Is Columbus burdened with negativists?

Why would you ask such an obvious question?
The "Viaducts" yet to be constructed on the east end of town, but the 30/81 viaduct is done in less then a year?
The City of Power & Progress is hard to live up to with this kind of example.
I was born and raised in Columbus and always enjoy returning for a visit. I chose to live else where because of this kind of "Power & Progress".
I am still and will always be a Husker fan.

Ya somewhat. If they don't like the way things go around here they should move. Probably more winners & complainers that are never happy. But yes many things happen around here that make little to no sense that is a fact. Really its not much better anywhere else so suck it up or move away !

As the President of the Optimist of Columbus I have to say that there are some very optimistic people in this community. Maybe they are so busy working to improve the quality of life in Columbus that there is little time for negativism. I learned from my father to roll up your sleeves and pitch in, nothing good happens if people just complain. People who think that Columbus is not progressive should join a service organization and work to make things better.

Yes

I love this town. Sometimes I cant sleep at night just knowing that I get to sit at the railroad crossing for 45 mins. at least every day. Wooo...Hoooo!!
Whoever had the great idea to shut down the viaduct AND all the crossings is a @#$%#$ genious. But I'm still optimistic! I know that someday we will be able to get to the other side of town again without takin a nap at the crossing. Oh and I love how this town is full of little gangbangers that keep spray painting 13th street gang crap all over my house and garage and cars.

I believe that to be an obvious question. Yes. And to all the negative people in the 99th best small community in the nation....wake up and realize that life is what you make of it!!!!

I think it is a select few that are always complaining and they always want to bring out the negatives and never any positives. You always hear the complainers because the postitive people keep their mouths shut.

Kind of like you always remember the quarterback who throws the interception in overtime to lose the game, but you never remeber that he threw 4 tds and 400 yards to get your team to overtime.

There is negativity because things are not done right and a lot is lacking for a city of this size. Columbus should have a really nice downtown but it doesn't. Imagine if downtown Columbus had a small movie theater, 3-4 shops like the Buckle, and restarants like Old Chicago and Ruby Tuesday. Columbus could have more or better restaurants in general, chains and non-chains. Instead of moving stores like the Buckle, Walmart, and Menards on the east side, imagine if Columbus had welcomed the building all of these stores on the east side: Target, Shopko, Home Depot, Autozone. Columbus has always wanted all the traffic to drive slowly through it and not let any new businesses in. Look at Highway 81, it shouldn't go through Columbus.

Uh, duh! It is much easier to be negative than positive, especially when you give the naysayers a forum like this. Anywhere you go, there will be negativity, even in such paradises like San Diego or Hawaii. Sure, I post negative comments on this website, but I am just being honest to the question being asked. With the economy being down and the various projects being done in this city, frustrations are high and folks just want to vent a bit. I also think many of the people that comment on this site do it to get a rise out of others. Columbus is a fine city that had some poor planning. Hell, some Columbians would complain up a storm if they won the lottery because of the taxes, it's just their nature.

I would say that it's no worse than most towns. Every town has their problems. Everone wants more but someone has to pay for it. If there was money to be made here then Target or Shopko would move in but I don't think the community can support that much. Norfolk might have more but they are that much farther from Omaha and Lincoln so they have support from the surrounding community. Even if you live in Platte Center it's not that much farther to drive to Norfolk. A lot of towns have construction going on and it's inconvenient for some people but I bet the loss of the viaduct and closing half of the bridge is a non issue for most people in Columbus. If you don't have any reason to go to that side of town you don't even notice it.

Sure there are some negative folks, but I don't think Columbus is "burdened" by it. The negativity pervades because the local newspaper provides the outlet to vent on all the issues of the day and remain anonymous.

I don't think these people are being negative, just being honest!

To everyone:

In 1997, Holiday Inn Express built (out in the middle of nowhere) where they’re at because there was a to be a bypass built somewhere east of them in 10-15 years. Others businesses like Sapp Bros, Ernst, B-D East and yes Walmart wanted to be close to it. The bypass was NOT built for WALMART like a lot of terribly misinformed people think. And NO, I’m in no way associated with Walmart, just wanted to straighten out this bad story.

Yes this town is full of lead-reared people who’d rather sit and yelp rather than do something positive….

