About 50 people gathered in Hammond Park Thursday morning to hear comments from those who made the limestone entrance monuments possible.
Among the speakers were City Manager Matt Zimmerman, Mayor Kevin Nelson, Jamie Sauder, chair of the building futures committee, and Alan Tollakson, sculptor.
Tollakson said this morning that he spent a lot of time thinking about Emporia while carving and grinding the monument.
“My conclusion was this: For 24 years now, I have been a part of a city and community of people, who all have one thing in common. They all really care about Emporia, Kansas.”
Zimmerman said the project was made possible initially by the Building Futures program, which was made up of numerous public and private entities. One of the goals of the program was to improve tourism and the city’s aesthetics.
“I think Alan’s done a wonderful job,” Zimmerman said after the ceremony. “It creates a nice impression of the community. We’re rock solid.”
Representatives from Rand McNally, who are judging the most patriotic cities in the country, were on hand during the dedication. They interviewed citizens and also participated in a ribbon cutting ceremony afterwards.
“I think in the future people will think these monuments represent Emporia well,” said Nelson.
Sauder said there has been a lot of blood, sweat and tears involved with the project.
Tollakson said he felt honored and proud to be asked to play his part in helping to create the entrance signs. He said he gives most of the credit to the Emporia City Commission, the City Parks Department, the Emporia Area Convention and Tourism Bureau, Dave Emig Architects, Dave Markowitz and the crew that installed and prepared the site, and to Bob Davis of Pyramid Stone.
“Carving that second word at the bottom, ‘Welcome,’ was effortless compared to the first. What that means to me is that Emporians always have and always will extend an effortless and warm welcome to all who cross this threshold,” Tollakson said. “May this, and future endeavors, bring Emporia the happiness and recognition that it deserves.”
The event was peaceful and no protesters were visible, though some people stood across the street.
The entrance signs caused a stir in the community when first announced, and the City Commission put the project on hold for a time to consider public input.
Zimmerman said Thursday that he understands people’s concerns about the project and its cost.
Zimmerman said many hours of volunteer work were used. Some of the early design work was donated, as was the stone’s transportation.
He said that in the scope of the overall budget, the monuments were relatively inexpensive and could have been more expensive.
“Even though the entrance monuments may not be exactly what everyone expected they still represent a message,” Nelson said during the dedication. “That message is that Emporia welcomes visitors and is proud of their city. Over time these stones will continue to send this message long past many of our lifetimes in Emporia.”
A second monument may be placed at an entrance on the east side of town. The other two monuments will be placed next to K-99 at the south entrance to town and next to West U.S. Highway 50 near the roundabout.
History
The Emporia City Commission gave final approval Jan. 19 to construct four limestone signs for $101,165.
Commissioners were originally considering building six entrance monuments, one at the four ends of town and two on both I-35 exits at Industrial Road. Due to public backlash over the cost of four being built, commissioners dropped the idea of a fifth and sixth sign.
City leaders initially defended the purchase but backed off Jan. 26 when then-Mayor Jim Kessler announced the project was on a temporary hold to digest public feedback.
Three weeks later the commission moved forward with the project but changed the funding source. Instead of taking if from sales tax money earmarked for infrastructure improvements, the solution was to mainly pay for it with a tax guests at Emporia motels pay. Money from a park improvement account was also used.
But the funding change turned out to have problems as well. Due to the new entrance monuments and less people staying at Emporia motels, city leaders may soon have to make more than $60,000 in tourism related cuts for 2012.
Malique (anonymous) says...
It sound like about 50 people need to get real jobs.
July 7, 2011 at 1:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
According to Zimmerman, "One of the goals of the [Building Futures]program was to improve tourism and the city's asethetics." [I didn't misspell that word, the reporter did.]
Oh really? Then why, why, why, spend so much for rocks and nothing for a crumbling infrastructure? Aesthetics? AESTHETICS? Unbelievable!
No, there were no protesters there today, but that doesn't mean they are satisfied with what the Buiding Futures team has done, spend outrageously for bloody rocks!
July 7, 2011 at 4:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scarlett01_98 (anonymous) says...
create,
just wondering, the one on merchant; does it look right or is it half hidden by the other signs in that area? i haven't seen it yet.
July 7, 2011 at 4:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
Sorry, out of town at work, or there would have been at least 1 protestor.
July 7, 2011 at 6:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
scarlett,
I haven't driven up there to see the one on Mercant yet. Will let you know.
Oh yeah, I was thinking...since TOURISM is so important around here, I have an idea. Wait for it......
Sanction gay marriage!
July 7, 2011 at 8 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scarlett01_98 (anonymous) says...
lol create! hey if it brings in tourist dollars... maybe they should think about it....
i might get to drive by the rock sunday
July 7, 2011 at 8:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
While I did not attend the "thumb our nose at the taxpayer" ceremony this morning, I did listen to it on KVOE . It was amazing how this changed from a hard earned effort of blood sweat and tears of the CVB and building futures program to an overall effort of EVERYONE in Emporia, including the School board.
