Holtz Realty

Considering the topsy-turvy day it was, at least we didn’t have the wind barreling down on us, but it looks like it’s going to start up again tomorrow, so enjoy the calm while you can. Things are definitely starting to green-up with the exception of the hundreds of dead green ash trees scattered around town, so you can be sure the tree experts are going to be raking in the dough again this year. In another lifetime, I want to come back as a tree surgeon, because in spite of the dangers, there’s more upsides than down to that job.

My mid-afternoon appointment to look at a home went very well, and so much so, I actually didn’t want to leave because of how comfortable the owners had made it. They’ve got some finish work to get done before they list it, but from what I was seeing today, there’s no question it’ll sell quickly. I’d already pulled comparable sales on it, so I was ready to give them a ballpark price which they were pleased to hear. Yes, when you live in a preferred neighborhood and take good care of your home, the end rewards are remarkable.

I had more chasing around to do for several of my out of town clients, and once that was done, I headed back to office to get another appointment set to show my listing tomorrow over at Prairie Place, so hopefully the showing will go as well as I’m expecting because in my mind, the buyer I’m now working with, would be a perfect fit.

One of my colleagues emailed me a copy of the article published in the Globe Gazette this past Saturday which was titled, ‘Mason City hedges risk of lawsuit as hotel deadline looms’, which had to do with a notice of termination David Rachie was given on that ghost hotel project and the old Southbridge Mall which our city fathers in their infinite stupidity agreed to co-sign on the loan he took out with Clear Lake Bank and Trust.

Because most in our city’s administration haven’t be around all that long, they unknowingly set themselves up for the residents of our city to have that mall around our necks for the third time. My gosh! When in the ‘yell’ are those who’re supposed to be steering our city’s boat in the right direction, gonna get some brains and work for the best interests of those who’re paying their salaries? Just so you know, that article states that our city’s gonna be forking over to Clear Lake Bank and Trust $4.14 million to get us off that bank’s books. When knowing how it all came about, all I can say is if I were one those who gave the nod on co-signing on that loan, then I’d be the first one to resign from my position on the grounds of administrative incompetence.

I know I mentioned this before, but I’m saying once again that from the very first time I watched David Rachie give that presentation to a given few over at Music Man Square, I was almost 100% convinced in my mind he was nothing less than a modern-day snake oil salesman, and to later see how all the ‘powers that be’ came rushing to make his dreams a reality, was nothing less than a jaw-drop for me.

Unfortunately, my ‘elephant’ memory remembers very well the words out of the mouths of various council people, city administrators and our Development Director, along with various people who’re no longer living in our midst, or they’ve retired before the kitchen got any hotter.

Not too many days ago, I ran into someone I know who used to work for the City, and one of the first things out of that person’s mouth was, “You have no idea how glad I am to be out of that dirty circle of bosom buddies.” Truth be told, I swear that person looked ten years younger than I remembered. Well, we all know job stress can age a person quickly, and especially when knowing you’re having to bow to such nonsense just to keep your job. My last words were, “For ten years I was in an administrative position, and I can tell you, I never once showed any sort of partiality towards those below me, and for whatever reason, I had some come up to me years later to tell me it was one of the best jobs they ever had because of it.” Yes, the crossing-over from professionalism to being buddies with a select few, will always create a negative rippling effect on the rest of the staff, which is why it’s paramount for those in positions of power, to never ever get friendly or personal with those who’re likely sucking up for favors and/or promotions. For shame on any and all who think it’s just OK.

Now let’s get back to Mr. David Rachie. By my estimation and then comparing to another who’s been following the monies freely given to Rachie, our estimates ranged between $2.25 million and $2.75 million, so give or take a half million, that guy milked from our taxpayer’s coffer, enough money to set himself up for the rest of his life. Since we’ve not heard hide nor hair from him in awhile, he’s likely lounging under a beach umbrella sipping margaritas with several of his blokes, gloating over how he managed to fleece the residents of Mason City. Shame on him, and all those responsible. I dare say again, there’ll be a comeuppance for those who allowed it all to happen.

Considering how much press the ghost hotel, bridge to nowhere, and co-signing on the purchase of that defunct mall, I won’t be a bit surprised if the next ‘developer’ that comes up to bat, will be of the same stripe as Rachie. Well, I’m sure there are those who’re thinking if we got taken once, then we’re likely ripe to be taken again. Right?

Tonight’s One-liner is: Truth is strong, and some time or other, it will prevail.