‘A sad time indeed’

To the Editor:

Well, Fairmont, it looks like you did it again. Rather than support something to improve our City and ensure its future, you chose to save a couple of dollars instead. Figuratively speaking, of course. It seems that anytime something good comes regarding the future survival of our pretty little town, the elderly “on the way out” group finds a way to say “not with my money” or “we don’t need it.” I’m certainly not young anymore (64) but can attest that most in attendance at Monday night’s council meeting were older. One councilor mentioned that of all the letters and emails sent, it was obvious the young citizens wanted a community center run by the YMCA, and the elderly didn’t. I heard more complaints about their recent mail indicating 20+ percent increases in their real estate taxes, can’t afford any more taxes. It has been explained many times to all councilors and any interested citizens that there would be no direct taxes beyond what the good citizens of Fairmont already asked for by personal vote. Well let me tell you now, taxes will continue to increase. Want to know why? I’m not the smartest person in town, but even I recognize that fixed and/or increasing costs paid by a dwindling population means more from fewer. Better hope you seniors check out before it happens.

Sure, those my age and older have had it good here in Fairmont. Good, clean, country living. We probably had less and/or came from less at a time when things were different. So, we are/were grateful. Times are changing folks. With so many options for places to live, easy transportation, entertainment, education, recreation, there’s a reason why our kids, grandkids, etc. are moving and staying in the “BIG CITY.” They’d probably prefer the good, clean, country living, but want more. And we don’t want to provide it. At least that’s what we’re saying, right?

It’s an embarrassment to see what three of our current councilors DIDN’T DO for Fairmont on Monday. Maybe it wasn’t their fault? Maybe enough of the seniors in their respective wards screamed about fixed income, not using a new facility, we don’t want this or that, or similar. But it should have been the councilor’s job to explain to their constituents what will eventually happen to our town if we don’t take chances for the future. Actually, it wasn’t so much as a chance, as it was a sure thing. Even Dick Strassburg with Tegra, the City’s owner representative on the project, said at several different council meetings and work sessions that it was extremely unusual to have so much individual financial support from outside the city coffers on a project of this nature.

I guess saying NO to nearly $6 million dollars from local benefactors was your idea of a good plan, huh? I’m pretty sure I heard it said at the recorded meeting of November 9th that this offer wasn’t coming again. I don’t blame them, why would they after such an insult!? It’s absolutely ridiculous, but again, it must be what you wanted.

Councilors and administrators will come and go. There will be other divisive issues for our community in the future. But you, on Monday, have stated your legacy. Any further death and dying of Fairmont are something you will be remembered for long into the future. A sad time for Fairmont and Martin County indeed.

Respectfully,

Bryan Gregor

Fairmont