Our Opinion

If you’re a resident of Sidney and have checked your mailbox recently, you may have noticed there is more than just the U.S. Census survey coming your way. That’s because the City of Sidney is seeking your help to develop a comprehensive plan, which will act like a blueprint for the city as it continues to grow and offer the services we have come to rely upon.

The survey is accompanied by a letter from Mayor David Weiderspon. He writes that the development plan will use citizen participation to provide direction and vision for the community. It will also “create a framework for future community decisions.”

Filling out the survey is important. What you say today about various aspects of the city, from sidewalks to traffic signs, will help guide the leaders of our future. They’ll look upon this development plan and know what the people want. That makes this plan a powerful tool.

On the first side of the survey, the city is asking residents to decide whether selected services and amenities are satisfactory or need improvement. A comment section is included so residents can elaborate on their vote. Included in this section of the survey is water service, electricity service, garbage collection, recycling efforts, street maintenance, rail crossings, traffic signs, street lighting, storm water drainage, sidewalks, fire protection, law enforcement, animal control, library, city parks/trails, golf course, town appearance, downtown area, economic opportunities, recreational opportunities and housing market.

The flip side of the survey allows for resident opinions to be expressed. The top question, “What do you like most about living in Sidney?,” is sure to get a wide range of answers. Health enthusiasts might say the park and trail system is the most attractive feature, while history buffs might select the historic downtown area and commander’s home museum as the most attractive.

The second question may be a little harder for some to answer. It asks if there are any opportunities or improvements that Sidney needs to pursue. While it may seem tough, remember that this survey is to be answered anonymously, honestly and no answer is the wrong answer.
A third question asks if you’re a family with children living outside of Sidney, what could motivate you to move to town.

Residents are then asked to select age groups of people living in the residence and how many years they’ve lived in Sidney.

A third paper asks residents to assess on a scale of Excellent to Poor the existing services and facilities of Sidney’s parks. Included on the form is Legion Park, North Side Park, ball fields, tennis courts, swimming pool, trail system and shooting park. Other locations like the fishing pond, Memorial Gardens and Greenwood Cemetery are included.

This newspaper strongly agrees with city officials that it is important for each and every resident of Sidney to take a few minutes and fill out the survey. Since the feedback will help shape a blueprint for the future, every opinion counts.

It helps that the surveys allows for opinion voicing anonymously. Officials are asking survey takers to not put their name on their form. The surveys will be tallied by a person outside of Sidney.

Take this opportunity to shape Sidney’s future.