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Citizens responsible for state of the city
To the editor:
Unfortunately, I have some news the citizens of Blytheville wish not want to hear.
We as citizens are responsible for the financial predicament in the city. WE ARE, ALL OF US. We live in a democracy, where public meetings and disclosure is present every month at our City Council meetings. Yet we choose not to participate. Opportunity to do so was there. We got what we deserved. I would like to accept my responsibility, and go forward. I invite others in this community to join me in attending the future meetings, so that we may question our leaders as to our future.
I am a romantic optimist, that can be distracted by cynicism and neglect. And can be led by visionary thought and hope. Unfortunately, the city of Blytheville, its City Council, the mayor's office and most dangerously the citizen's themselves, are having a very hard time finding the silver lining of this community, and what amenities we presently hold in our grasp. Furthermore, any discussion of future great things or expectations have completely been removed from all conversation. What a shame.
The direction and focus of our community is on what CANNOT be done, instead of what CAN be done. From what we have, to what we might lose and its cost. From a bright future to one of shame, and impossibilities. Enough, enough. Finally, I have been persuaded to speak my perspective.
We have a charming town, in which there exist a lot of good hard-working families. We have a community that laid open our doors and resources to the victims of hurricane Katrina. A community of concerned parents, and strong church presence. A city that has one of the largest airport facilities available to us for the taking, waiting for inspiration and the organizational skills to make it a success again. We have access to an interstate corridors, river access to the largest river highway in the nation. We have some of the most successful farmers in the world that surrounds us. We have readily accessible water, clean air and a mild climate. We are blessed.
The negative issues that face us are nothing more than temporary bumps in the road. The question I would like to ask is simple: Who wants to step up and see the possibilities? Will you join me in demanding the visionaries to step forward?
We have a golf course ranked the second best in the state, that present thinking and opinion has made it a questionable asset to support. Why not throw away any and all draws to our community? Shut down the river and bury the airport, stick our heads in the sand and give up.
Or ...
I personally welcome ideas, positive views of what to do with our assets. But I am very weary of the negative attitudes and poor management of what we do have.
I believe this community needs to come clean from the top in order to go forward. I would like to hear what we can do, what we can improve, what we are succeeding at. And the vision of tomorrow.
Or, shall we spend our time complaining about the past? Or simply enjoy the day, and plan our future.
Where can we go from here? Where is here? I do not even know where here is. My latest assumption is that I am standing in a community floundering somewhere between the unknown and the unsure. The angry and the depressed. The winter and the spring. But one thing I would like to assure the citizens of Blytheville -- the spring is coming, whether we are prepared to enjoy the flowers and the sun or not. Spring will arise sooner than the pessimist will admit. Warm breezes and cool nights will surround us soon.
I propose we roll up our sleeves and get to work at repairing community connections, inspire our youth and enjoy the ties with our families. I encourage the citizens to re-commit to the community. To help our leaders understand the importance of leadership, and share their goals for a wonderful town. Encourage them to insist on a better, more beautiful community that we all can be proud of.