I think there are actually only three people with negative comments that post under several different names. The rest of us are generally happy with our community.

When the viaduct at 33rd was still in operation, people complained about the crappy condition of it. Now that it is being rebuilt they complain about having to detour. They complain about having to wait at the tracks, but when the new viaducts are being built at 3rd and 12th they will complain about the construction again. They complain about the lack of shopping (no Target, no downtown shops), but they complain about having to drive to Omaha or Lincoln or even Norfolk to shop. They don't support local business, but expect it to be there. They complain about the choices of the City Council, but don't go to council meetings or talk to their council reps. I could go on, but then I am just complaining about the complainers.

This town is nice. It needs some work in some areas, but overall it is a good place to live and work. It is relatively clean, quite safe, has more jobs than most places, and has good schools. Every town has flaws, it requires caring people who are willing to take risks and handle struggles to change things for the better.

A couple quotes regarding pride of place:

"If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change the way you look at it." -Don't know who said it
"I like to see people proud of the place in which they live.I like to see them live and serve in it so their place will be proud of them."- Abe Lincoln
"If you aren't part of the solution, you are part of the problem." -Anonymous

I worked very hard in that town doing lawns and landscaping for over 15 yrs at Wilkes. I started in 88 at 5.50/hr and worked my way up to over 13 an hr. Columbus isnt a bad town but there is room for improvment I now live in North Texas and jst like Columbus there is room for improvment here too. What im trying to say is wherever u are take charge.

Columbus isn't the 99th best small community in Nebraska, much less the country.

Most of the problems we face today, as far as the infrastructure goes, could have been avoided years ago. Nobody, at that time, had the foresight to plan for the current situation. Now it's up to Columbus's current regime to clean up, or attempt to clean up, the mess.

all i can say is i came back from hastings cause columbus' job market is a lot better and houseing is cheaper true hard to find but cheper. Columbus also sees to be growing a lot faster than most cities so just give it time and you'll be surprised

Columbus=No

Telegram Forums=Yes

Yah, but what do you expect. The only shopping we have with variety is Walmart, Walmart and Walmart. Everyone I know goes out of town all of the time. People are tired of going to Walmart, which a monopoly in this town.

There is negativity no matter where you are at. It is human nature, and this website just gives people a way to vent. To all the people that think Columbus is so bad, move somewhere else. The grass isn't always greener on the other side.

I know! let's blame all the negativity on the SMOKERS. They get blamed for everythings else, so why not blame they for making everyone negativists.

The only thing I have too say is they are trying to improve Columbus,that's great but for what?I still have to leave town to shop..Has anyone else had a problem with Wal-mart,I go for kitchen curtains,they don't carry them no more,go for special formula,they don't carry it no more.WTH!!.I could give you a list of items that they stopped carrying.this all with in 2 weeks. WHY!!that's why we have to leave town,so just do all my shopping while I am there..and some very rude workers also.

If we are letting it all out, how about the large rate hike by NPPD, 3 months after they spill out pay raises up to $50,000 per individual(they say poor revenue?, sure, my P & L statements always show revenue real close to expenses). Or how about a hospital that was going to build a lake park for employees and guests, but decide to donate it to the city and have the taxpayers pay to renovate a pond that has no residential homes within main streets of 33rd Ave., 38th ST. and 48th AVE. (Quite convenient for their employees and guest!) I have an idea the citizens of Columbus walk across my driveway, maybe the city can replace the cracking cement!!! City leaders are actually doing a good job, they could be alot better if they stop trying to please everyone, and just do what is right, I have faith in them.

I grew up in Columbus, went to Lincoln to college and accepted a teaching job in Omaha. When I was growing up I use to think that Columbus is boring. There wasn't anything to do. Being a teacher in Lincoln and now Omaha I've had my students say in both towns that their is nothing to do. Every time I heard that I thought about growing up in Columbus and still I think about Columbus. And I've come to realize that Columbus isn't that bad of a place to live. There are several parks in Columbus for families to bring their young kids to. There is a water park and two indoor pools. There is a YMCA that is probably one of the best in the state. There is a roller skating rink. The community puts on different events (Lawn Chairs on the square). The county fair comes here. And for a county fair its not that bad. There is horse races (although I've heard that its in its last year, but live horse racing in on the decline so that's not Columbus' fault). There are three quality high schools. Columbus High has recently been redone. You have a brand new walmart, menards, and other stores. I've heard people complaining about not having a target. People in Columbus have been trying to get a Target, but with one in Norfolk they don't want to bring on there because its too close. I do agree that there have been some dumb decisions, but overall Columbus is a good place to live. Numerous churches of different religions (if thats your thing), quality schools, entertainment, and little crime. Honestly if I had to raise my family in Columbus I wouldn't have much to complain about.

