Residents have the power to change communities
In the past few years, covering the Town of Welsh led our reporters to ask many times, “When will the story change?” Good things were always happening in the town; but violence and negativity always seemed to overpower the positive.
There has been bloodshed; poor leadership in some areas; lack of citizenship; and a number of other issues that took place in the past two years alone. It does seem, though, that Welsh is finally moving forward not because of elected officials or a sudden economic boom; Welsh is finally moving forward because its people are getting involved.
During Tuesday night’s meeting with Furlow Communications, Welsh Citizens Concerned for Public Safety, Jeff Davis Parish District Attorney Michael Cassidy and over 70 residents, people opened up about their love for the town and one another.
Officials and residents have always been quick to point out that the same escalating violence in Welsh is also taking place across the state and country. Few have pointed out, though, that Welsh is not the rest of the state or nation; it is Welsh, and the people of Welsh have the power to renew their community.
Tuesday, though, the people did just that. They said they would no longer allow drugs and gunplay to go on without opening up to officials and law enforcement; they agreed they were tired of fearing that a law enforcement officer would tell criminals when an innocent person reported a complaint; they agreed that no matter their race, religion, finances or age, they were all Welsh citizens who wanted to strengthen their town.
In any environment, it truly does take unity to move forward and better an area. We cannot sit back and hope someone does something; sometimes, we have to be the person or people to put the first foot forward. Welsh has answered in a big way. The people there formed their own group to address public concerns and demanded officials give answers. They were dissatisfied with the direction of their police department and opted to elected a new police chief. They finally started speaking to one another to say, “This is what I think. I would like to know what you think and what we can do together.”
Progress and positive change is possible in your own community but nothing will change if residents do not recognize that they hold the most power and need to do the most work.
Short URL: http://www.jenningsdailynews.net/?p=15513
Posted by Graphic Designer 2
on Nov 15 2012. Filed under Editorial.
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