Time for change

I awoke this morning and looked at the calendar and was amazed to realize we’re almost through the month of February!

It’s hard to believe we’re almost through the first two months of the new year.

My children have reminded me that they’re none too happy we’ve apparently succeeded in dodging any truly measurable snowfall again!

With 2009 being upon us we also are faced with the facts that this country’s economy is still going to struggle for a while.

Locally, the choice is up to us as to how MUCH we struggle. The station ahs started running recorded promos from Randy Randall, the mayor of Clinton as well as John Carter the mayor of Gray Court along with Emil Finley, the stations president reminded folks that we, as individuals have a tremendous amount of influence as to how quickly we, locally turn the corner headed back in the right direction.

Too many times I have heard people talking about driving to Greenwood or Simpsonville to go out to eat, shop, and even buy groceries.

These same people are usually the first to complain when they hear how tight things are locally. If they stopped for a second to realize that every time they go outside the county and spend money that money stays outside the county.

The time is now for all of us to also examine our own budgets. Each school district, even with the hope of some additional revenue from the newly passed stimulus bill is also realistic that there are tough choices to make.

I think it’s time that each department of each school examine whom they spend their money with and how much.

I strongly suggest school districts as well as city and county governments put out to bid the majority of their purchases.

Now, let me point out several county and municipal entities already do that. Not only do they generally get a better price, they also shield themselves when they come under scrutiny from the general public who are looking to make sure they are being good stewards of the citizen’s money.

This year, we can all make a difference, because every dollar truly ads up. Whether it’s we as individuals, or schools or city governments, I think we all must try to not only save money, but also make every effort to spend as much of it locally as we can.

IF you start today, and make that concerted effort I think you will be pleasantly surprised at the results.