Sorry, Charlie!

I have a quick moment while JK is napping and before I have to go and pick Rand up from school. I must confess since my  computer went in for repairs I haven't opened Google Reader. I'm kind of afraid to do so...I will probably wait until I have my computer back! Please know I will catch up with your blogs but it will probably not be before next week!

I can't believe we are a week from Election Day. I have been listening to all of the Election coverage and am on pins and needles for the final outcome. Over the weekend I was thinking how the two major parties, Democrats and Republicans, are pitted against each other and was wondering if the two parties ever unite to work together or fight for the common good.

While pondering that thought I drove past a building here in town that has been part of many heated debates and fights. This building was bought by an owner of a sleazy adult store chain and it was his intent to bring such smut into our town. Normally most people would not think twice about this type of establishment and it wouldn't be cause for a battle. But in this case the building is located near a residential area and people came out in droves to show their disapproval. Fortunately, our former mayor had written an SOB (Sexually Oriented Business) ordinance that did not allow zoning of such establishments within a certain parameter of residential areas and our then Town Council adopted this ordinance. Over the past two years our town has been fighting the owner of the  building and his lawyers who said it was not an SOB but it was a regular retail store. In April this case was heard in our State Supreme Court. The smut shop was not allowed to open because of the town's existing ordinance and the Court deeming the chain an adult store.

The whole town was united in the effort, in the fight. Democrats alongside Republicans alongside Independents. Party lines did not matter. What mattered was what was best for our town. I am happy to report the building is up for sale. The owner who stated at the beginning of this debacle, "We usually see some opposition to us coming but once we are permitted the use and we start our construction we have only seen happy eager customers greeting our constuction workers and staff member with questions as to when will we finally open our doors. The opposition stops once we receive the permit....(The name of my town) will never win and we will open there." Sorry, Charlie, but no such luck!

During this time when there is so much negativity about the different parties I really felt the need to share this particular experience with you. It was a good reminder to myself as well. There are times when people are able to see beyond party lines and take a stand for the things that matter.