NAME CHANGE PROPOSED FOR MOTT
A recent suggestion by Owen Blickensderfer has stirred a mild controversy in Mott, North Dakota. The coffee shops and hair salons of this small, Midwest town are abuzz with debate concerning his idea to change the name of his hometown, Mott. The population of Mott is split down the middle of the issue. While nobody has come to blows yet, the subject comes up in lively conversations all around this normally peaceful city.
'I just thought that the area tourism industry would get a boost if we renamed our city "Honolulu, "'says Blickensderfer.
The idea is preposterous says Helen Schaible, town librarian. people be confused about our new slogan, "Honolulu, pheasant capital of the world."
No doubt there are wrinkles that would have to be ironed out, but Mott mayor Troy Mosbrucker, is intrigued by the idea. "It would certainly change our image," he says. "The trick would be to avoid saying " Honolulu, North Dakota" because then it would sound colder than it really is here. We ARE in the banana belt, after all. When asked further, Troy said that the town council does not plan to pursue the idea, but they are struggling to keep an open mind.
Gary Greff, area artisan and tourism promoter from nearby Regent says, "The idea has merit. I have been thinking about a new sculpture for the enchanted highway. Maybe a big dolphin or hula dancer or something."
Although nothing will come of his idea soon, Mr. Blickensderfer hopes to keep the controversy fresh in everyone's minds. "I'm just trying to help," he says. "We should try to do SOMETHING to draw attention to ourselves. I just hope the good people who live in Honolulu, Hawaii don't get mad and think we are trying to draw their tourists away or something."
