Tin Shop Tartan - Randolph County Alabama's Own Snarky and Surly Scot Gets All Native

Blogging from the suburbs of the Tin Shop community, Captain Plaid brings Progressivism, and a share of Quixotic angst, to the ridges and hollows of Randolph County, Alabama. Hardly a booster yet rooted here enough to fight, Plaidsters can perhaps find like cause in trying to build local solutions to global concerns. Education, environment, economy, entertainment, engagement ... Trust the Tartan!

Wednesday, March 22, 2006

Please Change Our Community!

I'm hardly surprised that Georgia developers see a gold mine here in Randolph County, despite the ways in which we seem to resist progress, for a place such as Reynold's Plantation over on Lake Oconee. I agree with The Randolph Leader that up front communication over any potentially controversial issue is vital. I have the understanding and some experience that leads me to think that Gerald Dial is rather handicapped in that talent. As for Ms. High and her POW-WOW group not getting cooperation over seemingly legitimate pollution concerns around Pineywood Creek then I am very disappointed, although hardly shocked, that Senator Dial and Representative Laird did not provide assistance. However, a portion of her letter to The Leader struck me as very odd. Ms. High writes,
You will have to decide if you want your towns overrun by outsiders who will change our community as you know it. You need to ask your churches if they think this is the next big play to make the county wet. Resorts need cocktail bars, and liquor stores and more bars won't be far behind.

I beg you to change my community Land Grabbing Developers! Go to the Lake Oconee site or The Ritz or The Atlanta Business Journal or ... and see if perhaps this is not a step in the right direction! This looks hardly like the type of arrangement where a bunch of liquorheads will come over here and act like fools. Senator Dial possibly has screwed this up yet I hope we can find out how to make the progress of Randolph County continue despite our often backwards looking population and the leadership that continues to represent us.

It is a shame that ultra-wealthy folks might be the only ones to be able to live the high life at such a place yet our economy surely could be boosted by Atlanta and Birmingham money entering this area. If the Fat Cats want to pay to play here then bless their hearts! Tax money for schools from investment, real estate taxes, and even Satan's alcohol! I hardly think we need to frighten outsiders away! Many of our locals would also love to have such a top drawer place where we might could drop by to experience the high cotton. Peace ... or War!

Update - The Montgomery Advertiser gives us reporting on the above issue here. I agree with Matt Hooton that this effort "could change the perception and complexion of this part of Alabama" but add that if we'll change the last part then eventually the first will follow.