know, remember to do this, he said, you know, remember Billy, you can't please 100% of the Billy, you can't please 100% of the Billy, you can't please 100% of the people 100% of the time. people 100% of the time. people 100% of the time. And there's, you know, five or 10% of And there's, you know, five or 10% of And there's, you know, five or 10% of the people that no matter what you do, the people that no matter what you do, the people that no matter what you do, it's not going to matter. it's not going to matter. it's not going to matter. » And they can be really loud. » And they can be really loud. » And they can be really loud. » They're the loudest. Our conversation » They're the loudest. Our conversation » They're the loudest. Our conversation the other day oftent times are the other day oftent times are the other day oftent times are the loudest. loudest. loudest. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Yeah. » And so » And so » And so I would I would I would again I I would just if if someone has a again I I would just if if someone has a again I I would just if if someone has a question about the budget, call down to question about the budget, call down to question about the budget, call down to city hall and talk to the city manager. city hall and talk to the city manager. city hall and talk to the city manager. Talk to our assistant city manager, Talk to our assistant city manager, Talk to our assistant city manager, Tabitha. Tabitha. Tabitha. Call me and set up a time to talk to me. Call me and set up a time to talk to me. Call me and set up a time to talk to me. If you want to have a constructive If you want to have a constructive If you want to have a constructive conversation about it, I am more than conversation about it, I am more than conversation about it, I am more than happy to do that. happy to do that. happy to do that. » U most of our I think all of our » U most of our I think all of our » U most of our I think all of our commissioners are commissioners are commissioners are » Yeah. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Um » Um » Um really try to excuse me understand the really try to excuse me understand the really try to excuse me understand the information. information. information. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Yeah. » It's out there. We've got to your point, » It's out there. We've got to your point, » It's out there. We've got to your point, we've got to find better ways to get it we've got to find better ways to get it we've got to find better ways to get it to people. to people. to people. » Yeah. Mediums that are Yeah. » Yeah. Mediums that are Yeah. » Yeah. Mediums that are Yeah. » And I I don't know that answer. I mean, » And I I don't know that answer. I mean, » And I I don't know that answer. I mean, if you guys listen, if you guys have the if you guys listen, if you guys have the if you guys listen, if you guys have the this the secret key to that one, the this the secret key to that one, the this the secret key to that one, » let us know. And if you have the secret » let us know. And if you have the secret » let us know. And if you have the secret key to that one, I would also package it key to that one, I would also package it key to that one, I would also package it up, put it in a book, put it in a up, put it in a book, put it in a up, put it in a book, put it in a package and sell it because then that be package and sell it because then that be package and sell it because then that be your new line of business and your new line of business and your new line of business and municipal, local, county, state, federal municipal, local, county, state, federal municipal, local, county, state, federal government, everyone will try to will government, everyone will try to will government, everyone will try to will try to get that because that is the try to get that because that is the try to get that because that is the struggle is how do we get struggle is how do we get struggle is how do we get » the information out in a in a medium » the information out in a in a medium » the information out in a in a medium that people will consume that people will consume that people will consume » and it's like who owns what. I feel like » and it's like who owns what. I feel like » and it's like who owns what. I feel like that seems complicated to me in a that seems complicated to me in a that seems complicated to me in a local environment. Uh, right. local environment. Uh, right. local environment. Uh, right. You've got city manager, city engineer. You've got city manager, city engineer. You've got city manager, city engineer. There's there's a lot of buckets. There's there's a lot of buckets. There's there's a lot of buckets. The financial side, whoever that is. Um, financial side, whoever that is. Um, financial side, whoever that is. Um, then you've got all your commissioners, then you've got all your commissioners, then you've got all your commissioners, mayor, and we should talk about mayor, and we should talk about mayor, and we should talk about that, too. The difference between you that, too. The difference between you that, too. The difference between you and a commissioner, I think, is and a commissioner, I think, is and a commissioner, I think, is important for people to know. important for people to know. important for people to know. » Yeah. So, so I think it's also important » Yeah. So, so I think it's also important » Yeah. So, so I think it's also important to put a little caveat in here that um to put a little caveat in here that um to put a little caveat in here that um that I am what I'm saying today is my that I am what I'm saying today is my that I am what I'm saying today is my voice as a citizen. Yeah, voice as a citizen. Yeah, voice as a citizen. Yeah, » because as mayor I'm one of five » because as mayor I'm one of five » because as mayor I'm one of five commissioners. I just happen to be the commissioners. I just happen to be the commissioners. I just happen to be the one sitting in the middle of the dis up one sitting in the middle of the dis up one sitting in the middle of the dis up there and happen to be the one that gets there and happen to be the one that gets there and happen to be the one that gets to run the meetings and to run the meetings and to run the meetings and » and go to the ribbon cutings and you » and go to the ribbon cutings and you » and go to the ribbon cutings and you know » be the » be the » be the be the face of the commission which I be the face of the commission which I be the face of the commission which I don't know how well that works out but don't know how well that works out but don't know how well that works out but um but we are we are a commission but um but we are we are a commission but um but we are we are a commission manager form of government. We're the manager form of government. We're the manager form of government. We're the second one in the in the country when we second one in the in the country when we second one in the in the country when we started. Um there's a ton of them all started. Um there's a ton of them all started. Um there's a ton of them all over the country over the last hundred over the country over the last hundred over the country over the last hundred years. years. years. » In our form of government, you've got a » In our form of government, you've got a » In our form of government, you've got a commission that decides policy, decides commission that decides policy, decides commission that decides policy, decides budget, budget, budget, » and then they ask a professional city » and then they ask a professional city » and then they ask a professional city manager who's trained to be a city manager who's trained to be a city manager who's trained to be a city manager to execute our policy, our manager to execute our policy, our manager to execute our policy, our vision, and our budget. We don't man I vision, and our budget. We don't man I vision, and our budget. We don't man I don't manage um anyone at the city. don't manage um anyone at the city. don't manage um anyone at the city. » Yep. » Yep. » Yep. » Other than David Der, the city manager. » Other than David Der, the city manager. » Other than David Der, the city manager. That's who the commission manages. He That's who the commission manages. He That's who the commission manages. He reports to us. All the rest of the city reports to us. All the rest of the city reports to us. All the rest of the city employees report to him. And this is not employees report to him. And this is not employees report to him. And this is not me trying to throw David under the bus me trying to throw David under the bus me trying to throw David under the bus and say, "David, do you know, but and say, "David, do you know, but and say, "David, do you know, but um but um but um » he's CEO. » he's CEO. » he's CEO. » He is the CEO. We're the board of » He is the CEO. We're the board of » He is the CEO. We're the board of directors." Um directors." Um directors." Um » so that's that's our form of government. » so that's that's our form of government. » so that's that's our form of government. We We We » are individual voices. We cannot enact » are individual voices. We cannot enact » are individual voices. We cannot enact policy unless three of the five of us policy unless three of the five of us policy unless three of the five of us agree to it. And then once the way agree to it. And then once the way agree to it. And then once the way it's supposed to work is once the policy it's supposed to work is once the policy it's supposed to work is once the policy or the vote happens, or the vote happens, or the vote happens, if I disagreed with the vote, but I was if I disagreed with the vote, but I was if I disagreed with the vote, but I was in the minority, once the vote happens, in the minority, once the vote happens, in the minority, once the vote happens, it is policy. And so it's my job then to it is policy. And so it's my job then to it is policy. And so it's my job then to to do what I can to advance that policy to do what I can to advance that policy to do what I can to advance that policy forward. That's the responsible way to forward. That's the responsible way to forward. That's the responsible way to approach um government. approach um government. approach um government. We don't see that happening um often at We don't see that happening um often at We don't see that happening um often at the state and federal levels, right? um the state and federal levels, right? um the state and federal levels, right? um you've got very disparate parties that you've got very disparate parties that you've got very disparate parties that are, you know, one party is in control are, you know, one party is in control are, you know, one party is in control and so when they when the vote happens, and so when they when the vote happens, and so when they when the vote happens, regardless of how bipartisan it may be. regardless of how bipartisan it may be. regardless of how bipartisan it may be. Um once the vote happens, it then Um once the vote happens, it then Um once the vote happens, it then becomes law. I mean, it goes through the becomes law. I mean, it goes through the becomes law. I mean, it goes through the process. Everyone's supposed to say, process. Everyone's supposed to say, process. Everyone's supposed to say, "Okay, that is what it is what it is." "Okay, that is what it is what it is." "Okay, that is what it is what it is." But instead, you just have constant But instead, you just have constant But instead, you just have constant infighting. And and the goal of a infighting. And and the goal of a infighting. And and the goal of a commission manager form of government is commission manager form of government is commission manager form of government is that you eliminate that infighting, that you eliminate that infighting, that you eliminate that infighting, » right? So, » right? So, » right? So, we're not talking about parties and we're not talking about parties and we're not talking about parties and partisanship. we talk about the issue partisanship. we talk about the issue partisanship. we talk about the issue » or even like sectors or regions of » or even like sectors or regions of » or even like sectors or regions of Elder. Elder. Elder. » No, not at all. No, » No, not at all. No, » No, not at all. No, » every commissioner represents the whole » every commissioner represents the whole » every commissioner represents the whole » Yeah. So, that did change, you know, » Yeah. So, that did change, you know, » Yeah. So, that did change, you know, quite a few years ago, we had precincts, quite a few years ago, we had precincts, quite a few years ago, we had precincts, but now but now but now » Oh, we did have precincts back. I didn't » Oh, we did have precincts back. I didn't » Oh, we did have precincts back. I didn't know that. know that. know that. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Now, every commissioner and » Now, every commissioner and » Now, every commissioner and the mayor is is at large. So, every time the mayor is is at large. So, every time the mayor is is at large. So, every time there's a commissioner up for election, there's a commissioner up for election, there's a commissioner up for election, the entire city votes for that the entire city votes for that the entire city votes for that commission. Commissioner. Okay. Mayor is commission. Commissioner. Okay. Mayor is commission. Commissioner. Okay. Mayor is the same way. mayor serves two years, the same way. mayor serves two years, the same way. mayor serves two years, each commissioner serves four years. Um, each commissioner serves four years. Um, each commissioner serves four years. Um, I thought that was like a plus when I I thought that was like a plus when I I thought that was like a plus when I first ran for mayor. I'm like, "Oh, first ran for mayor. I'm like, "Oh, first ran for mayor. I'm like, "Oh, sweet. I only got to do this two years." sweet. I only got to do this two years." sweet. I only got to do this two years." Um, but uh but you know, I six years Um, but uh but you know, I six years Um, but uh but you know, I six years later, later, later, » six years later and I love it. No, » six years later and I love it. No, » six years later and I love it. No, part of me is I'm not saying that part of me is I'm not saying that part of me is I'm not saying that begrudgingly. begrudgingly. begrudgingly. » Um I love doing it, » Um I love doing it, » Um I love doing it, » but that's kind of that's kind of where » but that's kind of that's kind of where » but that's kind of that's kind of where we're at, right? So my role is is more we're at, right? So my role is is more we're at, right? So my role is is more » of a of a a little bit of a leadership, » of a of a a little bit of a leadership, » of a of a a little bit of a leadership, a little bit of a director, a little I a little bit of a director, a little I a little bit of a director, a little I meaning like a an orchestra meaning like a an orchestra meaning like a an orchestra director, you know, just I'm just kind director, you know, just I'm just kind director, you know, just I'm just kind of um running the meetings, making sure of um running the meetings, making sure of um running the meetings, making sure that » that we're a staying on topic, b staying » that we're a staying on topic, b staying » that we're a staying on topic, b staying within policy, and c, you know, within policy, and c, you know, within policy, and c, you know, » trying to make sure it runs smoothly. » trying to make sure it runs smoothly. » trying to make sure it runs smoothly. » It's ceremonial, which is the fun part » It's ceremonial, which is the fun part » It's ceremonial, which is the fun part to be honest. getting to go to ribbon to be honest. getting to go to ribbon to be honest. getting to go to ribbon cutings and go talk at the schools and cutings and go talk at the schools and cutings and go talk at the schools and just do different things, right? just do different things, right? just do different things, right? » Um, » Um, » Um, » but it's not Listen, it's important for » but it's not Listen, it's important for » but it's not Listen, it's important for and everyone that knows me understands and everyone that knows me understands and everyone that knows me understands this, but it's important to understand this, but it's important to understand this, but it's important to understand that it's not my identity. I'm not I'm that it's not my identity. I'm not I'm that it's not my identity. I'm not I'm » sure » sure » sure » I get to serve as mayor. I don't walk » I get to serve as mayor. I don't walk » I get to serve as mayor. I don't walk around and be like, "Hi, I'm I'm Mayor around and be like, "Hi, I'm I'm Mayor around and be like, "Hi, I'm I'm Mayor Young. It's good to meet you." You know, Young. It's good to meet you." You know, Young. It's good to meet you." You know, Mary Young. Mary Young. Mary Young. » And it drives me nuts when I when I call » And it drives me nuts when I when I call » And it drives me nuts when I when I call somebody and they answer the phone, Mr. somebody and they answer the phone, Mr. somebody and they answer the phone, Mr. Mayor. I'm like, Mayor. I'm like, Mayor. I'm like, » I did it to you, too. And that and you » I did it to you, too. And that and you » I did it to you, too. And that and you were like the fourth person I called were like the fourth person I called were like the fourth person I called that day. I'm like, dude, seriously, that day. I'm like, dude, seriously, that day. I'm like, dude, seriously, » come on. I'm Bill. I want to be Bill. » come on. I'm Bill. I want to be Bill. » come on. I'm Bill. I want to be Bill. » Please just call me Bill. » Please just call me Bill. » Please just call me Bill. » All right, I I'll call you Bill from now » All right, I I'll call you Bill from now » All right, I I'll call you Bill from now on. I, you know, I I think of it as a on. I, you know, I I think of it as a on. I, you know, I I think of it as a sign of respect. sign of respect. sign of respect. » I appreciate honestly selfishly, it's » I appreciate honestly selfishly, it's » I appreciate honestly selfishly, it's just kind of fun to say. just kind of fun to say. just kind of fun to say. » You know, it makes you feel kind of » You know, it makes you feel kind of » You know, it makes you feel kind of important on the other side, Bill, when important on the other side, Bill, when important on the other side, Bill, when you go, "Mr. Mayor, how can I help you?" you go, "Mr. Mayor, how can I help you?" you go, "Mr. Mayor, how can I help you?" » Well, look, guys, the mayor's calling » Well, look, guys, the mayor's calling » Well, look, guys, the mayor's calling me. The mayor's calling me. It was so me. The mayor's calling me. It was so me. The mayor's calling me. It was so funny when Analise went to school. Well, funny when Analise went to school. Well, funny when Analise went to school. Well, she went to college at TCU, an Army ROC she went to college at TCU, an Army ROC she went to college at TCU, an Army ROC down in Texas, and her roommates, down in Texas, and her roommates, down in Texas, and her roommates, you know, they got to know each other you know, they got to know each other you know, they got to know each other and learn about their families and she's and learn about their families and she's and learn about their families and she's like, "Yeah, my dad's the mayor of like, "Yeah, my dad's the mayor of like, "Yeah, my dad's the mayor of Elder." And they thought like, "Yeah, Elder." And they thought like, "Yeah, Elder." And they thought like, "Yeah, that's the same as being the mayor of that's the same as being the mayor of that's the same as being the mayor of New York or something, right?" Like, "Oh New York or something, right?" Like, "Oh New York or something, right?" Like, "Oh my god, your dad's the mayor." my god, your dad's the mayor." my god, your dad's the mayor." » She's like, "No, no, not the same thing. » She's like, "No, no, not the same thing. » She's like, "No, no, not the same thing. » It is not the same thing." » It is not the same thing." » It is not the same thing." » And that's I I appreciate all your » And that's I I appreciate all your » And that's I I appreciate all your transparency on that. I think it's transparency on that. I think it's transparency on that. I think it's important for everybody and like all important for everybody and like all important for everybody and like all rural small towns across America that rural small towns across America that rural small towns across America that have similar forms of government as us have similar forms of government as us have similar forms of government as us that this is I mean yes there's a little that this is I mean yes there's a little that this is I mean yes there's a little money there's uh maybe access that money there's uh maybe access that money there's uh maybe access that other people don't have right but that other people don't have right but that other people don't have right but that access is access is access is » built on trust cuz they were voted in » built on trust cuz they were voted in » built on trust cuz they were voted in » to be able to be in these conversations » to be able to be in these conversations » to be able to be in these conversations in these work sessions coming up with a in these work sessions coming up with a in these work sessions coming up with a vote of their own. Um, but I think just vote of their own. Um, but I think just vote of their own. Um, but I think just that transparency of it's volunteer is that transparency of it's volunteer is that transparency of it's volunteer is probably a pretty good description of probably a pretty good description of probably a pretty good description of like people need to view our like people need to view our like people need to view our commissioners as like they've stepped up commissioners as like they've stepped up commissioners as like they've stepped up and they've volunteered to be in the and they've volunteered to be in the and they've volunteered to be in the spot. We've also voted them in and they spot. We've also voted them in and they spot. We've also voted them in and they do owe us. do owe us. do owe us. » Absolutely. » Absolutely. » Absolutely. » They owe us to do a good job, right? And » They owe us to do a good job, right? And » They owe us to do a good job, right? And that you shouldn't run unless you're that you shouldn't run unless you're that you shouldn't run unless you're planning on doing a good job. Um, but I planning on doing a good job. Um, but I planning on doing a good job. Um, but I I