No business incentives; address infrastructure first

I, Floyd T. Killebrew Jr., and many other citizens of Meridian and Lauderdale County, say “NO”, “NO”, “NO” to any more possible projects concerning fishing for economic development, whereby millions of dollars will be invested into possibly any type of company or corporation moving to the city of Meridian or Lauderdale County.

It’s about time instead that the city of Meridian and Lauderdale County start putting major money into the infrastructure, consisting of streets, roads and bridges, which is long overdue. Giving tax exemptions to prospective new businesses is disappointing, especially when that business is possibly financially unsound, stays here two or three years and then files for bankruptcy. An example of this happened with the hardware company in the business park on the east of Meridian.

For the last 20, 30 or 40 years, both the city of Meridian and Lauderdale County have raised and spent millions of dollars on many other projects, especially the recent museum, that could have gone toward paving streets. I realize that the money raised for the museum was for the museum. But, couldn’t money be raised for the streets, roads and bridges? I understand that a certain amount of taxes is supposed to go toward roads, bridges and infrastructure. But, one of the disappointing examples of mismanagement is based upon the fact that the city at one time owned paving equipment, then the city council sold it off. Then, came the subcontractors for paving. And now, the City Council has bought more paving equipment. Wasted money! Wasted time!

I remember hearing a piece of advice about drawing potential businesses, companies and corporations for city and county development. If a city, county or state desires to grow, then it should take care of the infrastructure, and businesses will want to come and be a part of your city, county and state. I believe that these prospective businesses should invest into the Infrastructure as a token of their commitment. Because, their employees and trucks will be using our streets, roads and bridges. It’s kinda like a date. The man or woman puts on their best clothes, shoes and tries very hard to look their best for their date.

One good example of pitiful paving and/or patching work practices of the city of Meridian is found on many “so-called” repaved streets. The city’s idea of repaving consist of about 1 inch to 2 inches of new top paving. Don’t worry about the foundation. It just means more work and job security for the city employees who do the paving. My grandfather T. H. Killebrew lived by this saying, “If a job is worth doing, it’s worth doing RIGHT, if it’s not worth doing RIGHT, it’s not worth doing at all.” My Dad, Floyd T. Killebrew, and myself tried to live by this principle, in relationship to our many years as carpenter contractors.

Floyd T. Killebrew Jr.

Meridian

Be aware of Chronic Heart Disease

February is Chronic Heart Disease Awareness Month. Most people are unaware that congenital heart defects are the number one birth defect in the United States, yet one in every 110 are born with one or more CHDs. Of those, 25 percent will need heart surgery or medical interventions just to survive. Today, 2-4 million Americans are living with a CHD. CHD remains a leading cause of death for children. CHD is not just a birth defect, but a life-long condition requiring specialized care.

This is a personal issue for me and my family, as my daughter, Lexi Ryan Boswell, was born with a congenital heart defect, Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome on Nov. 13, 2018. She is still in PICU at Blair Batsons Childrens Hospital. There can be no adequate description of the emotional, physical and financial toll this can take on a family. Fortunately, there is support through Mended Little Hearts and there is also promising research, but much more needs to be done.

Awareness about CHD is vital to making a better life for children and adults living with CHD. Through early detection and diagnosis, better treatment options, and CHD research, these children and adults will have a far better chance at living longer, healthier lives.

Mended Little Hearts is a chapter of a national non-profit organization that provides hope, help and healing to families of children who have CHDs.

Mended Little Hearts may be reached nationally at 1-888-HEART99 or visit their website www.mendedlittlehearts.org.

Brooke Tanner

 

Meridian

 

New North Hills store adds to litter problem

The new Dollar Tree on North Hills Street and 29th Avenue has a litter problem. I visited the store recently and there was litter all over the parking lot. The litter had also blown across the street and down the avenue. I spoke with the on duty manger and pointed out the litter. I was told they clean the parking lot once a month. This is not nearly enough!

I realize it is the customers who throw the litter in the parking lot and I will call the mayor’s office to see if they can have officers swing by the store and ticket anyone they find littering. I will also ask that someone pick up the litter along 29th Avenue, as it is littered for several blocks from the store.

I am in favor of economic development and glad to have a new business occupy the old Rite Aid building. However, I believe our businesses should be good corporate citizens by ensuring their stores don’t contribute to the litter problem. Meridian is our home. How can we expect to grow and prosper and attract new business if our home is filled with trash?

If you are one of the people throwing trash in the parking lot, please have more respect for your home and fellow citizens and STOP. Dollar Tree, please be a good citizen and address your trash problem, otherwise I refuse to shop at your store.

Kathleen Coward

Meridian