Rusty Strait | Senior Reporter
The first meeting between a selection of Hemet businessmen and women came off well. The second meeting this week pretty much set the pace for the future. Although there may have been a few quibbling questions. In baseball lingo, the meeting was at least a double, if not a triple.
The City Attorney, Chief of Police Fust and City Council Members Karlee Meyer and Joe Males sat down with members of the Chamber of Commerce and others to go over the agenda.
The agenda opened with statements from Chief Fust and the Hemet City Attorney and went on to hear from others regarding the establishment of “Business Improvement Districts.”
The City Attorney proposed a “Business Improvement District” and how it would be funded. He stated that he has had successes along that line with other cities. Taxation of a sort (supplanted by other forms of funding) seemed to go over as one idea—more on that down the road. However, once a plan was voted on, it would not be changed except by a whole vote. Safety was the primary interest. Steve Norman spoke of the importance of safety being a concern to his clients. Any idea of using Measure “U” money was ruled out as a funding source.
Both Councilman Mayes and Chief Fust made the point that the primary job of the Districts would be to solve existing problems, not creating new ones.
Chief Fust said, “For years, Hemet has been doing things the “same old way, year after year,” and that has to change. He further explained that “Changes are being made every day. It takes time to implement them fully. Goals should be our initial push toward the future. No need to look back to rescuing a failed past.”
It was generally agreed that the future is where we are going; we know the past – we’ve already been there. Yours truly asked the assemblage that if there was anything they might want to get out to the general about the accomplishments and future ambitions of the group that the Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle would be more than pleased to carry the message forward. We are part of this community and want to help improve it in any way possible.
The meeting was adjourned as scheduled. Notice of the next meeting will be available to all involved.
Folks, it looks like Hemet is taking two steps forward instead of three backward. The immediate future shines bright.
The burden being shouldered is heavy, but one thing was and is apparent to this reporter – Chief Fust sparkles with leadership as does all attending. It can be done, it must be done and as Councilman Mayes says, “It will be done.”
If you have questions or suggestions, email them to me and I will pass them along or try to find answers. Just sayin’
rustystrait@gmail.com
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