it's very different than a career I it's very different than a career I it's very different than a career politician. And it's people living in politician. And it's people living in politician. And it's people living in our community that are our neighbors and our community that are our neighbors and our community that are our neighbors and they're doing God's work they're doing God's work they're doing God's work » trying to keep this down. » trying to keep this down. » trying to keep this down. » So, » So, » So, you know, your access is a big piece of you know, your access is a big piece of you know, your access is a big piece of that, right? So, that, right? So, that, right? So, there is information we have there is information we have there is information we have occasionally, and we don't do them very occasionally, and we don't do them very occasionally, and we don't do them very often, but we have occasionally often, but we have occasionally often, but we have occasionally executive sessions. executive sessions. executive sessions. » Yep. » Yep. » Yep. » Where we're talking about land » Where we're talking about land » Where we're talking about land acquisition or or personnel. I mean, we acquisition or or personnel. I mean, we acquisition or or personnel. I mean, we have access to information that is not have access to information that is not have access to information that is not public for a reason. Yeah, public for a reason. Yeah, public for a reason. Yeah, » personnel information should not be » personnel information should not be » personnel information should not be public, just like your HR records in public, just like your HR records in public, just like your HR records in your company are public to people. your company are public to people. your company are public to people. » Um, I think there's this » Um, I think there's this » Um, I think there's this misconception sometimes across the board misconception sometimes across the board misconception sometimes across the board with our public employees, with our city with our public employees, with our city with our public employees, with our city employees that, oh, I I I'm a taxpayer. employees that, oh, I I I'm a taxpayer. employees that, oh, I I I'm a taxpayer. I pay your wages. Well, they're also an I pay your wages. Well, they're also an I pay your wages. Well, they're also an employee and they're also a person. And employee and they're also a person. And employee and they're also a person. And just like every person, they have lives. just like every person, they have lives. just like every person, they have lives. They've got personal lives. They've got They've got personal lives. They've got They've got personal lives. They've got things going on in their lives that are things going on in their lives that are things going on in their lives that are really no one else's business. And none really no one else's business. And none really no one else's business. And none of us know what is going on in each of us know what is going on in each of us know what is going on in each other's lives. Yeah. Completely. And we other's lives. Yeah. Completely. And we other's lives. Yeah. Completely. And we shouldn't. Um we should all have shouldn't. Um we should all have shouldn't. Um we should all have opportunities to protect some of that. opportunities to protect some of that. opportunities to protect some of that. » And so I'm as open as I can be about » And so I'm as open as I can be about » And so I'm as open as I can be about everything in my life. And my life is everything in my life. And my life is everything in my life. And my life is really pretty much an open book. really pretty much an open book. really pretty much an open book. » But you know, I don't expect that from » But you know, I don't expect that from » But you know, I don't expect that from » um the you know, one of my street » um the you know, one of my street » um the you know, one of my street employees or one of my water employees or one of my water employees or one of my water employees to just share their entire life with the to just share their entire life with the to just share their entire life with the community if they don't want to. And so community if they don't want to. And so community if they don't want to. And so some of those issues, you know, when it some of those issues, you know, when it some of those issues, you know, when it becomes something that needs to be dealt becomes something that needs to be dealt becomes something that needs to be dealt with from an HR perspective may come with from an HR perspective may come with from an HR perspective may come into non-elected personnel executive into non-elected personnel executive into non-elected personnel executive session because we want to talk about session because we want to talk about session because we want to talk about how we help somebody or how we how we help somebody or how we how we help somebody or how we advi, you know, how we instruct the city advi, you know, how we instruct the city advi, you know, how we instruct the city manager to deal with something without manager to deal with something without manager to deal with something without the public being involved because it's the public being involved because it's the public being involved because it's it's not their place. It's a private it's not their place. It's a private it's not their place. It's a private matter. And then there's land matter. And then there's land matter. And then there's land acquisition stuff which is contracts. We acquisition stuff which is contracts. We acquisition stuff which is contracts. We can't talk about that because it will can't talk about that because it will can't talk about that because it will unduly influence unduly influence unduly influence » u potential investments but you know all » u potential investments but you know all » u potential investments but you know all of that stuff. Now any decision that we of that stuff. Now any decision that we of that stuff. Now any decision that we make is always made in the public. Yeah, make is always made in the public. Yeah, make is always made in the public. Yeah, » it is always made in and I have » it is always made in and I have » it is always made in and I have » there have been times in my life, not in » there have been times in my life, not in » there have been times in my life, not in my political career, not in my my political career, not in my my political career, not in my time on the commission, but there have time on the commission, but there have time on the commission, but there have been times in my life as a citizen of El been times in my life as a citizen of El been times in my life as a citizen of El Dredo » that I've seen or known that decisions » that I've seen or known that decisions » that I've seen or known that decisions have been fully made behind closed doors have been fully made behind closed doors have been fully made behind closed doors and not shared with the public. and not shared with the public. and not shared with the public. » And it was a commitment of mine when I » And it was a commitment of mine when I » And it was a commitment of mine when I became commissioner the first time that became commissioner the first time that became commissioner the first time that was not going to be the case. that was not going to be the case. that was not going to be the case. » Some of those discussions may happen » Some of those discussions may happen » Some of those discussions may happen behind closed doors. those discussions behind closed doors. those discussions behind closed doors. those discussions » around the contract, but if we're going » around the contract, but if we're going » around the contract, but if we're going to execute a contract of some sort, it to execute a contract of some sort, it to execute a contract of some sort, it that conversation is going to happen in that conversation is going to happen in that conversation is going to happen in public. public. public. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Yeah. » And it has to » And it has to » And it has to » um because we have to have that » um because we have to have that » um because we have to have that transparency and the public needs to transparency and the public needs to transparency and the public needs to know what's going on. know what's going on. know what's going on. So when we talk about things like So when we talk about things like So when we talk about things like bringing a new business to town when bringing a new business to town when bringing a new business to town when BG products or Barton Solvents came when BG products or Barton Solvents came when BG products or Barton Solvents came to town, right, there were conversations to town, right, there were conversations to town, right, there were conversations behind closed doors, but all of the behind closed doors, but all of the behind closed doors, but all of the decisions and all of the results of decisions and all of the results of decisions and all of the results of those conversations those conversations those conversations » and kind of an afteraction report like a » and kind of an afteraction report like a » and kind of an afteraction report like a a readout a readout a readout » happened at the you know in front of the » happened at the you know in front of the » happened at the you know in front of the camera. Yeah. camera. Yeah. camera. Yeah. » It's how it should happen. » It's how it should happen. » It's how it should happen. » Yeah. Um, another thing I thought would » Yeah. Um, another thing I thought would » Yeah. Um, another thing I thought would be interesting to get your take on, um, be interesting to get your take on, um, be interesting to get your take on, um, as a citizen, how do you view a project as a citizen, how do you view a project as a citizen, how do you view a project like, hey, this is an actual project the like, hey, this is an actual project the like, hey, this is an actual project the city is considering versus, you know, city is considering versus, you know, city is considering versus, you know, there's people looking at our city for there's people looking at our city for there's people looking at our city for things all the time. And an analogy just things all the time. And an analogy just things all the time. And an analogy just to set you up, an analogy I heard that I to set you up, an analogy I heard that I to set you up, an analogy I heard that I really liked was difference between really liked was difference between really liked was difference between like, hey, this project is coming to like, hey, this project is coming to like, hey, this project is coming to like, hey, by the way, people are like, hey, by the way, people are like, hey, by the way, people are looking at houses all the time. So, kind looking at houses all the time. So, kind looking at houses all the time. So, kind of a realer perspective like we don't of a realer perspective like we don't of a realer perspective like we don't know how many people look at this house, know how many people look at this house, know how many people look at this house, right, necessarily. Realators know that right, necessarily. Realators know that right, necessarily. Realators know that represent them. Um, but people are represent them. Um, but people are represent them. Um, but people are looking at houses all the time, but it's looking at houses all the time, but it's looking at houses all the time, but it's not really a deal until someone makes an not really a deal until someone makes an not really a deal until someone makes an offer. And so understanding the project offer. And so understanding the project offer. And so understanding the project versus uh you know people just walking versus uh you know people just walking versus uh you know people just walking through town looking around at land or through town looking around at land or through town looking around at land or opportunities I think is kind of just I opportunities I think is kind of just I opportunities I think is kind of just I you can say as little or as much as you can say as little or as much as you can say as little or as much as you want on that. I think it's want on that. I think it's want on that. I think it's » I can talk about that for days. Um which » I can talk about that for days. Um which » I can talk about that for days. Um which none of us want. So none of us want. So none of us want. So » So I I think the realtor analogy is is a » So I I think the realtor analogy is is a » So I I think the realtor analogy is is a great analogy, right? So, if I'm a great analogy, right? So, if I'm a great analogy, right? So, if I'm a realtor, which I'm not, but if there's realtor, which I'm not, but if there's realtor, which I'm not, but if there's some great, we've got amazing realtors some great, we've got amazing realtors some great, we've got amazing realtors in town and I'm not one of them. But if in town and I'm not one of them. But if in town and I'm not one of them. But if I'm a realtor and somebody wants to list I'm a realtor and somebody wants to list I'm a realtor and somebody wants to list their house with me, I'm listing a their house with me, I'm listing a their house with me, I'm listing a house. What am I going to do? Am I just house. What am I going to do? Am I just house. What am I going to do? Am I just going to throw a sign in the yard and going to throw a sign in the yard and going to throw a sign in the yard and walk away? Or am I going to walk away? Or am I going to walk away? Or am I going to » have the yard nice? Am I going to What » have the yard nice? Am I going to What » have the yard nice? Am I going to What do they Yeah. do they Yeah. do they Yeah. » pose the house, put the furniture, » pose the house, put the furniture, » pose the house, put the furniture, whatever they stage the house. Yeah. whatever they stage the house. Yeah. whatever they stage the house. Yeah. Again, I'm not a realtor. Stage the Again, I'm not a realtor. Stage the Again, I'm not a realtor. Stage the house, take good photos. I'm going to house, take good photos. I'm going to house, take good photos. I'm going to make the house look as appealing as make the house look as appealing as make the house look as appealing as possible because potentially someone's possible because potentially someone's possible because potentially someone's going to want to buy that house. And if going to want to buy that house. And if going to want to buy that house. And if people are looking at that house, I want people are looking at that house, I want people are looking at that house, I want it to be appealing to them. Now, it to be appealing to them. Now, it to be appealing to them. Now, » I also what I'm not going to do is I'm » I also what I'm not going to do is I'm » I also what I'm not going to do is I'm not going to go in a in a standard not going to go in a in a standard not going to go in a in a standard neighborhood. I'm not going to go throw neighborhood. I'm not going to go throw neighborhood. I'm not going to go throw a neon pink coat of paint on it to make a neon pink coat of paint on it to make a neon pink coat of paint on it to make it stand out. Right. So, I'm not going it stand out. Right. So, I'm not going it stand out. Right. So, I'm not going to do things that are adverse to the to do things that are adverse to the to do things that are adverse to the neighborhood, but I want that house. neighborhood, but I want that house. neighborhood, but I want that house. Yeah. You know, so that's a good Yeah. You know, so that's a good Yeah. You know, so that's a good analogy. So what we do at the city, what analogy. So what we do at the city, what analogy. So what we do at the city, what I view the difference between a an I view the difference between a an I view the difference between a an actual project and the potentiality of actual project and the potentiality of actual project and the potentiality of one is we want to put which is what one is we want to put which is what one is we want to put which is what we're going through with the we're going through with the we're going through with the » with the data center conversation now is » with the data center conversation now is » with the data center conversation now is we want to put we want to put we want to put » um rules, regulations, guard rails in » um rules, regulations, guard rails in » um rules, regulations, guard rails in place with through planning and place with through planning and place with through planning and zoning » so that when a project comes to town and » so that when a project comes to town and » so that when a project comes to town and whether it's a data center or an auto whether it's a data center or an auto whether it's a data center or an auto plant or whatever plant or whatever plant or whatever Right. We can then give it a special use Right. We can then give it a special use Right. We can then give it a special use permit. We can wrap some guard rails permit. We can wrap some guard rails permit. We can wrap some guard rails around it and we can say around it and we can say around it and we can say » if you want to bring it to town, I » if you want to bring it to town, I » if you want to bring it to town, I appreciate you coming and talking to us, appreciate you coming and talking to us, appreciate you coming and talking to us, which nobody has talked to us yet, which nobody has talked to us yet, which nobody has talked to us yet, » by the way, » by the way, » by the way, » but I appreciate being the city » but I appreciate being the city » but I appreciate being the city » the city, » the city, » the city, » right? Somebody may have approached » right? Somebody may have approached » right? Somebody may have approached » you if you have land or somebody may » you if you have land or somebody may » you if you have land or somebody may have, but no one is there's not a have, but no one is there's not a have, but no one is there's not a project in front of us. um our economic project in front of us. um our economic project in front of us. um our economic development group is actively out development group is actively out development group is actively out looking for economic development which looking for economic development which looking for economic development which is what they're is what they're is what they're » t Let me clarify that again. Us is the » t Let me clarify that again. Us is the » t Let me clarify that again. Us is the commission. commission. commission. » So two things. Number one, us as the » So two things. Number one, us as the » So two things. Number one, us as the commission and number two there's there commission and number two there's there commission and number two there's there are zero formal or really informal there are zero formal or really informal there are zero formal or really informal projects being presented to us at to us as the being presented to us at to us as the being presented to us at to us as the city commission at all. city commission at all. city commission at all. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Um I hope that there are at some point. » Um I hope that there are at some point. » Um I hope that there are at some point. » Sure. Um, that's all of our hopes that » Sure. Um, that's all of our hopes that » Sure. Um, that's all of our hopes that there are projects, there are projects, there are projects, » yeah, whatever they are, that we can » yeah, whatever they are, that we can » yeah, whatever they are, that we can then evaluate and learn about and then evaluate and learn about and then evaluate and learn about and try to figure out whether or not it's try to figure out whether or not it's try to figure out whether or not it's the right fit for El Dredo. the right fit for El Dredo. the right fit for El Dredo. » Um, » Um, » Um, so that's that's like the project side so that's that's like the project side so that's that's like the project side of it. Now, on the front end, as the of it. Now, on the front end, as the of it. Now, on the front end, as the realtor to get the house ready, we want realtor to get the house ready, we want realtor to get the house ready, we want to build we want to put the to build we want to put the to build we want to put the infrastructure in place and the guard infrastructure in place and the guard infrastructure in place and the guard rails and the zoning so that as rails and the zoning so that as rails and the zoning so that as companies are looking at us, they say, companies are looking at us, they say, companies are looking at us, they say, "Okay, they've got their stuff together. "Okay, they've got their stuff together. "Okay, they've got their stuff together. We can now have a conversation. It also We can now have a conversation. It also We can now have a conversation. It also serves as a tool to protect El Dredo." serves as a tool to protect El Dredo." serves as a tool to protect El Dredo." » Those the what the planning and » Those the what the planning and » Those the what the planning and zoning commission is is um is going to zoning commission is is um is going to zoning commission is is um is going to be working on in a couple of weeks. next be working on in a couple of weeks. next be working on in a couple of weeks. next week, maybe next week or the week, maybe next week or the week, maybe next week or the week Tuesday. Tuesday. Yeah. Tuesday. Tuesday. Yeah. Tuesday. Tuesday. Yeah. » Yeah. This Tuesday » Yeah. This Tuesday » Yeah. This Tuesday » is is all about being able to put a » is is all about being able to put a » is is all about being able to put a mechanism in place that gives us guard mechanism in place that gives us guard mechanism in place that gives us guard rails » so that if a plant of some sort or if an » so that if a plant of some sort or if an » so that if a plant of some sort or if an industry comes to town, we can put give industry comes to town, we can put give industry comes to town, we can put give it a special use permit and we can then it a special use permit and we can then it a special use permit and we can then put conditions on that special use put conditions on that special use put conditions on that special use permit. It's a great thing about zoning permit. It's a great thing about zoning permit. It's a great thing about zoning and local governance is you can then and local governance is you can then and local governance is you can then condition special use permits and we can condition special use permits and we can condition special use permits and we can say, okay, if you're going to do this say, okay, if you're going to do this say, okay, if you're going to do this then if it's all if then if you want then if it's all if then if