As I was not there, could the Gazette report if anyone in attendance had nothing to do with the project? Was there ANYONE there who was not a member of the commission, chamber, BFC, CVB, city employee, news media, or someone who did not have a financial "impact" from the project?
1 person?
July 7, 2011 at 10:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
1 Person ?
July 7, 2011 at 10:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
booker5m (anonymous) says...
Only in their minds will this bring tourist
July 7, 2011 at 10:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jmac (anonymous) says...
I saw the one across from ESU and the Armory at that little park.
They look really dumb and not worth the money we spent.
Now I can see if we had signs like Topeka than yeah but not A tall rock that said Emporia in it.
Lame
July 8, 2011 at 12:01 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
What truly amazes me is when Jessie Solis was wanting to put "Home of Veteran Day" signs....the hassel he went through to get the OK....was thought that area would be much to cluttered..........oops, looks cluttered to me now. Also, if a driver could not see the original sign "Emporia" they shouldn't be driving!!!! Have been amazed when reading about these monuments how we are NOW home of "Veterans Day" and also the Braile signs.....what about giving credit where credit is due NOT the city socalled fathers, don't believe they put one red cent of tax dollars in those. Thank you, Jessie Solis.
July 8, 2011 at 1:17 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
The point above I was hoping to achieve is the "Home of Veterans Days" signs should have been done 40/50 years ago and weren't and when they were, Jessie had to scramble to get the proper permission and also funds. When it was found a few could line their pockets nicely, the idea was sold hook,line and sinker for these monsters (without taxpayers desire) and the using of a source of tax dollars. Common sense factor, GONE!!!!
July 8, 2011 at 3:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
gogreen (anonymous) says...
I totally agree with you sandman!! Those signs look ridiculous. Wonder how long it will be before someone tags them.
July 8, 2011 at 7:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
You have it right, sandman. It's all about how the money angle works and who stands to profit. Yup.
I agree, Steve. Suddenly, EVERYONE in Emporia was responsible for the effort. Yeah, sure.
Way to play down the CVB and Building Futures role in wasting tons of taxpayer money, KVOE. How quick your boss wants to distance himself from that fiasco. Yeah, sure, we see how this works now.
Notice to all involved. The only way I am responsible for those rocks is having my tax dollars robbed from my pocket instead of being put to good use. That is the only way "everyone" was involved. I remember the uprising of the rabid dogs and the large numbers of people who don't ordinarily post on this forum raising their voices too. I remember all the accusations by Steve Sauder and Nina West with regard to anonymity. I will remember all that everytime I pass one of those rocks.
Who writes the history of Emporia? I hope they remember to note all the voices of dissent over those rocks.
July 8, 2011 at 7:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mslater (Matt Slater) says...
"Sauder said there has been a lot of blood, sweat and tears involved with the project."
Yeah, and most of it came from people making ~$13/hr. Remember that...
Matt
July 8, 2011 at 2 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
From the KVOE soundoff:
Now that they have been erected, what do you think of the design of Emporia's entrance markers?
Like 63
Dislike 249
I can live with them 45
Don't care 55
July 8, 2011 at 3:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
this poll should have had;
"I have to live with them" as a choice.
July 8, 2011 at 3:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
This whole thing is close to being completely done and we HAVE to live with it. A lot of people are angry but that anger will do no good, at least about the rocks. Time to move that anger to another burner if you will.
Everyone who is upset about the rocks should now pay attention to the things the city and county are planning in regards to their budgets for 2012.
1. Fanestil relocation
2. RDA pay increases
3.County and city employee pay.
4.Rising costs of services
5.Storm water run off.
6. A myriad of funding requests from various agencies.
7. Property devaluation and resulting increases in the mil-levies that will be needed to fund operations.
Just a few things that we CAN have an input on. Don't give ANYONE the excuse that they did not know the people would be upset over their decisions.
So stay mad if you want. But also be active, informed and vocal on the issues. Put your commissioners e-mail addresses in your mail box and shoot them a mail once a week. Tell them if you are mad, and if they do something you like tell them "good Job".
JUST TELL THEM !
July 8, 2011 at 3:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sail (anonymous) says...
We will see ZERO economic activity from the stones,,,,, excluding the ones pd to build and design.... Had we invested 140,000 in increasing 30 ESU students, we would have seen possibly ONE MILLION dollars of economic activity in Emporia over the next four years....folks,if you want to build a monument,thats fine,,,,,but dont feed me a line of BULL and try to sell it as helping the economy on Emporia.
July 8, 2011 at 4:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sail (anonymous) says...
30 students x ten thousand dollars per year x four years....If you factor the money turning over 9 times,it could possibly be 9 million dollars spent in our local economy.OHHH well im sure the stroke and pat society knows whats best for Emporia,so I will go back under my rock for a while.
July 8, 2011 at 5:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
doubt_it (anonymous) says...
