Melissa M's Essay

Economic growth, prosperity and the abilities to compete, provide and thrive in a fast pace world. These are all of the elements that consist in making a productive and functioning society. But how can we make that happen here, in our hometown?

One way is to get active. Letting our voice be heard, having our needs and desires weighed and appreciated. But how do we get that as citizens? One way that has seemed to make progress in any governmental action is by joining voices with others, by way of interest groups. Our new cities group is an interest group that will provide for a voice for the public as well as assist our local government in pursuing the wishes of the public. And keeping the public informed on our progress.

Our group will do this by a variety of venues and instruments. One of the most powerful forms is word of mouth. Sometimes this can affect areas of our population such as older members of our community who may not utilize the internet. But as citizens of our community their needs and thoughts for our growing city and its success are just as important as anyone else’s.

We can conduct phone interviews, go door to door. Our group could have meetings as well to get our fellow citizens active. Everyone wants prosperity here in Morgan County. We want to see our beautiful little city grow. I have already spoken to several people here in our community who has to go out side our county to find work. Some of these are in factories that would rather be working here in their own home town. These people don’t like to drive many hours away from family just to find a job that could be provided here. They are paying county and city taxes through their jobs to other counties where they work but do not live. Those tax dollars could help our county and provide jobs for our people.But how do we get this done? We will consult with our local government leaders our chamber of commerce and local citizens to establish their needs and desires. The New Cities Group will then provide the best action plan. We will keep our citizens aware of progress and victories by means of the licking valley courier, our local paper, by our blog site here on the internet and by radio.

We need to try to work together for the good of our community, despite our party affiliations. Asking ourselves what is best for our people. Of course by hearing the needs and seeing possible petitions signed by hundreds of people willing to work here in Morgan County, our government leaders are probably not apt to overlook such a mass of probable voters come election time. We can get their attention by means of petitions and numbers we have active in our plan for Morgan County. We must strive for their attention to our needs.

Above all else our county must progress and provide for its people. Beyond party, beyond ego, and beyond the great and all consuming "I" must come the future of our city. Providing future opportunities here in education, the job market and for our future citizens, our children should be our goal. Morgan County must be moved forward and everyone will have to get their hands dirty to see it through.