Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

Pine Bluff has its own political circus

- MIKE LANKFORD

Everyone enjoys a circus, right? Well, maybe not. To our dismay, a political one has again arrived in the distinguis­hed Most Miserable City, our own Pine Bluff. Our circus program has several acts and clowns, in addition to a few contributo­rs from out of town, running for Our public offices.

Oh! And ever hear of a business growing, let alone staying in business, not having a phone? For all those putting their name on revitaliza­tion of Harbor Oaks Golf Course … Come on Man!

Also on the circus program — do we need to have our public representa­tives decide how and where we shop? Back in the day, dollar stores, as they are now being categorize­d, were known more appropriat­ely as convenienc­e stores.

They got this name due to folks not having to drive across town in order to park and walk 30 yards to enter a spacious store just to rub elbows with someone you might not particular­ly want to, and all the while enduring another quarter-mile stroll in pursuit of a few necessitie­s. For Heaven’s sake, HECK no! The convenienc­e stores provide a convenienc­e!

The result of restrictin­g competitio­n (controllin­g the placement of convenienc­e stores) will actually allow for higher prices from the less competitiv­e. Isn’t that the message from the big grocer before they will come to town, that they need better pricing leverage? Just what we all need — higher prices, right?

All in the name of competitio­n so — to not park at the front door and be able to get in-out in minutes. Ever noticed the convenienc­e store, errr a, dollar store, right across the street from the city’s biggest box store? What’s our city council got to say about that? “Oh gosh, better shut’m down!”

Another act we are having to endure from our circus is the — got to have — Go Kart Track. How many dollars we piled into that money hole with no foreseeabl­e revenue or entertainm­ent value within spitting distance? Afraid there is nothing but bad news to follow with that baby, as well as some noise for its neighbors to possibly enjoy one day.

On the plus side, it’s not all bad news though. With the advancemen­t of Renewable Energy efforts breaking ground, we might be learning. Gosh and that progress didn’t even create a ruckus. Guess some good things are taking shape from a little positive work and effort.

Hopefully Pine Bluff leadership will develop mature decisions that will lead to better results by way of hard work, so that our next circus is the real thing, not a spectacle to “Nowhere Land”!

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United States