Rockwood needs teamwork and maturity, not drama

Nearly six years ago, apparently I felt full time employment did not consume enough of my life, so I decided to dive into my civic duty — community volunteering.

As always, I felt our kids needed a venue in our city, to create memories that would bring them back to raise their families (and start businesses).

Maybe some of the lessons that they would learn from the “old timers” who mostly populate a car show would not hurt them either. So I started Cruise & Classics.

A couple of years later, the success of the show earned me the trust of the then-mayor.

This led to me taking over the hugely popular Rockwood fall festival.

“It needs to make money and not lean on the city so much,” I was told.

It did. That led to my appointment of the Rockwood Industrial Board, which was followed by my nomination and council election to the vacant seat of the Rockwood City Council.

Being a woman in her early 30s, I did not predict it would be my city residence I would spend two months of closing comments defending. (I have owned or lived in residence in the city for 11 consecutive years)

This was just the beginning of a long term of “what are you trying to prove?” crossing my mind.

I’m writing this to give insight to future political interest and for those who just get bits and pieces.

This is my bit. The government, the departments and all employees are not perfect. The hurdles become more difficult when some refuse to admit that to themselves.

It becomes like me and my toddler: NO, just because. The difference is, we were all adults, entrusted to parent the city and all its facets.

More than once I had to vote yes to items that tore my passions to pieces, because I understood why it was needed.

The city council sets the direction of your city, not the mayor. More or less he is just a tie breaker and city cheerleader.

As I close, I would like to remind you to look at your city.

During a historically failing economy, we have seen the opening of five chain retail stores, two restaurants and several other businesses; all of these in vacant commercial buildings.

Take the time to ask who has made this happen. Who believed in this place enough to convince others of its greatness.

Abandoned buildings are one thing, large vastly vacant industrial parks are another.

Hopefully these miracle workers can convince industries to locate here in our industrial park and provide jobs for  average Rockwood residents who are looking for work.

Compromise, maturity and teamwork are what our residents need now, not drama.

Krystal Hennager
Rockwood