Jan. 30 Community Forum: Project shows change needed in government

By: Submitted letter | Statesville Record & Landmark
Published: January 29, 2012

Project shows change needed in government

In a Jan. 22 letter to the editor regarding the streetscape project, the writer commends the DSDC and individuals who were directly involved with the project. I’m sure everyone agrees it’s a nice look and they did a good job projecting a historical flavor, but that doesn’t change the fact that it’s not a practical design for an area with a heavy flow of daily traffic. It’s very awkward trying to maneuver any type of vehicle and emergency vehicles don’t have the space they should to travel efficiently.

But the DSDC shouldn’t be the only ones held responsible for not thinking things through clearly before going ahead with this huge mistake. The city council approved this streetscape. The historical landmarks downtown could have been renovated without spending so much and rearranging the whole downtown area.

I also believe this writer is looking through rose-colored glasses when she talks about cultural vitality and economic growth. I don’t think that’s what the council had in mind when they adopted this design proposal. Statesville has never had all the races, cultures and ethnic backgrounds that make up this town displayed in that area.

If we want cultural vitality and economic growth in this "City of Progress," we need to give the government a face lift. We need immediate diversity in this city and county’s governing bodies. We continue to re-elect the same people with the same agendas, old ideas, and pre-Civil Rights state of mind. We need new blood and fresh ideas that can propel us into this century.

I’ve heard many times that "Old money runs this town. People around here don’t like change, and that’s just how it is." I don’t believe that.

First of all, I pay taxes, so my money plays a part in running this county, too. Second, we can change things if we stand up for what’s right and acceptable in the eyes of God. What’s stopping us? Is it fear that keeps us from "rocking the boat?" Hasn’t history taught us that’s the only way that change comes about?

We make a big deal over the White House, but what about our house, our town and our county? We need to fight for change in our own back yard.

Karen Keaton

Statesville