I don't think the burden is negativity as much as it is disgust with pompousness. 75% of the people here are blue collar. Most of them gravitate towards honesty rather than political correctness (no, it is not synonymous). There is a huge division between the affluent who run the town, and the regular joe who must live with those decisions. Unfortunately, some of those decisions are very self-serving that benefit a few at the cost of many.

Some people are so worried about how the message was delivered, that they don't pay attention to the content. Those are the ones that confuse criticism with negativity. We don't have a huge tax base because the majority of the jobs in this town don't pay worth a damn (...yes, they can move, but it is not as economically feasible for a blue collar worker with a family as it is for a white collar worker). Without that tax base, the whole "city of power and progress" thing is just funny, simply because it is not true. The town does ok within its means, but lets be honest, this is more like the town of beer and peanuts. I think most of the people here know and accept that, and the few that don't just can't stand it and call it negativity. It's like the $11,000 wallpaper that will never be lived down. That’s about 6 months wages for a lot of people in this town.

Criticism should not be confused with negativity. Beer and peanuts should not be confused with power and progress.

Columbus is small town. There is only one street in this town that exits city limits for any considerable distance. Get over it.

beer and peanuts

Where did you come from? It's rare to see that much insight here.

Why was my comment removed?

If you can't take an honest answer don't ask the question.
The Columbus Telegram is pathetic.

Basically I think if the people who ran and now run Columbus were more pro active instead of reactive (and the rest of the US too), there would be alot less negativity because we would have a better standard of life to show for our hard work (the last part of that statement unfortunately does not apply to everyone, negative maybe but true).

Why must Columbus be hung out to dry traffic wise at this point in time? If the report on the viaduct had not been that it was going to fall down and soon, it would not be rebuilt until it did. They would have had to discuss something with someone five times a year for the next 10 years before thinking about doing something about it and then figure out who to blame for that. Disagree?

Git r done (but do it right the first time), a stitch in time saves nine, all good ideas for everyone!

Definitely. I love this town, and I think it is progressing. If you think things are not going good enough, do something about it! Complaining is not going to fix anything. Yes, we are having difficulties with the construction going on... but it will get better than it is right now (and what it was before)when they get done with the viaduct. Now, if you think you have a problem in here about gang activity; you obviously haven't been in NY or California!!!this is nothing compared to what they do over there...

Perhaps we are putting the cart before the horse. In order to located new stores in the old abandoned mall. We need more shoppers and to get better stores those shoppers need a better in come. So get a new company in this town that pays better wages. When that happens the stores will come. In all Columbus is a safe town, compared to other places, we are blessed to be safe it is important to keep our town safe.
Low income jobs perhaps bring in the wrong kind of people so let us try to have better paying jobs to help get the best kind of people.

wow, you really have to ask this question? Just read any of the other comments on any other story, regardless of what it is. It always goes negative with a ton of ppl who are not happy in their own life nagging about things they dont like.

No, Columbus is not burdened with negativists.
This town is no different than any other.
Sure there are problems. Sure we all beech. That is not a burden. That is life.
I travel all over Nebraska and everyone I meet has good comments to say about Columbus.

Thank you Whompus Cat and Teacher for your smart comments.

WAIT

There is one big exception to this......
Columbus IS burdened by a certain "negativist" who works for ANIMAL CONTROL. (Not JW)

I am glad we are in America...and that everyone is allowed to speak their mind, all because people don't agree with everything other "folks" say and do, doesn't necessarily mean they are just negative... it may just mean they have some scenarios that no one else ever thought of...

God Bless America

I think most people in Columbus are happier than a room full of pessimists at a cynics convention.

