Post Scripts: We don’t need whipping boys

Darryl’s recent comments on this page relative to serving one’s community on the city council should be taken seriously by all Gallatin citizens. It is not to this community’s credit that we have made "whipping boys," so to speak, of a high percentage of those who were willing to run for a seat on the council and thus become a victim of abuse, ridicule and scorn.

Over the years, I have witnessed the spectacle of some worthy and well-qualified people willing to give weeks, months and even years to this community, only to see them suffer criticism and verbal attacks from those who were not aware of or did not understand the limitations and restraints that a town the size of Gallatin must operate within. In many instances the critics really do not want to achieve understanding; they only want to argue. Such activity contributes nothing to the betterment of this community.

The present council has done a great job, particularly in getting the city’s fiscal affairs in excellent condition, actually getting in the black. Unfortunately, a conflict within the police department recently exploded into a disrupting, distasteful and damaging mess that gained Gallatin nothing but widespread, negative publicity. It was all uncalled for. Fortunately, the council stood firm but were forced to bear the brunt of punishing, embarrassing publicity that only added to the heavy burden the city administration must far too often bear.

I can only suggest that our record of making life miserable for those who are willing to serve in positions of civic responsibility is the main reason it is so hard to secure capable and dedicated

candidates on the ballot. It is my hope that one day we could elect a council that would receive the confidence of the voters and support them while in office. I may not live that long. I, too, know the agony of defeat.

Darryl also brought up another weakness that exists in Gallatin, and that is businessmen no longer get together, or have an organization, to discuss this community’s economic future. Surely there is much to discuss, isolated as we are, surrounded as we are by three Wal-Marts. Oh, I know we can’t do much, but surely we could take steps, initiate promotions, that would at least make coming to town more interesting and exciting. If Roland Merrigan, the Gallatin grocer, was still around, he’d have an idea.

Gallatin does have some groups still active. Both Lions and Rotary contribute to programs and events that attract people to town. The Lions Club, in particular, has been very active. Rotary, with good leadership this past year, is coming alive. There are other organizations that are trying to contribute to betterment. Our thanks to all those who really care about Gallatin’s future.

We have a long way to go. Gallatin citizens must realize those they elect to positions of trust will try to do their very best. As citizens we must be more far-sighted than we have in the past, willing to see beyond next month, next year, or even the next decade as we set priorities. Most of all, we need more cooperation, understanding, sympathy, interest and cooperation from residents. Without these qualities we can never expect to reach our full potential. At least we’ll have a choice of candidates for this year’s council seats.

Let’s try to put some unity back in our community!