Cancer is an internal struggle in the body where certain cells look like they are vital to life, but, in fact, destroy it. They mimic real cells. In essence, they are troublesome and dangerous.

Let’s suppose these cancer cells are a select few citizens of Ironton, pretending to desire positive outcomes, but continually spewing hate and discontent and killing the positive growth around them.

The commitment to community pride in the Ironton area has reached levels I haven’t seen in my nearly 40 years in Lawrence County. Private citizens and newly developed organizations, along with a newly elected mayor, are bent on providing a positive economic environment to benefit us all. I challenge anyone under 60 to recall so many different cohesive efforts to pull this city together for the common good of everyone.

Rich Blankenship has occupied the office of mayor for just a few months and is steadfast in his belief that a clean community is a great starting point to entice future businesses. Would any of us truly consider buying a house in the middle of a rummage sale? Would we hire employees who don’t respect their surroundings, tipping the fact that they respect nothing else? Prospective businesses are just like us. They look at the neighborhood before they make an investment.

Recent letters in this forum complaining about Mr. Blankenship and Ironton’s cleanliness ordinances blow my mind. One author in particular is especially baffling.

Tim Gearhart has been a business owner on Third and Park Avenue for many years. In that time, I have never read one positive word from his pen about the city of Ironton in this newspaper. When I see his name signed to an opinion, I am assured that venom will be flowing. My question is “Why?” Why would somebody who emits hate want to do business in a city he doesn’t like? Why would this person take the time to publicly bash a newly elected leader before that leader has had the opportunity to do his job? Why break the beacon of hope with grenades filled with hostility?

Mr. Gearhart, you have a right to your opinion and you share it frequently. I, for one (and I know there are many others), believe that if you are so strongly opposed to Ironton, maybe you should change venues. Go somewhere where you will be happy and can add to the enthusiasm of your environment instead of constantly pouring vinegar into the water supply.

Getting back to the cancer analogy, chronic complainers are not vital to life in Ironton. But, if they would tame their obvious desire to be continually discontent, Ironton could be vital to theirs.

Billy Bruce

Pedro