Columbus isn't. There's some pretty cool people in town, but the Telegram is. The bad part about it, is the Telegram is a communication link to the rest of the world about Columbus. The negativist's comments give the outsider a different impression of what Columbus is like. I think it's sad when the Telegram can report on an event that is meant to be entertaining and a highlight of Columbus, only to be repeatedly shot down with snide remarks.

Yeah, thanks guys, for complaining about people not being here to expand business, then ensuring that they wouldn't even wanna try by complaining how crummy things are.

The funniest part about reading alot of the comments on this topic, are people saying "NO, WERE NOT NEGATIVE" then following up with a bunch of complaints.

You'd figure if your gonna make that claim, you'd back it up with reason's why your NOT.

With the arrogance of the entire city council, the mayor and city administrator how can anyone be positive. This small group of suckups have made a mess out of the entire city and so how can you be positive about anything they do. Whitney is the only thing close to an individual out of the entire bunch. I like the latest mayor appointee getting a front page article about how proud she is of how hard city workers are. That may be right but I think it your job councilwoman to innitiate new ideas not just sucking up to city empoyees. I guess that is how she got her job by sucking up to the mayor so I guess it makes sense. And the cycle continues!!!!!

A large portion of the work force in Columbus comes from the smaller towns around it. We try to support the Columbus economic base by spending our hard earned paychecks on services and goods that our small towns can no longer provide, but it isn't always possible. So maybe some of the grumbling comes from us "outsiders".

ok talk about WAL-MART why is it so hard to find a nice outfit with out it being so sleezy all they carry are skimpy clothes that hardly covers ones body what are the rest of us to wear? I wish they would carry clothes for the normal person. I think this town needs to get some new big store in this town not these little dinky stores or the store that charge $50 + for a pair of pants.

Great news...c-town is getting a Skeeter Barnes in the old Signatures bldg!!!!!!!!!!!! I've seen the plans!!!!!!!!

No, Columbus isn't -- but the Platte County Courthouse sure is.

Pulled pork, sautéed mushrooms and jalapeños. Yum.

Councilwoman Beth Augustine and Councilman Chuck Whitney were absent from the meeting. From the Telegram on Tuesday.

She will be a great addition to our council!

Is a Skeeter Barnes really going in there?!? Finally, an established restaurant there that has management in place and should know how to train a wait staff!!!

phreakwars

I'm pulling some pork right now!

Congratulations to the people who are not afraid to use their real names on a forum. Usually negative comments are made by negative people in every phase of life. But it seems if you have a a comment and use that given name -- we listen to you! People who need to hide behind a user name on a forum is basically just ranting because they can.

I think this town is full of bike riding idiots....use the trail---NOT the roads

so what exactly is your point, just because whityey misses a meeting he is no longer an individual. Whether you aggree with him or not at least he is not a rubber stamp for Moser and Popcorn Joe. I am sure the newest councilwoman is starting out to be, and will be the same suckup that most of them are. Good people do not want to deal with the inside games they play. One vote does not mean anything when Moser has is posse to stand behind him. What is needed is an entire house cleaning. Untill that is done how can anyone be positive.

I use the roads to get to the trails. None of the trails are long enough to get a decent ride and going back and forth on them gets old, just like shopping at the same old stores all the time. It would be like asking you not to shop out of town just so you stay off of the highways. I suggest that the trails be connected so all of us idiots wouldn't have to use the road. I'm open to suggestions.

I think the desperate looking signs near schuyler and Platte Center says everything that needs to be said about this town. If I was an outsider and I saw a cheap desperate sign like that I would keep driving and give my business to someone who did not need to beg for it. I think a simple "no through truck traffic" sign would plenty good.

I think the desperate looking signs near schuyler and Platte Center says everything that needs to be said about this town. If I was an outsider and I saw a cheap desperate sign like that I would keep driving and give my business to someone who did not need to beg for it. I think a simple "no through truck traffic" sign would be plenty good. Anyone who knows anything about sales knows that people do buy from a desperate looking salesman.

To bike

Here is a suggestion---ride on the trail or around the lake.

It is NOT SAFE to ride on a road with NO SHOULDERS.

It would be just as insane if moms were to push strollers on the side of the road.

Let's try to PREVENT an accident BEFORE it happens.

