If you were to sit in on a city meeting, you might be surprised at the lack of direction and leadership that we actually have in Alexandria. No one wants to make a decision. Comments that were made in one specific meeting consisted of; “We’ve done it this way for ten years… there’s no reason to change it now”, “Someone could sue us for that”, and even “I don’t have enough information to have an opinion” (this last comment was made while all parties involved in that particular decision were present, not one question was asked of any of the parties concerned in order to get enough information).

Picture Alexandria ten years ago… now picture your town now… are you proud of the results from the decisions that have been made on your behalf? If we keep doing the things we have been doing… we are certain to get the results that we have been getting!

People sue for everything today, if we make decisions because one person may not like the outcome then we are destined for failure before we even start. There is no way to please everyone and living in fear of what might or might not happen keeps us from growing, as individuals and certainly as a community.

The leadership in Alexandria is satisfied with the status quo, just don’t rock the boat and if nothing bad happens, then we will have done all right.

Wrong! If nothing happens, it’s simply because nobody is doing anything. Progress requires risks; risks provide opportunities, and opportunities result in progress. Standing still never ended in anything but failure and frustration, because… everyone else is moving forward.

When asked, the current Mayor says his goal is for Alexandria to grow.

Great goal!

What are his plans to achieve growth (?)… He has none! He feels; that the new “tax abatement” program will have companies flocking here, the “Washington Street Project” will revitalize downtown, and that the plans to improve “Highway 9” (when complete) will bring new interest to our town.

Sounds good! But we need someone who is not going to just wait for someone else to do something before we enjoy growth and prosperity… Alexandria needs someone NOW!! We need someone ready to get these projects started, willing to make noise at the state house and let them know that getting these projects complete is good for Alexandria and good for Indiana.

Our mayor feels he has no control… I say it’s time we TAKE CONTROL!!!

Few businesses that have started in Alexandria in recent years have enjoyed success. That is trends that only we can change… the county, the state and the country have larger problems. We can’t wait for them to make changes for us. Change has to start with us and it has to start now!

There is little worth having or doing that doesn’t come with a price. Our current leadership is so afraid of making a mistake that they do nothing but react. We need a proactive group of leaders, that realize in order to get ahead we must be willing to develop a plan and take action.

First we must have standards; what do we want Alexandria to stand for? Unless we define how we want others to see us, it will be impossible to be a town of substance. We must develop an identity in order for anyone to consider Alexandria a place that they would want to be.

Few businesses are thriving in Alexandria; this prohibits growth of any kind. Many businesses have closed in recent years; our dry cleaner, the bakery, one of our auto parts stores, a video store and the list goes on. Businesses that are trying to survive are relying on fewer and fewer patrons to maintain a livable income. Almost no business is investing in improvements or upgrading their facilities. As time passes, without change, even more businesses may close, can we afford to allow that to happen?

Good people are choosing to move out of Alexandria! That hurts us all!!!

Do we want to bring higher paying jobs to our town? Or, are we satisfied with what we have? What kinds of businesses would you like to have? What businesses would you enjoy working for? Where would you shop, eat, exercise or visit if it were here?

We do not have to accept that; what ever happens, happens… we can have anything we want, if we are willing to support it.

Do you want more for your children to do? Do you want more for yourself? These questions are worth asking and more importantly they are worth answering!!

We are known for cheap living, does this bring the people to town that you want to live with and around? Today, residents of Alexandria are more renters than homeowners, 51% of the people living within our city limits are now renting from someone else. Do they have a vested interest in your town? What will this do for your property value?

Too many homes are for sale! This keeps values low… what a shame. Our homes are one of the best investments most of us will ever make, overtime we will pay them off and the value should continue to increase, giving us a very valuable asset. Unless, your neighbor let’s their home fall apart or even down. Some former residents that have moved from Alexandria have simply let their homes set empty… abandoned, how can that help your value? It can’t!!

TRUE LEADERS TAKE RESPONSIBILITY

DECISIONS MUST BE MADE

ACTION IS REQUIRED

WHO ARE WE?

ALEX IS A CHEAP PLACE TO LIVE.