I am searching for common decency, respect for our fellow man…basic principles of trust and ethics, that were once the fabric of our small Town of Smyrna. We have a long and rich history that is going the way of strip malls, crime and corruption, and will ultimately leave us with very little to cling to…our culture. It is being lost here in Smyrna, in Dover and in so many small towns across America.
Think of the bright and brave people of Smyrna, who worked so tirelessly to keep our heritage alive. They were heroes. So many are gone now, but there are still brave, exceptional people championing the cause of protecting our historical fabric. Some are noted, many who do things in quiet ways...contributors of what is so important...the careful and ethical planning of our future...thinking carefully about what will be for generations to come.
The former Sun-Times building, now sitting inadequately protected, our symbol of Free Speech, the Power of the Word, the longest running newspaper in this State, is a frail reminder of the difficulty our newspaper industry is now facing...with the advent of the Internet.
And there are brave hearts here in Smyrna...a few, who truly understand and care about what that building stands for. It should not have been left to decline...all these months, and there is still hope that it will be secured and given back its respect...by being restored and celebrated once again. Sometimes I want to place candles there, and say a prayer...because the numbers of people who have come and gone, who kept the power of words alive, all those years in that brick building on Commerce Street, must now be looking upon us, where has the common decency gone?
I have attended the meetings at Town Hall this week relating to the proposed project at the former Sun-Times building, which will surround our historic symbol, freedom of the press. A few of us have asked many questions, because we so want to be certain that this will be a positive step in rebuilding a decent quality of life for all, the current residents and business owners, those anticipated to purchase/rent these townhomes and apartments and those who visit our historic Four Corners and beyond.
I urge the public, to take a more active role in attending our Town Council and designated Committee meetings, held at the Smryna Town Hall. If we are going to salvage some common decency and consideration for those who will walk in our footsteps. Please take the time now, to be involved in rebuilding a vital and user-friendly downtown Smyrna. Let’s be good stewards of our history...and what small town life can still be, a place of common decency and good times.
