Policies reflect city's image

To the editor:What does your community mean to you? A community can make you feel welcomed, successful and empowered. At its worst, a community communicates intolerance, oppression and ignorance. Take the rules and regulations of a city's government.

The town in which I live, Scott City, sends out water bills each month which clearly state that the bill must be paid by the 20th of each month. If the bill is not paid by the 21st, the water will be shut off. It is a clear and fast rule, one that makes perfect sense (on first glance) in terms of money coming in and the general budget concerns of any small town in modern America. If, indeed, the water is shut off, what does that say about the town? And are there better ways of administering small-town government? Maybe there are late penalties that could be assessed on bills or a longer time frame before the water is disconnected.

Small towns in America are facing hard financial issues, but how a town regulates itself is a direct reflection of the individuals who live there. So how does your community measure up? Do you live in a town that empowers its citizens, that strives to find growth for future generations and is concerned with building a bright future? If not, find out what you can do to make a difference. Find out what your community means to you.

THERESA MESSMER, Scott City