cooperation One Key to Community Building

Politics is politics is one cliche people like to toss around. Politics is more than politics. It is one of the ways that communities get built -- or not.

In Hartsville today (4-7-08) we saw some evidence of politics making a positive difference. The event was the ribbon cutting for the restoration of a Pavilion on the Lake. This was a city project and the city was taking pride in the production. It was time to recongize some of their team, guys who went beyond the call of duty to bring the landscape to life. It was a time to congratulate themselves for making tough decisions. But, today they did not need to congratulate themselves. Representative Jay Lucas told the audience how the vision of the city council is making Hartsville a special place for its citizery, Senator Malloy reminded Council of their tough decision to impose a hospitality tax, which paid for some of the great restoration. They both noted in a low-key manner how decisions need to be made if progress is to be made. the City Council did not have to congratulate themselves, the audience in attendance provided the applause and the State representatives provided the context. The City Manager was able to demonstrate the pride he is taking in the team that accomplished this project. Up, down and all around it was evident that cooperation can make a major difference to success,

Today, it was great to see so many people on the same page. It was even greater to see the fantastic results of the restored Lawton Park Pavilion, a facility that is now truly a part of the entire community.