My View – June 2022

This month, I wanted to circle back around and touch base on a few perennial topics that are always on my mind. During the first week of June, town will see an influx of visitors as the Britt Festival season kicks off, setting the stage for another amazing season of popular and orchestral music. Years ago, I would have said “classical” music, but having picked up a thing or two from Music Director Teddy Abrams, “orchestral” is a more appropriate term. I’m excited to see and hear what the orchestra has in store for us on the hill and am thrilled to have Teddy on the cover of this issue! Along those musical lines, please join me in welcoming Abby McKee as Britt’s new CEO—she brings a wealth of non-profit-work experience with her and is highly respected and well-tuned for the position. I’d like to thank Donna Briggs for a decade of leadership, and, most importantly…friendship!

Like you, I have my eye on the skies…for smoke. Despite unseasonal rain, the threat of wildland and forest fires is upon us and it’s up to each of us to be prepared. Do you have your evacuation route planned and GO BAGS ready for your family and pets? If not, jump on Google—there are dozens of sites that will explain exactly how to prepare these life-saving emergency bags. The city and Jacksonville Review websites contain dozens of articles on the matter, as well.

In last month’s issue, I printed a “UGB Follow-Up,” reporting that the City Council has been studying the ages-old idea of expanding the Urban Growth Boundary. At this writing, the city is still exploring its options—the staff, mayor and council have made it crystal clear about the “study” part. It is my understanding that two landowners are now interested in such expansion, not three as previously thought. For those unfamiliar, expansion of a city’s growth boundary, that opens-up resource and agricultural land for housing and commercial development, takes years—even decades to complete. With a town the size of Jacksonville, it is probable that only one parcel of land would be selected, thus the high-stakes nature of the process. This time around, I am confident the City Council and staff will consider all options, which includes bucking local and state “mandates” and doing nothing.

Speaking of the City Council, the seats held by Jim Lewis, Ken Gregg and Scott Selbe are open in this November’s General Election – please see the official city notice printed on page 13. Although it’s early in the election cycle, if you’re interested in serving on the council, there is no more important volunteer post in town. With that said, I am hopeful the incumbents will run for re-election along with a few fresh faces! Having covered city politics for nearly 15 years, this council is the best I have seen and works very well together… for the benefit of everyone in our Small Town with Big Britt Atmosphere!