The big four: Why real priorities matter for Branson's future

Which of the following two items would have the most impact on your daily activities today? One: you take your morning dump, wipe, flush and, instead of going down the drain, the bowl overflows and the dump, and so much more, ends up on your bathroom floor; or two: there are no splash pads for Branson kids to play on?

Let’s take another one. In terms of priority, which one of the following two items would have the most impact on your daily activities today? One, you step into the shower, turn it on, and no water comes out; or two, the city of Branson does not own and operate an indoor swimming pool.

How about one more? You have an emergency and call the police or fire department. In terms of priority, which of the following two items is most important: the speed, effectiveness and professionalism of their response, or the fact that Branson’s soccer fields don’t have artificial turf?

To the Ole Seagull, city government has four essential responsibilities: providing water and sewer services, police protection and fire protection. Everything else is secondary because these services make everything else possible. How many of Branson’s businesses, tourism-related or not, or residents could function without water and sewer service or the safety and security our police and fire departments provide every day? An Ole Seagull has to believe not very many, not very many at all.

How many of Branson’s tourism businesses or residents could function without splash pads, indoor swimming pools, artificial turf, etc. If 114 years of Branson history is any indication, all of them.

“Hold on, Seagull. You’re not against splash pads, indoor swimming pools, artificial turf and similar amenities, are you?” Absolutely not. But it is entirely appropriate to distinguish between things that would be nice to have and those that are essential, then set priorities accordingly. This isn’t about what we want; it’s about prioritizing the necessities that sustain life, maintain an orderly society and support our economy.

“OK, Seagull, why point all this out now?” Because whether it’s a convention center expansion, indoor sport complex, splash pads, swimming pool, soccer fields or furnishing water and sewer, or police and fire protection it all costs money and there’s only so much of that to go around.

An Ole Seagull’s prayer is that, as city government plans financing for the various projects it is considering, it will prioritize the four things the city cannot survive without: water and sewer, police protection and fire protection.

"But Seagull, that's only three things. What's the fourth?" Continuing effective high-level marketing to generate the revenue necessary to pay for the first three and all the other things that Branson might want.