Oops, they did it again.

That’s right, after being rejected outright in the latest, ill-timed, usually-low-voter-turnout-to-benefit-progressives, springtime elections, our city council once again generously served up another slice of cake while completely ignoring the voice of the people who screamed loudly on April 8, “We don’t want your ideas, follies or leadership anymore!”

I’d say they have deaf ears, but that would imply they are at least attempting to listen to the people.

Instead, in their alternative Grand Junction universe our Feckless Foursome of “Abe the Sausage King of Grand Junction (and if you don’t get the joke, this column won’t hit your reality either) Herman,” “Anna the Stout, confident progressive,” “Randall right is wrong and wrong is right Reitz” and “Jason if not now, Nguyen do you need my vote?” have decided now is the time to finally do something more about Whitman Park.

Yes, I know they decided a while back to shut Whitman Park down from its 24/7/365 out-of-town guests and move them to the “resource center” but a few blocks away after making them literally roam the desert all over town. I say “out-of-town guests” simply because by the time I write another column on the homeless problem in our area, these same fine folks will get together with other “community leaders” and give the problem yet another name and claim it a solution. I also say guests because they stay and commune in special accommodations provided by the city.

Then again, these same folks aren’t “guests” when it comes to downtown foot-traffic statistics used to justify bollards galore on Fourth and Fifth streets. Rather, they’re magically drivers of the local economy.

But really, Craig, one tone-deaf topic per column.

So, back to the vote to approve nearly a quarter of a million dollars to go to a Boulder (is there really another city in Colorado which would enhance the irony?) design and engineering firm to begin “revitalization” of Whitman Park. I could point out the obvious and ask why a local firm didn’t win the bid, but how does that get you elected to the House of Representatives, governor or preside in your proper place of ruling over the serfs?

Then again, this rushed vote is what happens when you thought you were going to get four more years of progressive rule in your hamlet but instead lost in the last election. Because that’s what this is really about.

Just like so many of the pontifications and programs put into place by our precious politicos, this appears all about cornerstones and microphones. A topic I have written on many times before and I could write monthly if needed about the most dangerous place in Mesa County being between a community leader and a microphone at yet another press party bestowing their special efforts and virtues in taking credit where none or little is due.

Funny how the safest place in the county is at the site of yet another business closing or boondoggle at citizens’ expense caused by these same leaders. If you need a visual, think about moving the BLM headquarters to Grand Junction and all of its ongoing hullabaloo.

That’s all Whitman Park is in the end: Who gets their name on the sign after millions are spent? And they all will. Have you seen the sign at CanyonView Park? It reads more like a roster of who worked for the city than a nameplate and map of where you are, which is what it should be.

But here we are, moving ahead with “plans” for Whitman Park as old Dishonest Abe used as an excuse, basically saying, “They’ve done begun the process of telling subordinates what to do, and there’s no possible way we can or should stop it,” all while he has Anna’s (who called for the vote because it’s probably her idea), Jason’s and Randall’s votes. So, more of your taxpayer money gets spent. This time doing what a few grand in fencing is doing already at Whitman Park in keeping the homeless at bay. Well, they also tore down the bathrooms, so I guess some thought and extra dollars were put into it.

But we all know the main reason for this vote is obvious. It’s because it’s their idea. After all, these select four (and let’s not forget their fifth wheel who on this occasion went rogue, “Scott we don’t always have to spend money we don’t have this time Beilfuss”) got elected to put into place their solutions and plans. Even this one, which hasn’t been formally adopted by council, as rightly noted by “Dennis don’t spend a penny Simpson.”

Obviously, this isn’t about moving the homeless away from the entrance to the city, as they are still only two blocks away. So, it must be about something. I think it’s about looking like you’re doing something – anything – to not really solve problems presently while putting a permanent placeholder with your name on it for perpetuity. Even if it means approving a $5 million project when you don’t have the money, as noted by “Cody I talk to the people too much Kennedy.”

I’d hate to think the outgoing council did this out of spite.

In Christ and Freedom.