Steve -
I know you have posted the email addressed time and again, but I was foolish enough not to write them down. Could you please post them one more time? I promise to put them in my address book. I would like to voice my opinion on the rocks, budget, request for pay increases, etc.
Thanks
July 8, 2011 at 9:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
romano1784 (anonymous) says...
Didnt ask for them. Didnt want them. Argued against them. Mailed the mayor and commissioner. I dont hide my name. I pay taxes here. I still dont want them. I now have to look at them. Congrats now Elite of Emporia. From now on I will do all I can to dismay any and all people I know or meet from coming to Emporia. My advertisements: In Emporia, you dont matter. In Emporia, your tax dollars are completely wasted while you get to sit and watch and have no say how its done. In Emporia, you dont matter unless you're a tourist. In Emporia, you WILL be broke, jobless, immaterial, and just another rabid dog choking on the scrap of bone that used to be a t-bone steak. And yes I will really do this from now on. Sorry commissioners past and present, but you've show us time and time again that you have little regard for your residents and lots for complete strangers. This just may be my last post on these forums as im tired of hearing our words being lost in the sounds of their dollar signs. Been good talking and debating with you all. Romano.
July 8, 2011 at 11:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
No Problem
Mayor - Kevin Nelson
knelson@emporia-kansas.gov
Bobbi Mlynar, Vice-Mayor
bmlynar@emporia-kansas.gov
City Commissioner - Jim Kessler
jkessler@emporia-kansas.gov
City Commissioner - Rob Gilligan
rgilligan@emporia-kansas.gov
City Commissioner - Joel Phipps
jphipps@emporia-kansas.gov
July 9, 2011 at 6 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Richie (anonymous) says...
I wonder if the judges for Rand-McNally's Most Patriotic City will be reading these negative blogs.
July 9, 2011 at 4:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Richie,
I hope those judges do read these "negative" blogs as you call them. The thing about patriotism is not all flag waving and rah rah stuff you know. The men who fought the American Revolution were all patriots and they were proud to be like fleas on the back of King George.
Those patriots kept up their own blogs in the form of pamphlets handed out on street corners and newspaper editorials. They spoke in taverns. The patriots who signed the Declaration of Independence were almost all hunted down by British agents and many were killed and their homes burned down, often with their families inside.
A patriotic person doesn't just fly a flag; he keeps his eyes open and lets those in power know it if they misspend public funds or step out of line somehow.
Many of the people on these blogs don't just spend their time bitching. They donate their time to worthwhile things here in Emporia. I know I do. They act on various advisory boards, they donate money. And on and on. Don't sell these people short just because they are critical thinkers. These are people who see all sides of the coin, not just two.
Any other questions about patriotism?
July 9, 2011 at 5:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Remember what they were being "negative" about? Taxation without represention? Just a little thing like that.
July 9, 2011 at 5:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
I couldn' t have said it any better, create, great job.
I would just like to say to Richie, " patriotism " does not mean blindly accepting what anyone says as being the right thing, right way of doing things or having someone dictate to you how things " Will or Are " going to be and then blindly complying with their orders or wishes or sheepishly accepting it .
In my opinion, what you have going on in Emporia is " nationalism " only on a smaller, local scale.
I suggest, Richie, that you look up what the two terms " patriotism " and " nationalism " mean and then you decide which of the two terms best suits us " Rabid Dog, so called negative forum posters . "
Oh, and by the way the patriotic freedom fighters of the Revolutionary War were also called, " Colonist/Colonial Dogs " by the British.
July 9, 2011 at 6:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Diana (anonymous) says...
Don't forget, many of the people involved in making these signs possible were replaced in the last election.
And why did they choose Pac-Man as the inspiration for the font?
July 9, 2011 at 8:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rabblerouser (anonymous) says...
Yep, the folks responsible for these rocks have rocks in their heads!!!
July 10, 2011 at 7:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tourguide (anonymous) says...
RECALL Remember Bell, CA. it can happen here if you want...
July 11, 2011 at 10:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
EmporiaRocks (anonymous) says...
I was surprised at how small they are. I thought it would be huge for the $ that was spent.
July 11, 2011 at 3:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
tourguide, good point. Yes, that mess in Bell, CA was only a short time ago when those government people were milking that town dry. Nearly a million a year in salaries for the mayor alone. The thing of it is, how long had people not said anything? They just kept paying their taxes and acting like sheep by accepting everything the council did. Crazy. I'm glad we have a group of rabid dogs around here.
July 11, 2011 at 4:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
netloafer (anonymous) says...
I found some interesting links when I did a Google search about patriotism.
http://www.blueoregon.com/2010/07/lit...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bristol,...
Men's Health also did a most patriot city in America survey. They used metrics like voter turnout, spending on veterans, volunteer rates, flag sales, etc.
Emporia didn't make any of those lists. Kansas City did.
http://www.menshealth.com/mhlists/pat...
What I thought was interesting about what Men's Health did was using different metrics (voter turnout, support for veterans, volunteerism)
July 12, 2011 at 12:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )