The term “progress” is tricky in today’s political world. I think it is safe to say that we all believe in progress on some level. I wish to clarify, however, that I am not a progressive. Many will try to confuse this concept and I will do my best to clearly express my thoughts.

Our community is a great place to reside. I would not trade it for any other. With that said, there is always room for improvement. These improvements include necessities as well as those that simply improve the quality of life here in Floyd County.

The necessities include a new jail and justice center. This project simply will not wait another decade. We must be proactive, not reactive with our justice system. Another is the Youth Shelter. Is there anything more important to a community’s progress than the well being of its youth? The shelter has become a political football that simply gets kicked back and forth between various agencies without anyone developing a game plan.

The quality of life issues are not necessarily secondary to the needs. These can be accomplished simultaneously and actually help bring attention to and help fund the needs. For example, a new Little League park is desperately needed for the kids that play in the New Albany system. There are very few parcels available that can handle this type of structure. One parcel has been located that can handle the ball park as well as a Youth Shelter and county offices. Quick action is needed to secure this location or it will be developed into other projects.