A local newspaper publisher reported that “Legacy can be defined in many ways, and that’s so true in what’s going on in Hickman today politically and legally.” I suppose he is referring to a political legacy by the number of candidates we have interested in Hickman government. We certainly can be proud that we have several worthy candidates that have registered for the office of mayor and city council persons. But I’m not sure what the publisher is referring to “legally.” I hope he is not referring to the law suit that the Hot Dog Guy has had to file against the City of Hickman.
Sure it is unfortunate that these matters have had to go as far as the legal system, but what choice do we have when we have a different opinion than that of a government entity. Should we just lie down and do whatever the bureaucrats tell us to do, even though we don’t feel it is just? Thankfully, we live in a democratic society where we can openly voice these differences. The Hot Dog Guy feels he is being singled out unfairly for keeping frozen hot dogs in his freezer in his own home.
Some have said that all he needs to do is to apply for a Special Use Permit, pay $100, and this would allow him to carry on with his business. His business is selling hotdogs from his portable cart in downtown Lincoln. It was even told in the local tavern by Mayor Hrouda that he offered the Hot Dog Guy a reduced rate, $75 for the permit. How could that work? Anyway, the only problem with a Special Use Permit is that it has to be voted upon by the Hickman Planning Commission, who then makes a recommendation to the Hickman City Council. The Hickman City Council then votes on the matter themselves whether or not to grant a Special Use Permit. So what happens if the boards do not vote favorably to allow the Hot Dog Guy a special permit? That’s the question. I’m afraid Mr. Parker would be unable to keep his cart or hot dogs in his home here in Hickman. Then what? This doesn’t sound very encouraging to anyone interested in coming to Hickman to start a new business, does it?
