Time for a Positive Vision

Titled "Citizens must force optimism on local issues" in the Hickory Daily Record
(This is the unedited version of a letter to the editor published in the Hickory Daily Record on 11/4/2008)

It is time that we come together as a nation. I hope that the divisiveness that we have seen over the last few years will simmer down. Negatively pitting groups against one another based upon race, gender, and socio-economics will not solve our nation’s problems.

I would like to address problems I have seen at the local level. It’s time that we tackle some important issues. For nearly eight years we have seen our economy stagnate and local politicians have continually blamed Raleigh and Washington. This blame game has allowed very little to get done; especially when they never force the issue.

Hickory’s City Council members are non-partisan representatives, so this has nothing to do with party politics. Mayor Wright has even stated that he won’t endorse candidates, because he is fearful of retaliation if the other side wins. We all come to the table with our own philosophies, but on the local level we should put the Donkey or Elephant aside and do what is best for Hickory.

It is time that local leaders are forced to deliver a positive vision, mapping out the direction our city needs to head in the 21st century. Too many times we have seen a negative vision, with a pessimistic philosophy and attitude, of community leaders telling us what we can’t do. That approach is not working.

Look at Lowe’s Hardware for instance. The project turned out to be very positive for Viewmont. It has improved the area and the negative connotations that were brought up never materialized. The people opposed to the deal could have had the issues of positive development addressed, but instead we heard “Can’t Do.” These forces are still reluctant to admit that they were wrong.

The new Hickory Development plan will be addressed in upcoming months. It needs to be open and flexible to businesses that exist or want to locate here. We need to approach commerce in this area with a “Can Do” philosophy. We cannot continue to place onerous restrictions and regulations on businesses in this area and expect our city to progress.

That is where we as citizens come into the picture. It is our responsibility as citizens to ensure that our local leaders approach development positively. If they don’t, then please speak up. It is time to silence the bitter pills with an optimistic, “Can Do” spirit. We are the ones that have to live with the results.