you want then if it's all if then if you want this then these are the conditions. if this then these are the conditions. if this then these are the conditions. if you want this, these are the conditions. you want this, these are the conditions. you want this, these are the conditions. And it it puts us in a in a And it it puts us in a in a And it it puts us in a in a strategically puts us in a better strategically puts us in a better strategically puts us in a better position. position. position. » Does that put them in a position where » Does that put them in a position where » Does that put them in a position where they have to actually provide evidence they have to actually provide evidence they have to actually provide evidence that they're going to do this to get the that they're going to do this to get the that they're going to do this to get the special use permit? special use permit? special use permit? » 100%. And and if they don't do it, if » 100%. And and if they don't do it, if » 100%. And and if they don't do it, if they violate the special use permit, we they violate the special use permit, we they violate the special use permit, we can remove the special use permit, which can remove the special use permit, which can remove the special use permit, which means their means their means their » their business, their you know, we've » their business, their you know, we've » their business, their you know, we've we've had residential place, you we've had residential place, you we've had residential place, you know, just residences in town wanted a know, just residences in town wanted a know, just residences in town wanted a special use permit to put up a special use permit to put up a special use permit to put up a a mechanic shop in their yard, whatever. a mechanic shop in their yard, whatever. a mechanic shop in their yard, whatever. This is one that happened a few years This is one that happened a few years This is one that happened a few years ago. ago. ago. » And we said, "Okay, but here's some » And we said, "Okay, but here's some » And we said, "Okay, but here's some guide guard rails around that special guide guard rails around that special guide guard rails around that special use permit. You need to have a fence a use permit. You need to have a fence a use permit. You need to have a fence a certain height to so that you don't have certain height to so that you don't have certain height to so that you don't have engines sitting in your front yard. you engines sitting in your front yard. you engines sitting in your front yard. you need to have, you know, you need to need to have, you know, you need to need to have, you know, you need to mitigate this. You know, we we put those mitigate this. You know, we we put those mitigate this. You know, we we put those and they ultimately after a while got and they ultimately after a while got and they ultimately after a while got lax and they weren't abiding by the lax and they weren't abiding by the lax and they weren't abiding by the conditions of the special use permit. conditions of the special use permit. conditions of the special use permit. And so we said, "Hang on, you're not And so we said, "Hang on, you're not And so we said, "Hang on, you're not abiding by the rules, so we're going to abiding by the rules, so we're going to abiding by the rules, so we're going to give you a chance to correct that." They give you a chance to correct that." They give you a chance to correct that." They didn't correct it, so we removed the didn't correct it, so we removed the didn't correct it, so we removed the special use permit. And they had to stop special use permit. And they had to stop special use permit. And they had to stop doing that. doing that. doing that. » And we can do that at any level. That's » And we can do that at any level. That's » And we can do that at any level. That's the That's the value of the That's the value of the That's the value of » Yeah. us being able to place conditions » Yeah. us being able to place conditions » Yeah. us being able to place conditions and put those guardrails in place. and put those guardrails in place. and put those guardrails in place. » Yeah, that's good. Um yeah it's » Yeah, that's good. Um yeah it's » Yeah, that's good. Um yeah it's interesting on the through that interesting on the through that interesting on the through that process that's going to happen on process that's going to happen on process that's going to happen on Tuesday uh which will be a yeah active meeting uh which will be a yeah active meeting uh which will be a yeah active meeting lots of opinions lots of people coming lots of opinions lots of people coming lots of opinions lots of people coming forward and it doesn't seem to me when I forward and it doesn't seem to me when I forward and it doesn't seem to me when I have that conversation about how special have that conversation about how special have that conversation about how special use permit uh works and you actually use permit uh works and you actually use permit uh works and you actually just added some things I didn't just added some things I didn't just added some things I didn't understand there which was helpful but understand there which was helpful but understand there which was helpful but when I think about that process and then when I think about that process and then when I think about that process and then I try and explain it to someone else. I I try and explain it to someone else. I I try and explain it to someone else. I feel like there's still a level of feel like there's still a level of feel like there's still a level of distrust of like, well, they can't do distrust of like, well, they can't do distrust of like, well, they can't do this or they can't do that. And there's this or they can't do that. And there's this or they can't do that. And there's part of me that thinks, well, if you go part of me that thinks, well, if you go part of me that thinks, well, if you go back in time, like, it's kind of how back in time, like, it's kind of how back in time, like, it's kind of how we've always been doing it. This isn't we've always been doing it. This isn't we've always been doing it. This isn't new. Like, it isn't new that we're new. Like, it isn't new that we're new. Like, it isn't new that we're creating and planning and thinking ahead creating and planning and thinking ahead creating and planning and thinking ahead with a special use permit, including in with a special use permit, including in with a special use permit, including in our massive comprehensive plan, our massive comprehensive plan, our massive comprehensive plan, » right, » right, » right, » that we invested a lot into that doesn't » that we invested a lot into that doesn't » that we invested a lot into that doesn't have anything about data centers, have anything about data centers, have anything about data centers, » right? Yeah. And it's a great point. » right? Yeah. And it's a great point. » right? Yeah. And it's a great point. when we we built comprehensive plan, we when we we built comprehensive plan, we when we we built comprehensive plan, we data centers weren't they weren't a data centers weren't they weren't a data centers weren't they weren't a thing a thing. thing a thing. thing a thing. » Yeah. I mean, they existed, but they » Yeah. I mean, they existed, but they » Yeah. I mean, they existed, but they weren't like a threat or a they weren't weren't like a threat or a they weren't weren't like a threat or a they weren't at the scale they're at. at the scale they're at. at the scale they're at. » They weren't at the scale. They weren't » They weren't at the scale. They weren't » They weren't at the scale. They weren't scaled. scaled. scaled. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Things have scaled. Things have changed. » Things have scaled. Things have changed. » Things have scaled. Things have changed. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Yeah. » And and we listen if if we » And and we listen if if we » And and we listen if if we if we don't if we don't if we don't if we don't find opportunities to if we don't find opportunities to if we don't find opportunities to prepare oursel for evolution. prepare oursel for evolution. prepare oursel for evolution. » Yeah. in business, industry, community, » Yeah. in business, industry, community, » Yeah. in business, industry, community, right? I mean, think right? I mean, think right? I mean, think » the taxes are going to go up if you » the taxes are going to go up if you » the taxes are going to go up if you don't do what you just said. Like, don't do what you just said. Like, don't do what you just said. Like, that's that's my thing. I'm like, that's that's my thing. I'm like, that's that's my thing. I'm like, » I mean, look, here's and I said » I mean, look, here's and I said » I mean, look, here's and I said earlier that I I I do my best to respond earlier that I I I do my best to respond earlier that I I I do my best to respond to to to calls and emails. I, you know, I've I calls and emails. I, you know, I've I calls and emails. I, you know, I've I got a voicemail here a few days ago. got a voicemail here a few days ago. got a voicemail here a few days ago. Now, they didn't leave a name or a Now, they didn't leave a name or a Now, they didn't leave a name or a number. They just immediately went into number. They just immediately went into number. They just immediately went into a a rant and said, "Don't bring a data a a rant and said, "Don't bring a data a a rant and said, "Don't bring a data center to town. Don't bring food center to town. Don't bring food center to town. Don't bring food processing food processing to town. processing food processing to town. processing food processing to town. Don't bring auto an auto plant to town. Don't bring auto an auto plant to town. Don't bring auto an auto plant to town. Don't bring heavy manufacturing to town Don't bring heavy manufacturing to town Don't bring heavy manufacturing to town and lower my taxes. I'm like I and lower my taxes. I'm like I and lower my taxes. I'm like I » that's a tough comment. » that's a tough comment. » that's a tough comment. » Okay. I mean, we want to lower taxes, » Okay. I mean, we want to lower taxes, » Okay. I mean, we want to lower taxes, but we also have to provide services. We but we also have to provide services. We but we also have to provide services. We have to pay our people. Our employees have to pay our people. Our employees have to pay our people. Our employees can't work for free. can't work for free. can't work for free. » No. » No. » No. » And and we have to have competitive » And and we have to have competitive » And and we have to have competitive wages » for our city employees because if we » for our city employees because if we » for our city employees because if we don't, then they will go somewhere else don't, then they will go somewhere else don't, then they will go somewhere else just like any of us would. just like any of us would. just like any of us would. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Yeah. » In our in our careers. » In our in our careers. » In our in our careers. » Yeah. Um, so you know it's it's and the » Yeah. Um, so you know it's it's and the » Yeah. Um, so you know it's it's and the you know it's it's always a you know it's it's always a you know it's it's always a conversation. conversation. conversation. I absolutely I absolutely I absolutely understand that the cost of living is understand that the cost of living is understand that the cost of living is going up. going up. going up. » It is for all of us. Diesel for my truck » It is for all of us. Diesel for my truck » It is for all of us. Diesel for my truck is is is expensive right now. expensive right now. expensive right now. » Um cost of you know cost of food cost » Um cost of you know cost of food cost » Um cost of you know cost of food cost but those same costs but those same costs but those same costs the city's not immune to that. City the city's not immune to that. City the city's not immune to that. City city government's not immune to that. city government's not immune to that. city government's not immune to that. The cost of fuel for city government has The cost of fuel for city government has The cost of fuel for city government has gone up. The cost of employing city gone up. The cost of employing city gone up. The cost of employing city because our employees cost of living because our employees cost of living because our employees cost of living gone up. So we have to adjust to that. gone up. So we have to adjust to that. gone up. So we have to adjust to that. So So So » you know I it's it is it is a » you know I it's it is it is a » you know I it's it is it is a very difficult very difficult very difficult it's a difficult thing to try to balance it's a difficult thing to try to balance it's a difficult thing to try to balance » how do we how do we maintain or lower » how do we how do we maintain or lower » how do we how do we maintain or lower taxes while still maintaining and taxes while still maintaining and taxes while still maintaining and improving a city. improving a city. improving a city. » Yeah. So, the questions that I often ask » Yeah. So, the questions that I often ask » Yeah. So, the questions that I often ask people when they tell me to lower their people when they tell me to lower their people when they tell me to lower their taxes is, I I would love to pay less taxes is, I I would love to pay less taxes is, I I would love to pay less taxes, too. Just tell me what services taxes, too. Just tell me what services taxes, too. Just tell me what services you don't want. You want to get rid of you don't want. You want to get rid of you don't want. You want to get rid of the police department? You want me to the police department? You want me to the police department? You want me to get rid of the fire department? Do we get rid of the fire department? Do we get rid of the fire department? Do we want to not mow our parks? want to not mow our parks? want to not mow our parks? » Yeah. » Yeah. » Yeah. » You know, and we we always get I » You know, and we we always get I » You know, and we we always get I always I often, not always, I often get always I often, not always, I often get always I often, not always, I often get these kind of utopian answers to that, these kind of utopian answers to that, these kind of utopian answers to that, right? Like, well, what if we just had a right? Like, well, what if we just had a right? Like, well, what if we just had a volunteer day and had and asked people volunteer day and had and asked people volunteer day and had and asked people to come down and volunteer to mow the to come down and volunteer to mow the to come down and volunteer to mow the parks? parks? parks? » Okay. What it's great and what would » Okay. What it's great and what would » Okay. What it's great and what would happen is it we'd have a great maybe a happen is it we'd have a great maybe a happen is it we'd have a great maybe a good turnout one time, good turnout one time, good turnout one time, » right? » right? » right? » But then when we get a good rain and the » But then when we get a good rain and the » But then when we get a good rain and the sun's out and the grass grows faster and sun's out and the grass grows faster and sun's out and the grass grows faster and we need to mow that park again 3 days we need to mow that park again 3 days we need to mow that park again 3 days later. later. later. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Yeah. » People are like, "Oh, no, man. I'm I'm » People are like, "Oh, no, man. I'm I'm » People are like, "Oh, no, man. I'm I'm busy. I got I got things." busy. I got I got things." busy. I got I got things." » Yeah. » Yeah. » Yeah. » And so there's a reality that if we want » And so there's a reality that if we want » And so there's a reality that if we want to maintain the city that we have and to maintain the city that we have and to maintain the city that we have and improve the city that we have, we we improve the city that we have, we we improve the city that we have, we we have to fund that somehow. It's tough. have to fund that somehow. It's tough. have to fund that somehow. It's tough. Uh but back to the but so special Uh but back to the but so special Uh but back to the but so special use permits, you know, it is use permits, you know, it is use permits, you know, it is it is our biggest and best tool to be it is our biggest and best tool to be it is our biggest and best tool to be able to um protect ourselves. able to um protect ourselves. able to um protect ourselves. » And I think I think the misconception » And I think I think the misconception » And I think I think the misconception that so many people have is that cities that so many people have is that cities that so many people have is that cities like ours are just on the receiving end like ours are just on the receiving end like ours are just on the receiving end of this industry. We're just on the of this industry. We're just on the of this industry. We're just on the receiving end of a data center or of an receiving end of a data center or of an receiving end of a data center or of an auto plant. We're not. auto plant. We're not. auto plant. We're not. » We shouldn't be. » We shouldn't be. » We shouldn't be. » We should be able to control that » We should be able to control that » We should be able to control that conversation and that's what this does conversation and that's what this does conversation and that's what this does for us. Yeah, you were about to for us. Yeah, you were about to for us. Yeah, you were about to reference something there before I reference something there before I reference something there before I » mean, yeah, you know, » mean, yeah, you know, » mean, yeah, you know, there's a lot of arguments against and there's a lot of arguments against and there's a lot of arguments against and there's a lot of arguments for there's a lot of arguments for there's a lot of arguments for specifically a data center. specifically a data center. specifically a data center. » Data center. Yep. » Data center. Yep. » Data center. Yep. » I think in my opinion, it is absolutely » I think in my opinion, it is absolutely » I think in my opinion, it is absolutely irresponsible of me, irresponsible of our commission, of me, irresponsible of our commission, of me, irresponsible of our commission, um, any of us in leadership to close a um, any of us in leadership to close a um, any of us in leadership to close a door on any opportunity without fully door on any opportunity without fully door on any opportunity without fully understanding it. understanding it. understanding it. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Yeah. And that means extending beyond what the And that means extending beyond what the And that means extending beyond what the latest is on YouTube or Tik Tok or latest is on YouTube or Tik Tok or latest is on YouTube or Tik Tok or whatever. That means really whatever. That means really whatever. That means really understanding all of all of the pros and understanding all of all of the pros and understanding all of all of the pros and all of the cons and then making an all of the cons and then making an all of the cons and then making an educated and informed decision. That's educated and informed decision. That's educated and informed decision. That's our job. And and our job. And and our job. And and just because someone's voice is loud just because someone's voice is loud just because someone's voice is loud does not make what they're saying does not make what they're saying does not make what they're saying correct, but it also doesn't make it correct, but it also doesn't make it correct, but it also doesn't make it incorrect. So, we have to filter out the incorrect. So, we have to filter out the incorrect. So, we have to filter out the noise and really try to make it noise and really try to make it noise and really try to make it work. I you know, a while back I when work. I you know, a while back I when work. I you know, a while back I when this kind of all kicked off, this kind of all kicked off, this kind of all kicked off, which it kicked off in a crazy way because it kicked off in a crazy way because it kicked off in a crazy way because we're doing zoning because we're doing zoning because we're doing zoning purely planning and zoning pieces, purely planning and zoning pieces, purely planning and zoning pieces, » there's this assumption that we've got a » there's this assumption that we've got a » there's this assumption that we've got a project at hand that is going to build project at hand that is going to build project at hand that is going to build here next week. and no less than 30 here next week. and no less than 30 here next week. and no less than 30 or 40 people that I've talked to said, or 40 people that I've talked to said, or 40 people that I've talked to said, "Oh, well, I just I guess the way I "Oh, well, I just I guess the way I "Oh, well, I just I guess the way I understood it, understood it, understood it, there's somebody wanting to build a data there's somebody wanting to build a data there's somebody wanting to build a data center in town right now." I'm like, center in town right now." I'm like, center in town right now." I'm like, "There's people want to build data "There's people want to build data "There's people want to build data centers everywhere. centers everywhere. centers everywhere. » There might be, but none of them have » There might be, but none of them have » There might be, but none of them have talked to us. What we're what Before talked to us. What we're what Before talked to us. What we're what Before they talk to us, we want to get some they talk to us, we want to get some they talk to us, we want to get some guard rails in place." guard rails in place." guard rails in place." » Yes. » Yes. » Yes. » And so when I when all this started to » And so when I when all this started to » And so when I when all this started to kick off, I kind of wrote u what I kick off, I kind of wrote u what I kick off, I kind of wrote u what I often just write. often just write. often just write. » Yeah. I journal every morning. You know, » Yeah. I journal every morning. You know, » Yeah. I journal every morning. You know, I do my I do a Bible study every I do my I do a Bible study every I do my I do a Bible study every morning, then I journal. That's how I morning, then I journal. That's how I morning, then I journal. That's how I start my days. Um, and so that's just start my days. Um, and so that's just start my days. Um, and so that's just how I kind of get my mind clear and how I kind of get my mind clear and how I kind of get my mind clear and start to move forward. And so when start to move forward. And so when start to move forward. And so when things like this pop up, um, I just things like this pop up, um, I just things like this pop up, um, I just write things down personally for myself. write things down personally for myself. write things down personally for myself. And so I I wrote what could have And so I I wrote what could have And so I I wrote what could have potentially been construed as a potentially been construed as a potentially been construed as a potential oped, but you know, I'm also potential oped, but you know, I'm also potential oped, but you know, I'm also then oftentimes just write and then oftentimes just write and then oftentimes just write and then water it up and throw it in the trash water it up and throw it in the trash water it up and throw it in the trash because I I get it out. But because I I get it out. But because I I get it out. But » yeah, » yeah, » yeah, » you know, it's about keeping an open » you know, it's about keeping an open » you know, it's about keeping an open mind um while open mind um while open mind um while at the same time protecting Elorado's at the same time protecting Elorado's at the same time protecting Elorado's future. future. future. