Braxton Citizens' News, Opinion

Sad news & the election…

I have to admit that I was caught by surprise last Friday when we received a news release that is the basis for this week’s lead story. Kroger’s closing is bad bad news for our community and for me personally. I hate to go to Walmart and avoid it like the plague. I only go if I have to have something that I can’t find anywhere else.

Walmart is too big. I’m too old for the marathon that navigating from one end to the other takes to shop there. I hate the automation. If I want to self-checkout. I’ll do it online from the comfort of my easy chair.

Kroger has been a staple of this community for over 40 years. I liked going there. I could find what I need, plus a few extra’s and be out of there in a reasonable time.

I realize times are changing, but I can’t help but wonder if closing the Kroger in Braxton County is a prudent business move or corporate greed?

I have a call into their corporate headquarters. As of press-time I have not heard from them. My intention is to ask if anything can be done on the local level to change their mind? While I am not very optimistic, I feel like we have to try. Braxton County needs a local grocery store they can call their own.

A good county commissioner…

This is the last week of early voting, followed by Election Day the following Tuesday. I have voiced my opinion on the amendments. As a reminder, I intent to vote AGAINST Amendments 1,2 and 4. I want to make one other observation. I am going to vote for Lisa Godwin for re-election to the County Commission.

I think Lisa has done a very admirable job. She has always been above board and up front with anything we have inquired about. She makes a very concerted effort to follow the rules particularly in the areas of open meeting and the public’s right to know. I respect that approach whether I agree with every decision an elected official makes or not. In addition, Lisa attends meetings both commission and the other boards she is appointed to. She does her homework and makes informed decisions. What more could you ask for?

Now let’s face it… no elected official can please all the people all the time. That simply isn’t possible with the diverse society we live in. Lisa Godwin will take the time to explain her position and why she feels or votes the way she does. In this day and time that’s a rarity.

I commend Lisa Godwin for the way she has represented the voters for the past 5 and ½ years. I feel she deserves to be re-elected and I hope you will join me in voting for her.

Early voting, election day… your choice, but be sure to go vote!