Can things be “small” and “giant” at the same time? Well, by golly, when it comes to the recent outcome on the Grovetown debacle, such is the case. One small step by taxpayers, but one giant leap for taxpayers. YOU finally did it!
Often, I’m asked “What can we do?” or told, “We can’t do anything!” when it comes to influencing a local government seemingly destined to buy Albany a ticket on the Titanic. In turn, I usually ask “Have you ever been to a city commission meeting?” Now, I think you know the answer. Ah, the resulting excuses would be funny–if it weren’t so sad.
Yeah, I know. As a good citizen, you did your part. You voted and paid taxes, fully expecting an outcome in our best interest. Right? Well, folks, it’s not working here or anywhere else. It seems government is doing more to those of us who pay taxes than they are doing for us. Like Rodney Dangerfield, we get no respect — but not any more.
Last Tuesday was set up for a “slam dunk” decision taking your money. But you turned it into a John Kerry moment — and they voted against it after voting for it earlier. Why? Well, the reason is obvious — you finally demanded respect. Don’t think for one minute that calls to commissioners, attending the meeting, and writing letters did not change the outcome. And, the local media came through “like a champ”. Did their job and did it well.
Neither you nor the commissioners have all the facts on the matter. Or maybe it’s “if they do, you still don’t”. Yes, the vote did not return your money. But, it created a mandate for an investigation — what really happened? It’s time for answers that make sense to us.
And if it doesn’t happen, well, maybe it will be time for another “spanking”. We are “mad as hell and won’t put up with it anymore”. ‘Nuff said.
Bob Rehberg
Leesburg
