Elaine Harris Spearman: Going cold turkey on a few hot topics
We have arrived at the finale of the “Cold turkey” conversation.
We are headed toward a free and clear new year: 2023 is going to be a pivotal year as we look at 2024 being one of the most angst-driven years that we have seen in decades.
In several states across the country, the battle is still raging over the “fraudulent election” claim that is threatening to become a staple in any election in which a candidate cannot accept that they lost the election. The candidate refuses to accept that the majority of the people voting did not prefer them.
As I continue to struggle with a home sale and move from my hometown of Gadsden, “cold turkey” considerations emerge.
Gadsden elections on several levels became shocking. Voter turnout was abysmal. If it is possible to have anything worse than that, it would have to be the way a cadre of people behaved. The attempts to destroy character in the worst way was something that shocks the conscience. Winning cannot be worth destroying any legacy that a candidate attempts to create.
There seems to be no acceptance that some candidate’s day has come and gone. There is no forever spotlight. At some point the lights go out and it is exit, stage left.
It was very sad to see people being verbally attacked and maligned because of their choice of candidates. Every person has a right to support the candidate of their choice, even if family, friends and anyone else, do not agree.
Cold turkey. The African-American community is not monolithic. Every individual cannot be bullied or called out because they do not support the candidate who certain people believe that they should support.
One person, one vote. That vote is personal. All of the anger and vitriolic statements will not change that. The aftermath of the election shows the divisiveness that continues, even as we speak.
There is no entitlement to public service positions. “To the victor belongs the spoils.” This has been true longer than we care to think about it.
The voters in each of the districts elected their representative to the city and county councils in Gadsden proper and in Etowah County. Issues surrounding those elected should be tackled head-on by the voters within the district. Each person elected is running now for another term in office.
As the new administration in Gadsden is still in formation stage, I observe where we live, and what makes the quality of live anywhere pleasant. What means something to you?
I have often said a town looks like where and how its people live. Corporations looking to relocate do not simply look at vacant, available land. They consider employee availability that meets the company’s needs, available amenities, educational standards, housing, diversity, crime rates, housing and the general look of the community under consideration.
Cold turkey. Anyone who cares about where they live should be fed up with the mammoth amount of trash, junk and debris in our neighborhoods and our roadways.
I do not have the answer for stopping people from dumping their personal trash on other people’s property and along the roadside. People in neighborhoods cannot control neighbors trash compiling, junk automobiles, old furniture and other debris that not only create vermin problems, but is unsightly, unhealthy, and make life difficult for those who care about where they live.
Trash is a serious problem for any city. The great City of New York has such a trash problem that a new position has been created to deal with the rat problem that has been created by the tons of trash put out on the sidewalks by New Yorkers. The city has tried everything. Now the “rat czar.”
Gadsden and Etowah County need a revision in the trash policy. This should include put out and pick-up. Budgetary considerations must include additional trucks and drivers. We realize that hiring competent employees is a chore. However, it is something that must be given serious review.
Cold Turkey. Vehicle speed is out of control all over Gadsden and Etowah County. There are breakneck speeders in the neighborhoods, on Meighan Boulevard, George Wallace Drive, Whorton Bend Road, and adjacent streets; Highway 759, and a replica of the Talladega Speedway, Rainbow Drive.
We realize that it takes enforcement of the laws that govern the roadways. Perhaps as we go forward, hiring more officers can permit some monitoring of these unofficial speedways.
This week concludes our “Cold Turkey” commentary. Add yours and attend council meetings.
Elaine Harris Spearman, Esq., a Gadsden native, is an attorney and is the retired legal advisor to the comptroller of the City of St. Louis. The views reflected are her own.
This article originally appeared on The Gadsden Times: Elaine Harris Spearman: Going cold turkey on a few hot topics
