When it comes to time management I am certainly a bonafide perfectionist. Just ask any of my friends.
When I am invited to their homes I give them the exact time I will be there. Seldom do I miss. If for any reason I think I could be late, even if it's just a minute, I sweat and begin to shake. Being on time is a sacred value of mine. At home I have clocks in every room, just to be sure I am never late.
I was delighted a few weeks ago to see time become a big story at council. Debra Stoski, one of my favourite Innisfailians who I regularly deal with on the job, is obviously a big time and clock fan as well.
Her proposal on behalf of the soon to be disbanded Downtown Business Association (DBA) for a Main Street community clock is inspired. Yes, inspired, and not just because I am fanatical about time management. It is because it's good for the community in so many ways.
There has been some complaining about the initiative on social media. Naysayers think it's a waste of money that won't do anything to revitalize Main Street, and that the only solution for a more vibrant downtown core is for more businesses to somehow open up.
Personally, I think the naysayers got this backwards. If you have credible attractions each and every one will attract people. A community clock at Bankers Corner, the first in town since the last one was destroyed by fire nine years ago, is an attraction, just like the new skatepark a few blocks away, People will come because of them, and businesses will certainly follow.
And the waste of taxpayers' money concern? Stoski and DBA members should be saluted for raising $12,000 over the last decade, money that was always earmarked for the betterment of the community. Stoski's pitch to council was that a new clock would cost $30,000, with the DBA contribution matched by the town. The remaining $6,000 would come from additional fundraising, perhaps through a service group.
Sure, we are looking at $12,000 of taxpayers' money but that is a drop in the bucket compared to the amount, at least $500,000, the town is prepared to invest in the new skatepark.
Best of all a new downtown clock will become the focal point for citizens to gather around. Instead of walking through downtown without a pause citizens will have a unique place to stop and meet -- sit down, chat, and trade stories about whatever.
Better yet, there will never again be a reason to be late on Main Street. The time on the Bankers Corner clock will always be there, like a trusted new friend.
Johnnie Bachusky is the editor of the Innisfail Province.
