In previous editorials, I have written about positive thinking, seeing the brighter side of things, hoping that the rest of the city would follow those steps and together, we could all make this town a better place.
Boy, was I dreaming.
This past week has brought me to a crossroads about where this City is heading. On one hand, it’s looking pretty good. Some businesses are doing quite well and Mesquite is growing slowly but steadily, as it should. No foundation was ever a strong one if it was cheated out of setting correctly.
Last week, we began to realize the new consequences of the city’s neglect of past business, primarily at the Virgin Valley Water District. With water rates increasing dramatically in April, both residents and businesses are going to be feeling the effect of waiting so long to take care of business. Yeah, the increase is crappy, but looking at the rates of other areas, we have been lucky to have paid such low rates for as long as we have.
This week, it’s the naysayers of the city who are out to get the Mesquite Regional Business, Inc. folks who are actually trying to bring businesses to Mesquite. I will leave the specific names of those naysayers alone, as that is not my point.
My point is that there are too many people in this world, not just Mesquite, who are so dense and fixated on their own agendas that they have forgotten how to think and act on behalf of the greater good of the people. They may think that they are, but in reality it’s just chewing the same cud over and over again in different tones.
Yes, MRB was set up two years ago and funded by the city for a contract of five years, with declining funding each year. Yes, they hired their CEO from Wyoming and the website they used was by a Wyoming based company. However, did you know that Gaye Stockman, the CEO, is a Southern Nevada native? Oh, and that while the main design was done from Wyoming, the staff at MRB run the site here.
MRB has been attacked with Open Meeting Law and IRS complaints, only to come out on the other side with an excusal from both. They also abide by the Open Records Law, meaning that anyone who requests to view the ins and outs of their operations may do so. They are operating within the means of the law and the status through their non-profit license. All they are trying to do is keep Mesquite afloat and help grow it to something better, something sustaining.
But whatever response MRB has to those that are so hardcore against them never seems to be enough. Just like for other organizations and businesses everywhere.
So this brings me to my point. Don’t be the disease. Don’t be that negative force that is keeping Mesquite from realizing its potential. Every little aspect of this City has a cause and effect mechanism attached to it. Take that negativity and turn it into something positive and productive. Imagine what it would be like if the energy once placed into trying to bring a group down was redirected towards bringing something else that was good up. How would that feel?
Everything published in print and online reaches readers from all around the world. Some actually do some research into an area before anyone even knows they are considering relocating there for work, business or retirement.
Imagine what it would be like if the energy once placed into trying to bring a group down was redirected towards bringing something else that was good up. How would that feel?
I was always taught that if you don’t vote, you have no right to complain about the government. Well, in this instance, if you don’t try to solve the problems, then you don’t have a right to complain about them either.
Mesquite needs to rid itself of the negativity disease. It’s exhausting and destructive.
Have a problem with something? Find a solution for it. Not one that is off the cuff and shorthanded, but something that will legitimately work. Think you can run a type of business better than an existing one? Then start one. But don’t be that person who sits behind the computer or going around town and distributing that hate and deceit to all who read it or interact with you. It’s poisonous. And it will not help anyone here; not even you.
Now, I am not saying that there aren’t bad things happening. I am merely suggesting that there are solutions more beneficial to the community that would avoid bashing and hating those who are trying to grow Mesquite.
Be the change you desire. Be that person who makes a positive difference. Be the bigger man/woman and do your part. Just stop the hate, gossip and twisting of information.
Stephanie Frehner has written an exceptionally insightful perspective of the tactics of destruction that is practices by some in this community. There is no fault to asking questions; but be part of the solution, not the problem.
I so agree with David, I have only lived here 8 yrs what a great town this could be if only we opened our minds and had backers that we could trust and etc. Steph, i have written on this new way of responding. but just had to when i read this. you are so right and a great asset to our community. and knowing you, has been a great pleasure. your are one of a kind. I would be more than willing to help us all get the biggest little town on the map with GOOD THINGS GONING ON.
Great article Stephanie. Sorry it took me so long to read it. When we first moved here 7 years ago, most people we met were very positive in their thinking. However, ever since the closing of the Oasis, things have gradually changed for the worse. Many people felt very betrayed by Black Gaming because they were the reason they moved here to work. Unfortunately, they did what they had to do, as we all now know.
People need to realize everything happens for a reason. Things will get better. The city will grow little by little with positive attitudes helping to make things better. Eventually Mesquite gaming will build on the old Oasis site, or sell it someone who will. Greg Lee from Eureka will eventually do something with the old Mesquite Convention Center property. These 2 things will be great leaps for our city.
But long before this happens, we have to grow private business’ to attract more like minded people to the area. While we can not live without gaming, it can not be the main focus of our city either. It all starts with supporting local businesses as much as possible. Instead of waiting for Redd Hills Cinema to close, enact a family movie night once a week and help support them. Be part of the cure, not part of the problem.
🙂
“the increase is crappy,”
“[people] who are so dense…”
“Take that negativity and turn it into something positive and productive.”
I see two insults and one oppositional thought.
As a part-time resident of the Mesquite area, all I can say is: there’s little here for us!
Casino food? Meh. Yes there are some real restaurants but so few, we can’t eat at them all the time. Real shopping? None. Walmart doesn’t count.
We end up driving to St George to shop at quality stores (Harmons Grocery, Costco, Dillard’s, etc) and eat at interesting restaurants (Vietnamese at Ah’sya, etc). Meanwhile, as consumers, we really would like to see some changes to Mesquite, also.
Imagine if we had a Trader Joe’s store, a Costco, a quality outlet center!
A trader Joe’s, a Costco or an outlet center would be great. I hear these things all the time. But for now they are totally unrealistic. There is not enough full time residents here to support any of these things. And the theory of “build it and they will come”, is just as unrealistic. We need more small business start ups to grow the city in a timely manner.
We don’t want this to be the next St. George. I believe people move here for the slower, less stressful living than living in a big city. In the meantime don’t think St. George as someplace you “have” to go. Think of it as a special outing where you get to spend the day shopping and dining. Think of Andy Griffith living in Mayberry RFD and occasionally taking his best girl to Pt. Pilot for a special day.
I’m with you Steve. I specifically bypassed St. George for Mesquite simply because it grew too fast and the population has clearly outstripped the infrastructure. Traffic is an unmitigated and ongoing disaster there. Mesquite will continue to grow in a more timely and sustainable manner and the infrastructure for much of it is already planned and in place. If living near big box chain stores is what you seek then St. George should be your cup of tea, along with a few thousand other cities across the nation. I prefer the resort style living Mesquite offers with a golf course for every traffic light, 5,000 miles of ATV trails in my back yard, legalized adulthood, enough stores and services to meet all my basic needs, and 35 minute proximity to any chain you can name.
Thank you, Stephanie, for bringing some very needed fresh air to this issue. I agree. It is very sad that a few negative people have been out to cripple MRB from the beginning instead of giving it a chance. The city was spending the same amount of money when economic development was in-house with no result. And negative comments such as all MRB has done is buy the Gaults a new car are not only foolish and negative but very close to slander.
“Laytonian” is also correct that Mesquite needs new businesses. To support them, we need more than the retired population – although that population is a huge financial benefit to businesses in town. We need to encourage businesses that would provide living wage jobs in the area. It kills me that we are doing nothing for solar power. If Overton won’t get on it, where is the business that will sell individual solar units?
Thanks 🙂