We Interupt This Program
Ok Dogs....Time to go. I will be moving over the weekend, so I will not be posting for awhile (who knows 1 week, 2 weeks, tomorrow) setting up a computer is not the number one priority! However, I may borrow one and comment through the comments section (I can never remember my log in while I'm away). I have enjoyed the comments this week and I hope this discussion will continue while I'm away.
The economic decline of Greenville is a really serious issue, I hope that the real leaders will step forward with some real solutions. The problems
Schools - number one, no question
Healthcare
Tax base erosion
Infrastructure
Crime
Apathy
City/County Government
I'm sure there are numerous others to be identified and addressed.
So, if inclined, use this blog to vent your frustrations or offer your solutions or defend why you think everything is just fine. We can all be snarky, and offer cutsy one liners, but that's not solving anything.
Later
posted by Red Dog @ 8:00 PM
5 comments
5 Comments:
Dog, Sorry you have to move. Maybe "will move" is a better term. My family has been here for generations so we aren't going any where. Keep posting. Nofatcat
We all understand if Red Dog is relocating due to employment issues. However, if it's a quality of life issue, then you might take another look at whether or not you are "part of the problem."
Topics from your list:
Schools - number one, no question
Sure, industries will not locate here if the school system is weak. Thank goodness, private and parochial offer an alternative. Or there would be NO industry. There are many, many people---native and not; black, white and inbetween---who feel so strongly about educating their children properly that they will gladly pay several thousands of dollars each year to provide it. (Did anyone notice that both WS and St. Joe have National Merit Semi-Finalists this year?) It is a shame that our public schools no longer fill that need. However, I attended a fund-raising event last night, and heard the Greenville Weston Choir perform; they were outstanding. This was a highly disciplined group, and surely that kind of structure carries over into other areas of their lives. The director said that 95% of the singers in her choir are on the GWHS honor roll. So it CAN be done. Will these children relocate when they graduate? I hope not. We need for them to live here, work here, and raise bright, young children here. It takes FAMILY involvement to effect changes in our overall quality of life.
Healthcare
Well, gosh---DRMC is doing what they can with what they have. What percentage of the population is actually paying the hospital for its services? But for that matter, I can't remember a time when those who could afford it wouldn't drive to Memphis or Jackson for everything but the most simple forms of medical treatment.
Tax base erosion
(See "Schools.")
Infrastructure
(See City/County Government)
Crime
At the risk of retaliation from local law enforcement, I have to say that I don't feel that our police force is doing an adequate job of getting rid of the drugs that are the impetus of so much of our local crime. Surely there's no chance that the force is "part of the problem?"
Apathy
Apathy? As in Who Cares? The 300 or so citizens I saw last night cared a LOT, and said so.
City/County Government
While Mayor Hudson has her own agenda, along with genuine intent to make Greenville a better place to live, the majority of our "public servants" are simply there for a paycheck. Wrong motivation. I would love to see the local business leaders become involved in local government. (Hello, Chamber of Commerce?) We need councilmen and supervisors with college educations, people who can make informed decisions about issues that affect all of us. Andy Alexander can't shoulder the entire burden.
There you go.
LR, private education stopped being a "choice" in the 70's. It has become a necessity.
Dog, This is off subject but you seemed to enjoy following the PLAME affair. Chech out:
http://www.aim.org/special_report/4118_0_8_0_C/
Turns out it was a CIA plot to take down the President. Damn howdy!Nofatcat
We seek education for our children certainly. Do we want our children to remain here in Greenville ? Of course not .
We give them that education to better their lives to become productive. are we providing that education for our children to deal black jack at the local casinos ? What will Greenville offer so that our children can have a secure future ? How can our children support their wives and educate their children ?
The infrastucture tax base all this comes from money being paid to workers , workers spending that taxes paid by industry,You can't fix anything until you have the money to do so.
As far as city councilman McGhee and Gines I think do care. They asked questions and expect answers. Hudson is a joke and now I think most people realize that. As far as Andy Alexander if I were getting $90 to 120.00 per meeting I'd smile also yet he dosen't impress me.Keep in mind also every time city officals call Alexander for advice it's a charge back to the city. There is no free advice.
The police department if we force retire Carter and Simpson we'd be better off. But to get rid of Simson would insult her close friend Hudson.
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