BOWLING GREEN, Mo — Contributor writer Mayor Arico.November 5, 2024, is Election Day. Please vote for those candidates and issues which support your belief systems! Your vote counts and it is your civic privilege and responsibility!
I try to research and report new trends in the workplace. Interesting reports found “In person” or on the job site workers, experienced more stress than “Remote” (from home) workers, but 51% of all workers say they are more productive when working in the office or on-site. 32% of “hybrid or remote workers take “quiet vacations” or unreported personal time during the workday. (No wonder there is less stress in this work format). Managing boundaries between work and personal life has always been a challenge/struggle for American workers. Over 28% of workers are asked to work while vacationing, yet 33% have difficulty disconnecting from work while on vacation/staycation.
I ‘ve reported over the last three years about Bowling Green’s ranking of LIVABLE CITIES. AARP Public Policy Institute ranks Bowling Green in the 57-percentile based on opportunities, businesses, health and wellness services, and housing: ranging from single, multi-family, and subsidized housing. In 2023 we were rated in the 78% range. We again failed in the areas of recreation, fitness, wellness opportunities, and transportation availability for unserved and underserved populations. Recreational services from youth to senior adults continue to dropping our ranking. This has been my greatest area of frustration and failure as your mayor. I have not succeeded in bringing or convincing civic leaders, individuals, entrepreneurs, or elected officials to buy into the need for an indoor recreational facility for wellness and social interactions, physical opportunities for youth, young families, or senior adults. However, I’m not giving up hope!
I’ve used slogans for my first two terms like “Show Me the Potential” and Show Me the Possibilities” of Bowling Green. What about “Show Me Creating the Good” for Bowling Green in 2025? Tracy B projected Beautify Bowling Green, then we started Adopt a Project in 2021, and Love Thy Neighbor from the Second Baptist Church catapulted that concept in 2024. We, as a town, have really updated and promoted beautification projects, remodeling housing, building new housing, tearing down worn-out sheds, garages, and even houses, planting flowers, and cleaning up old tires, appliances, and keeping lawns cut. Thanks to you citizens, Bowling Green has developed a more beautifying city appearance and civic pride. Let’s continued to Create the Good! Bowling Green is a THRIVING community as new businesses continue to come into our city. Empty buildings around the Square are being sold, repurchased, remodeled, and at least 1 new business and 2 others are in the “planning stages” for these buildings around our Historic Court House and Square. Now it’s time for you to insert the Good that you would like to see in your town. Send your thoughts, ideas, and wishes to jarico@bowlinggreen-mo.gov. Dream BIG!
Support the Bobcats as they complete their seasons of play and enter Districts and hopefully State playoffs. This includes athletics, band, cheerleading, Flags, and various clubs and organizations.