We hear people talk about quality of life all the time.
It’s one of those feel-good phrases that are loved by local, state and federal politicians when they want to say something good without really saying something at all.
Think about it. What is quality of life?
A person’s health is one factor when we are talking about an individual’s quality of life, as is how big their pocketbook might be or how successful their children are.
Industry and institutions grasp this concept such as when schools talk about excellent test scores, the winning basketball team or the enthusiasm of their teachers. Businesses seek it in attracting people to offices that are neat and clean, with managers who work hard to develop young talent and a corporate culture that recognizes and rewards hard work.
Towns and communities have it, too. And that quality of life is very similar to the quality of life of the individual, industry and institutions.
Questions?
Questions that lead to truth are the best way to arrive at answers and solve problems
How healthy is our community? How safe is our community? How clean is our community? Is their a winning attitude in this town? Do residents have enthusiasm for their community? Do we work to attract people to town? Do we welcome them when they get here?
Can people find what they need in Clarksdale? Is there a list that charts what Clarksdale lacks? Are there people in our town who then go out and recruit people to fill those gaps? Do we have leaders trained, schooled and gifted with the talents to solve problems and find solutions? Do we recognize and reward hard work and success?
I will mark two shorts years in this community in April and while many of the positive things that brought me to Clarksdale are still here, many of the negative things I have learned about us are still here, too.
There are safe neighborhoods but not every community enjoys this, efforts are being made to clean up and we are seeing the bloom of a rejuvenated economy and the winning attitude that a positive business climate brings. Sadly, we still have nay-sayers, we need more people moving to town and we always need to sincere smile when we welcome anyone – foreigner and local alike – into our neighborhood, business or church.
Clarksdale has people who want things to change – who want things to get better – and they are willing to roll up their sleeves to make it happen. This town is blessed with people who love Clarksdale and sell it every chance they get. We need to find more ways to recognize and reward their hard work.
Opportunity
I hope you read your Clarksdale Press Register from cover to cover today.
Page One talks about the city making plans for tourism to jump out of the gate once our world reopens from COVID.
Our county basketball team has won their fourth state championship in five years. Let me say that again: fourth state championship in five years!
We have a new history and heritage trail that has been unveiled in Clarksdale.
We also grieve with one of the foundational families in this community over the death of James Hicks. This funeral process is part of my Southern culture that I am so proud of.
Page Two has one of our schools headed back to the classroom and business news that touches Clarksdale. Yes, we have a crime report, political announcements and a push to revive two old building that are now eyesores.
Clarksdale has a lot going for it and since it is the campaign season in the city, we do have some politicians trying to claim all the credit.
No, Clarksdale will only succeed in any development project if people in this town come together and work together.
We have had a couple of small retail ribbon cuttings, but we’ve missed a few, too. And we are all still waiting for that brand spanking new grocery store and sports center to open.
There is talk of a walking trail on the Sunflower, new bridges and streets and even flood control projects that have been in the works for at least two years.
All these projects are big projects that take time, money and people working hard to make them happen. Let’s not blame anyone but ourselves when they don’t come together.
So, let’s rally the troops and chart a course and roll over those obstacles, not the people, that stand in our way. Because nothing short of the quality of life we call Clarksdale is at stake.
Floyd Ingram is Editor of your Clarksdale Press Register. He is a horn-tooting, ink-slinging, champion of Clarksdale, Mississippi and urges you to join him on his quest. Call him at 627-2201.
