Author: paulinemasson

By Pauline Masson – In November 2023, the City of Pacific shut off the water at the home of 75 residents for late payment. In December there were 15 shut offs – due to the holidays the list did not get completed. Last month, 69 residents had their water shut off. Each resident had to pay $25 to have their water turned back on, allowing the City to gain $1,815.  This is in addition to $36,071 the city collected in … Continue reading “Selby, Presley Find Relief For Residents Who Face Late Fees and Water Shut Offs”

By Pauline Masson –  A candidate seeking a seat on the board of aldermen in the April 6, municipal election has posted a piece on her personal Facebook page titled Believe in a Better Pacific that claims to give some background on the board of aldermen, city hall and the good ol (sic) boys network. This is possibly the first social media shot across the bow of voters and candidates alike in the season leading up to the April municipal … Continue reading “Social Media Is Likely To Play a Role in the  Upcoming Municipal Election”

By Pauline Masson – Well, Glory Be. The city administrative committee not only listened to Alderman Rick Presley’s January 16 call for a slower search for a permanent city administrator, they ironed out details of his request that the city announce pay, residency requirements, perks to attract qualified candidates and an estimated starting time for the new city manager. The committee, chaired by James Cleeve and including Debbie Kelley, Rafael Madrigal and Mayor Heather Filley met January 29 with two … Continue reading “Committee Follows Presley’s Lead, Slows City Administrator Search, Lists Pay and Benefits for Qualified Candidates”

By Pauline Masson Tucked away in hallway off the Board of Aldermen council chamber at City Hall – visible to city staffers and elected officials but hidden from public view – is a unique portrait of one segment of Pacific history. The 8′ x 11.6′ oil painting, aptly named “Pacific Morning,” depicts St. Louis Street with Sand Mountain in the background, as seen from atop the former fire watch tower on a sunlight morning in 1980. Former Pacific resident Alan … Continue reading “Pacific Morning, circa 1980- Downtown Pacific Painting Out of Public View”

Bargains, Cars, Dance Hall, Donuts, Fine Watches, Ice Cream, Liquor, Pharmacy & Railroad Heritage By Pauline Masson –  Anyone who has lived in Pacific in recent decades can remember the now closed model railroad museum – and before that a series of restaurants and donut shops – that once occupied the uniquely shaped parcel of ground at First and St. Louis streets – the geographic heart of the city. From that corner North and South, East and West street names emerge. … Continue reading “The Wedge / Closed Quirky Building At the Heart of the City Hides Layers of Local History”

By Pauline Masson –  Alderman Rick Presley says the rush to advertise the city administrator search was yanked out of committee prematurely and leaves too many unanswered questions on what the City wants in a new city manager. After Steve Roth resigned in July 2023, former city administrator Harold Selby offered to return to the post temporarily while the city searches for Roth’s replacement. Selby was given a one-year contract, with the possibility of two years while the board of … Continue reading “Presley, Madrigal Say Administrator Search Is Being Rushed / BOA Unclear on Details “

By: Pauline Masson – A two-story white frame house once occupied the spot where Bank of America (soon to open new Pacific Post Office) now stands on St. Louis Street. It had crisp shutters, a front porch with a second-story balcony that was supported by six square beams, a railing and a door that opened onto it. For some reason (that I have not uncovered) the house was named the Blue Goose and was later considered by the grandchildren of … Continue reading “The Blue Goose / Lost Landmark Remembered”

By Pauline Masson –  Ward Two Alderman James Cleeve took on the Pacific Partnership over comments organization leaders made at the Dec. 19 board of aldermen (BOA) meeting. Speaking at the Jan. 2 BOA meeting, Cleeve said he felt like he took a beating from the Partnership on Dec.19 and he was not happy about it. “But I just sat here and kept my mouth shut, like a good little boy,” he said. With time to think it over, he … Continue reading “Cleeve Takes On the Pacific Partnership Over Contract Comments – No More Good Little Boy”

After 24 Years of Success On Two Fronts the Pacific Partnership Wants a New Deal ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ By Pauline Masson –  After 24 years of luring new businesses to the old downtown business district and welcoming big crowds to outdoor events, the Pacific Partnership rejected a new contract with the City of Pacific, leaving many observers to question what is it all about. In an email message to the City, Josh Sachs, Partnership president said the group wanted to cancel the … Continue reading “What In the World Is the Pacific Partnership – City of Pacific Disconnect All About?”

By Pauline Masson –  Alderman Scott Lesh lashed out at City Administrator Harold Selby threatening to fire him during a discussion on city employee pay raises at a strained board of aldermen (BOA) meeting last Tuesday. The measure had received preliminary approval Dec. 5 in a 3-3 split vote. Lesh, James Cleeve and Debbie Kelley opposed the raises. Aldermen Rafael Madrigal, Anna Meadows and Rick Presley voted in favor of the measure. Mayor Heather Filley broke the tie to approve … Continue reading “Aldermen Derail Then Approve Ordinance to Raise City Employee Pay – Lesh Lashes Out”