HAHA. Let me know how that works out for ya. Look on the bright side you will only have to change one word. Big to small or opportunities to dreams.
What is the county going to do when all those 200, 300, $400,000 houses sell for half or a third, lower the new owners taxes. Yeah ya know how that'll turn out.
Small Town Values Big Time Opportunities
I would like to comment on a this as well,
First of all Small Town Values,
Currently Sidney is far from small town values. Living in a smaller community people look out for one another, yes there is a certain level of 'intrusion' into our private live in a smaller community, yet this is to be expected. Yet at the same time you knew your neighbors and they watched out for each other and their property and looked out for each others best interest.
Sidney used to be like this, that is the Sidney I remember. Yes we had our disagreements and differences.
Now the community has become a den of gossip and backbiting. Constant gossip and rumor mongering has destroyed countless lives, relationships and businesses. The petty bickering is reminiscent of high school. Bullying is rampant, not only in the business sector but also in the social arena as well.
Big Time Opportunities
For who? At one point not to long ago, yes there were wonderful opportunities for anyone who wanted to take a chance and step out. Provide a future for their families and possibly for others as well. What happened, greed, nepotism that is what happened. The good ole boys stepped in and determined, who and what was going to happen in the business life of Sidney, as long as it profited themselves first and for most.
The only opportunities are for those who were approved by this sub culture of individuals. in once was know as the jewel of the panhandle. Toe the line, stroke the right egos, compensate the proper people and all is well.
Step out of line, dare to buck the system and your life became very interesting. The tools of their craft are whispering campaigns, rumors, false accusations. All designed to convict you in the public eye before you have an opportunity to defend yourself, and either force you into compliance or to drive you out.
The big box on the hill is just as bad. So many good people came to our community only to be driven out by the double standards and games of both Cabela's and the community. Those in 'control' both on the hill and in the community seek growth and progressive opportunities, yet destroy and drive out those who can offer this. All because they are remain independent and refuse to sell out thier morals and ideals.
Sidney was once the shining star of the panhandle, possibly even Nebraska. During the times when communities our size where struggling we were excelling, growing. Many looked to us as a example, a symbol of hope.
Now our community has become a black hole sucking the life out of everybody and everything. We are now the 'shining' example of what happens when greed, nepotism etc. take over.
It is my hope and prayer that our community will survive this, heal and grow, and become a great place to live and raise a family again. But not until the monopoly of power is broken and people are given the opportunity to succeed, unfettered by the powers to be will this happen.
How are we to grow as a community when all of the young talent is driven out , families leave in search of a secure future. How are people to provide a future for themselves in Sidney when faced with crippling taxes, steep fees etc.
In closing Sidney and Cabela's has become the laughing stock and the brunt of many jokes. I am afraid and embarrassed to tell people where I am from at this time. One day I hope to be able to hold my hold my head high and say with pride I am from Sidney Nebraska. But for the time being I will keep it to myself.
Nice thought. A prudent move. Tommy and his gang have no idea what a good deal is as is evident with how they have run the company into the ground.
Cheer up. Maybe Warren Buffett will take the company private and keep Sidney humming along.