JOPLIN, Mo. —
The future of Joplin. It’s a statement that’s been spoken more in the past two months than in the past 100 years combined. There’s no explanation needed. We all know why we’re concerned about the future of Joplin.
What you may not realize is that “the future of Joplin” is, in large part, dependent upon the decisions we make right now. If you stop and think about it, the decisions that we are making as a community today have never before been so laden with responsibility — not just for us, but for our children.
On Tuesday it will be time to make yet another decision. The Joplin Parks and Stormwater Tax renewal will be the only item on the ballot, and all Jasper County votes will be cast at Northpark Mall. Newton County polling places will be Calvary Baptist Church, 600 E. 50th St., for the Staples 27 precinct; Fairview Baptist Church, 4330 S. Joplin Ave., for Staples 21; and Park Plaza Christian Church, 3220 S. Indiana Ave., for the Staples East precinct.
Tuesday will mark your first opportunity as a voter since the May 22 tornado to make a difference in the future of Joplin.
When you vote “yes” on Tuesday, you’re telling the world that you are in favor of continuing Joplin’s progress. The tax is a quarter-cent sales tax which is being renewed. Voting “yes” will not raise your taxes.
By voting “yes,” you will be affirming that it is a good idea to finish the Joplin Athletic Complex, to build new trails, and to establish an off-leash dog park — among other projects. A “yes” also means that you are in favor of continuing the reduction of the flooding that has plagued Joplin for decades.
Back in February, Missouri Life magazine named Joplin as the state’s top town. This was not an accident. Joplin reached the top of the list by being proactive over the past decade. While we’ve experienced our fair share of challenging situations in 2011, it’s time to again define our circumstances — and not let the circumstances define us.
You, too, can help define our circumstances by spreading the word to everyone you know about the importance of voting on Tuesday. A simple majority is needed to pass the renewal of the tax.
It is all too easy to get caught up in what needs to be done today, and to neglect thinking about the future of Joplin. Let’s hold each other accountable to take a few minutes out of our day on Tuesday to celebrate our wonderful community’s accomplishments — and to again define our own circumstances.
Garen McMillian is a financial adviser at Wells Fargo Advisors. He lives in Joplin.
Tornado: Columns
Garen McMillian, guest columnist: Joplin’s future depends on decisions we make today
- Tornado: Columns
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Susan Redden: McCaskill praises Joplin cooperation
At least two things she saw in Joplin need to be replicated in Washington, U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill said during a visit last week.
A strong spirit of cooperation is driving Joplin’s rebuilding, she said. And, the senator said there is a realization “that federal programs have a place.” -
Mark Rohr, guest columnist: Miracle of the human spirit ever-pervasive since tornado
Monday marks 100 days since the worst tornado in our country in the past 70 years tore through our community, leaving lost lives and destroyed property in its wake. As I have said before, that fateful day in late May will be the defining moment in all of our lives whether we want it to be or not.
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Ron Richard, guest columnist: Partnership can spur recovery
The tornado that ravaged Joplin and the flooding affecting Missouri River towns and businesses are both human and economic tragedies.
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Wally Kennedy: Flocks expected for Chick-fil-A opening
The stocking of the Chick-fil-A restaurant at 2127 S. Range Line Road is under way in preparation for a grand reopening on Thursday. The restaurant was among 25 or so eateries on Main Street and Range Line Road that were destroyed by the May 22 tornado.
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Susan Redden: State officials argue about disaster money
Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon is under fire from two different fronts, both relating to plans for a special legislative session in which the Joplin tornado and its economic impact will most certainly be a topic.
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Wally Kennedy: Walgreen’s to reopen both stores Monday
Monday will be a big day for two of the three stores that Walgreen’s operates in Joplin. The Walgreen’s at 20th and Main streets sustained significant damage on May 22. It was at the north edge of the tornado’s damage zone. It has had a major makeover.
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Roger Nomer: Image a ‘revelation’ for photographer
The sky looked dark, but nothing more unusual than a typical springtime storm.
I was on duty May 22 at the Globe, and had just finished taking photos of Joplin High School’s graduation when the storm sirens started to sound at Missouri Southern State University. -
Jo Ellis: Small deeds will make a big impact
A big, big thanks to all who have called, emailed or written to me saying they want to participate in Nature-Joplin (Nurture a Tree-Urban Reforestation Effort-Joplin) to help Joplin recover from the May 22 tornado that scoured the landscape.
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Andra Bryan Stefanoni: Safe room will always be reminder of May 22
The afternoon of May 22, I emailed a story to my editor from my home office just before the tornado sirens sounded in Pittsburg.
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Sarah Sticklen: Lessons learned: Remain faithful, move forward
As I walked into Missouri Southern’s Leggett & Platt Athletic Center on May 22 for my high school graduation, all I could think was: “I cannot wait until this is all over. Then, I can finally relax.”
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