Letter to the Editor

Community should tackle IRS problem with fortitude

Saturday, March 3, 2012

To the editor:

So, the worst has happened! The Internal Revenue Service bullies have put liens on Blytheville's property. What will we do?

Will we whine and pout, or will we do what is necessary to get past this mess?

Can you imagine how Mayor Sanders and the City Council feel? I frequently talk to my representative on the City Council. Believe me, they are doing a great job -- that's a full-time job on a part-time salary. Who knows? They may end up doing a full-time job for no salary.

Why have no liens been put on Barrett Harrison's property? Why has Don Houseworth been the chairman of a committee that should be helping Blytheville for 20 years without meeting? Who was the deciding vote to put Barrett Harrison in his current position at the BGRAA? Don Houseworth! There were more than 20 applicants, many of whom were more qualified for the job.

I understand that "in politics, it's always been this way." And we can repeat the theme that it won't do any good to make our will known to our elected officials. They are going to do what they want. But from the school house to the White House, it is our civic duty to make the will of the people known to those who represent us. I call 202-456-1111 on a weekly basis. That is the number to the White House comment line. I want the president to know how I feel about what he is doing to our country. The contact information for all our representatives in office is published in the newspaper. I say use it!

That being said, I pray that we will pass the tax increase, pay the IRS, support and pray for our elected officials and encourage our community to a brighter future.

Remember last fall when so many people helped clean the southwest part of town? Wow! In one day, a lot of people made a big difference to improve our city.

If we approach this IRS problem with the same fortitude, in 15 months, we'll be able to use our tax money the way Mayor Sanders and the current City Council plan to build up the city again. Blytheville is not the same as it used to be, but I love it. There are so many generous, encouraging, loving people in this community. I wouldn't live anywhere else.

In every situation, it's not about being right. It's about doing right.

Please vote yes on the tax issue and let's celebrate our community once again.

Linda Harris
Blytheville