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Yeah. » And and » And and » And and I think when we think about what it is I think when we think about what it is I think when we think about what it is to protect Eldredo's future, it's easy to protect Eldredo's future, it's easy to protect Eldredo's future, it's easy to just take one track. to just take one track. to just take one track. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Right. I want to only protect the future » Right. I want to only protect the future » Right. I want to only protect the future economically or I want to only protect economically or I want to only protect economically or I want to only protect the future, you know, by not having this the future, you know, by not having this the future, you know, by not having this in my backyard or I want to only, you in my backyard or I want to only, you in my backyard or I want to only, you know, so but we have to look at the know, so but we have to look at the know, so but we have to look at the entire picture and understand what entire picture and understand what entire picture and understand what that future does look like and could that future does look like and could that future does look like and could look like. look like. look like. » Do you want to read that to us? » Do you want to read that to us? » Do you want to read that to us? » It's long, bro. It's long. » It's long, bro. It's long. » It's long, bro. It's long. » Hey, this is long format. You don't have » Hey, this is long format. You don't have » Hey, this is long format. You don't have to, but I like hearing you read. That's to, but I like hearing you read. That's to, but I like hearing you read. That's one of my favorite I will say like one of my favorite I will say like one of my favorite I will say like one thing I really appreciate about you thing I really appreciate about you thing I really appreciate about you being mayor is uh especially when topics being mayor is uh especially when topics being mayor is uh especially when topics like this come up or when COVID hit uh like this come up or when COVID hit uh like this come up or when COVID hit uh you just your thoughtfulness and how you just your thoughtfulness and how you just your thoughtfulness and how you write stuff out and read it is I think write stuff out and read it is I think write stuff out and read it is I think it just helps set the table. it just helps set the table. it just helps set the table. » It I mean I can read it. You may have to » It I mean I can read it. You may have to » It I mean I can read it. You may have to just cut a bunch of it because it's it's just cut a bunch of it because it's it's just cut a bunch of it because it's it's not short. But not short. But not short. But » no, you read whatever you can skip » no, you read whatever you can skip » no, you read whatever you can skip around whatever. around whatever. around whatever. » So this is this is how it said. It says, » So this is this is how it said. It says, » So this is this is how it said. It says, uh, as mayor of Elder, I want to begin uh, as mayor of Elder, I want to begin uh, as mayor of Elder, I want to begin with something that matters more than with something that matters more than with something that matters more than anything that I'm about to say, and that anything that I'm about to say, and that anything that I'm about to say, and that is that in our form of government, I am is that in our form of government, I am is that in our form of government, I am one voice. I do not speak for the entire one voice. I do not speak for the entire one voice. I do not speak for the entire commission unless and until we take commission unless and until we take commission unless and until we take formal action together. What I'm sharing formal action together. What I'm sharing formal action together. What I'm sharing here is my perspective as a citizen of here is my perspective as a citizen of here is my perspective as a citizen of this community, as a taxpayer, and as this community, as a taxpayer, and as this community, as a taxpayer, and as someone who's been elected, entrusted by someone who's been elected, entrusted by someone who's been elected, entrusted by our friends and neighbors with helping our friends and neighbors with helping our friends and neighbors with helping think through the decisions that shape think through the decisions that shape think through the decisions that shape our future. And it's important that you our future. And it's important that you our future. And it's important that you know that I take that responsibility know that I take that responsibility know that I take that responsibility seriously. seriously. seriously. I also uh believe it would be it would I also uh believe it would be it would I also uh believe it would be it would be irresponsible of me and frankly of be irresponsible of me and frankly of be irresponsible of me and frankly of any of us in leadership to close the any of us in leadership to close the any of us in leadership to close the door on an opportunity before we've door on an opportunity before we've door on an opportunity before we've taken the time to understand it. Not taken the time to understand it. Not taken the time to understand it. Not based on headlines, not based on based on headlines, not based on based on headlines, not based on assumptions, but with real thought, real assumptions, but with real thought, real assumptions, but with real thought, real questions, and a willingness to look at questions, and a willingness to look at questions, and a willingness to look at both the risks and the possibilities. both the risks and the possibilities. both the risks and the possibilities. And that's where I find myself as And that's where I find myself as And that's where I find myself as conversations begin around the idea of a conversations begin around the idea of a conversations begin around the idea of a data center in or near. data center in or near. data center in or near. There's been a lot written about these There's been a lot written about these There's been a lot written about these facilities. Much of it focuses on what facilities. Much of it focuses on what facilities. Much of it focuses on what they uh what they consume, power, water, they uh what they consume, power, water, they uh what they consume, power, water, land. And those concerns are real and land. And those concerns are real and land. And those concerns are real and they do deserve attention. they do deserve attention. they do deserve attention. But as I've read through those But as I've read through those But as I've read through those arguments, uh I keep coming back to arguments, uh I keep coming back to arguments, uh I keep coming back to something that feels incomplete. something that feels incomplete. something that feels incomplete. The idea that communities like ours are The idea that communities like ours are The idea that communities like ours are simply on the receiving end. That these simply on the receiving end. That these simply on the receiving end. That these projects arrive, they take what they projects arrive, they take what they projects arrive, they take what they need, and they leave us to deal with the need, and they leave us to deal with the need, and they leave us to deal with the consequences. And that's not who we are. consequences. And that's not who we are. consequences. And that's not who we are. And that's not how Elorado was built. If And that's not how Elorado was built. If And that's not how Elorado was built. If you take a step back and look at the you take a step back and look at the you take a step back and look at the history of our community, you'll see history of our community, you'll see history of our community, you'll see something different. You'll see people something different. You'll see people something different. You'll see people who were willing to think beyond their who were willing to think beyond their who were willing to think beyond their own time, people who weighed risk own time, people who weighed risk own time, people who weighed risk carefully, who debated, and who didn't carefully, who debated, and who didn't carefully, who debated, and who didn't always agree, but who ultimately chose always agree, but who ultimately chose always agree, but who ultimately chose to act with the future in mind. And one to act with the future in mind. And one to act with the future in mind. And one of those clearest and most recent of those clearest and most recent of those clearest and most recent examples is Elorado Lake. examples is Elorado Lake. examples is Elorado Lake. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Yeah. » And that didn't happen by accident. It » And that didn't happen by accident. It » And that didn't happen by accident. It wasn't an easy decision. It required wasn't an easy decision. It required wasn't an easy decision. It required vision. It required courage. and it vision. It required courage. and it vision. It required courage. and it required a willingness to step into required a willingness to step into required a willingness to step into something that carried both uncertainty something that carried both uncertainty something that carried both uncertainty and opportunity. and opportunity. and opportunity. But those leaders understood something But those leaders understood something But those leaders understood something that still holds true today. If we that still holds true today. If we that still holds true today. If we wanted this community to grow, to be wanted this community to grow, to be wanted this community to grow, to be resilient, to provide for the people who resilient, to provide for the people who resilient, to provide for the people who call it home, we had to invest in the call it home, we had to invest in the call it home, we had to invest in the foundation that would make that foundation that would make that foundation that would make that possible. So, they built water resource possible. So, they built water resource possible. So, they built water resource security for the future of El Dredo. security for the future of El Dredo. security for the future of El Dredo. But in doing so, they didn't just meet a But in doing so, they didn't just meet a But in doing so, they didn't just meet a need at the time. They created a need at the time. They created a need at the time. They created a resource, a resource that supports our resource, a resource that supports our resource, a resource that supports our residents, supports our agricultural residents, supports our agricultural residents, supports our agricultural partners, our recreational life, and our partners, our recreational life, and our partners, our recreational life, and our ability to grow and attract opportunity ability to grow and attract opportunity ability to grow and attract opportunity in a responsible way. in a responsible way. in a responsible way. Um, and that decision that they made Um, and that decision that they made Um, and that decision that they made continues to serve us today. That's the continues to serve us today. That's the continues to serve us today. That's the kind of thinking that we owe this kind of thinking that we owe this kind of thinking that we owe this community now. Not blind optimism, community now. Not blind optimism, community now. Not blind optimism, not fear-based rejection, but not fear-based rejection, but not fear-based rejection, but thoughtful, grounded, forward-looking thoughtful, grounded, forward-looking thoughtful, grounded, forward-looking leadership. And I didn't step into this leadership. And I didn't step into this leadership. And I didn't step into this role to preserve what we have. I stepped role to preserve what we have. I stepped role to preserve what we have. I stepped in because I believe we can make El in because I believe we can make El in because I believe we can make El Dredo even stronger, more affordable, Dredo even stronger, more affordable, Dredo even stronger, more affordable, more stable, and a place where families more stable, and a place where families more stable, and a place where families can build a life and not feel like the can build a life and not feel like the can build a life and not feel like the cost of that life keeps getting heavier cost of that life keeps getting heavier cost of that life keeps getting heavier and heavier every year. And that's not and heavier every year. And that's not and heavier every year. And that's not easy. It doesn't happen by avoiding easy. It doesn't happen by avoiding easy. It doesn't happen by avoiding every difficult conversation. It happens every difficult conversation. It happens every difficult conversation. It happens by leaning into them. And a data center by leaning into them. And a data center by leaning into them. And a data center today is one of those conversations. One today is one of those conversations. One today is one of those conversations. One of those conversations. of those conversations. of those conversations. So, let's walk through it honestly. So, let's walk through it honestly. So, let's walk through it honestly. Power is often the first concern. These Power is often the first concern. These Power is often the first concern. These facilities use a significant amount of facilities use a significant amount of facilities use a significant amount of of electricity. of electricity. of electricity. There's no doubt about that. That's a There's no doubt about that. That's a There's no doubt about that. That's a fact. But the real issue isn't the size fact. But the real issue isn't the size fact. But the real issue isn't the size of demand. It's how that demand is of demand. It's how that demand is of demand. It's how that demand is handled and who carries the burden. handled and who carries the burden. handled and who carries the burden. » Uh from where I sit, that line has to be » Uh from where I sit, that line has to be » Uh from where I sit, that line has to be firm. If a developer wants to build firm. If a developer wants to build firm. If a developer wants to build here, they have to fund the here, they have to fund the here, they have to fund the infrastructure required to support their infrastructure required to support their infrastructure required to support their operation. And by the way, that's operation. And by the way, that's operation. And by the way, that's supported by the state with SB98. supported by the state with SB98. supported by the state with SB98. » Right. » Right. » Right. » Right. The it's mandated in there. that » Right. The it's mandated in there. that » Right. The it's mandated in there. that includes substations, transmission, and includes substations, transmission, and includes substations, transmission, and any necessary upgrades. Um, our any necessary upgrades. Um, our any necessary upgrades. Um, our residents should not see their rates residents should not see their rates residents should not see their rates increase because of it. Our grid should increase because of it. Our grid should increase because of it. Our grid should not become less reliable because of it. not become less reliable because of it. not become less reliable because of it. And if those conditions can't be met, And if those conditions can't be met, And if those conditions can't be met, then we shouldn't move forward. then we shouldn't move forward. then we shouldn't move forward. Um, I think it's important for people to Um, I think it's important for people to Um, I think it's important for people to read SB98 that the state passed because read SB98 that the state passed because read SB98 that the state passed because it talks about that very specifically. it talks about that very specifically. it talks about that very specifically. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Yeah. » If a if if if a data center wants to » If a if if if a data center wants to » If a if if if a data center wants to come to the state of Kansas, they're come to the state of Kansas, they're come to the state of Kansas, they're responsible for the electrical responsible for the electrical responsible for the electrical upgrades. They're responsible for that upgrades. They're responsible for that upgrades. They're responsible for that cost and Everg can't pass that cost on cost and Everg can't pass that cost on cost and Everg can't pass that cost on to us per state law. Now, to us per state law. Now, to us per state law. Now, » um water is another concern and it's one » um water is another concern and it's one » um water is another concern and it's one that I take personally because water is that I take personally because water is that I take personally because water is not just a utility in this community. It not just a utility in this community. It not just a utility in this community. It is part of our identity. We've had is part of our identity. We've had is part of our identity. We've had conversations for years about, you know, conversations for years about, you know, conversations for years about, you know, Elorado being a water community. Elorado being a water community. Elorado being a water community. And it's something previous generations And it's something previous generations And it's something previous generations had the foresight to secure for us. And had the foresight to secure for us. And had the foresight to secure for us. And yes, some data center data center yes, some data center data center yes, some data center data center designs use significance significant designs use significance significant designs use significance significant amounts of water. But that's not the amounts of water. But that's not the amounts of water. But that's not the only path. There's modern systems that only path. There's modern systems that only path. There's modern systems that operate fully closed loop environments, operate fully closed loop environments, operate fully closed loop environments, recycling water rather than consuming recycling water rather than consuming recycling water rather than consuming it. Uh there's approaches that rely on it. Uh there's approaches that rely on it. Uh there's approaches that rely on reclaimed and non-pottable sources. reclaimed and non-pottable sources. reclaimed and non-pottable sources. There's hydro dip where they where they, There's hydro dip where they where they, There's hydro dip where they where they, you know, dip the boards into you know, dip the boards into you know, dip the boards into a solution that then is recycled into a solution that then is recycled into a solution that then is recycled within their own pieces and that within their own pieces and that within their own pieces and that preserves portable potable water for the preserves portable potable water for the preserves portable potable water for the PE us for us and our partners who depend PE us for us and our partners who depend PE us for us and our partners who depend on it the most. And that's where the on it the most. And that's where the on it the most. And that's where the conversation needs to be. And I I guess conversation needs to be. And I I guess conversation needs to be. And I I guess for me again, one of five, my boundary for me again, one of five, my boundary for me again, one of five, my boundary is this. If any proposed solution places is this. If any proposed solution places is this. If any proposed solution places excessive pressure on our water excessive pressure on our water excessive pressure on our water resources, especially on our potable resources, especially on our potable resources, especially on our potable water, then it shouldn't move forward. water, then it shouldn't move forward. water, then it shouldn't move forward. