Under the Hat

A Healthy Voting Habitat 

If you've read the story in this week's edition of the Centreville Press then likely you've noticed Centreville and West Blocton are the only battlegrounds for municipal elections.
I am of the opinion that unchallenged incumbency no matter who the incumbent is, presents an unhealthy environment for voters.  In the times we are living in, scratching and clawing to make a dollar stretch, challenged ideas and fresh approaches are necessary to sustain small communities.  Nearly gone and growing more distant are the days of commuting for pleasure.  That is, if you are a paycheck to paycheck Joe or Jane, like myself.
Is it fear that keeps us from growing?  I recall a conversation with an older gentleman some months ago about the dying merchant, industrial, and commercial aspects of Bibb County.  Though he was not completely satisfied with this particular situation the man made a comment which defied logic.
"We don't wanna become no Tuscaloosa or nothin'."  Triple negatives aside, I knew what he meant.  This is the sort of mentality that shutters one to think that everyone has a voice sometimes.  Neither Brent, Centreville, West Blocton, nor Woodstock have a chance in the lifetime of anyone breathing fresh air today of becoming Tuscaloosa.  We are not looking at the potential of Tuscaloosian proportions in terms of citizenry, employment, or commerce. We are however facing near ghost town status, especially in Centreville and West Blocton.
Main Street in West Blocton was once a vibrant and flourishing area but now it's a street so empty not even tumbleweeds pass through, except during annual events.  That's a shame because West Blocton is one of the most historical and charming communities in the state, ripe with potential, and primed for tourism.  West Blocton Coke Oven Park is one of the most exciting additions to Bibb's tourism field in my lifetime.  When surrounded by emptiness however, will anyone ever know?  Tiger Hut is one of those flashbacks to a time of innocence and Americana.  Their burgers are not only delicious, but in my humble opinion among the very best in the region.  Who will know?
Then there is Centreville, a town so old fashioned that it still suffers from the mentality of being non-progressive in a time when being progressive is essential to survival.  It is a town for the most part ruled by church politics, not spiritual communion.  It is a town where friends vote for friends rather than citizens voting for representation.  At least this has been my view over the years.  In the meantime, it is a fish out of water gasping to stay alive.  Yet unlike most fish out of water, Centreville is dying with a smile on its face.
Merchants of the downtown district come and go to and fro, and nobody seems to care.  At least, not yet.  They will care when every building on the historic courthouse square are empty, but by then it will be too late.  Centreville has seen events come and go and this has happened with little or no reaction from the citizens.  Apathetic citizenry often cites that the town square and mainstreet concept died decades ago.  Tell that to Helena, Clanton, and Rainbow City. Even the extremely small Warm Springs, Georgia has a flourishing and vibrant town square.  Warm Springs a town of less than half of Centreville's population, unlike Centreville is over an hour from any large city.  Centreville is under an hour from 3 major towns.
Everyone was up in arms about the Wet/Dry vote but this is the only time Centreville voters have dared show a pulse.  Why aren't all topics held in such esteem?
We have a very friendly and very good man as mayor in Centreville.  Of this I have little doubt.  We have some very interesting and engaging personalities with plenty of experience and intellect serving the Centreville council.  Of this I have little doubt.  Is it the best for Centreville?  I don't know.  But it is sad that there were few challenges for any position within the city's election.  It is sad that citizens do not really have a choice.  For even if those who win are not those one wants to win, at least there was a challenge.  At least there was an opportunity to make a decision as a voter.
Some are going to interpret this as me coming down on the Centreville City Council or supporting certain candidates.  This is not only unstated within the piece but it is an inaccurate conclusion for anyone to draw.  If truth be known, I would like to see anyone (whoever it is) sustain and grow Centreville.  It isn't about who does the job.  It is about what job is done.  That is how voting should be determined, always.  I have friends who may or may not get a fire under their rears to run for office one day.  Some of them I would proudly vote for, many of them wouldn't get my vote for dog catcher.
No community deserves to be run and operated by nice guys, best friends, good ole boys, or whats have you.  Every community deserves to have its people represented, its people's best interest at heart.  That is the reverence every politician at every level should have for every voter, every citizen.
In my time at the press I have seen feelings hurt, faces reddened, and venom spewed because of local elections.  People take voting and running too personally.  It is one of the most important things any of us do, but it should never be done as a personal vendetta, a personal agenda, or with keeping in mind a personal relationship.  Though many churches would have it otherwise, politics and government are not a religion.  They are a service for one and for all.  It is the service which should be held in high regard.  Politicians shouldn't run against one another, but run for the job.  Once elected, they shouldn't hold grudges or keep favors, but do the job of every person who voted for and against them.
In August and in November make your decisions wisely.  Base them on not only your personal choices but what is best for the community you live in.



"Under the Hat" is an online opinion column composed exclusively for Bibblogger.  It is not to be considered a news report.  The views expressed within any segment of "Under the Hat" are those of Daniel L. Bamberg only and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of The Centreville Press, its affiliates or staff.