Economic concerns

To the editor:

For the past 55 years, I have subscribed to the Peabody Gazette-Bulletin. Guess that makes me old. Don’t recognized many names any longer, but it still feels like home although all local relatives are deceased.

My greatest concern is watching Peabody and most small towns shrink and fold up because of failed local economies. In the 50s there were six gas stations, now only a self-serve. The car dealer, Temple Motors, long gone. Only one drugstore, thankfully still there. Even places to eat are quite limited.

Population is down nearly 50 percent since 1950. Crime is awful and the seriousness extreme. No new houses, and rentals that are cheap and attract people who may bring unwanted behaviors with them. Lots of empty lots. Obviously desperate for jobs.

It will take a miracle, for sure, to revitalize Marion County. However, one new industry could make a huge difference. Give them tax-free incentives for five years, free land to build on, followed by free lots for workers who build houses on them with certain minimums: three bedrooms, two baths, 1,500 square feet, and garages. No trailers, please.

The continual conflict with the county commission is an embarrassment, much the same as Washington, D.C., Trump and his allies.

This is not the country I remember or hoped for.

It has to start with local folks creating ideas, jobs, housing, and good will toward each other. It’s contagious.

Gerald Gregersen