Former Knoxville City Council Member Craig Kelley recently resigned from the council citing health concerns as the reason for his sudden exit.
Kelley, who is a former Mayor of Knoxville, co-founder of Habitat for Humanity of Marion County as well as a member or former member of a number of Knoxville groups, committees and organizations, has written a letter to the residents of Knoxville. In the letter Kelley addresses community growth, the betterment of Knoxville and what he perceives as multiple negative trends that hamper the city’s positive undertakings. Kelley tells KNIA/KRLS News he wants the community to know there are volunteer opportunities available for everyone who complains about the city. They can volunteer and make the changes they want. To listen to the complete interview tune in for today’s Sims Custom Wash Let’s Talk Knoxville.
Open letter to the Community of Knoxville,
Community growth and betterment comes in many forms and it takes the entire community working together to make it happen. It takes Community leaders with defined and focused goals using input from citizens on what they want that will help our city best grow and prosper.
The only way that Knoxville or any other community can be successful is for people to work together serving on city committees, in civic organizations, churches, and other groups to help support activities and events. The task at hand is large and it takes many people with dedication and passion to make these events and activities become a reality.
One problem in Knoxville is the negative mindset of many. This undermines the efforts of those who are working hard, doing their best to make a positive change. What happens when the negative overtones are present? Those doing the work become agitated, resentful, and maybe even ultimately walk away in disgust. The City can’t do it all, and it isn’t the City’s job to host events.
As the group of volunteers shrink so do the number of special events in Knoxville, and that is a sign of unhealthy community. It takes the whole community working together. Want a new pool? Then get a group together to help fundraise to make it happen.
Volunteer! Find a committee or an organization that does activities that you are interested in. There are many groups who struggle to get people involved; Habitat for Humanity, Lions, Optimists, Kiwanis, Rotary, and the Chamber of Commerce are just a few. Our local fire departments and police reserve units are also looking for help. These groups do great work within the community and most do it quietly without recognition or fanfare.
Want something to happen on the square or any other project? Then get a group of people together and make it happen. It’s up to you.
One other problematic negative trend I have witnessed is when a group gets together, plans and organizes an event and the second they leave the meeting someone is tearing apart either the plan or someone within the group for whatever reason. What a great way to run off volunteers; this unproductive habitat has a long term negative impact not only for the organization but also the efforts of the volunteer. At this point they quit, leave and typically take a friend or two with them which leaves fewer people doing the work. The few get burned out and they quit. I’ve seen that happen time after time.
Everyone has exactly the same amount of time each week, 10,080 minutes and what you do with those minutes is up to you. You can’t make a positive difference watching TV, your head stuck in front of a computer or nose in your phone. If you don’t want to get involved, fine, but quit complaining at those who are trying to do their best to make Knoxville a better place to live and raise a family. If you think you have nothing to offer, you are wrong. Sometimes all that is needed is a strong back, or help with phone calls.
The City Council and staff are doing the best they can with the funds they have available. Go to the Council meetings and get informed. Don’t let one person tell you what you should think because you will typically get one side of the story. There are so many things the City has no control over. The State is good at mandating things the City must do and the State isn’t supplying the funds to allow the City to make these changes. I’m proud of our City employees– they care about Knoxville and give their best daily. If you think they are overpaid, take a day off and go job shadow them I think you will learn differently.
The City isn’t trying to hurt the citizens and to dictate to you. For the most part, the same set of regulations and code books are used across Iowa.
Take pride in your properties. You never know who is driving around the City looking it over before they decide if they want to move their business to Knoxville. The same with what you say about the community–negative words could also make a difference if someone moves here or not. You may never know who is asking the question, it just maybe the next big employer that is looking for a new community to move their business to.
We are at a crossroads and it is up to all us. What do you want Knoxville to be? You can continue to complain and watch things get worse or you can get involved to make a positive difference. It’s your town and together we can make it into something great.
There are many wonderful people that for years have given the best they have to help Knoxville, and many times that load was heavy and stressful. You don’t get recognized for all that you do, thanks for what you do and what you have done and what you will continue to do. You are the gems, the pillars of the community.
Together, all 7,000 of us working together for common goals can make Knoxville a truly great place to live. It all depends upon you.
Craig Kelley
The Paradoxical Commandments
by Dr. Kent M. Keith
People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered. Love them anyway.
If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives. Do good anyway.
If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies. Succeed anyway.
The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.
Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable. Be honest and frank anyway.
The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds. Think big anyway.
People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs. Fight for a few underdogs anyway.
What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight. Build anyway.
People really need help but may attack you if you do help them. Help people anyway.
Give the world the best you have and you’ll get kicked in the teeth. Give the world the best you have anyway.
© Copyright Kent M. Keith 1968, renewed 2001