What’s one thing that would instantly improve your city?
I live in a city called Fayetteville. It’s nickname is Fayettenam. Of course, the city leaders are desperately trying to get people to stop calling it that. But they’re going to have to try harder. I don’t know how my city compares to others in terms of crime statistics, but I’m convinced our numbers are pretty high. Then again, maybe not. I’m basing my opinion that this city is trash on the fact that there are so many videos posted to the local community watch Facebook page that show fights taking place in local businesses. I mean, almost literally knock down, drag out kind of fights that are unnecessary and just completely disrupts the daily business.
I want to be creative and cutesy with my answer and say something like my city needs a water park or something else fun, but honestly, with the way people act around here, we need a larger police presence. Many of the comments on those Facebook posts say things like, “this is why we can’t have nice things”. And I agree. There are shootings all the time. Even during family events during the day. I don’t feel safe going out in public when it’s dark outside. And that feeling is not just limited to the evening. My sister asked me to go to the mall to pick up something for our youngest niece that she saw the last time she was here. I was happy to do it. But also, the mall? She really wanted me to go to the mall? Violence happens there at all times of the day. Fights, shootings, all the things. I did go and got the little toy off the kiosk she had seen. I didn’t hang around and shop anywhere else though.
Maybe other cities are like this. Certainly every city has places and neighborhoods that are more shady than others. However, other cities seem to always have redeeming qualities that make it worth visiting despite the negative places. I suppose you could say the downtown historic district here is worth the visit. Lots of mom and pop restaurants and shops. Our minor league baseball team has their stadium down there and we have a big festival park for events. But that’s a tiny little blip on the overall map of the city. And not something I would travel from another city to come visit.
It makes me wonder how Josh feels about where we live. He was born and raised here. He has seen the changes the city has undergone in the time he’s been alive. I’m sure given that he’s from here, his opinion will be slightly biased.
But, until the day comes that we decide to leave, this is our home. Like it or not. A new mayor and a lot more police officers would do it good though.
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