This past week, Chancery Judge Robert Logan had some good and encouraging words for the Newton Board of Mayor and Aldermen this week regarding the state of Newton.
The talk he had isn’t anything new for those who have attended board meetings in the past. Occasionally, Robert would speak up and have a mini-sermon from time to time to help out the aldermen and mayor to give them a word of encouragement.
This time, he did it as the Chancery Judge, and we appreciate the message that Robert shared with the aldermen and the community.
He’s right, the last few months have been very difficult and divisive over the bond issue.
“I think some damage has been done to the city. And quite frankly, if all I knew about the school district and the city of Newton is what I saw on Facebook about the bond issue, I wouldn't come near the city.
“So I think in some respects, we've shot ourselves in the foot in the debate.”
We concur. It is time for us to move forward and to find solutions for the city. Logan made a solid point about the safety and security concerns. That is something that needs to be a top priority for the city.
“But now, if y'all come to your board meeting and your focus at the board meeting is the pothole in my ward and the streetlight that I didn't get in my ward, and God forbid, another speed bump that we need in our ward, then you're part of the problem and not part of the solution because what we need is a vision for the future. We're told in Proverbs that where there is no vision, the people perish. And that's what we don't want to happen in our community.”
While those concerns are valid concerns, we must look toward the big picture. We can’t put all of our money into putting up speed bumps when you need more officers on the streets.
And the greatest asset we have is love, as Robert said.
“And finally, don't underestimate the power of love. It's great. Love your children. Love your neighbors. Love your city.”
Brent can be reached at bmaze@newtoncountyappeal.com.