Your cooperation is GREATLY APPRECIATED.
thanks

Janice:

Bicycles have the same exact rights to the road as automobiles. While it may be dangerous for a bicyclist to be riding on a road with no shoulder, it is usually not their fault in the event of an accident. Bicyclists are always paying attention to the road and their surroundings. It's the careless car drivers who aren't paying attention to the road...shaving while driving, doing their hair and makeup while driving, talking on the cell phone while driving, text messaging while driving, eating while driving, and drinking while driving. Those are the people that make the roads unsafe...not the bicyclists that are legally and safely using their right to the road.

i am going to comment here just because the telegram likes to start up fights
anybody want to start up the one about smoking?

I think the problem is that the same subjects get brought up day after day, so there really isnt much else to complain about. The Viaduct, lack of shopping, and illegal immigrants. The Viaduct will be done in November, and we will have something to be proud of, for it is looking pretty good. The lack of shopping? Why cant anyone EVER give us an answer on why all we have is Wal-mart?? If you cant find it in Columbus- go to Omaha! And the Illegals, well- that is a topic that should be all by itself!
I love Columbus- lived here all my life. There are things I dont like about it- but every town does!

I wasn't very clear, but my point was the Telegram does a front page article on the new coucilwoman and then she doesn't even show up for the next meeting! I like Whitney and the fact that he asks the tough questions instead of always sucking up to the other good ole boys!!!!!!!

When I saw the Telegram was asking for comments on negativists. I felt they were wrong to bring up the subject. Sort of like putting more wood on the fire. I think it was poor judgment. It would have been better to ask what were the positive things about Columbus and living here. What things would we like to see in the future. My hope is newspaper with more news in it and less advertising. I do not care for all the list of Public events that displace real news. Sometimes taking up an entire page or half page. That is a rip off I would never pay for those kind of listing, I pay for news Of Columbus and the surrounding area. Gee I guess that is negative comments sorry folks. So I will say I want the local paper to continue and to carry more local area news.

The signs outside of town are cheap and desperate looking. I also agree that whether you agree with whitney or not at least he is not part of the "network" that hides behind the scenes. I think what we really need in this town is a city administrater with a adult film star wife. The guy in Florida is now looking for a job and at least he proved he is not phony!

It is not an issue of rights or law....It is an ISSUE of SAFETY and COMMON SENSE. Riding on a road with no shoulders and high traffic is DANGEROUS.

It's time to hose down the city of Columbus with a giant fire hose and see what crawls up through the mud.

Everything up on top is getting old and boring.

I agree with Janice---PLEASE, PLEASE find a safer place to ride.

Why aren't bike riders allowed on Interstate 80? Because it's too dangerous. They had to put up a sign because some people can't see the obvious. Maybe we need a sign on 18th and 48th Aves.

Really?!? You're comparing 18th and 48th Aves to the interstate??? I never realized those roads were that busy and that much of a burden that a car driver couldn't pay attention to what's right in front of them and pass at the appropriate time...

48th and 18th are TERRIBLE busy roads.....ANYONE that lives North of town knows this......They also know this is a DANGEROUS place to ride--as is the INTERSTATE.....

Here's a comparison of 18th and 48th to the interstate.....both dumb place to be on a bike.

It looks like bikers are the new smokers.

yes, please ride elswhere.

Nobody from this town could make it in Ft.Collins or Boulder Colorado...both towns that have an over abundance of bicyclists. I personally think it's great to see that many people seeking active lifestyles. Put down your cell phones, drive the speed limit, and pay attention to the road and there shouldn't be any dangers to worry about since you are now driving your car safely...

there are those who complain and those who do something about it,which are you? that is the question.And for those who shop in columbus wal-mart yes is a joke,they made a contract for so many years with columbus.So what that means is no new stores can come in and compete for there bussisness like(target or shopko)ect.so what does my family of six do?We dont complain we shop in norfolk or lincoln.and to all the drivers out complaining about the bikers how about this SLOW DOWN cause 23rd and 26th ave is way more crazy and scary for us parents that live on them aves.who wants to com,plain now

only thing i have against bikers is the bikers need to follow the signs just like your driving. that means stopping at stop signs, and lights, i dont see it very often and it doesnt surprise me that bikers get hit.

I seem to notice that the ones trying to improve Columbus and the ones who constantly complain seem to be mutually exclusive groups.

