Growth. The word really scares me. There are all kinds of "growth" both good and bad, but I was particularly frightened when I read several of the comments published here in the Star in the January 1^st issue.

Too many politicians, along with some civic and business leaders, seem to confuse growth with progress. Some reach back to their Texas roots, claiming that "bigger is better", while others fatalistically believe that that population growth in Carroll County is inevitable. Representative Stallings talked about growth and sprawl, and traffic and pollution problems, but urged us to strike a "happy medium." Gary Dorminey, our new Chamber of Commerce chairman, stated "growth is coming fast." Mayor Spake of Villa Rica estimated a 300 percent increase in population over the next ten years.

Who are the winners with population increases like this? They are few and far between. Some current landowners, real estate agents, and developers are about the only ones I can think of. Store owners and professionals might think they’ll have more clients and customers, but stop and think about it a minute. Let’s not kid ourselves. Twice as many residents means twice as many banks, twice as many auto dealers, twice as many attorneys. Can you imagine twice as many grocery stores?

More importantly, will your wages go up? Will your commute to work become swifter? Will the quality of our community life improve? Or will city and county departments continually be under such a growth strain that their focus must be on new development instead of improving the services now offered?

Our local leaders have the power to stop this population growth. It is not inevitable. This can be done and then we can focus on improving the lives of the families that live here now. Let’s take steps, as Mr. Dorminey also said, by adding to our economic well being rather than destroying our quality of life.

Instead of attracting new industry, lets assist the businesses we have now. We don’t need more water intensive industries that employ minimum wage workers. Let’s see what we can do to improve the education and skills of the current employees. Why not help local industries with product development and marketing? Envision big increases in corporate payrolls, without increasing the number of employees. Build the right community, and they’ll spend that extra money here. Think about assisting our local retailers in such a way that people from Douglas County come here to shop and eat instead of vice-versa. They’ve got to want to escape that madhouse. Maybe it’s time to consider some realistic Sunday-opening and entertainment laws. Let’s begin treating the university students as guests instead of a nuisance. Let’s grow up, instead of growing out…

There is so much we can improve on with what we have here now. To paraphrase an old saying some of you might be familiar with, let’s not try to pack 10 pounds of people in a 5 pound area. While I’m "paraphrasing", I’ll add one more from former President Bush, reading his lips, "No more people!"

Until next time, keep thinking during the 5:00 rush… tomiswho@mindspring.com