Opinion

Getting around town to pass out political flyers is an eye-opener you don't get by attending city council meetings on the second Tuesday of the month. When folks get a one-on-one forum to speak their minds, they usually do.

In the business world this is known as management by wandering around.

A few of the things we are hearing are these ( Bear in mind that these are sometimes one-person observations, but they no doubt reflect the views of more than one):

Welcome Center. Do we need it? If so, why is it not open more? What about some standard hours? This comment came from at least two residents.

Warning the public on health issues. A problem with drinking water some time back did not get to some citizens until after the problem was fixed. The person commenting has small children.

School tuition for Royston parents in Hart County. Can the city do anything to help?

There were other comments, such as fireworks at the fall festival, speeding in some areas, and, of course, the loose dog issue that continues to come up.

One comment from several citizens is the perception that too many issues are "tabled" at city council and action is delayed or never taken. Perception is reality to much of the public, and this perception needs to be corrected where it exists.

These comments should not elicit a "circle-the-wagons" reaction from any elected official or any city employee who feels his/her turf is being invaded. Cover your A-- mentality accomplishes nothing. Instead, as Larry the Cable Guy says, just "Git 'R Done!"