When it comes to the beautification of Shamrock Park in Tyrone, nothing comes easy.

On Thursday night, Tyrone Councilmen Gloria Furr and Grace Caldwell released results of the recently completed resident survey on the future of the park. Judy Jefferson, who helped compile the results, said that more than 800 surveys were filled out and that 60 percent of what residents wanted at the park is already there.

The biggest item respondents wanted to see restored was beautification of the lake with 15 percent listing it as the top priority. Next was walking and biking paths, followed by a great lawn and open space followed by picnic and a pavilion area.

Jefferson said the people who helped with the survey enjoyed the work and were glad to contribute their time and money towards restoring the park.

But shortly after Jefferson sat down, the fireworks started.

Caldwell made a motion to include the results of the survey in the upcoming comprehensive plan, but was shot down by Councilman Mike Smola.

“Why did you choose to use a weighted approach in compiling the results?” he asked.

Caldwell said that was just the method that was chosen and Smola said he had sent out an email earlier in the week asking to see the raw results from the survey. When Caldwell and Furr remained quiet about providing the results, Smola pressed his point.

“Are you denying me the right to see the results?” he said.

Caldwell did say that she would provide the results, but Smola said he couldn’t agree to include the survey in the comprehensive plan until he saw the results.

Councilman Paul Letourneau agreed with Smola, and Mayor Sheryl Lee was forced to cast the tie-breaking vote.

“I oppose this until we’ve seen all documentation,” she said.

With the failed vote, many in the audience shook their head.

Caldwell summed up the situation by quoting her favorite President, Ronald Reagan, which caused the crowd to break into wild applause.

“The government is the car and the people are the drivers,” she said.

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