The 2006 Flower Mound Power Poll:
Nominations are Open!
Here's something new, and something you won't find in any of the newspapers. And I'm going to need your help.
Now that the elections are over, and the winners have been revealed, we're going to create the first-ever Flower Mound Power Poll.
Question: Who has the most power, or the most influence, in our Town right now? Is there a center around which this Town revolves, and who is it? Is it a person, an organization, a position that someone holds?
Three years ago, #1 would have been Lori DeLuca, #2 Voters United, and everyone else would have been ranked out of the Top 20. At the top of their game, they had power and influence, pure and simple.
But that's not the case now. So where is the power now?
Here's what I need. You can post a comment, or send me an e-mail. You can send me one nomination or send me 20. Actually, the more the merrier. In addition to the names, tell me why you think they should be on the list.
Some obvious ideas: the mayor and council members, the town manager or senior staff, key business leaders, organizations and their leaders, school leaders, volunteer leaders, state and national political figures, people who lobby Town Council a lot, the newspapers or other media, a local realtor (they get all that face exposure).
I bet you can think of lots of people I missed here. Remember, this is all about who holds power and/or influence in Flower Mound, but that doesn't mean you have to nominate only Flower Mound residents. As long as they have an overwhelming influence here that affects many people's daily lives, they should be on the list.
Nominations are open. I need your help, because I can't do this without you. You know much more than me.
posted by Chip Mahaney @ 10:07 PM
9 comments
9 Comments:
I don't view "power" and "influence" as synonyms.
My friend Sylvia Inboden neither holds public office nor commands an important business interest nor owns large landholdings in the community. Yet her influence on important issues facing our town is considerable.
Sylvia must certainly be a dream come true for elected officials. She's never afraid to speak her mind, and her impassioned comments at town meetings are certainly helpful to town leaders. Yet she requires no payback from office holders, other than that they continue to do the right thing.
Anyone who knows Sylvia Inboden understands that she is hardly power-hungry. She simply loves Flower Mound and its people. Sylivia always seeks the best solution for all citizens rather than cave in to the small powerful interests who argue the loudest.
Sylvia's sphere of influence extends far beyond her own personal actions. Many Flower Mound citizens follow her lead, charmed by her energy and grateful for her unselfishness.
I am proud to claim Sylvia Inboden as my friend. Every day and every way she makes Flower Mound a better place to live.
John, great comment. This is exactly what we're looking for.
Sylvia has posted to this site before, and I had the opportunity to meet her a couple of weeks ago. I've seen her on TV at the council meetings for many years. You're right on with these comments.
You're right, "power" and "influence" are not synonymous, and that's why I invited readers to nominate those with either power or influence, or both. But "Power Poll" sounds better as a title than "Power and Influence Poll". Maybe we'll change the title too.
Thanks John!
I would like to nominate Jody Smith, because as Mayor she has guided the town in a better direction. She definitely has power and influence as to the direction the town takes, as evidenced by the continued battle against Lake Ralph Hall and responsible development here in Flower Mound.
I beleve those who give so much to our community deserve to be at the top of this list. Jan and Bob Balekian of the "Pumpkin Patch" bring joy and visitors $$ to many other Flower Mound business. The Balekians return so much to our community, we are truly blessed that they love Flower Mound and our children.
Just as a clarification because of a temporary lapse in my grammar, I did not mean to insinuate that Jody Smith has perpetrated a battle against responsible development. I meant to say that she has battled Lake Ralph Hall and advocated responsible development.
Just as a clarification because of a temporary lapse in my grammar, I did not mean to insinuate that Jody Smith has perpetrated a battle against responsible development. I meant to say that she has battled Lake Ralph Hall and advocated responsible development.
I like Councilman Paul Stone. He may not weild the most influence, but he certainly scored some points with a lot of people when he went before the Upper Trinity Water District board wearing a Revolutionary-era cap & wig, then poured out a cup of water while evoking images of the Boston Tea Party.
Not that I'm trying to stoke the flames (waves?) of the dispute, but I thought it was unusual. Makes this reporter's job a little more interesting, you know?
Here's the picture. Classic political theatre, if you ask me.
http://www.thenewsconnection.com/images/revere_rides_bg.jpg
Chip. I had hoped to see the names of some folks I think deserve to be mentioned . Angie Cox who has served as president of the woman of Flower Mound, president of the Friends of the Flower Mound library and also on the board of the Denton County chid advacacy center. Angie is also a Republican precint chair.I don't know how she finds time to be a full time business woman ,wife and mother We need more Angies in this world. I would be remiss if I did not mention Shirly Voirin who has been the driving force behind getting the the Flower Mound Seniors organized.
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