PUBLIC VIEWPOINT

West Forkers Keep Trudging On

There’s been a lot in the news lately about West Fork and for good reason. I can’t help but wonder why it hasn’t happened before now.

There’s quite a bit going on here that needs to be seen, and I guess it took the resignation of our mayor to get people to take notice.

I moved to West Fork because it seemed like a pleasant little town and close to my work. It had places where I could shop and even get a pizza. If I couldn’t get what I needed here, I could always drive down the road to Fayetteville to get it. It was convenient but with the hometown charm and appeal.

The saying that “everything isn’t always as it appears” soon became evident. On a lark, I attendeda City Council meeting, which led to others.

At one point, I stated to some fellow residents and leaders in town that it might be nice to have curbside recycling. You would have thought that I had asked for our streets to be paved with gold. I was met with “why are you trying to change things,” “You outsiders come in here and think you know everything,” and “If you don’t like it here, just leave.” I was rather taken aback by the reactions.

I began hearing things at the council meetings and local businesses that just didn’t add up. My first reaction was “this can’t be true,” so I began asking questions and for city documents. I don’t like to listen to rumor and innuendo, let alone believe it. But do you know whatI found? It was all true: no city government structure, mismanagement of city funds, sewer plant failing due to improper upkeep and placement, unresponsive council members, inactive commissions, elected oft cials using outdated guidelines and regulations, a volunteer city business manager who was not accountable to the city but to a separate water and sewer commission, inequities in treatment of city employees, accumulated comp time hours of city employees way above what is provided by law, an atmosphere of cliquish secrecy. Need I say more?

Our former Mayor, Frances Hime, who resigned recently, is a humble woman who, in her short leadership of our town, was trying to and did change thingsfor the betterment of our town. However, she was met with resistance, like I was, at every turn, some of it downright bullying and disrespect I witnessed at council meetings and in other forums. I can imagine what she must have gone through. Mrs. Hime has her own reasons for resigning, but I’m sure that the toxic atmosphere was a great part if it.

So our leader is gone.

A number of the good residents of West Fork, and there are many, who supported Mayor Hime and her changes, wonder what do we do now? The answer is quite simple.

We trudge on, no matter what strong winds try to blow us off our course.

LESLIE SCATES

West Fork

Opinion, Pages 5 on 12/04/2013

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