Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor:

May you have a happy and prosperous New Year.

Since my last letter several people have approached me with concerns and suggestions. The concerns are mostly about cronyism and most of the suggestions are for town hall meetings in which ideas can be discussed. Town hall meetings sound good but would anyone attend?

As far as cronyism and dirty little secrets are concerned the Forth Estate has to shoulder much of the blame for not exposing corruption. Back room deals and back scratching arrangements are not reported even though they are often common knowledge among the elected officials, the elite and (too late) the rest of us. The people really have no one looking out for their interests.

The proverb: "No matter how far down the wrong path you have traveled, turn back," should be heeded. You cannot expect to get where you want to go if you are going the wrong way. Getting back on the correct path will not be easy but it is a worthwhile endeavor. Everyone who agrees about the suggestion of Town Hall meetings (and has the 'intestinal fortitude' to speak out publicly) should contact the local government and request meetings to be held in a venue large enough for high attendance.

Of course nothing will happen unless people turn off the TV and their computers and come to the meetings. Ask yourselves what would have happened if Rosa Parks had gone to the back of the bus? What would have happened if Susan Anthony had sat home knitting? What would have happened if Paul had kept quiet? What will happen if you are not an agent for change?

The mess that exists today did not happen overnight and not everything that is being done by the leaders is wrong. There have been some positive changes but a lot more needs to be done. Public input that is seriously considered will be a good thing. You all have some great ideas. Speak up.

Wayne Salter, Suburbs of Perkins