A revival of competition

Everybody wants to win. Like it or not, that is a simple truth of the human condition. You think I’m wrong? You want to argue that fact? Thank you, you have just proven my point. People are, by nature, competitive creatures. A little of that can be good. Too much can be destructive, but kept to a reasonable level, basic competition is healthy. Competition is part of nearly everything in life. It is an essential part of who we are, who we were and where we live. From its founding in the early 1800s, this community has charged ahead with spirit, vision and persistence. It relished competition. Its growth through more than two centuries has been consistent and at times even unbounded, and unchallenged. The strength and vi-tality of any community is very much like that of a business. It depends on the skill of its leaders, its financial stability, its vision for the future, and the support of those it serves. And just like a business, the success of a community is constantly subject to threats from compet-itors. The strength of a community is the drive, the character and the enduring commitment to vigorously compete in recruiting new business, developing improved services, and enhanc-ing the quality of life. If this is lacking, the community will slowly fall behind the growth of surrounding areas, and more and more businesses will be lost. When this happens, the tax base shrinks, vitality slows, and cities find themselves weakened and unable to keep up. From that point, it can be a slow spiral downward. There is no such thing as a community that survives by standing still. If it is not growing and moving forward it is unfortunately, dying. In my years as mayor, I had the opportunity to spend time with fellow mayors around the state and witness the struggle of small towns as they fought the inevitable odds. Some were successful, some were not. But in every town that was thriving, there was one common element that clearly shown through. No matter what age, race, or political leaning, there was an overarching cooperative spirit and commitment among the local citi-zens. Simply stated, they decided that if determination could get it done, then they were go-ing to do it, and no ifs, ands, or buts would stand in the way. That spirit caught fire, spread and was shared and encouraged. Eventually, it becomes a way of life in those towns that are determined to survive. In one community during the first month of every year, every office and department of municipal government, county government and other major non-governmental agencies, along with civic clubs and other service groups, would meet and map out the goals for the year ahead complete with delegation of projects and manpower. They undertook all of this in a combined effort, with everyone committed and capable of compro-mise when it was required. In another area, county government mandated that every agency, department and functioning group in that county be on the list to be visited by the Grand Jury annual audit. Not one agency or department was left uninspected or unaccounta-ble. There were many other innovative efforts that were specifically tailored for these towns where citizens refused to give up and watch their communities slowly wither away.

Obviously, it is impossible to pattern every problem and apply a one-rule solution, but as in most cases with most problems, the answer is found in the people; the people who care enough about their town to fight for it. In many situations, people complained that their biggest enemy was apathy. The best people would never run for office, and involvement in anything political or unconventional was avoided. That is the evil seed. When the voter does not thoughtfully cast his vote or worse yet fails to vote at all, the consequences can be devas-tating and often irreversible. Somewhere along the line, the pride and honor of public service has faded to a dim light in a dark corner. The fight for recovery must enlist the best and brightest we have, to compete for every elected office in every election. With a revival of the spirit of competition, political and otherwise, there is the possibility of a brighter day throughout Georgia and here in our own backyard. It all begins with the most powerful tool in any democracy, your vote and commitment. Important elections for statewide positions as well as elections for positions of the City of Swainsboro government will be held this year beginning in August. It is worth your consideration and participation.