In Part 1 of our 2 part half episode - Until They Kick Us Out Episode 5.5, we tackle the tough and often uncomfortable conversations that have been brewing beneath the surface of our town. What started as a community gathering at the First Friday event has become a reflection of deeper issues—issues that go beyond just one event and point to the leadership and decision-making affecting our city as a whole. We’re here to discuss the frustrations and letdowns that many have felt, and more importantly, to ask the hard questions: Why is our city’s leadership failing to meet the expectations of its residents? What does the future hold if we don’t see change soon? As we peel back the layers of disappointment, we also reflect on our mission—to bring these real, sometimes sticky, topics to light, no matter how difficult they are to address. In this episode, we revisit why we started this podcast: to give our community a platform where different perspectives could come together for the common good. While our hosts might have differing opinions on some matters, the shared goal remains the same—making our town a better place to live. This isn't just an episode about pointing fingers or assigning blame; it's about accountability, progress, and the belief that we can and should expect more from the people in charge. If you’re a resident who has felt overlooked or frustrated, this episode is for you. We dig into what went wrong with First Friday, how it’s a symptom of bigger problems, and what can be done to turn things around. It’s a conversation about hope, change, and the power of community voices coming together to make a difference. So tune in, and let’s have the conversation that many are afraid to have. This is that episode—the one where we finally speak up about the leadership issues affecting our town and what we can do to fix them. 0:00 : Introduction & Breaking News : Introduction to Episode 5.5, brief overview of the topic, and a bit of banter. 0:33 : Why This Episode Matters : Discussion on why this episode is critical, touching on the controversial nature of local issues. 1:04 : Our Mission : Hosts reflect on why they started the podcast and how their differing views contribute to the conversation about the city. 2:06 : First Friday Event Breakdown : Dive into the issues surrounding the recent First Friday event and how it reflects the deeper leadership problems in the community. 4:00 : Leadership Failures in the City : Extended discussion on the town's leadership, the hosts’ frustrations with local government, and personal experiences with city officials. 10:07 : Personal Disappointments with Local Leadership : Simone shares personal stories of her frustrations, including interactions with the mayor and issues with community engagement. 13:00 : City Administration and Lack of Action : The failure to hire a city manager, ongoing city management issues, and poor communication from leadership. 16:00 : First Friday Chaos and Police Response : Discussing the chaos during First Friday, the mismanagement by city officials, and the police’s role in handling the event. 19:50 : Business Owners' Struggles & Public Safety Concerns : Addressing how local business owners are being impacted, the public safety issues, and the disconnect between city officials and local businesses. 24:00 : Frustration with Local Government Policies : The ongoing problems with local policies, including the mismanagement of events and the lack of consideration for residents and business owners. 29:00 : Call for Change & Community Involvement : Simone and the co-host discuss the need for a united vision for the town, calling on the community to get more involved and push for change. 32:00 : Questioning Local Leadership and Future Prospects : Closing discussion on the future of the town, questioning the current administration, and emphasizing the importance of having competent leadership.