Questions Posed to City Ignored

To the Editor:

Reading the response of the La Grange EDC members to Mr. Schielack’s letter “Is this the New Normal?” did not digest well as the members missed the point entirely. The question to the members was “Are private citizens now in market competition with local government?” not “How hard have you been working during this pandemic?” I am not trying to minimize anyone’s struggles or efforts during this time, but the question was obviously dodged. Furthermore, the condescending tone reflects a lack of empathy and understanding by our local leaders.

I have been a 15-year resident of Fayette County, mostly in La Grange, and consider myself lucky to have found opportunity here. Fayette County is populated largely by rural folks with few real opportunities that can provide growth to the community. I want my daughter to be able to prosper in the same way as I have. I hope she is able to create her own opportunity and help our community in the process.

To the point, if local citizens are having to compete with local government to increase opportunity for our children, something is wrong. Our local government should be considering its citizens, not just its employees. Time and time again, government proves to be wasteful and intrusive.

They should be lending a hand, not taking the reins.

I understand local governments everywhere have been reacting to our current crises. However, I think it was unfair to use the crisis as an excuse to deflect getting an honest answer from our local leaders regarding a serious concern.

Derrick Edson La Grange