Hunter Bonner/Contributing writer
Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Many of us will be taking off for relatives homes both nearby and far away. Some will stay right here in Marion County and celebrate eating turkey, cornbread dressing (the only legitimate kind), and then slip off into a turkey induced coma for the remainder of the afternoon, only to repeat the cycle later that evening.
However, before you put on your “eating pants”, let’s take a step back to reflect on why we should be thankful here in Marion County.
In March of this year, the Northwestern end of the county experienced an EF-2 rated tornado that destroyed people’s homes. Yet, in all that destruction, not one life was lost. While people are still recovering, the bottom line is, folks are alive. The outpouring of community support to help people recover was immense.
Jefferson/Marion County is host to many festivals and events throughout the year, and by all accounts, they were successful. Local businesses benefited from that, and as a community we get to get out and make face to face contact fellowship together.
When it comes to local government, we have to be thankful that our local government is trying to turn back decades of “kicking the can down the road”. The Jefferson City Council, along with other county leaders, started working on citizen engagement programs, thus starting the process of coming up with a strategic plan for this area. This is long overdue, and to add to this, whether you like some people involved with these groups or not, the fact that the ball got moving after years of nothing happening, is an accomplishment.
Also, we saw that after a 4-year hiatus, the Planning and Zoning Commission was formed again, after a “failure to launch” from the last time. Speaking as a former P&Z Commissioner, planning and zoning is critical to establishing order and growing this area economically. Continued support of the work of this commission is critical to the future of Jefferson and Marion County.
I am also thankful for those citizens that decided to get involved in local government and community development. Whether it is the Lions Club, Rotary, or the MCDCSCO, all of these organizations exist to serve everyone. Also, out in the county, there have been some ongoing problems with the water system in Crestwood. One family got involved, and literally have turned around a negative water quality issue back onto the path of it being acceptable. When regular folks get involved, there is no limit as to what can be accomplished.
However, you may say, “Hunter, you usually write about Republican things!” This is true, and I am thankful for the launch of the Marion County Republican Assembly. This is Marion County’s first and only Republican Club. The members that have joined are excited and hard workers!
Overall, we should be thankful that we live here in Marion County. Here among the pines of East Texas, with its beautiful landscapes and wildlife, we work, live, and play in a blessed place surrounded by blessed people. We live in a land under the watchful eyes of the Lord, who provides for us all, whether we acknowledge Him or not. I am thankful for all of you. Happy Thanksgiving!
Hunter Bonner is the President of the Marion County Republican Assembly. He can be reached on Twitter @HunterBonner and email hunterbonner@outlook.com. His views are his own.
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