Amy Martin wrote:Come to think of it, he DOES look like a backyard hen . . . . . . .
Amy
You probably could have left this one out of it.
An honest assessment of the hens in Lakewood, and Councilman Juris.
Right now the program has gone through. Council President Mary Louise Madigan has said, "It will
not happen while she is on council." A small but ever growing group in Lakewood has worked hard
to convince a lot of people that it would not be the end of the world to try hens. In most other cities
where it has been tried, it works only because raising chickens is a pain in the ass and costly.
But here in Lakewood where we let the city destroy quiet neighborhoods without a peep, we start
a civil war over 12 chickens. Because some in this town just can't no for an answer, and I believe
Lakewood is once again on the edge of a grand civics lesson. Pouring over the Charter last night
it would seem that the next option is Mayor Summers goining back on his word that he wanted the
program and vetoing the program. Council would then need a super majority, something the last
Charter Review tried to change. See why it is important to watch this stuff? IF the Mayor keeps his
word the pilot program goes through.
At that point, the program could be set up to fail, or succeed. This is how all of it works, studies
pilot programs etc. So they put chickens next to let's just use a name like "The Webbers" you can
bet they will call the police, video tap loose hens, etc. and the program fails. This allows for all
city hall officials including MLM and Councilman Juris to say, "At least we tried." There are options
that Council President Madigan and Councilman Juris can still pull out of their quiver, but may not
even know that they are there.
Meanwhile "The anti-chicken" group, which is well funded, and powerful, which in this town means
out of St, Lukes, and based somewhere between Lakewood Soccer and Lakewood Catholic
Academy means to stop it. First by putting a law on the books, then by working overtime and
spending money to run out of office everyone that voted for this "pilot program." Which is
completely fair and legal. Though a tad melodramatic, when delivered through emails and phone
calls. Doubt it, last night I heard of two groups ready to "Take Councilman Anderson out!" Both
legal and within their rights, but a quick glimpse at council would indicate that Councilman
Anderson was the only councilman that did any homework on the entire pilot program. The entire
rest of the group had dug in before anything was presented.
No matter next up is the mayor. Will he stay true to what he said, or...
As far as Councilman Juris, he has been working the "Overlook Park District" (which is not where
Overlook the street is, or a park), where there is money to run for council, especially for a man
that will do their bidding. AGAIN nothing illegal, Councilman Juris has been very candid with his
desire to work with Mary Louise Madigan at stopping this Lakewood ending pilot project. Almost
as hard as he has worked to get drunks buses, and break up neighborhoods. All completely legal.
My final take on this for the day. This loses at the ballot box. We all have neighbors that could not
be trusted with chickens. I say in an election it gets beat, but the longer they wait for the election
the more the residents will get educated and see the truth. So the race is on.
I always find it funny when so many people get upset about chickens destroying Lakewood, when
they are the same people tearing down historical structures in quiet neighborhoods for CVS, Family
Dollar, 250 seat sports bars, etc.
Yep this is going to be a good old fashion dust up.
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