Jacksonville Daily Progress
JACKSONVILLE —
Dear Editor,
I was so happy that the Jacksonville Economic Development Council declined to award monies to a local business pending the improvement of the appearance of their facility. HOW FANTASTIC that this Board publically stated that industries who are awarded our tax dollars should be good corporate citizens! Our monies (and this is OUR money) should ONLY be made available to those applicants who will care for the appearance of their businesses and the image they project locally and regionally for Jacksonville. This business is at one of the important gateways of our city, forming an instant and potentially lasting impression as visitors drive in to town.
Our COUNTY government had best take note of this move and work towards enforcement of laws to improve the appearance of other facilities as well. Why should a municipality care if the governing body at the County level doesn’t?
There is much that can and should be done in this area and the ‘good old boys’ network, always afraid of ‘stepping on someone’s toes’ should be remanded to the back rooms where they belong. Let them enjoy their coffee as the phones of elected officials are ringing off the hook with citizens DEMANDING better enforcement of laws and ordinances against storage of junk cars, dilapidated houses and even tall weeds. Enforcement is the key.
Keep Jacksonville Beautiful, the Blue Ribbon Group and creative individuals are all moving towards improvement in the appearance of our town. With good reason. People are coming to kayak the Neches, ride 4 wheelers, bird watch, and attend meetings and social gatherings. Tomato Fest drew record crowds and the rodeo, while different, will still bring in visitors. Each one of these people represents potential residents and/or business owners. We NEED to make a good first impression as they drive into town and that’s what JEDCO is trying to do!
Change is good. It can come in many forms across our city and county. You never know what’s going to come of a ruling like JEDCO made. They’ve tied the all important appearance of a business directly to its eligibility for funding.
I’m sure the JEDCO grant applicant will set to the task at hand and make his place look fantastic. Maybe he’d consider turning his improvements into an art installation a la the “Cadillac Ranch” out in West Texas? It could be a whimsical, memorable project for the Destination Art initiative!
Kathleen Stanfill,
Jacksonville
