Don't be afraid of your elected leaders


Published/Last Modified on Monday, June 29, 2009 2:48 PM CDT


Letter to the Editor:

While dining in a local restaurant yesterday, a man came up to me and said, “Mr. Chandler, I loved your editorial and agree 100 percent with what you had to say in this past Wednesday’s Daily News, I only wish I could say such things.”

I asked this gentleman, “Why can’t you speak up?”  His reply, “I own a rather large business on Columbia Street and am afraid that City Hall might retaliate, I can’t afford to “make waves”, it could be bad for my business.”

Advertisement
I replied, “Why can’t you speak up in a positive manner?  This is your city, too.  Also, our city leaders need your input if they are to improve the way our city operates.”

“Apathy and fear has never caused positive change to take place.  Also,  your customers will no doubt stand with you and appreciate your positive feedback.  It could be beneficial to your business.”

He paused and then said, “Mr. Chandler, you are correct. I will try to take a more proactive stand for my Bogalusa.  Thank you for encouraging me to speak out and speak up.”

Maybe, just maybe, more of our citizens should speak out and work with our city leaders for a better Bogalusa.  What do you think?  

Edmond P. “Ed” Chandler

-Bogalusa

Copyright © 2010 Daily News

Comments

    Edmond Paul Ed Chandler wrote on Jul 10, 2009 9:23 AM:

    " I received a call from this business man yesterday. He thanked me for taking a bold stand for Bogalusa and the many issues that must be addressed if Bogalusa is to survive and grow. He asked that I not mention his name, but is solidly in agreement with my positive comments. FOLKS: Don't be afraid of City Hall! They are elected employees, YOU elected them! YOU can have them recalled! Remember them at ELECTION TIME! "

    Edmond Paul Ed Chandler wrote on Jul 5, 2009 7:49 AM:

    " "Don't be afraid of your elected leaders " ... Why is it that too many business leaders are afraid of City Hall? I have asked this question of a couple of our business leaders, and they told me (paraphrasing now) ... "We just cannot take part in anything that COULD BE CONTROVERSIAL! ... It could be very bad for our business! My reply: You cannot afford NOT to take part in YOUR CITY GOVERNMENT! Think about this... "

Write a Comment

Comment posters are responsible for the opinions they express and the accuracy of the information they provide. We urge comment writers to treat this as a public forum where manners matter. We encourage a collegial, non-insulting tone. All readers comments must be approved by our staff before posting to the Web site. Be aware, in accordance with the Communications Decency Act and provisions upheld in judicial appeal, that you are responsible for comments posted on this Web site. The Daily News is not liable for messages from third parties.



DO NOT POST:
* Potentially libelous statements or damaging innuendo.
* Obscene, explicit, or racist language.
* Personal attacks, insults or threats.
* The use of another person's real name to disguise your identity.
* Comments unrelated to the story.

Opinions, advice and all other information expressed in gobogalusa.com's reader comments represent the individual's own views and not necessarily those of the Daily News. The Daily News does not endorse and is not responsible for statements, advice or opinions offered by anyone other than authorized Daily News spokespersons.

Thank you for your comments!

(optional)
Current Word Count:
   

Multimedia


2008 Franklinton citizen of the year award ceremony

2008 Franklinton Citizen of the Year Award ceremony for Claire and Larry McGuire


Click here for all videos

Contact Us




Make Us Your Homepage

Advertisement