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Um we are stewards of what was built » Um we are stewards of what was built » Um we are stewards of what was built before us and we have a responsibility before us and we have a responsibility before us and we have a responsibility to protect it. to protect it. to protect it. Land use is another piece of the Land use is another piece of the Land use is another piece of the conversation and I don't take that conversation and I don't take that conversation and I don't take that lightly. I grew up in an agricultural lightly. I grew up in an agricultural lightly. I grew up in an agricultural family. I spent my share of early family. I spent my share of early family. I spent my share of early mornings and long days on land that mornings and long days on land that mornings and long days on land that wasn't just dirt. It was livelihood, wasn't just dirt. It was livelihood, wasn't just dirt. It was livelihood, legacy, and responsibility. I am also an legacy, and responsibility. I am also an legacy, and responsibility. I am also an avid hunter, and I care deeply about avid hunter, and I care deeply about avid hunter, and I care deeply about conserving our natural resources and conserving our natural resources and conserving our natural resources and making this part of Kansas what it is. making this part of Kansas what it is. making this part of Kansas what it is. Um, that perspective doesn't go away Um, that perspective doesn't go away Um, that perspective doesn't go away when you step into a leadership role. If when you step into a leadership role. If when you step into a leadership role. If anything, it becomes more important. So, anything, it becomes more important. So, anything, it becomes more important. So, make no mistake when people raise make no mistake when people raise make no mistake when people raise concern about land, I hear them. concern about land, I hear them. concern about land, I hear them. We have to understand these facilities We have to understand these facilities We have to understand these facilities are large. um they do change the are large. um they do change the are large. um they do change the landscape where they're placed and that landscape where they're placed and that landscape where they're placed and that matters and it should matter. But this matters and it should matter. But this matters and it should matter. But this is where intent and discipline come into is where intent and discipline come into is where intent and discipline come into play. We're not talking about taking play. We're not talking about taking play. We're not talking about taking productive land productive land productive land out of circulation. out of circulation. out of circulation. The city is not talking about taking The city is not talking about taking The city is not talking about taking productive land out of circulation productive land out of circulation productive land out of circulation um or pushing development into areas um or pushing development into areas um or pushing development into areas that define who we are as a community. that define who we are as a community. that define who we are as a community. There's I don't think I don't think that There's I don't think I don't think that There's I don't think I don't think that we will get a proposal that says that we we will get a proposal that says that we we will get a proposal that says that we need to place a data center at Third and need to place a data center at Third and need to place a data center at Third and Summit. Right. Summit. Right. Summit. Right. » Right. » Right. » Right. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Um we would potentially because we're » Um we would potentially because we're » Um we would potentially because we're not talking about anything today, we not talking about anything today, we not talking about anything today, we would potentially be talking about land would potentially be talking about land would potentially be talking about land that's already been designated for that's already been designated for that's already been designated for industrial development. Right. Outside industrial development. Right. Outside industrial development. Right. Outside of town on the edge of town, the very of town on the edge of town, the very of town on the edge of town, the very purpose of supporting economic growth purpose of supporting economic growth purpose of supporting economic growth without compromising our a base or without compromising our a base or without compromising our a base or natural environment. natural environment. natural environment. » Yeah. Now, I want to stop there because » Yeah. Now, I want to stop there because » Yeah. Now, I want to stop there because I want to say this. I also am a believer I want to say this. I also am a believer I want to say this. I also am a believer in property rights. If somebody wants to in property rights. If somebody wants to in property rights. If somebody wants to sell their land, sell their land, sell their land, that's their decision. It's their land that's their decision. It's their land that's their decision. It's their land to sell. to sell. to sell. » Um, now, whoever buys that land is going » Um, now, whoever buys that land is going » Um, now, whoever buys that land is going to have to, to have to, to have to, » if they're going to build something » if they're going to build something » if they're going to build something there, it has to fall within there, it has to fall within there, it has to fall within the boundaries and the and the guidelines, boundaries and the and the guidelines, boundaries and the and the guidelines, the guardrails that we that the guardrails that we that the guardrails that we that we've set if that land isn't, you know, we've set if that land isn't, you know, we've set if that land isn't, you know, in our in our jurisdiction. in our in our jurisdiction. in our in our jurisdiction. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Um, but I I again, that » Um, but I I again, that » Um, but I I again, that conversation around land is one that conversation around land is one that conversation around land is one that matters. It's the difference between matters. It's the difference between matters. It's the difference between careless growth and responsible careless growth and responsible careless growth and responsible planning. And that's why we've developed planning. And that's why we've developed planning. And that's why we've developed um industrial development land. We've um industrial development land. We've um industrial development land. We've got a business park. We, you know, we got a business park. We, you know, we got a business park. We, you know, we we've our comprehensive plan spelled we've our comprehensive plan spelled we've our comprehensive plan spelled this out pretty handily. Again, not this out pretty handily. Again, not this out pretty handily. Again, not specific to data centers because they specific to data centers because they specific to data centers because they weren't the thing that they are now. weren't the thing that they are now. weren't the thing that they are now. » Um » Um » Um we can do both. We can protect our we can do both. We can protect our we can do both. We can protect our resources um and pursue opportunity. And I I think um and pursue opportunity. And I I think um and pursue opportunity. And I I think it's really shortsighted to think that it's really shortsighted to think that it's really shortsighted to think that we can't do both. we can't do both. we can't do both. » Yeah. Um, and if a project directly » Yeah. Um, and if a project directly » Yeah. Um, and if a project directly threatens that balance, then we threatens that balance, then we threatens that balance, then we have to consider that as as as have to consider that as as as have to consider that as as as leadership. There's a question of jobs, leadership. There's a question of jobs, leadership. There's a question of jobs, and I do want to be honest here. People and I do want to be honest here. People and I do want to be honest here. People deserve honesty. This is not a deserve honesty. This is not a deserve honesty. This is not a traditional job creation project, right? traditional job creation project, right? traditional job creation project, right? If you're talking about data centers, If you're talking about data centers, If you're talking about data centers, um, you bring a you bring an auto um, you bring a you bring an auto um, you bring a you bring an auto manufacturing plant to town, you manufacturing plant to town, you manufacturing plant to town, you potentially have 2,000 jobs potentially have 2,000 jobs potentially have 2,000 jobs » now. Let's talk about that for a second. » now. Let's talk about that for a second. » now. Let's talk about that for a second. Right? So, we bring 2,000 jobs, Right? So, we bring 2,000 jobs, Right? So, we bring 2,000 jobs, » a portion of them live out of town, but » a portion of them live out of town, but » a portion of them live out of town, but a bunch of them want to move to town. a bunch of them want to move to town. a bunch of them want to move to town. And now we've got to build new And now we've got to build new And now we've got to build new infrastructure. We got to expand roads. infrastructure. We got to expand roads. infrastructure. We got to expand roads. We've got to start, excuse me, start new We've got to start, excuse me, start new We've got to start, excuse me, start new developments. I mean, there's and you developments. I mean, there's and you developments. I mean, there's and you bring 2,000 new people to town, we have bring 2,000 new people to town, we have bring 2,000 new people to town, we have to add a police officer, too. We have to to add a police officer, too. We have to to add a police officer, too. We have to add maybe another fire substation or add maybe another fire substation or add maybe another fire substation or add fire, you know, fire department, fire, you know, fire department, fire, you know, fire department, fire personnel. personnel. personnel. » Um, so there's there's cost in that. » Um, so there's there's cost in that. » Um, so there's there's cost in that. This is not one of those jobs. It's not This is not one of those jobs. It's not This is not one of those jobs. It's not going to bring hundreds of long-term going to bring hundreds of long-term going to bring hundreds of long-term positions. Now, it'll bring good jobs positions. Now, it'll bring good jobs positions. Now, it'll bring good jobs and it will bring lots of jobs during and it will bring lots of jobs during and it will bring lots of jobs during the construction phase, but the jobs in the construction phase, but the jobs in the construction phase, but the jobs in in in a data center is not where the in in a data center is not where the in in a data center is not where the value lies. Um, the value comes from value lies. Um, the value comes from value lies. Um, the value comes from strengthening the city's tax base and strengthening the city's tax base and strengthening the city's tax base and our revenue base. Um, you know, there's always a conversation you know, there's always a conversation about giving companies tax incentives to about giving companies tax incentives to about giving companies tax incentives to come to town. come to town. come to town. » I'm mixed on that. » I'm mixed on that. » I'm mixed on that. » Yeah. Um, » Yeah. Um, » Yeah. Um, and just to be totally transparent, and just to be totally transparent, and just to be totally transparent, I am I'm mixed on that. Right? If you if I am I'm mixed on that. Right? If you if I am I'm mixed on that. Right? If you if you've got a business that is that is you've got a business that is that is you've got a business that is that is building a 30 40-year plant and they building a 30 40-year plant and they building a 30 40-year plant and they need five or 10 years of some sort of a need five or 10 years of some sort of a need five or 10 years of some sort of a tax break, then that gives me another 20 tax break, then that gives me another 20 tax break, then that gives me another 20 or 30 years of taxes that I'm collecting or 30 years of taxes that I'm collecting or 30 years of taxes that I'm collecting on the back end. When you're talking on the back end. When you're talking on the back end. When you're talking about a data center though, the real about a data center though, the real about a data center though, the real revenue comes from franchise fees, which I think comes from franchise fees, which I think comes from franchise fees, which I think Paul, the guy from the Department of Paul, the guy from the Department of Paul, the guy from the Department of Commerce, referred to as a tariff. Commerce, referred to as a tariff. Commerce, referred to as a tariff. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Yeah. » But it's a franchise fee. We all pay it. » But it's a franchise fee. We all pay it. » But it's a franchise fee. We all pay it. I pay it on my electric bill. You pay it I pay it on my electric bill. You pay it I pay it on my electric bill. You pay it on your cable bill. You pay it on your on your cable bill. You pay it on your on your cable bill. You pay it on your telephone bill. You pay telephone bill. You pay telephone bill. You pay » I I wondered, by the way, if that was » I I wondered, by the way, if that was » I I wondered, by the way, if that was how they if ever views it as that or how they if ever views it as that or how they if ever views it as that or somehow the state views it, but like somehow the state views it, but like somehow the state views it, but like cities view it as a franchise. cities view it as a franchise. cities view it as a franchise. » Well, yeah. It's I mean defined at the » Well, yeah. It's I mean defined at the » Well, yeah. It's I mean defined at the state level. It's it's a it's a local state level. It's it's a it's a local state level. It's it's a it's a local tariff. tariff. tariff. » Yeah. Yeah. It's interesting. » Yeah. Yeah. It's interesting. » Yeah. Yeah. It's interesting. » So, um but it's a franchise fee. So, so » So, um but it's a franchise fee. So, so » So, um but it's a franchise fee. So, so you have you have you have » which by the way I think majority of » which by the way I think majority of » which by the way I think majority of people don't I didn't know till 4 months people don't I didn't know till 4 months people don't I didn't know till 4 months ago that was even part of our ago that was even part of our ago that was even part of our budget. budget. budget. » Oh yeah » Oh yeah » Oh yeah the city manager came on the podcast. the city manager came on the podcast. the city manager came on the podcast. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. » You know it's it's and again I I » You know it's it's and again I I » You know it's it's and again I I encourage people to ask questions. encourage people to ask questions. encourage people to ask questions. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Um you know our city's general fund » Um you know our city's general fund » Um you know our city's general fund budget and David's gonna smack me so I budget and David's gonna smack me so I budget and David's gonna smack me so I probably get the number wrong is like $8 probably get the number wrong is like $8 probably get the number wrong is like $8 million. Right. million. Right. million. Right. » No that's Yeah. Sounds spot on. » No that's Yeah. Sounds spot on. » No that's Yeah. Sounds spot on. » Did David say something similar? » Did David say something similar? » Did David say something similar? » Yeah. You did good. Mayor » Yeah. You did good. Mayor » Yeah. You did good. Mayor » I did good. um bill. Sorry, Bill. » I did good. um bill. Sorry, Bill. » I did good. um bill. Sorry, Bill. » That's our That's our general fund. Now, » That's our That's our general fund. Now, » That's our That's our general fund. Now, we have enterprise funds, right? Our we have enterprise funds, right? Our we have enterprise funds, right? Our water fund and our trash fund because water fund and our trash fund because water fund and our trash fund because you pay a water bill, you pay a trash you pay a water bill, you pay a trash you pay a water bill, you pay a trash bill. Those go into enterprise funds. bill. Those go into enterprise funds. bill. Those go into enterprise funds. Our general funds our police Our general funds our police Our general funds our police department, our parks, department, our parks, department, our parks, » our fire department, our city » our fire department, our city » our fire department, our city administration, pays for things like administration, pays for things like administration, pays for things like software that we have, you know, that software that we have, you know, that software that we have, you know, that they use to run for billing. I mean, it they use to run for billing. I mean, it they use to run for billing. I mean, it it it pays for the general operations of it it pays for the general operations of it it pays for the general operations of the city. the city. the city. » That's the general fund. Now, the » That's the general fund. Now, the » That's the general fund. Now, the franchise fee collected off of a hundred franchise fee collected off of a hundred franchise fee collected off of a hundred megawatt facility is a couple million megawatt facility is a couple million megawatt facility is a couple million bucks. Yeah. Right. bucks. Yeah. Right. bucks. Yeah. Right. » Annually. » Annually. » Annually. » Annually. And it it it comes no matter » Annually. And it it it comes no matter » Annually. And it it it comes no matter what because they're using the energy. what because they're using the energy. what because they're using the energy. We get the franchise fee. So, that's an We get the franchise fee. So, that's an We get the franchise fee. So, that's an opportunity to then take that $2 million opportunity to then take that $2 million opportunity to then take that $2 million and put that towards reducing property and put that towards reducing property and put that towards reducing property tax, put that towards um tax, put that towards um tax, put that towards um new pro a new pool, some new streets. new pro a new pool, some new streets. new pro a new pool, some new streets. We've talked about this a lot over the We've talked about this a lot over the We've talked about this a lot over the last year at the city level, and we've last year at the city level, and we've last year at the city level, and we've talked about it in commission meetings talked about it in commission meetings talked about it in commission meetings and work sessions that we've got an and work sessions that we've got an and work sessions that we've got an extensive network of roads and streets extensive network of roads and streets extensive network of roads and streets in our town. We all drive on them. you in our town. We all drive on them. you in our town. We all drive on them. you see that um we do not have the see that um we do not have the see that um we do not have the capability, capability, capability, the budget, the budget, the budget, we we couldn't really levy enough taxes we we couldn't really levy enough taxes we we couldn't really levy enough taxes if we wanted to, which we don't, but to if we wanted to, which we don't, but to if we wanted to, which we don't, but to to fully maintain all those roads at the to fully maintain all those roads at the to fully maintain all those roads at the level that we want to maintain. level that we want to maintain. level that we want to maintain. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Yeah. » So, the opportunity to subsidize that » So, the opportunity to subsidize that » So, the opportunity to subsidize that while also bringing potentially bringing while also bringing potentially bringing while also bringing potentially bringing down our revenue or I mean our down our revenue or I mean our down our revenue or I mean our taxes, that's what franchise fees does. taxes, that's what franchise fees does. taxes, that's what franchise fees does. So, then you just extrapolate that, So, then you just extrapolate that, So, then you just extrapolate that, right? So you've got $2 million on a 100 right? So you've got $2 million on a 100 right? So you've got $2 million on a 100 megawatt facility. That's $4 million on megawatt facility. That's $4 million on megawatt facility. That's $4 million on a 200 megawatt facility and yada it a 200 megawatt facility and yada it a 200 megawatt facility and yada it goes up. goes up. goes up. » And again » And again » And again those facilities if they're built that those facilities if they're built that those facilities if they're built that power has to be guaranteed by ever not power has to be guaranteed by ever not power has to be guaranteed by ever not by us. We don't produce power has to be by us. We don't produce power has to be by us. We don't produce power has to be guaranteed by ever. And the state has guaranteed by ever. And the state has guaranteed by ever. And the state has said you can't ever you can't guarantee said you can't ever you can't guarantee said you can't ever you can't guarantee that power to them unless you can also that power to them unless you can also that power to them unless you can also guarantee that power will not be guarantee that power will not be guarantee that power will not be interrupted for current consumers. Think interrupted for current consumers. Think interrupted for current consumers. Think about how beefy that infrastructure has about how beefy that infrastructure has about how beefy that infrastructure has to be. I heard another great point from to be. I heard another great point from to be. I heard another great point from another gentleman that they believe they another gentleman that they believe they another gentleman that they believe they want a they want a they want a data center because our infrastructure data center because our infrastructure data center because our infrastructure and our electrical grid will get so much and our electrical grid will get so much and our electrical grid will get so much stronger » and like I mean to the point where » and like I mean to the point where » and like I mean to the point where you're not ever worried about having any you're not ever worried about having any you're not ever worried about having any downtime or rollovers uh overall and downtime or rollovers uh overall and downtime or rollovers uh overall and will be attractive for other will be attractive for other will be attractive for other entrepreneurial activities uh% right entrepreneurial activities uh% right entrepreneurial activities uh% right yeah » I think I think a big not all of And and » I think I think a big not all of And and » I think I think a big not all of And and none of this is meant to disregard some none of this is meant to disregard some none of this is meant to disregard some of the fears that people have around of the fears that people have around of the fears that people have around data centers. It's not um I I think no I data centers. It's not um I I think no I data centers. It's not um I I think no I I think I told you the story the other I think I told you the story the other I think I told you the story the other day. Noise pollution is another data day. Noise pollution is another data day. Noise pollution is another data centers are noisy. centers are noisy. centers are noisy. » I I was in San Antonio for my job for » I I was in San Antonio for my job for » I I was in San Antonio for my job for work. Um my company has a contract with work. Um my company has a contract with work. Um my company has a contract with the Air Force and I was down there at the Air Force and I was down there at the Air Force and I was down there at Lackland Air Force Base. It's always a Lackland Air Force Base. It's always a Lackland Air Force Base. It's always a great opportunity when I get to go to great opportunity when I get to go to great opportunity when I get to go to bases and bases and bases and » it's cool » it's cool » it's cool » and » and » and » visit the bases. But I took an » visit the bases. But I took an » visit the bases. But I took an opportunity to go visit a couple of data opportunity to go visit a couple of data opportunity to go visit a couple of data centers while I was in San Antonio cuz centers while I was in San Antonio cuz centers while I was in San Antonio cuz they've got quite a few data centers they've got quite a few data centers they've got quite a few data centers down there. down there. down there. » And I went to one hyperscaler. It was » And I went to one hyperscaler. It was » And I went to one hyperscaler. It was massive. It was huge. I mean, this massive. It was huge. I mean, this massive. It was huge. I mean, this was multiple city blocks of buildings was multiple city blocks of buildings was multiple city blocks of buildings that looked, by the way, like office that looked, by the way, like office that looked, by the way, like office buildings. They don't look like buildings. They don't look like buildings. They don't look like » no » no » no » a refinery or a manufacturing plant. » a refinery or a manufacturing plant. » a refinery or a manufacturing plant. They just look like office buildings. They just look like office buildings. They just look like office buildings. » Um, now that data center was a secure » Um, now that data center was a secure » Um, now that data center was a secure hyperscaler. I got about a hundred yards hyperscaler. I got about a hundred yards hyperscaler. I got about a hundred yards away from it. So I was standing outside away from it. So I was standing outside away from it. So I was standing outside pretty close. standing outside of a a pretty close. standing outside of a a pretty close. standing outside of a a barbed wire fence uh because it was a barbed wire fence uh because it was a barbed wire fence uh because it was a secure center. And what I heard was secure center. And what I heard was secure center. And what I heard was somebody mowing their lawn about two somebody mowing their lawn about two somebody mowing their lawn about two blocks the other direction. blocks the other direction. blocks the other direction. