"Why should I stay?" surgeon asks city council

[TexasTowelie]

Three years ago, impressed with the community and charmed by Palestine's small-town vibe, Dr. Ro-Jon Grogans, a surgeon, accepted a job offer from Palestine Regional Medical Center and moved his family to Palestine.

The Grogans' are the kind of family city leaders say they want to attract: Engaged young professionals who can contribute mightily to the city's tax base.

Given city council's action last week, however, to close the Athletic Complex without notifying the community, Dr. Grogans, a father of three, is no longer certain he wants to stay.

“I'm at a crossroads, because my contract here is up,” Grogans, 38, told the Herald-Press Tuesday. “I'm a family man. I can work anywhere. I have to wonder if this is a sign.

Read more: https://www.palestineherald.com/community/why-should-i-stay-surgeon-asks-city-council/article_a47fd11c-d9a1-11e9-a222-03b4ad38da2f.html

[Girard442]

1. Sound like Grogan got his small-town vibe, alright.

He and his family seem like good people. I'm sorry things aren't working out for them.

[moreland01]

2. Luckily

Executive Sessions of the City Council aren't intended for the council to ram thru decisions without public scrutiny. In fact, in my town, a decision made in executive session still have to be voted-on by the entire council at a public council meeting. That's the opportunity for the parents of the 1000 kids who use that facility to stand up and defend the sports complex and provide solutions to the council. Perhaps volunteers from town could work to make the facility ADA compliant. And perhaps Lowes/Home Depot should thank the town for support by providing supplies. There is a way.