After appearing before the Henderson City Council and reading into the public record a letter that detailed my objections to the proposed FY 2009/2010 budget for the City of Henderson, I participated in a discussion with Bobby Gupton and ex-mayor [Robert G.] Chic Young.
Actually, the discussion is better described as a tirade by ex-mayor Young against Mr. Gupton for his position on Joint Funding as well as my attempt to explain that reasonable people should be allowed to reach a position that benefited all citizens.
Ex-mayor Young made a statement during his tirade that continues to trouble me and has left me somewhat speechless, “No one in Henderson cares!”. Given the City Council failed to modify the proposed budget as recommended by my letter as well as other persons speaking at the public hearing, I guess the ex mayor may be correct! Apathy has become the norm in our community.
Henderson (Vance County) is approaching a period during which its citizens must “care” and express that care with action. Violent crime has become epidemic; armed robbery is now the norm, shootings happen with predictable regularity, murder is no longer uncommon. The Henderson Police Department is faced with budget cuts and unfounded criticism that borders on the ridiculous. Henderson Police Chief Sidwell has been attacked by Vance County Sheriff White in what amounts to a “turf war”. He has to devote valuable time and resources to defending not only his actions but the actions of individual policeman as they perform their assigned, sworn duties.
I urge each of my fellow citizens (bloggers), to stand up, speak out and be heard. The CAP is nearing presentation and if you have not signed it, doing so will be an excellent means to be recognized as caring and demanding that our political leaders listen and produce tangible results from the spending of “our” tax money. It is interesting that EVERY PERSON that I asked to sign the CAP did so.
The problem(s) facing Henderson are not rooted in racism, poverty or bigotry but simply in apathy. Until our citizens become involved and start “caring” about local government, we can look forward to more and more of the same violent crime that has become the norm here. The only exception will be that the violent crime will start happening in your living room!
Remember. we deserve what we are willing to accept.
Lewis H. Edwards
2412 Oxford Road