Recently, several Jerome residents, some of whom work for the town, got together on a project that made the community better. You see, there is about 70 feet of sidewalk on Main Street that was in such a state of disrepair that it was dangerous. People were forced to walk out into the Main Street just to get past this area, you couldn't walk on the sidewalk much less push a stroller. It had been this way for a long time. You see, the Arizona  Department of Transportation used to be responsible for it (You see, Main Street is a state highway) , until a change in a recent agreement put all responsibility back on the Town of Jerome. Some would argue that it should still be the state's responsibility, however, while the arguements go on, somebody could get seriously injured or killed. 
    I was able to secure some funding outside of the Town's budget, that provided all the materails for the job plus some. Myself, the Fire Chief, the Jerome Historical Society Manager (also vice-mayor), and a couple of public works persons decided to just get the job done. The state was notified and even brought signs by for the construction area.  
    As we removed the old concrete, residents came by and some even volunteered to assist us! Helping with traffic control and such. Many stopped and said "Thanks" for getting something done that had been neglected for years! It made us feel good!
    Yet, much to my dismay (but no suprise) I heard back that somebody was at Town Hall complaining about the job!!!! They felt it was the state's responsibility, that we had no permits, and so on and so forth. What I found interesting was that this was one of the people who had approved the change in the agreement with the state that CLEARLY (in writing) places all responsiblity on the town for all sidewalks on the state highway. That agreement was also the blanket permit for all work done by the town in the highway or right of way!
    It just goes to show you that no good deed goes unpunished! But, that won't stop us from continuing to work together to improve our community. Thanks to those that helped with the project, you know who you are. And as for the complainers, you also know who you are.