Greenville Mayor Errick Simmons laid out a tangible case during the state of the city address on Thursday that the Port City is on the move in a positive direction. He enumerated the record number of business start ups, amounts of investment dollars and programs all designed to help Greenville return to its former glory. Masterfully, the Mayor intertwined photos of people doing great work in the community by feeding the hungry, healing the sick, and providing economic opportunity. In a very populist and moving sentiment, he paid tribute to fallen police officer Myeisha Stewart and homage to his grandfather’s 37-year service to the City of Greenville.
The video was well-conceived and delivered, but did you catch the part right near the beginning where he said that he would be seeking a third term?
Why wouldn’t he, particularly if the city is moving in the direction portrayed in this 42-minute video? This is neither a rebuttal nor an endorsement of what was presented. For me, as someone reporting the news everyday, I knew all about the businesses, but I wanted specifics about infrastructure projects and had those questions addressed. But what about you? Is Greenville moving towards prosperity and promise or away towards decline and decay?
Public officials rightfully get both the criticism and the praise for all aspects of life in communities, not because they are solely responsible for everything. But, it is just the nature of being in elected office and a conscious choice that has been made to open one’s self up to the innate scrutiny of the position.
But, here’s the challenge. What are we doing as individuals, concerned citizens, people of faith and hardworking folks to strengthen this promising picture that the Mayor painted on Thursday night? What can we do between elections and in our everyday lives to live out the promise of what Greenville could really become.
First, we can support local businesses by looking for all of our household, workforce and individual needs locally first. This helps the local economy by turning over a dollar bill several times right here in the city. Also, if you work for local businesses that are customer service intensive, be pleasant, engaging and cordial to patrons whether they spend a ton of cash or just come through browsing. Also, don’t take from your employer. Internal theft is one of the quickest ways for businesses to go out of business.
Second, let’s get healthier. Our local healthcare system has always been stressed by responses to curative fallout from chronic disease. Emergency room introduction into the healthcare system is expensive and requires much more finance to bring someone back to good health. Not taking personal responsibility for our health has a huge impact on our education and our economy. Sick children miss days from school and sick adults miss days off work.
Third, find some way to give back. I’m speaking here to those who still live here and our very outspoken diaspora. There are civic clubs, Greek organizations, business types and others looking for people to come alongside them to mentor children, clean up communities and develop the next generation of leaders. And if you’ve moved away, find an organization to donate your financial resources to be part of the solution instead of always being critical about the absence of X, Y, or Z in Greenville. Mayor Simmons was right. There is a promising landscape on the horizon for the city, but imagine how much more promising it would be if everyone focused on what they could contribute.
Patrick Ervin is editor for the Delta Democrat Times. Write him at patrickervin@ddtonline.com