The only way to never make a mistake is to never do anything.

Only one major negativist: Doc.
If Columbus had a Pessimists Club he would be elected president for life.

I came in for the Columbus Days Road Race.

In reading the comments on the race from some of the local residents, I would say you have a definite problem there.

Too bad. Great race. You get people like that in most towns.

I think MOST people are missing the point here.....the roads are NOT SAFE to ride bikes on.....It may or may not be a drivers fault or a riders fault, hence the term "accident". NOBODY wants to be in an accident or cause an accident. Why risk it? There are much SAFER places to be on a bike........

Try something that will (should) make you chuckle:

1. Read the article
2. Go to the end and read the last e mail and find that it is about a totally different subject.

The proof is in the pudding.

There are a lot of negative people because Columbus doesn't live up to its expectations. It could be so much better in terms of transportation, shopping, dining, entertaining... Yet, somewhere along the line, the people in charge have really dropped the ball. It is truly unfortunate. My family still enjoys our shopping, dining, entertainment, etc. - but we go out of town to do it and therefore spend our money in a different community. Hopefully, Columbus will wake up and change. Until then, there will probably continue to be negative thoughts.

Would you suggest I pack my bicycle into the trunk of my car?? This is absurd. Bikers have just as much right to the road as motor vehicles. In fact if I remember correctly from my driver's ed class, driver's should always be on the lookout for pedestrians.

The ideal solution to this problem is to put a trail parallel to 18th and 48th Avenues up to Lake North. I for one would use it on a daily basis. Get out of your cars and try it once, you may be surprised at how out of shape and out of touch you really are.

Craig - show me the contract.

Hahaha - I've been to Fort Collins/Boulder and they do have many more bike riders, your right. They also have bike lanes in the busy streets. Plenty of room for both.

No negativists-realists and we tell it like we see it whether others like it or not. As a transplant with no choice but to live here I'm learning to accept the way Columbus is. I'm also now in a position to be able to work to change what I don't like. What don't I like? How outsiders are perceived to BE outsiders and noone but fellow transplants go out of their way to be nice and include the newbies. Lived 2 yrs across from native Columbus residents before they acknowledged our presence-even though we would say hi to them & even took over a "hey we're new here but we're not scary" basket of muffins.

Columbus residents [like many in other tiny towns which this one does feel like no matter the size] don't like to leave their comfort zones & go out of their way to volunteer or help others-simple fact of life. So it's, sadly, up to all of us newbies willing to get our hands dirty & shake things up a bit to get anything done.

It is not an issue of riding your bikes on the road. It is an issue of the roads you ride your bikes on. Narrow roads with no shoulder. Not a smart idea. Maybe you should ride on a four lane road with shoulders on both sides. Hmmmmm... where could we find one of those. The arterial. smart idea. You want more of a challenge for your herculean strength? head a mile or two west and hit some gravel roads. smart idea. The point is to think about where you ride and be a responsible rider. Thanks for not being stupid.(if you change at least)

Columbus does suck, it's not negative if it's true. Although, it's great if you're into sitting around and getting fat, drinking booze and smoking cigarettes. Not too much else to do in Columbus besides work at a factory or join a gang and go spray paint every night.

Columbus is great if you haven't been anywhere else.

OMG...I could kiss you for saying what you did about being treated like an outsider. I myself feel the same way and have spoke with other "transplants" that feel the same way. I was not from Columbus but now have lived here for about 20 years. I married someone from Columbus. I still have not REALLY been accepted by the "locals" that are my husbands "friends". I found my own group of friends and most of them as you say are not "locals". But I have observed that to really fit in in this town you have to be able to talk about many people, from highschool days to present, and be able to properly snub someone. I do not and will never call this place "HOME".

It doesn't matter how in shape you are if you get hit by a car.....

Can you imagine how bad the car driver would feel?

Even the possibility of two cars colliding because one was avoiding a bicyclist?


Please- For Your own families and others, PLEASE DO NOT RIDE ON UNSAFE ROADS.

I have seen some parents with children on Lakeview road---NOT SAFE...not to mention, what are we teaching the kids?

I realize cyclists have rights on the road, but I lose a lot of respect for the ones with poor judgement on where they ride.

What was discussed here in what proportions: People, things, or concepts?