It is time to move forward after decision
Politics can be a very dirty business at the federal, state and local levels, but sometimes I think local-level politics are the worst of all.
The people in local-level politics are not random suits a half a country away who you don’t agree with.
The people in local-level politics are not talking heads on your television that can be tuned out with the click of a button.
The people in local-level politics work with you, go to church with you, and shop at the grocery store with you.
They grew up with you and can even come from the same family as you.
This close proximity can make local political races and debates even more heated with even more potential for mud-slinging and hurt feelings.
I saw some pretty ugly things during the recent wet/dry vote, from both sides of the issue.
Signs were stolen, individuals were targeted, and people told lies. This, sadly, is politics.
However, what I would like everyone to understand is that nobody wins when the issues become personal.
As I said the night of the election, no one likes a sore loser — or a sore winner.
The wet/dry issue has been decided and it is my sincere hope that the people in Russellville, on each side of the issue, will lay aside personal attacks and focus on the new task: helping our city leadership decide the best way to ensure that Russellville remains a safe, productive small town where all residents can thrive happily.