Get out the Vote

It’s that time again.

A time when the citizens of a community can make their voices heard.

Election time.

On Tuesday, April 2, citizens of Dunklin County can place their vote and help initiate the direction they want their community to take.

It’s important.

Here in Kennett we’ve heard quite a bit from the mayoral candidates.

Some main topics of concern from each candidate include job growth, waste management and city cleanup, medical services, and healthy recreational options for our youth.

Important topics to be sure.

But there is a root cause for all these issues.

How did we get here?

Lack of industry and the loss of the hospital can most definitely affect the prosperity and stability of the city.

However, I believe it started way before these topics became an issue.

It’s apparent when you attend city council meetings and town halls and see all the empty chairs.

The issue that is destroying Kennett as well as other communities is apathy.

Apathy is defined as a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern.

Apathy is the common thread that runs through every declining community.

When a property owner or renter doesn’t maintain the lawn, or allows trash to pile up, it’s apathy.

This didn’t just happen.

It’s been slowly eating away this area for years until you now have a prevalent culture of poverty and a community filled with apathy.

The candidates are correct in saying it takes change, but not just with local government alone.

It takes a change in thinking from the entire community.

Get involved. Clean up your property. Go to the meetings and make your presence known.

It’s not enough to make the payment or collect the rent.

Take some pride in your community.

Believe me, it is a reflection of you.

It’s tiring to hear all the conversations and arguments about the wrongs of the city, yet see poor voter turnout.

It needs to be more than just fodder at the dinner table.

Initiate the change.

If you’re not going to get involved, or go to the meetings, then at the very least, get to the polls on Tuesday and vote.

This community can’t stand much more apathy.

It’s time for some enthusiasm and attention.

It’s time for some genuine interest and regard for your community.

In fact, it’s way past time.

Vote.

See you out there.