I know I know the big news of the day, according to NRA members (might want to fact check this one) is that Obama has proposed taking all of our guns away. They should be dropped off at Walgreens or you will go to jail and your property will be seized and given to the Russians. But that is not the big news.
The BIG news is that there is a local group that wants to purchase the Columbus Auditorium, completely restore while keeping it's historical value and integrity using private money, changing the name from "the large empty decrepit theater above the city hall" to The Broadway Theater. (like the Stoughten Opera House)
You can not underestimate what this means to the city of Columbus. I have ALWAYS said Columbus is the WORST at self promotion and boasting about what it has going for it. This can be compared to what a vibrant Barrymore Theater and Blue Moon Cafe did to the Atwood Community in Madison, WHICH, is about the same size as Columbus. (that's weird isn't it).
Once restoration is complete The Broadway will be a 400 seat multi purpose venue.
Not only will this provide jobs for Columbus but it will bring thousands into the downtown district which in turn will create more jobs. Momentum will bring new excitement and with excitement new shops will vie for space.
I'll say it again You can not underestimate what this means to Columbus.
HOWEVER - there are some sticking points that the City Council needs to approve (if they have not already). An 18 month lease is needed for Due Diligence which I believe would be for $1 which is the same as what it currently is from the CAC. AND - no one else will be allowed to enter the building. From my point of view I see no reason why this would not be passed, (has it passed already? the video of the CC meeting is not online yet).
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I'm proud to announce that Alice Schmidt has joined my team and will become the Treasurer for my bid as Aldermen 2nd District.
While talking to Alice I was shown a labor of love she and the historical group has been working on. A huge binder full of historical photos and story's on the history of Columbus. I was paging through this and it is truly TRULY gold and if you love Columbus you will want this. It's not for public distribution but I urge the Historical people to move forward with this. I WANT one. And if I want one others will want one.
I'm also very excited that Columbus has a new Historical group. I was amazed a few years ago when I found out there was no group. WHAT? Columbus? no historical org? crazy.
This is why I want to be on the City Council. Over the past 10 years it seems we have been on auto pilot, just going through the motions only trying to survive but not really thrive.
I do not think the people that have lived here all their lives understand how awesome this city can be. We are always so close to getting over that hump and then we take two steps backwards. We should rename Columbus to Colimboland.
I feel Columbus is in for a fantastic next 10 years and I want to be part of planning for years to come. I don't want Columbus to squander the future with 10 more years of stagnation an inaction. Every time I see a vision of the future I hear people automatically downplaying it. No one seems to think of the future. "Let's just survive this year" seems to be the thought process.
I got 16 people to paint the Railroad Station for free. I believe I can inspire the citizens of Columbus with my enthusiasm and my desire to make this city a better place for all.
I want to Move Forward but with Common Sense.
Rod
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