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Yeah. » I heard nothing from the data center. » I heard nothing from the data center. » I heard nothing from the data center. And then I went to another data center And then I went to another data center And then I went to another data center which was a shared facility, a which was a shared facility, a which was a shared facility, a colllocated data center. So it was it colllocated data center. So it was it colllocated data center. So it was it was probably the size of a city block. was probably the size of a city block. was probably the size of a city block. And it's one of those data centers that And it's one of those data centers that And it's one of those data centers that you know has this portion of it is maybe you know has this portion of it is maybe you know has this portion of it is maybe Oracle, this portion of it is Sam McVey, Oracle, this portion of it is Sam McVey, Oracle, this portion of it is Sam McVey, this portion of it is they lease out this portion of it is they lease out this portion of it is they lease out pieces of it. pretty extensive, pretty pieces of it. pretty extensive, pretty pieces of it. pretty extensive, pretty extensive operation. I got to go in that extensive operation. I got to go in that extensive operation. I got to go in that data center, met the general manager, data center, met the general manager, data center, met the general manager, visited with him for a while, got a tour visited with him for a while, got a tour visited with him for a while, got a tour of the place, and there's no doubt when of the place, and there's no doubt when of the place, and there's no doubt when you get inside of a data center, you get inside of a data center, you get inside of a data center, you walk into the server room, it's loud, walk into the server room, it's loud, walk into the server room, it's loud, it's machines and fans running. it's machines and fans running. it's machines and fans running. » I worked in a data center. I built a » I worked in a data center. I built a » I worked in a data center. I built a data center when I built Kansas Medical data center when I built Kansas Medical data center when I built Kansas Medical Center. Center. Center. » I worked in healthcare also prior to go » I worked in healthcare also prior to go » I worked in healthcare also prior to go coming to the college and I worked for coming to the college and I worked for coming to the college and I worked for um um um » Cardiovascular Hospitals of America. We » Cardiovascular Hospitals of America. We » Cardiovascular Hospitals of America. We built hospitals and we built one the one built hospitals and we built one the one built hospitals and we built one the one in and in Andover. Anyway, we have a in and in Andover. Anyway, we have a in and in Andover. Anyway, we have a data center there and oddly enough data center there and oddly enough data center there and oddly enough as I worked there for a while, my office as I worked there for a while, my office as I worked there for a while, my office was inside the data center and it's loud was inside the data center and it's loud was inside the data center and it's loud just listen to those servers run. So, just listen to those servers run. So, just listen to those servers run. So, but you get outside, you hear nothing. but you get outside, you hear nothing. but you get outside, you hear nothing. So, the noise pollution thing I I think So, the noise pollution thing I I think So, the noise pollution thing I I think a lot of people equate this here. Let me a lot of people equate this here. Let me a lot of people equate this here. Let me say this. I think a lot of the fear say this. I think a lot of the fear say this. I think a lot of the fear around data centers is similar to around data centers is similar to around data centers is similar to somebody saying that has a fear of somebody saying that has a fear of somebody saying that has a fear of refineries, but they're basing it on a refineries, but they're basing it on a refineries, but they're basing it on a refinery that was built in the 30s. refinery that was built in the 30s. refinery that was built in the 30s. » Right. Yeah, » Right. Yeah, » Right. Yeah, » maybe not a refinery that's built modern » maybe not a refinery that's built modern » maybe not a refinery that's built modern day. day. day. » Um, data centers, first data centers » Um, data centers, first data centers » Um, data centers, first data centers that were built had massive cooling that were built had massive cooling that were built had massive cooling towers on them. towers on them. towers on them. » They did evaporative cooling which » They did evaporative cooling which » They did evaporative cooling which wasted a ton of water and it's loud. wasted a ton of water and it's loud. wasted a ton of water and it's loud. » Um, there's there just like anything in » Um, there's there just like anything in » Um, there's there just like anything in life, there's new technology and there's life, there's new technology and there's life, there's new technology and there's new ways to approach it. So, I think new ways to approach it. So, I think new ways to approach it. So, I think that it's un trying to better understand that it's un trying to better understand that it's un trying to better understand » modern data center setups is important. » modern data center setups is important. » modern data center setups is important. Again, I'm not saying there's no risk. Again, I'm not saying there's no risk. Again, I'm not saying there's no risk. Not saying there's not sure there Not saying there's not sure there Not saying there's not sure there shouldn't be concerns. shouldn't be concerns. shouldn't be concerns. » Um, » Um, » Um, » but » but » but anyway, I I think it's important for us anyway, I I think it's important for us anyway, I I think it's important for us to create an environment where to create an environment where to create an environment where businesses can thrive that provides businesses can thrive that provides businesses can thrive that provides opportunity for people in our community opportunity for people in our community opportunity for people in our community and also can help us find a way to and also can help us find a way to and also can help us find a way to um for our cost to not continue going up um for our cost to not continue going up um for our cost to not continue going up year after year. So, my daughter who uh year after year. So, my daughter who uh year after year. So, my daughter who uh I I think I I don't know if I I I I think I I don't know if I I I I think I I don't know if I I mentioned this on a podcast shoot mentioned this on a podcast shoot mentioned this on a podcast shoot yesterday, but uh she came down and said yesterday, but uh she came down and said yesterday, but uh she came down and said she's gonna go to Harvard like, you she's gonna go to Harvard like, you she's gonna go to Harvard like, you know, a couple weeks ago. Just been know, a couple weeks ago. Just been know, a couple weeks ago. Just been talking to Alexa in a room. They all talking to Alexa in a room. They all talking to Alexa in a room. They all have an Alexa in there that's got have an Alexa in there that's got have an Alexa in there that's got » different rules, but yeah, like it'll » different rules, but yeah, like it'll » different rules, but yeah, like it'll read them books at night or they can add read them books at night or they can add read them books at night or they can add stuff to a calendar, you know, just a stuff to a calendar, you know, just a stuff to a calendar, you know, just a little technology integration for all of little technology integration for all of little technology integration for all of them. Uh, but she came down with her them. Uh, but she came down with her them. Uh, but she came down with her list of things and one of them was just list of things and one of them was just list of things and one of them was just kind of like researching, but I mean it kind of like researching, but I mean it kind of like researching, but I mean it was like a long list and it's so was like a long list and it's so was like a long list and it's so adorable. You know, she's 12 and she's adorable. You know, she's 12 and she's adorable. You know, she's 12 and she's like, I have to read 40 minutes a day like, I have to read 40 minutes a day like, I have to read 40 minutes a day and it was, you know, she's figuring out and it was, you know, she's figuring out and it was, you know, she's figuring out what her habits need to be and it's been what her habits need to be and it's been what her habits need to be and it's been really hard. Like, how's that one thing really hard. Like, how's that one thing really hard. Like, how's that one thing go? She's like, I think you were right. go? She's like, I think you were right. go? She's like, I think you were right. Like, I should probably only do like two Like, I should probably only do like two Like, I should probably only do like two or three of the 12 things and then start or three of the 12 things and then start or three of the 12 things and then start building on it. Um, but one of them is, building on it. Um, but one of them is, building on it. Um, but one of them is, you know, obviously researching, you know, obviously researching, you know, obviously researching, understanding things. So, she wrote a understanding things. So, she wrote a understanding things. So, she wrote a anti-data center anti-data center anti-data center » paper with her friend at school. » paper with her friend at school. » paper with her friend at school. » Good. » Good. » Good. » And was really proud to come tell me » And was really proud to come tell me » And was really proud to come tell me about it because she hadn't heard it about it because she hadn't heard it about it because she hadn't heard it yet, but she knew I did a podcast that yet, but she knew I did a podcast that yet, but she knew I did a podcast that sounded maybe more for it. And that's sounded maybe more for it. And that's sounded maybe more for it. And that's kind of our relationship. That's good. kind of our relationship. That's good. kind of our relationship. That's good. » We like to debate. We like to go back » We like to debate. We like to go back » We like to debate. We like to go back and forth. So, we had a great and forth. So, we had a great and forth. So, we had a great conversation. And uh then I was like, conversation. And uh then I was like, conversation. And uh then I was like, great. I read her paper, read all her great. I read her paper, read all her great. I read her paper, read all her stuff, and uh I said, "Okay, now can you stuff, and uh I said, "Okay, now can you stuff, and uh I said, "Okay, now can you now will you listen to this uh now will you listen to this uh now will you listen to this uh source of information and look at this source of information and look at this source of information and look at this website?" And then like let's sit down website?" And then like let's sit down website?" And then like let's sit down and talk again. And so we've that has and talk again. And so we've that has and talk again. And so we've that has evolved and there's been some evolved and there's been some evolved and there's been some clarification, but you know, the number clarification, but you know, the number clarification, but you know, the number one takeaway she had that she had no one takeaway she had that she had no one takeaway she had that she had no clue in her whole paper because clue in her whole paper because clue in her whole paper because everything she said was real. Like all everything she said was real. Like all everything she said was real. Like all the negatives were real. It was out of the negatives were real. It was out of the negatives were real. It was out of date technology and things we wouldn't date technology and things we wouldn't date technology and things we wouldn't allow to come to El Dredo. Um but like allow to come to El Dredo. Um but like allow to come to El Dredo. Um but like they were all real. She's like, she they were all real. She's like, she they were all real. She's like, she had no clue that we would make money and had no clue that we would make money and had no clue that we would make money and it could be used accordingly to the city it could be used accordingly to the city it could be used accordingly to the city of Elino. Like she had no clue on that of Elino. Like she had no clue on that of Elino. Like she had no clue on that side of it and didn't really understand side of it and didn't really understand side of it and didn't really understand that side and that was a big piece that side and that was a big piece that side and that was a big piece of it. She's like, well, if there's the of it. She's like, well, if there's the of it. She's like, well, if there's the right amount of money and the right amount of money and the right amount of money and the right amount of protections and zoning, right, amount of protections and zoning, right, amount of protections and zoning, right, it started to click for her and she was it started to click for her and she was it started to click for her and she was going through that process. But back to going through that process. But back to going through that process. But back to the noise, the backup generators are the noise, the backup generators are the noise, the backup generators are the big part of noise, right? Obviously, big part of noise, right? Obviously, big part of noise, right? Obviously, I think you can't deny when the I think you can't deny when the I think you can't deny when the generators fire, there's noise. generators fire, there's noise. generators fire, there's noise. » Just like when the generator fires at » Just like when the generator fires at » Just like when the generator fires at Butler Community College, there's noise. Butler Community College, there's noise. Butler Community College, there's noise. » Oh, yeah. I hear that from » Oh, yeah. I hear that from » Oh, yeah. I hear that from » my data center when I worked at the » my data center when I worked at the » my data center when I worked at the college, our data center, we had to kick college, our data center, we had to kick college, our data center, we had to kick into emergency power a couple of times. into emergency power a couple of times. into emergency power a couple of times. There's no doubt. There's no doubt. There's no doubt. There's no doubt. There's no doubt. There's no doubt. » Yeah. And you can hear stuff. I mean, » Yeah. And you can hear stuff. I mean, » Yeah. And you can hear stuff. I mean, the refinery, I mean, those generators the refinery, I mean, those generators the refinery, I mean, those generators are crazy when they when they fire off. are crazy when they when they fire off. are crazy when they when they fire off. Um, the other part that she brought up Um, the other part that she brought up Um, the other part that she brought up that was really good and made me go that was really good and made me go that was really good and made me go investigate more was these forever investigate more was these forever investigate more was these forever chemicals. PFAS is the acronym. I don't chemicals. PFAS is the acronym. I don't chemicals. PFAS is the acronym. I don't really know what it stands for. Um, but really know what it stands for. Um, but really know what it stands for. Um, but I would agree that I don't think that's I would agree that I don't think that's I would agree that I don't think that's a good idea. I don't think we should a good idea. I don't think we should a good idea. I don't think we should allow a system that does that because it allow a system that does that because it allow a system that does that because it from what I understand. Um, the from what I understand. Um, the from what I understand. Um, the refinement of that takes,00 Celsius to refinement of that takes,00 Celsius to refinement of that takes,00 Celsius to actually refine it. Then it turns into actually refine it. Then it turns into actually refine it. Then it turns into something else and the federal something else and the federal something else and the federal government and there's some big company government and there's some big company government and there's some big company that's saying they're not even going to that's saying they're not even going to that's saying they're not even going to make it anymore. They're like, "We make it anymore. They're like, "We make it anymore. They're like, "We haven't got this figured out." But haven't got this figured out." But haven't got this figured out." But there's this direct liquid cooling coal there's this direct liquid cooling coal there's this direct liquid cooling coal plates. As long as it's a brand new plates. As long as it's a brand new plates. As long as it's a brand new facility, it's just hard to convert facility, it's just hard to convert facility, it's just hard to convert them. But if you're building from them. But if you're building from them. But if you're building from scratch, we should totally go with the scratch, we should totally go with the scratch, we should totally go with the cold plate technology. Still very little cold plate technology. Still very little cold plate technology. Still very little water. You don't have any forever water. You don't have any forever water. You don't have any forever chemicals. And that was basically chemicals. And that was basically chemicals. And that was basically the one piece left for me that I spent the one piece left for me that I spent the one piece left for me that I spent about a day going through and trying to about a day going through and trying to about a day going through and trying to understand. And I even told Norris that understand. And I even told Norris that understand. And I even told Norris that I was like, "Hey, I found a thing." Cuz I was like, "Hey, I found a thing." Cuz I was like, "Hey, I found a thing." Cuz I'm trying to find stuff like, you know, I'm trying to find stuff like, you know, I'm trying to find stuff like, you know, I've got kids that are going to be I've got kids that are going to be I've got kids that are going to be raised here. I want them to be safe. raised here. I want them to be safe. raised here. I want them to be safe. Like I want to find the stuff that I'm Like I want to find the stuff that I'm Like I want to find the stuff that I'm concerned about. Um, and that was only concerned about. Um, and that was only concerned about. Um, and that was only one. And so if this zoning goes through, one. And so if this zoning goes through, one. And so if this zoning goes through, my letter um, to the planning commission my letter um, to the planning commission my letter um, to the planning commission and to the commissioners is going to be, and to the commissioners is going to be, and to the commissioners is going to be, I don't want PFAS allowed, right? Can it I don't want PFAS allowed, right? Can it I don't want PFAS allowed, right? Can it get that detailed? I don't know. But get that detailed? I don't know. But get that detailed? I don't know. But that's my due diligence as a citizen. that's my due diligence as a citizen. that's my due diligence as a citizen. » That's the great thing about a special » That's the great thing about a special » That's the great thing about a special use permit. It can get that detailed, use permit. It can get that detailed, use permit. It can get that detailed, » right? And and especially so like even » right? And and especially so like even » right? And and especially so like even and not now, right? We don't have to and not now, right? We don't have to and not now, right? We don't have to worry about that right now. We we can do worry about that right now. We we can do worry about that right now. We we can do more of that if they if a project comes more of that if they if a project comes more of that if they if a project comes to the table. to the table. to the table. further down the road or in 6 months or further down the road or in 6 months or further down the road or in 6 months or a year if it never comes. But if one a year if it never comes. But if one a year if it never comes. But if one does come, like that's the kind of stuff does come, like that's the kind of stuff does come, like that's the kind of stuff that I think people should be doing that I think people should be doing that I think people should be doing their due diligence cuz that's when they their due diligence cuz that's when they their due diligence cuz that's when they have a huge voice, have a huge voice, have a huge voice, » right? Um for sure. » right? Um for sure. » right? Um for sure. » Um so anyway, sorry to take the mic » Um so anyway, sorry to