Second thought The view of a lucky newcomer
Imust be among the luckiest people in the world. I am relocating to El Dorado, Arkansas. It’s been just over two months since my first day here at the El Dorado News-Times as general manager and it seems like a blur. To be sure there is a certain amount of stress that comes with moving and taking a new step in your career. Yet, after awhile things smooth out and life becomes normal again. I am waiting for that day to arrive anytime now.
In the midst of settling into the new job, there is the opportunity to get to know the staff and work with them on laying out a plan for what we hope will be a few new and exciting changes and additions along the way.
On Sunday, April 19th, former managing editor Shea Wilson’s weekly column makes a comeback and will run every Sunday.
One big change comes next month when a brand new handy magazine-size guide to television viewing returns to the paper every week. It will contain TV listings for an entire week at a time including information about featured programing, sports events, celebrity features, puzzles, and of course a listing of featured movies so you can set your digital recorder in advance.
There will be a few other surprises along the way, but I will save those for later.
I have met so many wonderful people since arriving in town, so I hope you will be patient with me that I have not yet committed everyone’s name to memory. You see, there are so many more of you than there are of me — you only have to remember one name. So, if it feels like I am meeting you for the first time when we have already met — it’s not your fault.
When I was preparing to begin the process of relocating to El Dorado several of my friends in Harrison asked me where I was going. I told them I was moving to El Dorado. In most cases a look of outright concern came over their faces and they replied, ”El Dorado! Are you sure you want to move there?” Or others would ask, “Why on earth would you want to move there?”
My answer was simple. “Well let’s see, why would anyone want to move to a town with a strong industrial and business base, one that can boast the headquarters for Fortune 500 companies?
Then again why would someone want to move to a community where they offer to pay college tuition for local students?
Then there is also the question of why would anyone want to move to a town that has a strong arts and cultural base, with no less than the South Arkansas Arts Center and the Municipal Auditorium boasting performances by the South Arkansas Symphony Orchestra along with a steady offering of regional and national talent. Then there are the new plans for a complete entertainment, arts and cultural center as part of downtown. Talking about downtown, why would anyone want to move to a city that has a vibrant downtown full of shops and eateries like those you might expect to find in a university town?”
“Yeah,” I would reply to those who were asking, “Why would anyone want to move to a place like that?” Usually the look of concern on the face of the inquisitor was replaced with a look of jealousy.
What a great place to live, with forward thinking people who have demonstrated a love and support for their community. That’s enough to make many towns envious. I’m just glad to be here.
On second thought, I will be even happier when I can finally find a house and make the move complete. I’m starting to miss my wife and my dogs.
(Ronnie Bell is the general manager of the El Dorado News-Times and can be reached at rbell@ wehco.com)