by Elissa Yount
Editor’s Note: Elissa sent me this article yesterday with the caveat that a woman has a right to change her mind up until noon on Friday.
On my walk through Henderson Thursday morning, someone yelled at me from across the street to be sure to file for office and that they supported me 100%.
Now, I am usually a person of action, but I act after careful deliberation. Even so, I must admit that the decision of whether to run for office or not did not come easily or readily even after much deliberation.
My decision became easier when I read in the Dispatch Thursday morning that there was only minimal opposition to the Embassy David Street grant. I was frankly astounded at that misrepresentation. The city has ignored the over 150 citizens who had signed petitions, but the Dispatch erroneously stated that there was only a handful of opponents. When we cannot depend on the press to give us unbiased reporting and honesty, it is very dangerous for our democracy and our freedoms and rights as citizens.
Face it. There is a cancer eating away at our city. Part of this cancer is fed by people who readily admit that they don’t want to see or know about the blighted parts of our city. People have actually told me this. Part of this cancer is fed by people who are greedy and make their money off of the misfortunes of others. Part of this cancer is fed by people who use the system for their own gain. Part of this cancer is fed by people who have businesses that only grow poverty. Just look around at the check cashing, rent-to-own, housing rental, and convenience stores with bad food, alcohol, and the lottery. We can’t forget that part of this cancer is caused by racism from both Caucasians and African-Americans. These people do not want to do what is best for the whole city, just what is best for their side.
A huge hunk of this cancer is fed by people who are willing to lie and manipulate to get what they want. Rules, regulations, laws, and inspections were not made for them to follow. They thrive in a city where it is not “what you know” but “who you know” that gets things done. Their lives are fine, and that is all that matters to them. But the cancer is metastasizing, spreading rapidly and smothering our city. I do want Henderson to get healthy.
Still, the question remained: How could I best help Henderson get a clean bill of health?
After serving on Clean-Up Henderson for two years and the council for four years, my problem was that I had found out too much. There was so much that needed correcting that it was impossible to put out all the fires. For the most part, the citizens did not even know these wild fires were burning, and I did not see our local press making a consistent effort to ring the alarm about the danger.
That is why I have decided to continue writing my articles for Home In Henderson each week or more. I am very grateful that Jason Feingold will allow me to do this. I think I can best serve the city this way rather than running for election at this time.
There is much that needs to come to light. As an elected official, you are often told to stay in your place and keep things under wraps. As a private citizen, I do not have to do this. I pledge to continue to research, continue to educate, and continue to write about concerns in our community that require action. The only slant I will put on the information I write about will come from the corroborating evidence I supply.
The business of government is our business. We, the people, are not powerless against a powerful few. I can’t do everything, but I am willing to do my part. You can do your part by reading and by keeping yourself and your neighbors informed. We are going to get Henderson healthy again. When we do, all boats will float, not just a few.
Stay tuned.