take the mic » Um so anyway, sorry to take the mic back. back. back. » No. No. And I think it's awesome, by the » No. No. And I think it's awesome, by the » No. No. And I think it's awesome, by the way, that uh So your daughter's 12. way, that uh So your daughter's 12. way, that uh So your daughter's 12. That's what, sixth grade? That's what, sixth grade? That's what, sixth grade? » Yeah, sixth grade. Yeah. Yeah. » Yeah, sixth grade. Yeah. Yeah. » Yeah, sixth grade. Yeah. Yeah. » Got to tell you a story. » Got to tell you a story. » Got to tell you a story. » Yeah. Go. » Yeah. Go. » Yeah. Go. » Sorry. We're going to » Sorry. We're going to » Sorry. We're going to digress here a little bit, but um digress here a little bit, but um digress here a little bit, but um » so my daughter in sixth grade would I » so my daughter in sixth grade would I » so my daughter in sixth grade would I was working at the college and she'd was working at the college and she'd was working at the college and she'd come out one day um a week and just hang come out one day um a week and just hang come out one day um a week and just hang out with me at at work in the out with me at at work in the out with me at at work in the summertime. summertime. summertime. » Perfect. » Perfect. » Perfect. » And had a little desk behind mine and » And had a little desk behind mine and » And had a little desk behind mine and she'd sit back there and do whatever. she'd sit back there and do whatever. she'd sit back there and do whatever. And sometimes she'd go do network wiring And sometimes she'd go do network wiring And sometimes she'd go do network wiring for me. I'd made her work sometimes, but for me. I'd made her work sometimes, but for me. I'd made her work sometimes, but um one day she's out there and she's um one day she's out there and she's um one day she's out there and she's just hammering away on the computer just hammering away on the computer just hammering away on the computer behind me. And I was focused on what I behind me. And I was focused on what I behind me. And I was focused on what I was doing. I had meetings. I was on Zoom was doing. I had meetings. I was on Zoom was doing. I had meetings. I was on Zoom calls. calls. calls. » I just assumed that she was playing » I just assumed that she was playing » I just assumed that she was playing Webkins or whatever, you know, doing Webkins or whatever, you know, doing Webkins or whatever, you know, doing something on the computer. something on the computer. something on the computer. » She's printing stuff out. I'm like, "Oh, » She's printing stuff out. I'm like, "Oh, » She's printing stuff out. I'm like, "Oh, great. That's going to cost me money." great. That's going to cost me money." great. That's going to cost me money." So anyway, we get home that night. She So anyway, we get home that night. She So anyway, we get home that night. She put all, you know, papers in her bag and put all, you know, papers in her bag and put all, you know, papers in her bag and her little backpack she had with her. We her little backpack she had with her. We her little backpack she had with her. We got home that night and Dea, my wife had got home that night and Dea, my wife had got home that night and Dea, my wife had made dinner. made dinner. made dinner. We sit down at at the dinner table and We sit down at at the dinner table and We sit down at at the dinner table and Annalise flops down this PowerPoint Annalise flops down this PowerPoint Annalise flops down this PowerPoint presentation that she built that day. presentation that she built that day. presentation that she built that day. She said, "Mom, Dad, I decided when I She said, "Mom, Dad, I decided when I She said, "Mom, Dad, I decided when I graduate high school, I want to go to graduate high school, I want to go to graduate high school, I want to go to West Point. Um, I want to be an officer West Point. Um, I want to be an officer West Point. Um, I want to be an officer in the army. I want to serve for at in the army. I want to serve for at in the army. I want to serve for at least 10 years. I'd like to be in least 10 years. I'd like to be in least 10 years. I'd like to be in intelligence, and then I think after intelligence, and then I think after intelligence, and then I think after that, um, I'm I might want to go work that, um, I'm I might want to go work that, um, I'm I might want to go work for, I don't know, the CIA or the for, I don't know, the CIA or the for, I don't know, the CIA or the Marshalss or or Secret Service." And we Marshalss or or Secret Service." And we Marshalss or or Secret Service." And we were just like, were just like, were just like, "Okay." "Okay." "Okay." » Um, okay. And she had » Um, okay. And she had » Um, okay. And she had » full game plan. It was 15 pages, full » full game plan. It was 15 pages, full » full game plan. It was 15 pages, full game plan of of how to get there. And so game plan of of how to get there. And so game plan of of how to get there. And so I told her, I said, "Listen, if you I told her, I said, "Listen, if you I told her, I said, "Listen, if you know, we're going to refine your path a know, we're going to refine your path a know, we're going to refine your path a little bit here, just but if you little bit here, just but if you little bit here, just but if you » um if you do what you need to do to to » um if you do what you need to do to to » um if you do what you need to do to to get there, then I will work on getting get there, then I will work on getting get there, then I will work on getting nominations for you because to get into nominations for you because to get into nominations for you because to get into West Point, you need to get a nomination West Point, you need to get a nomination West Point, you need to get a nomination from » your representative uh US representative » your representative uh US representative » your representative uh US representative or your senators." or your senators." or your senators." So she did Sam she that's cool So she did Sam she that's cool So she did Sam she that's cool » she did played she was a great student » she did played she was a great student » she did played she was a great student great grades um was a was a multiport great grades um was a was a multiport great grades um was a was a multiport athlete did volunteer work every year athlete did volunteer work every year athlete did volunteer work every year organized you know 200 hours of of organized you know 200 hours of of organized you know 200 hours of of community service and volunteer stuff community service and volunteer stuff community service and volunteer stuff every year from probably seventh grade every year from probably seventh grade every year from probably seventh grade on and so built a really great resume on and so built a really great resume on and so built a really great resume packet and so I got her in front of um Senator and so I got her in front of um Senator and so I got her in front of um Senator Moran at the time Pat Roberts at the Moran at the time Pat Roberts at the Moran at the time Pat Roberts at the time » and Ron Estus and she was Ron 's » and Ron Estus and she was Ron 's » and Ron Estus and she was Ron 's first nominee to any service academy cuz first nominee to any service academy cuz first nominee to any service academy cuz he was a new congressman. But she got he was a new congressman. But she got he was a new congressman. But she got the primary nomination from both of our the primary nomination from both of our the primary nomination from both of our senators and from our uh representative. senators and from our uh representative. senators and from our uh representative. And then she got accepted to West Point. And then she got accepted to West Point. And then she got accepted to West Point. » Wow. » Wow. » Wow. » And she was so proud of that. And we » And she was so proud of that. And we » And she was so proud of that. And we were so proud of that for her. And then were so proud of that for her. And then were so proud of that for her. And then she hurt her knee her senior year in she hurt her knee her senior year in she hurt her knee her senior year in high school playing softball and had to high school playing softball and had to high school playing softball and had to have surgery. And West Point called and have surgery. And West Point called and have surgery. And West Point called and said, "Well, we're not pulling your said, "Well, we're not pulling your said, "Well, we're not pulling your acceptance, but we're backing you up a acceptance, but we're backing you up a acceptance, but we're backing you up a year." year." year." » And uh you know, they want to make sure » And uh you know, they want to make sure » And uh you know, they want to make sure her knee healed. and she was her knee healed. and she was her knee healed. and she was devastated. devastated. devastated. » Yeah. Bad, dude. » Yeah. Bad, dude. » Yeah. Bad, dude. » And then she gets a call, a random call » And then she gets a call, a random call » And then she gets a call, a random call from uh cadet command at Fort Knox and uh cadet command at Fort Knox and uh cadet command at Fort Knox and they're in charge of all of the ROC they're in charge of all of the ROC they're in charge of all of the ROC programs and colleges. And this guy that programs and colleges. And this guy that programs and colleges. And this guy that calls her, he's like, "I got your resume calls her, he's like, "I got your resume calls her, he's like, "I got your resume packet from Captain so and so at West packet from Captain so and so at West packet from Captain so and so at West Point. It's it looks pretty good. We'd Point. It's it looks pretty good. We'd Point. It's it looks pretty good. We'd like to offer you the National Army ROC like to offer you the National Army ROC like to offer you the National Army ROC four-year scholarship." four-year scholarship." four-year scholarship." She said, "To what? To what college?" She said, "To what? To what college?" She said, "To what? To what college?" and he said, "Any school you want to go and he said, "Any school you want to go and he said, "Any school you want to go to." And that was like on a Monday, like to." And that was like on a Monday, like to." And that was like on a Monday, like Wednesday, she and I drove up to Kraton Wednesday, she and I drove up to Kraton Wednesday, she and I drove up to Kraton because we' we'd take her on a bunch of because we' we'd take her on a bunch of because we' we'd take her on a bunch of college visits just because I thought college visits just because I thought college visits just because I thought that was important to see colleges. We that was important to see colleges. We that was important to see colleges. We went up to Kraton. She loved Kraton. went up to Kraton. She loved Kraton. went up to Kraton. She loved Kraton. » Um they really wanted her up there. So, » Um they really wanted her up there. So, » Um they really wanted her up there. So, you know, they made her you know, they made her you know, they made her » kind of put a packet together. And » kind of put a packet together. And » kind of put a packet together. And » we buzzed down the next day from Kraton, » we buzzed down the next day from Kraton, » we buzzed down the next day from Kraton, Nebraska down to Fort Worth, Texas to go Nebraska down to Fort Worth, Texas to go Nebraska down to Fort Worth, Texas to go to TCU and go look at TCU. And then we to TCU and go look at TCU. And then we to TCU and go look at TCU. And then we came home that weekend to my office, my came home that weekend to my office, my came home that weekend to my office, my big whiteboard in my office, and she did big whiteboard in my office, and she did big whiteboard in my office, and she did pros and cons. pros and cons. pros and cons. And uh and there were lots of pros for And uh and there were lots of pros for And uh and there were lots of pros for Kraton. Kraton. Kraton. » She wanted to go to a small school. She » She wanted to go to a small school. She » She wanted to go to a small school. She wanted to go to like an&m or, you know, wanted to go to like an&m or, you know, wanted to go to like an&m or, you know, a massive school. a massive school. a massive school. » Lots of pros to Kraton. And then um she » Lots of pros to Kraton. And then um she » Lots of pros to Kraton. And then um she starts writing down the pros for TCU. starts writing down the pros for TCU. starts writing down the pros for TCU. TCU is a beautiful school. And we had TCU is a beautiful school. And we had TCU is a beautiful school. And we had looked at it for her and I said, I love looked at it for her and I said, I love looked at it for her and I said, I love this school, but and I have a little bit this school, but and I have a little bit this school, but and I have a little bit of a college fund, but I don't know of a college fund, but I don't know of a college fund, but I don't know anyone that's got that kind of college anyone that's got that kind of college anyone that's got that kind of college fund because it's expensive. fund because it's expensive. fund because it's expensive. and um she gets on the pros for TCU and um she gets on the pros for TCU and um she gets on the pros for TCU and she wrote football because Kraton she wrote football because Kraton she wrote football because Kraton doesn't have a football team doesn't have a football team doesn't have a football team » and we're a football family. She loves » and we're a football family. She loves » and we're a football family. She loves football. So, she wrote football and football. So, she wrote football and football. So, she wrote football and then right below that she wrote Texas then right below that she wrote Texas then right below that she wrote Texas football » and she said, "Dad, I think I want to go » and she said, "Dad, I think I want to go » and she said, "Dad, I think I want to go to TCU." to TCU." to TCU." » But but that's the ex, right? It's I » But but that's the ex, right? It's I » But but that's the ex, right? It's I think it's important to at at that young think it's important to at at that young think it's important to at at that young age, you know, they want to think about age, you know, they want to think about age, you know, they want to think about things and things and things and » and figure out, you know, have ideas » and figure out, you know, have ideas » and figure out, you know, have ideas about their future. It's so critical about their future. It's so critical about their future. It's so critical that we help them understand what that we help them understand what that we help them understand what that means and then encourage it and then means and then encourage it and then means and then encourage it and then help empower them to help empower them to help empower them to » maybe see what that future could look » maybe see what that future could look » maybe see what that future could look like. like. like. » Yeah. Well, and that's the funny » Yeah. Well, and that's the funny » Yeah. Well, and that's the funny thing about my eldest is that, you know, thing about my eldest is that, you know, thing about my eldest is that, you know, she'll have a new idea in 3 months and she'll have a new idea in 3 months and she'll have a new idea in 3 months and then she'll go, but it's back to your then she'll go, but it's back to your then she'll go, but it's back to your point of I think just like learning to point of I think just like learning to point of I think just like learning to clarify like what does that actually clarify like what does that actually clarify like what does that actually mean? What's let's talk about something mean? What's let's talk about something mean? What's let's talk about something bigger than that? because she is fairly bigger than that? because she is fairly bigger than that? because she is fairly obsessed with uh specifically Killer obsessed with uh specifically Killer obsessed with uh specifically Killer Growth actually the digital service side Growth actually the digital service side Growth actually the digital service side of things and um so she's like yeah I'm of things and um so she's like yeah I'm of things and um so she's like yeah I'm going to go to go to Harvard and come going to go to go to Harvard and come going to go to go to Harvard and come back and you know take over the back and you know take over the back and you know take over the business and I'm like well you don't business and I'm like well you don't business and I'm like well you don't need to go to Harvard to do that need to go to Harvard to do that need to go to Harvard to do that but you know you go go with the dreams but you know you go go with the dreams but you know you go go with the dreams it's fun to see them start because that it's fun to see them start because that it's fun to see them start because that's probably about the age in middle that's probably about the age in middle that's probably about the age in middle school you really start you know not school you really start you know not school you really start you know not always but you start thinking about that always but you start thinking about that always but you start thinking about that a little bit a little bit a little bit » you start you start seeing things and » you start you start seeing things and » you start you start seeing things and thinking about things that could be in thinking about things that could be in thinking about things that could be in your future. your future. your future. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Yeah. » And and make no mistake, I mean, Analise » And and make no mistake, I mean, Analise » And and make no mistake, I mean, Analise did this for us and did this for us and did this for us and » you know, I mean, just the week before » you know, I mean, just the week before » you know, I mean, just the week before she wanted to be a photographer, right? she wanted to be a photographer, right? she wanted to be a photographer, right? Or she wanted to be a zoologologist. So, Or she wanted to be a zoologologist. So, Or she wanted to be a zoologologist. So, like I you know, like I you know, like I you know, » but it it stuck with her and she's » but it it stuck with her and she's » but it it stuck with her and she's living out her dream. She's an living out her dream. She's an living out her dream. She's an intelligence officer in the army and intelligence officer in the army and intelligence officer in the army and she's we love it. It gives us a reason she's we love it. It gives us a reason she's we love it. It gives us a reason to go visit her and yeah, in Europe now. to go visit her and yeah, in Europe now. to go visit her and yeah, in Europe now. So, So, So, » that's beautiful. But so so anyway, I I » that's beautiful. But so so anyway, I I » that's beautiful. But so so anyway, I I think it's awesome that you guys have think it's awesome that you guys have think it's awesome that you guys have that kind of relationship and you guys that kind of relationship and you guys that kind of relationship and you guys have those the debates and the have those the debates and the have those the debates and the » and I and I think just the thoughtful » and I and I think just the thoughtful » and I and I think just the thoughtful conversations because there's so many conversations because there's so many conversations because there's so many parents today parents today parents today » that are just disconnected. » that are just disconnected. » that are just disconnected. