Visit Columbus … Two different communities, one progressive and upscale and the other neglected and underserved. We have so much to offer, enjoy and be a part of in the distinct, upscale and historic parts of our city while there is still much work to be done in the neglected and underserved communities throughout Columbus. If by chance someone down at City Hall would get a spine and some willpower then maybe we could see some light at the end of the tunnel, but unless there is some miraculous divine intervention I’m not holding my breath! Nevertheless, I’m tired of talking!

I was born and raised here so my roots run deep on both sides of the track and touch nearly every aspect of our city and its people. I’m kin to mostly everybody in town or at least they will claim me anyway, and I practically know everyone in this town from growing up here almost a quarter of a century ago. It is also vitally important that we continue to progress as a cutting edge tourist destination with proven leadership, problem solvers, visionaries and individuals with ideas that are inclusive and forward thinking. We can not keep doing the same things and expect different results! We must take more pride in what we do as elected officials and how we represent this city: how we are willing to put back federal, state and local dollars back into our own neighborhoods, how we get along with one another and lift each other up rather than tearing each other down. I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired of seeing all of these bad streets and potholes, overgrown lots, dilapidated shacks and run down neighborhoods in our communities, abandoned and boarded up houses with very few businesses to think of and virtually no diversity outside of some places to eat or go and get your hair and nails done but very little real infrastructure investment from any brand businesses. Where is the leadership at City Hall or “Gang of 4” since you have the votes to run things and to initiate these capital improvements, substantive changes of gentrification in housing development, mix-use retail space? What happened to monies to rehabilitate toxin riddled homes in Memphis Town, on the Northside, in Sandfield and on the Southside of town? Inquiring minds want to know!

Larry Watson

Columbus