Free to speak
Anyone can be a critic. It's easy to sit on the sidelines and point out the faults of those who are trying to accomplish goals.
This is a free country and our freedom of speech is the most powerful tool we possess. No one should be faulted for having an opinion, no matter how unpopular it might be.
This is true of elected officials and their constituents.
At Monday's meeting of the county commission, a constituent was brought before the commission after he submitted a letter to an area newspaper that contained defaming comments about the commission.
Regardless of the content of the letter, this resident is entitled to his opinion — just as the commission is entitled to its.
After each side did a thorough dressing down of the other, this reporter wondered what was gained at the end of the conversation. Anything productive?
On the other side of the debate, the commission can use your help in making these monumental decisions.
Instead of pointing fingers and drudging up lost opportunities, let's figure out how to work together.
Some residents have stated what they DON'T want in Marion County — no landfills, no casinos, and now maybe no new jail.
The jail issue is not going to go away. At some point, it will be have to be addressed because of the possibility of a tragedy to an inmate or employee.
What solutions are there to address an outdated, out-of-compliance, over-crowded jail besides a new jail? If you have any better ideas, step up now.
Instead of criticizing from the bleachers, get involved in the beginning stages. Don't wait until it's almost a done deal to come up with brilliant ideas or to pick apart the process.
— SUSAN BERG
