Jilted Again
We all know the story. First there’s a romantic proposal that sparks earnest commitments and undying vows. Subsequently, a date is set, and a protracted and expensive engagement follows. As always, complications arise and so do more expenses. Naturally, much hype and ballyhoo further heighten “the date’s” anticipation and angst. More promises are made and questions arise when “the date” comes and passes without fanfare. In the meantime, the folks in the community learn to accept their obvious and oft repeated fate as the County’s strategic plan is completed and promptly shelved without the fulfillment of the commitment and promise. At last, the story ends with Fairfield citizens being left at the altar by yet another non-executed plan.
Yes, Fairfield citizens have lived through this ‘love’ story many times.
Since 2008, the Fairfield government and The Central Midlands Council of Governments (CCOG) have commissioned at least 3 strategic/ development plans. As of this writing, NONE of those plans have yet to been executed.
In the fall of 2015, Council romanticized about an end-all, beat-all strategic plan.The plan was shortly commissioned and $300,000 was allocated to that end. Surprise! A year and a half later we still have not begun to execute that strategic plan. However, this time Council has an excuse for not executing the plan since we still do not have a finished plan (that the public is aware of).
I guess there is not a need to finish the latest plan because it’s probably just about time to commission a new one.
On second thought, we just might be better off without the heartache of another attempt at an ill-fated romance.