The Gadfly is a series of letters offering commentary on local issues and published in the Warrensburg Gazette.

Dear Editor

Whatever happened to the pet memorial walkway around the Old Drum statue - the one that was supposed to have engraved bricks to folks' favorite Fido? And why haven't we heard anything about it lately? The way I hear it, the County Commissioners don't want it and the subject is taboo to the 'local daily paper.' I'm sure there are reasonable arguments both for and against the project, but they should be heard in public, not suppressed. After all, while public funds aren't involved, public property is.

For those who don't remember, the 'pet bricks' were part of the overall courthouse square beautification program, along with the Veterans' walkway and a fancy walk and fountain leading to the main entrance. Warrensburg Main Street would sell the bricks to pay the cost of all the improvements to the square without using taxpayer dollars.

While my first impression of the project was to laugh. On second thought, I figure that the 'pet walk' could be a major tourism draw for downtown. Old Drum may have killed sheep in 1868, but he can bring bucks to the 'Burg in 2000.

The Park Board is in the news again, with their $94,000 deficit for the Taj Mahal (Community Center). They do have a quandary - no tax increase and no user fees? Perhaps they should rethink at least some of the user fees, since the weight & fitness rooms are in direct competition with private businesses in town. As for the low use of meeting rooms, try a little analysis of supply and demand; perhaps a rate decrease might generate more total revenue (that's called price elasticity).

The County Commission is looking at yet another set of options for reallocation of space in the Courthouse and the building they're acquiring from the Baptist Church. Aunt Ida says it's a wonder they can keep them all straight.