Cheers to Mayor Bob Hall of Charlestown, and the Parks Department and city workers who prepared Greenway Park for a celebration/picnic Sept. 24th; even though the heavy rain caused it to be canceled, to the disappointment of so many, the plans and preparation for a great time of family fun, food, and great music in our community were in place and the park looked wonderful. I was at the Police station in the afternoon of the 23rd and I noticed a city worker down in the park trimming trees, I believe. I noticed how pretty everything looked, and I knew we were inviting folks to Charlestown to enjoy the picnic, and I was proud of that. I'd noticed two young mothers with baby strollers enjoying the sidewalks within one block of the corner of 403 and Market and Sherrie's Cafe (much safer than in the median, which I've noticed before). And I realized I'm taking pride in several contrasts to "before and after" Mayor Bob's leadership in Charlestown. As an artist, right-brain dominant, I tend to view the world in perspective of art elements and principles (of all design), contrast, positive-negative space, and balance. I realize that I'm noticing those principles in the political arena in Charlestown as well: the contrast between what we had before Mayor Bob's mayoral leadership and what we've gained and have now is amazing. How the two candidates "campaign" is a contrast as well, evident at the debate held Tuesday
evening, too. I want to say THANK YOU, Mayor Bob, for accentuating the positive, for encouraging "effort", not dwelling on the negative, but working in partnerships to correct so many problems Charlestown has faced; for allowing individuals with vision and volunteer "spirit" to work to improve the "first impression" of Charlestown's city Square, and for leading the committees to request funding for such efforts and helping us acquire it. Our genuine concern and devotion to making improvements for our historic business district is evident in the Revitalization project, and I am proud to "invite" people to our city now. Thank you, Mayor Bob, for supporting education, parents, faculty and students in the CEEF program, the one-to-one lap-top initiative, the Redevelopment Board's effort to bring more business to our city, for the city Street Department’s efficient management of snow removal, for trash removal, (and for drainage lines along Jefferson and Main Street); for a sincere support of positive progress and for the partnership and support of our Police officers and fire-fighters; for sitting on the steps of the Gazebo enjoying a lemonade, watching the children hula-hooping as hundreds of people enjoyed the CBC -sponsored Founders' Day events. As a working member of the Charlestown Beautification Festival Committee I appreciate your effort to keep politics out of it, and we did not see any campaign signs, shirts, fliers, or promotional materials of any kind from your team; quite a contrast to all the blue balloons with
Ennis campaign ads tied to baby strollers floating "in our face" while we tried to enjoy the music, art, food and fun on our Square that week-end. Though Mrs. Ennis did nothing to help the CBC in any way with preparing for that wonderful event, she merely capitalized on the crowd it brought to our town square.... for her political "agenda". Her campaign slogans mention "ethics" as important; I've noticed hers are more "tactics", and I question some of them. I notice three of my neighbors and I were "walled in" with big Ennis campaign signs placed all around us by another "neighbor" and avid Ennis supporter IN JUNE, capitalizing again on the attention brought to our neighborhood on the day of the Founders' Day parade; those huge signs greatly detracted from our lawns and flower gardens we'd worked hard to have for "company" that week-end. It was a political "tactic" inappropriately forced upon us at the wrong time. Unfortunately I've noticed the "vendetta mentality" of that same neighbor (who declared in 2008 when Mayor Bob said "no" to him regarding a pet project for our CBC-sponsored Bicentennial celebration, " I'm going to do everything in my power in the next 3 years to get him OUT!" ) It's been very divisive and damaging to personal relationships in our community. I've also noticed I've worked with many other Ennis supporters, on projects that benefit our city with an attitude of partnership and volunteerism taking precedence over our political affiliation. Negativity and "attack our leadership"
mentality only stifles creativity and productivity as it divides a community, and I'll always look forward to working with neighbors who sincerely work to make improvements for the common good of our community, without being hateful. That's ethical. Finally, I've noticed my husband and I are always inviting people to "come to Charlestown! Enjoy the special events (like Light Up) and our great dining establishments" now. SEVERAL of my family and friends from Sellersburg, Scottsburg, Borden and Louisville came several times to enjoy the Christmas festivities. My grandchildren loved the carriage rides and hot chocolate, all the light features, special food and fun family time together on the Square. They (and I) will always remember those special times here. I'm proud of the changes in our town; I look forward to the future, having retired from teaching and volunteering lots of hours to make little improvements, as I am able. I thank God for the freedom and opportunity to vote, to make my opinion known; and I thank The News and Tribune for the forum to express it. Thank you. May God bless us as we continue to work for unity in our community. Dixie Busby Charlestown Â