It’s the most wonderful time of the year…well at least it’s supposed to be. For many this holiday season is not as joyous as it might have been in years past, so I would encourage you to pause from your busy life for a moment, and take stock for the many things you can be thankful for, even if you need to look a little harder than usual to find them.
We have much to be thankful for as a county. St. Charles County is still growing, and before you let that fact just pass you by, understand in today’s economic climate that is something we should be very proud to hear. While many areas are seeing stagnant growth or, worse, negative growth, St. Charles County is enjoying new home construction.New businesses are also choosing St. Charles County for their new location, or expansion location, which brings more jobs close to home. Our educational options, both public and private, are very attractive and are some of the best in the state. Neighbors watch out for each other, doing what they can to keep our community safe and secure. Plus, the Page Extension is finally finished - commuting across our county just got a whole lot easier, so you’ll spend less time in traffic and more time doing what you want and need to be doing. It only takes a few minutes of watching the local news to understand all these things are very positive, and with all the negative news we need to be thankful, even for the small positives in life.
While we have so much to be thankful for in St. Charles County, we need to keep looking for ways to make our community even better – which is why I want to encourage you to keep our community strong by shopping local. When you are out shopping for the perfect gift to give to your special someone this year, please pay attention to WHERE you buy it. Most of the services you receive from the local government are provided by sales tax revenue. When you buy most anything in St. Charles County, not only are you supporting a local business providing employment, your sales taxes come back to fund transportation, parks, and police. This year I was so excited when we announced some new County parks in District 3: one by St. Charles Community College, and our newest park property between Kisker and Pitman Hill roads. Because you “shopped local,” you will be able to enjoy these new parks in the center of the county, and new and improved roads make it easier to get in and out.
Shopping local is an easy way to get what you need while getting a nice return on your dollars spent. After all, you are spending your hard earned money anyway; doesn’t it make sense for you to get something back? We have a wonderful community in St. Charles County, and while an effective government can help, it’s the residents that make the true difference. Continue to take pride in your neighborhood and look for ways to make us even better.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year…it’s going to be a great one!