Tuesday Teamwork

“There is immense power when a group of people with similar interests gets together to work toward the same goals.” ― Idowu Koyenikan

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This evening, at the McKinney City Council  meeting, dozens of residents rallied to support the continued funding of the McKinney Mounted Patrol unit. Kathy White, owner of Sweet Spot Bakery on the Square, was first to address the Council and she submitted petitions  with well over seven hundred names of those supporting the patrol, and mentioned the online petition of over a thousand signatures. 

  
Jan Richardson , Steve Spainhouer, and others spoke and shared stories about the patrol and their importance to the community. Mayor Brian Loughmiller interjected during a brief pause in speakers, and informed us that the council had met Monday evening and had already discussed the budget and allocation of money to keep the patrol funded. There was a rousing round of applause, and no one else felt the need to continue to speak.  (I stood up and applauded.)

Yay!!!!!

  
It was so nice to see the community rally in support of these officers, but also nice to know that McKinney continues to  have that small town feeling and sense of comaraderie. It’s like the Mayberry of mid-Texas. 

 “It takes a village. ” A big thank you to all those who showed up , signed up, saddled up, and worked many hours to make this happen. McKinney is indeed  “Unique  by Nature.”

   
    
   

Friday: Four-Legged Furry Friend, and Some Two-Legged Ones

You and your horse. His strength and beauty. Your knowledge and patience and determination and understanding and love. That’s what fuses the two of you onto this marvelous partnership that makes you wonder…What can heaven offer any better then what I have here on earth?By Monica Dickens

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I spent the afternoon on the square in downtown McKinney today.  This is my favorite thing to do, especially on a steamy Texas day. There is something magical about the streets, the shops, and the people. It’s a very large city with a small town feeling. The “Mayberry” of North Texas. 

Officer Shelby and Ranger were on patrol today. Both officers were exhausted and overheated from a long day, but they love their job. Yes, Ranger has a badge too. He also enjoys stopping by Sweet Spot Bakery where Miss Kathy always has a few cool crisp apples after a long day. 

   

While Ranger was taking a short break and having a snack, dozens of people passed by to take photo ops and pet the gentle furry officer. The children especially love to see the mounted patrol. It’s nice to see the respect and admiration that these officers inspire. 

  
The very sad part of all this is, the city of McKinney is considering the elimination of the three mounted patrol officers due to budget cuts. The neighbors, nearby residents and shop owners have been signing petitions, posting signs, and voicing their support to keep the patrol. 

  
I started a Facebook page called STAMP, Support The Awesome Mounted Patrol, several months ago. To date we have 1,321 likes and hundreds of supporters. If you’d like to support these officers, check out the STAMP site on Facebook or sign one of the many petitions on the square. 

  

Friday:Four Legged First Responders Count TOO

Every day, first responders put their own lives on the line to ensure our safety. The least we can do is make sure they have the tools to protect and serve their communities.

~ Joe Lieberman

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If you spend any time on the Square in downtown McKinney, you will smile when you see the mounted patrol trotting down the street or stopping to visit with the wide-eyed children. Unfortunately, the city of McKinney is considering the elimination of the mounted patrol and bicycle patrol due to budget cuts. NOOOOOOOO!!!!!! Say it isn’t so!

These officers, whether on their horses or on their bicycles, are a lot more than a visual presence. They patrol and protect the downtown area and historic district. That is part of the reason downtown McKinney is a safe and fun place to shop, dine, and visit.

My friends Kathy and Elizabeth from Sweet Spot Bakery asked me if I’d like to help save the patrols by writing something and creating a Facebook page and enlisting friends for support. Of course! I love to write, I love McKinney, and I admire our first responders. (Both two-legged and four-legged.)

When they say, “The pen is mightier than the sword,” it is absolutely true. Within the first day of creating the Facebook page that I entitled STAMP~ Support The Awesome Mounted Patrol, it reached over 867 people, with dozens of comments of support. Yes!!! That’s just the first day!

  

If you believe that all our police officers are important, go to our Facebook page and voice your support. Thank you!