A rose to the Columbus Historic Commission for giving downtown merchants a forum to express their views on the plan by Lawrence Transit Company to locate bus stops along the city’s historic downtown district. What many assumed would be little more than a rubber-stamp of approval at the commission’s meeting Thursday, instead ended with the commission deciding to table to proposal until its next meeting in October, at which time Lawrence Transit officials must provide suitable answers to the questions and concerns lodged by the merchants during the meeting.
“We’d love to see buses downtown,” noted commission chairman John Hudson, “but the merchants have worked too hard not to have a say.”
We couldn’t agree more.
A rose to Brenda Caradine, whose single-minded tenacity in promotion the legacy of Tennessee Williams has again resulted in a successful Tennessee Williams Tribute and Tour of Victorian Homes. The 12th annual tribute concludes today with a tour of Williams’ childhood home, one of many events scheduled for the tribute, which began Monday. As is always the case, the showcase of the week’s activities were the production of a Williams play. This year, it was “Period of Adjustment,” which played at the Rent Auditorium on the MUW campus on Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. Although the success of the event would not be possible without the contributions of many, many people, it is obvious that Caradine is the life-blood of the tribute. Great job, Brenda.
A rose to Barbara Bigelow and Columbus Main Street for a successful inaugural Downtown Art Walk. The event, held Thursday evening, showcased the work of 30 local artists and was also enhanced by musical performers who played on the sidewalks and helped create a festive atmosphere. It was great to see so many people downtown and serves to remind us that we are, indeed, blessed to have so many talented artists who called our community “home.” Also, nice job, Barbara, as emcee of the Catfish Alley dedication ceremony. Immediately prior to the Art Walk, Bigelow hosted the 30-minute event that included speeches at two locations and a ribbon cutting.
A rose to Columbus city councilman Bill Gavin for passing on a trip to the beaches of Alabama, a temptation that could not be overcome by 10 other city officials, including the mayor and the other five councilmen. The trip in question was the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway Development Opportunities Conference held Aug. 27-30 at the Grand Hotel Marriot Resort, Golf Club and Spa in Point Clear, Ala. Not only was Gavin the only council member to pass up the junket, he was also the only council member to question the prudence of three council members — Kabir Karriem, Marty Turner and Joseph Mickens — attending this month’s Congressional Black Caucus Foundation conference in Washington, D.C., which will cost the city roughly $6,000. At a time when the city is cutting back in every department to develop a workable budget, Gavin is right to raise such questions. Is this a necessary expense? We are glad at least one councilman is asking the question. Certainly, many citizens are asking it, too.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 43 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.