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Yeah. » You know, their kid wants to talk » You know, their kid wants to talk » You know, their kid wants to talk to them and instead they hand them a to them and instead they hand them a to them and instead they hand them a phone or a tablet and say, you know, phone or a tablet and say, you know, phone or a tablet and say, you know, » Yeah. » Yeah. » Yeah. » go do this while they're sitting on » go do this while they're sitting on » go do this while they're sitting on their phone and their tablet and it's their phone and their tablet and it's their phone and their tablet and it's and it's very frustrating. Um and it's very frustrating. Um and it's very frustrating. Um » yeah, it's easy to do. It's exhausting. » yeah, it's easy to do. It's exhausting. » yeah, it's easy to do. It's exhausting. It's hard. That that's that could It's hard. That that's that could It's hard. That that's that could be a day long conversation. be a day long conversation. be a day long conversation. » I know, right? That's a whole another » I know, right? That's a whole another » I know, right? That's a whole another episode. But all right, what's left in episode. But all right, what's left in episode. But all right, what's left in the letter? the letter? the letter? » Um, you know, I mean, look, » Um, you know, I mean, look, » Um, you know, I mean, look, at the end of the day, everything comes at the end of the day, everything comes at the end of the day, everything comes back to quality of life. Can we keep El back to quality of life. Can we keep El back to quality of life. Can we keep El Dredo affordable? Can we maintain what Dredo affordable? Can we maintain what Dredo affordable? Can we maintain what we've built? And can we create we've built? And can we create we've built? And can we create opportunity without putting more weight opportunity without putting more weight opportunity without putting more weight on the shoulders of the people who are on the shoulders of the people who are on the shoulders of the people who are already carrying that weight? And and so already carrying that weight? And and so already carrying that weight? And and so what I said is those are the questions what I said is those are the questions what I said is those are the questions that guide me. As I look at every that guide me. As I look at every that guide me. As I look at every conversation, every decision we have, conversation, every decision we have, conversation, every decision we have, those are the questions that guide me. I those are the questions that guide me. I those are the questions that guide me. I do believe this is worth exploring. I do believe this is worth exploring. I do believe this is worth exploring. I believe it deserves real conversation. believe it deserves real conversation. believe it deserves real conversation. Conversation grounded in facts guided by Conversation grounded in facts guided by Conversation grounded in facts guided by clear expectations and shaped by the clear expectations and shaped by the clear expectations and shaped by the values of our community. Um I also values of our community. Um I also values of our community. Um I also believe this very strongly. Not every believe this very strongly. Not every believe this very strongly. Not every opportunity is the right opportunity. opportunity is the right opportunity. opportunity is the right opportunity. So, we've got to really dive into this So, we've got to really dive into this So, we've got to really dive into this and understand it. Any proposal has to and understand it. Any proposal has to and understand it. Any proposal has to protect our residents from increased protect our residents from increased protect our residents from increased utility costs. It has to safeguard our utility costs. It has to safeguard our utility costs. It has to safeguard our water resources. water resources. water resources. Um, it has to deliver real measurable Um, it has to deliver real measurable Um, it has to deliver real measurable value back to the people of Elorado. If value back to the people of Elorado. If value back to the people of Elorado. If they're if these conditions are met, they're if these conditions are met, they're if these conditions are met, then we should take a good hard then we should take a good hard then we should take a good hard thoughtful look at it and what this thoughtful look at it and what this thoughtful look at it and what this really could mean for our future. And if really could mean for our future. And if really could mean for our future. And if they're not what met and this isn't just they're not what met and this isn't just they're not what met and this isn't just about data centers, this is about a about data centers, this is about a about data centers, this is about a manufacturing plants, you know, whatever manufacturing plants, you know, whatever manufacturing plants, you know, whatever any business that wants to come to town. any business that wants to come to town. any business that wants to come to town. If if if they don't meet those If if if they don't meet those If if if they don't meet those expectations, then it's okay for us to expectations, then it's okay for us to expectations, then it's okay for us to say no. say no. say no. Um and I think that's not Um and I think that's not Um and I think that's not weakness. I think that's leadership. weakness. I think that's leadership. weakness. I think that's leadership. » Um I have a lot of confidence in our » Um I have a lot of confidence in our » Um I have a lot of confidence in our community. I've confidence in our community. I've confidence in our community. I've confidence in our ability to have these conversations, to ability to have these conversations, to ability to have these conversations, to ask tough questions. I've had great ask tough questions. I've had great ask tough questions. I've had great phone calls and great conversations with phone calls and great conversations with phone calls and great conversations with people that are both opposed and in people that are both opposed and in people that are both opposed and in favor of. And what's funny is both of favor of. And what's funny is both of favor of. And what's funny is both of those sides of the spectrum are people those sides of the spectrum are people those sides of the spectrum are people that need that need that need uh more that want more information. They uh more that want more information. They uh more that want more information. They want to learn more because they don't want to learn more because they don't want to learn more because they don't have all the information. have all the information. have all the information. Um Um Um come and ultimately results in us come and ultimately results in us come and ultimately results in us coming to decisions that reflect who we coming to decisions that reflect who we coming to decisions that reflect who we are and where we want to go. We've done are and where we want to go. We've done are and where we want to go. We've done it before and if we stay grounded, if we it before and if we stay grounded, if we it before and if we stay grounded, if we stay disciplined and if we stay focused stay disciplined and if we stay focused stay disciplined and if we stay focused on what's best for El Dredo, we'll be on what's best for El Dredo, we'll be on what's best for El Dredo, we'll be able to do it again. And that is able to do it again. And that is able to do it again. And that is something I believe in and that's the something I believe in and that's the something I believe in and that's the reason I do this. reason I do this. reason I do this. » Yeah. » Yeah. » Yeah. » So, that's kind of the gist of » So, that's kind of the gist of » So, that's kind of the gist of » my my of my rant when I was writing » my my of my rant when I was writing » my my of my rant when I was writing my thoughts down. my thoughts down. my thoughts down. » It's good. It's balanced. It's helpful. » It's good. It's balanced. It's helpful. » It's good. It's balanced. It's helpful. Um it's responsible, right? At the end Um it's responsible, right? At the end Um it's responsible, right? At the end of the day, trying to be responsible. Um of the day, trying to be responsible. Um of the day, trying to be responsible. Um so, I'm gonna end on this for the sake so, I'm gonna end on this for the sake so, I'm gonna end on this for the sake of your time because I've gone way over. of your time because I've gone way over. of your time because I've gone way over. Um, I do think this is important. I'm Um, I do think this is important. I'm Um, I do think this is important. I'm excited to uh have a place to do this. excited to uh have a place to do this. excited to uh have a place to do this. You know, it's not going to be something You know, it's not going to be something You know, it's not going to be something we do regularly on the podcast of doing we do regularly on the podcast of doing we do regularly on the podcast of doing hyper local hyper local hyper local town politics, but I think it's a it's a town politics, but I think it's a it's a town politics, but I think it's a it's a good it's a good opportunity to I've good it's a good opportunity to I've good it's a good opportunity to I've already seen so many people uh going already seen so many people uh going already seen so many people uh going through DNER and Sarah's uh podcast and through DNER and Sarah's uh podcast and through DNER and Sarah's uh podcast and Tyler and I's podcast on the data Tyler and I's podcast on the data Tyler and I's podcast on the data center. So, Norse and I had a great center. So, Norse and I had a great center. So, Norse and I had a great conversation about that we do want conversation about that we do want conversation about that we do want to trickle in some hyper local stuff to trickle in some hyper local stuff to trickle in some hyper local stuff every, you know, I don't know, every, you know, I don't know, every, you know, I don't know, every quarter or something. quarter or something. quarter or something. » Cuz you guys have a great platform to do » Cuz you guys have a great platform to do » Cuz you guys have a great platform to do stuff beyond hyper local and I love stuff beyond hyper local and I love stuff beyond hyper local and I love watching. watching. watching. » But I think the hyper local stuff is uh » But I think the hyper local stuff is uh » But I think the hyper local stuff is uh it's it's helpful for the community and it's it's helpful for the community and it's it's helpful for the community and I think it's helpful for other rural, I think it's helpful for other rural, I think it's helpful for other rural, you know, other small towns across the you know, other small towns across the you know, other small towns across the country to kind of country to kind of country to kind of » see something inside there. But it yeah, » see something inside there. But it yeah, » see something inside there. But it yeah, there's no no reason we can't do both. there's no no reason we can't do both. there's no no reason we can't do both. One will always be lighter than the One will always be lighter than the One will always be lighter than the other. Um, so thank you for doing this. other. Um, so thank you for doing this. other. Um, so thank you for doing this. It was really important to me and we've It was really important to me and we've It was really important to me and we've always said we'd stay away from politics always said we'd stay away from politics always said we'd stay away from politics on this podcast. And, uh, Norris nailed on this podcast. And, uh, Norris nailed on this podcast. And, uh, Norris nailed it. He's like, it hits different when it. He's like, it hits different when it. He's like, it hits different when it's not a career politician. It's it's not a career politician. It's it's not a career politician. It's someone that's giving back to community someone that's giving back to community someone that's giving back to community that has no, you know, bigger benefit that has no, you know, bigger benefit that has no, you know, bigger benefit other than making where they live other than making where they live other than making where they live better. And so, uh, but Steve Fellers better. And so, uh, but Steve Fellers better. And so, uh, but Steve Fellers dropped off an article he saved because dropped off an article he saved because dropped off an article he saved because he's a big Bill Young fan and is he's a big Bill Young fan and is he's a big Bill Young fan and is » I'm a big Steve Fellers fan. regularly » I'm a big Steve Fellers fan. regularly » I'm a big Steve Fellers fan. regularly thankful for everything you do uh for thankful for everything you do uh for thankful for everything you do uh for this town and it was passing the torch this town and it was passing the torch this town and it was passing the torch new mayor talks quality of life and so new mayor talks quality of life and so new mayor talks quality of life and so this was man what's the date on this was man what's the date on this was man what's the date on this paper December 7th 2019 so this is this paper December 7th 2019 so this is this paper December 7th 2019 so this is when you became mayor sir when you became mayor sir when you became mayor sir » and uh I thought you know we won't get » and uh I thought you know we won't get » and uh I thought you know we won't get into all of it it's it's just a short into all of it it's it's just a short into all of it it's it's just a short little piece but yeah I'll short little piece but yeah I'll short little piece but yeah I'll end on that what would Bill what end on that what would Bill what end on that what would Bill what does Bill say to Bill back in 2019 and does Bill say to Bill back in 2019 and does Bill say to Bill back in 2019 and what's your takeaway since then not what's your takeaway since then not what's your takeaway since then not that you're at the end or anything. that you're at the end or anything. that you're at the end or anything. » Listen, I'll tell you my takeaway since » Listen, I'll tell you my takeaway since » Listen, I'll tell you my takeaway since then is it's not what I expected. Um then is it's not what I expected. Um then is it's not what I expected. Um it's great though and I would have it's great though and I would have it's great though and I would have encouraged myself to dive in deeper encouraged myself to dive in deeper encouraged myself to dive in deeper earlier as well. earlier as well. earlier as well. » Um because yeah » Um because yeah » Um because yeah » because I what I've learned since 2019 » because I what I've learned since 2019 » because I what I've learned since 2019 I think that's not true. What I've I think that's not true. What I've I think that's not true. What I've reinforced in my heart and in my mind reinforced in my heart and in my mind reinforced in my heart and in my mind since 2019 is something that I've always since 2019 is something that I've always since 2019 is something that I've always known and that is El Dredo is a very known and that is El Dredo is a very known and that is El Dredo is a very special place. We've got a great special place. We've got a great special place. We've got a great community of great people. We look at community of great people. We look at community of great people. We look at big projects, BG, all the things that big projects, BG, all the things that big projects, BG, all the things that we've done. We've got so many generous we've done. We've got so many generous we've done. We've got so many generous people in this community that really people in this community that really people in this community that really just want to see the community thrive. just want to see the community thrive. just want to see the community thrive. And I I've always known that, but the And I I've always known that, but the And I I've always known that, but the last six or seven years have really last six or seven years have really last six or seven years have really reinforced that for me. and it's given reinforced that for me. and it's given reinforced that for me. and it's given me an opportunity to kind of have a a a me an opportunity to kind of have a a a me an opportunity to kind of have a a a front row seat in seeing that. Um, so I front row seat in seeing that. Um, so I front row seat in seeing that. Um, so I would I would tell myself from 2019, would I would tell myself from 2019, would I would tell myself from 2019, um, buckle up. It's going to be uh um, buckle up. It's going to be uh um, buckle up. It's going to be uh sometimes bumpy but very exciting ride sometimes bumpy but very exciting ride sometimes bumpy but very exciting ride and you're going to kick yourself for and you're going to kick yourself for and you're going to kick yourself for not having tried to dive into it a not having tried to dive into it a not having tried to dive into it a little bit sooner in your life. little bit sooner in your life. little bit sooner in your life. » That's good. And considering you've been » That's good. And considering you've been » That's good. And considering you've been doing it since 2011 or nine plan doing it since 2011 or nine plan doing it since 2011 or nine plan starting in planning commission 2009. So starting in planning commission 2009. So starting in planning commission 2009. So you're gosh that's crazy. That's eight you're gosh that's crazy. That's eight you're gosh that's crazy. That's eight what is that 19 years? what is that 19 years? what is that 19 years? » 19 years. » 19 years. » 19 years. » Yeah that's » Yeah that's » Yeah that's » Yeah. » Yeah. » Yeah. » 18 years. » 18 years. » 18 years. » 18 years. It's of being involved. And » 18 years. It's of being involved. And » 18 years. It's of being involved. And you're saying you wish you would have you're saying you wish you would have you're saying you wish you would have done it younger. So it's a good done it younger. So it's a good done it younger. So it's a good » I do I I just wish that I would have » I do I I just wish that I would have » I do I I just wish that I would have started a little bit younger. started a little bit younger. started a little bit younger. » Yeah. um because it would have given me » Yeah. um because it would have given me » Yeah. um because it would have given me an opportunity to be able to an opportunity to be able to an opportunity to be able to » talk to the people in their 20s and » talk to the people in their 20s and » talk to the people in their 20s and early 30s and say this is what it was early 30s and say this is what it was early 30s and say this is what it was like » but again I I was not a local business » but again I I was not a local business » but again I I was not a local business owner. owner. owner. » Sure. » Sure. » Sure. » Right. I mean I worked at the college » Right. I mean I worked at the college » Right. I mean I worked at the college you know but I mean at that time when I you know but I mean at that time when I you know but I mean at that time when I started I worked um in healthcare but started I worked um in healthcare but started I worked um in healthcare but » um you know it I I understand the » um you know it I I understand the » um you know it I I understand the nuances and the concerns as local nuances and the concerns as local nuances and the concerns as local business owners and all I can do is business owners and all I can do is business owners and all I can do is try and help people kind of try and help people kind of try and help people kind of » brainstorm through that. Yeah. I just » brainstorm through that. Yeah. I just » brainstorm through that. Yeah. I just know have done it. know have done it. know have done it. » A lot have done it. » A lot have done it. » A lot have done it. » Yeah. And you can talk to them and » Yeah. And you can talk to them and » Yeah. And you can talk to them and they've they've you know, Vince is they've they've you know, Vince is they've they've you know, Vince is someone that's someone that's someone that's » got great uh he he's got some good » got great uh he he's got some good » got great uh he he's got some good consultation on that, I think, of how to consultation on that, I think, of how to consultation on that, I think, of how to walk that balance because it's it's walk that balance because it's it's walk that balance because it's it's tough. It's it's different. But uh but tough. It's it's different. But uh but tough. It's it's different. But uh but yeah, that being said, go ahead. yeah, that being said, go ahead. yeah, that being said, go ahead. What were you gonna say? What were you gonna say? What were you gonna say? » I was just gonna say I appreciate you » I was just gonna say I appreciate you » I was just gonna say I appreciate you guys doing this. I I've guys doing this. I I've guys doing this. I I've » I I love your podcast in general, » I I love your podcast in general, » I I love your podcast in general, » but I I do like these opportunities to » but I I do like these opportunities to » but I I do like these opportunities to just kind of focus a little bit on some just kind of focus a little bit on some just kind of focus a little bit on some stuff local and to your point, the stuff local and to your point, the stuff local and to your point, the conversations that have been had, not conversations that have been had, not conversations that have been had, not just around data center, but kind of how just around data center, but kind of how just around data center, but kind of how David has talked and, you know, just David has talked and, you know, just David has talked and, you know, just those types of conversations are those types of conversations are those types of conversations are beneficial to other communities and to beneficial to other communities and to beneficial to other communities and to businesses in how they need to interact businesses in how they need to interact businesses in how they need to interact with communities responsibly. So, I I I with communities responsibly. So, I I I with communities responsibly. So, I I I love what you guys are doing. I love what you guys are doing. I love what you guys are doing. I appreciate you having me. Um, I've appreciate you having me. Um, I've appreciate you having me. Um, I've always been a little jealous that I always been a little jealous that I always been a little jealous that I didn't get to sit, you know, sit in the didn't get to sit, you know, sit in the didn't get to sit, you know, sit in the studio and be on a podcast prior to now. studio and be on a podcast prior to now. studio and be on a podcast prior to now. So, So, So, » yeah. No, I'm glad. Well, I'm sure life » yeah. No, I'm glad. Well, I'm sure life » yeah. No, I'm glad. Well, I'm sure life will uh Well, I'm sure we'll have you will uh Well, I'm sure we'll have you will uh Well, I'm sure we'll have you back in the future on some other topic back in the future on some other topic back in the future on some other topic and um maybe we can go deeper into your and um maybe we can go deeper into your and um maybe we can go deeper into your IT stuff uh as you're Yeah, I IT stuff uh as you're Yeah, I IT stuff uh as you're Yeah, I » can that world. It' be interesting. » can that world. It' be interesting. » can that world. It' be interesting. Yeah, we'll we'll come up with some Yeah, we'll we'll come up with some Yeah, we'll we'll come up with some other ideas, but no, thank you so much. other ideas, but no, thank you so much. other ideas, but no, thank you so much. Appreciate everything you do for this Appreciate everything you do for this Appreciate everything you do for this town. um we'll we'll get this out there town. um we'll we'll get this out there town. um we'll we'll get this out there and uh hopefully it's just another and uh hopefully it's just another and uh hopefully it's just another method of building trust in the method of building trust in the method of building trust in the community for what you guys as a community for what you guys as a community for what you guys as a commission and uh how hard our city commission and uh how hard our city commission and uh how hard our city works. And um I appreciate your ability works. And um I appreciate your ability works. And um I appreciate your ability to always want to improve and think to always want to improve and think to always want to improve and think outside the box and how much you outside the box and how much you outside the box and how much you genuinely care not only about how great genuinely care not only about how great genuinely care not only about how great our town is, but you also want to see us our town is, but you also want to see us our town is, but you also want to see us have our tax base revenue go up so taxes have our tax base revenue go up so taxes have our tax base revenue go up so taxes can come down. um via economic can come down. um via economic can come down. um via economic development, right? development, right? development, right? » And not via, you know, raising my taxes. » And not via, you know, raising my taxes. » And not via, you know, raising my taxes. So, So, So, » right. I don't I don't want to raise » right. I don't I don't want to raise » right. I don't I don't want to raise anyone's taxes. anyone's taxes. anyone's taxes. » We have done it and we've had to do it, » We have done it and we've had to do it, » We have done it and we've had to do it, but I don't want to do it. but I don't want to do it. but I don't want to do it. » Yeah. All right, Bill. Appreciate you. » Yeah. All right, Bill. Appreciate you. » Yeah. All right, Bill. Appreciate you. See how I ended that? I didn't say See how I ended that? I didn't say See how I ended that? I didn't say mayor. mayor. mayor. » Appreciate that very much. ---