A Common Ground

When people ask me about Rockdale, my answer is always this: “Rockdale is laid back, it is a place that is set back in time. It’s different and I love it.”

But with that, there are things I don’t like about Rockdale.

Since I have moved here, the roads seem to get worse with each year that passes, when in reality they should be getting better.

I have a green thumb, but right now I don’t have much time to plant things and spruce up the backyard the way I want. Eventually I’ll make some time. Just like the rest of you, I get caught up with the hustle and bustle of a busy life.

When I drive around town I often look at a place not for what is, but what it could be.

Rockdale has so much potential to be a thriving little town between the bigger cities. I believe for that to happen, we as a community need to find a common ground. We need to build back together and really come together and create those little changes. We need to make a pact.

We have to make time for one another, create small business workshops, have coffee time and communicate with one each other.

I think if we can do this we can all start making small changes together, we will slowly change the way our town looks.

Yes, some projects will be bigger than others and maybe we ask for the community’s help.

I see and hear of a lot of folks wanting to see change and help beautify our town, well now is the time. It takes ownership!

The same goes for our parks. What’s it going to take for us as a community to spruce up our parks? What if we had a garden club, where volunteers worked together once a month on projects throughout town?

I don’t know about you, but walking the dogs on the roads around our neighborhood is not my favorite thing to do. I do really enjoy walking my dogs, but my point is: What will it take to get a hike and bike trail? I know it’s a long shot, but I have goals just like you.

Parks attract all sorts of people. My vision one day is kids riding their bikes, newlyweds walking the dogs, and mom and her kids throwing a Frisbee.

Parks are attractive, they are inviting, and they are free to the public. We need more of them!

Earth Day was just this past week. It was awesome to see so many people get involved in the community. It’s rewarding work, especially when kids get involved. It teaches them so much about work ethic and volunteer work.

We need more volunteers in our community like this!

We need to find common ground for our community. It starts with all of us if we want a better Rockdale. At the end of the day we are one big team.

Each week, I’m writing about things I’d like to work on as your next Mayor. I have a vision for Rockdale. I know we can do more than we are currently doing. It’s going to take some time. I also believe it starts with you.

We have to start from the bottom before we can go up. We need to find volunteers in our community that want to help us—and lead us. From there, we need small businesses to work together, communicate and step it up as well. Then finally, we need all levels of boards to work with one another. We need to plan better and work alongside each other. It’s going to take everyone to make Rockdale a better place to live. Change creates excitement, excitement creates energy and our positive energy can create a better tomorrow.

In closing I’d like to challenge Rockdale citizens to help me come up with a mission statement. It’s imperative that we follow through and make Rockdale a wonderful place to live, do business and raise a family.

Finally I’d love to hear positive feedback, public suggestions, ideas, and or comments. Please reach out via email at brettformayor22@ gmail.com.