Open manhole covers in Ennis
I'll Tell You What
Few people like negative surprises, save for those with a hankering for the sadistic in scary movies. In daily life we do all we can to avoid the unexpected.
In reading a motivational book about walking along and stepping into an open manhole, the sudden plummet caused by the absence of a cover is frightening even to consider. I cannot bear the thought of what that would be like, nor standing on a manhole cover that is blasted out of the ground. An 85-pound missile sent flying because of combustion below.
Yet that is how many citizens reacted when word got out that two key men in Ennis had reigned or retired on Wednesday. I was stunned, though my immediate response was disbelief. Almost like a sucker-punch in the gut, it nearly floored me. First on a personal level, because I like these guys and admire their character. And until proven otherwise, I still do, staunchly.
An anonymous website submission on Wednesday was relayed to me by our General Manager, Nikki Cohan. It was surreal, though it had enough in it to prompt me to zip off an e-mail to both our City Manager and Chief of Police. They are always prompt to reply. Dixon knows his craft and commonly responds with answers and plenty of substance. Erisman has been lightning fast to provide details when they’re available or humor, depending on the situation.
Five minutes later I checked my laptop only to find both emails had bounced back, you know, like those rejected by an inaccurate address. My gut said, No! They couldn’t already be off the city cyber communications list. Except they were.
For several days I have sought information, confirmation and, like U2, still haven’t found what I’m looking for. Phone calls, emails, text messages, Facebook messages, visitors dropping by the office, cold call meetings on my part, and, like eating at Taste of Ennis last month, I have had bites and chunks and crumbs. Some things have made me feel much better, while others have been unsettling.
One thing that I know, I trust those in leadership in Ennis. There is good reason for the immediate lack of transparency, though it leaves us all hungry and full of questions. Believe me, my mind has been flooded with queries, and then someone asks me a question I hadn’t considered. Some have been very insightful and could have merit.
Others might as well as blame Trump or Global Warming for what has happened or why its happened. I am not much for conspiracy theories, though they do cause my brain to whirl. I have heard some doozies over the past few days.
My advice to our residents is simple. Wait. Pray. Don’t get carried away.
Things happen and the lack of information naturally causes our heads to speculate, to fill in the blanks. I have had a few brief dialogues with Mayor Angie since Thursday, so I know wheels are turning. A few people have indicated why the scoop hasn’t been released, and it gives me enough peace to believe it will. Ennis has had its share of untoward leadership decisions over the decades, but the current crew on the city commission as well as with our Mayor, have done little to cause distrust. So I caution our citizens to give them a chance to lead.
Walking into a sudden abyss is not something easily overcome. Allow them a few days to dust off and get their bearings. We will continue following, observing and asking questions, yes, even some hard ones. The truth will set us free, the Good Book says, but sometimes it makes us very uncomfortable in the process. Let’s move forward… and watch our steps.
