LETTERS to the EDITOR: published on Sept. 24

Giving to babies is money well spent

Dear Editor,
One day all babies will be born healthy. But right now, they’re not. Premature birth touches half a million babies and their families every year. Babies born too soon are more likely to die or have disabilities. More than 120,000 babies are born with serious birth defects that can mean a lifetime of disability. Babies born healthy need someone in their corner; too, to be sure they have access to newborn screening and preventive health care.

The March of Dimes is there for all babies, those born healthy and those who need help to survive and thrive. Every fall, Marion County turns out in force to help the March of Dimes help babies, and this year it will be easier than ever to remember where and when because WalkAmerica, the fundraising walk for the March of Dimes, is now called March for Babies. While the name of the event has changed, the goal remains the same – to walk for the health of all babies. In Marion County March for Babies will be on October 11, 2008 at Marion County Medical Center.

I urge you join me to do your part to give every baby a healthy start. For more information please visit marchforbabies.org or call 1-843-488-3463. Thank you.
Sen. Kent Williams
2008 March for Babies Co-Chair

Investing in yourself improves your future

Dear Editor,
I am an inspiring entrepreneur in that I inspire to be a help in the community of Mullins in which I live. Over the years, I have noticed many businesses coming into the area, but nothing ever manifesting itself fully. This area is in desperate need of growth and change.

The unemployment is rising and people are getting laid off and there is a lack of work. Then there are the businesses that pack up and go overseas. From what I was told, in the early years this area spoke for itself. There was hardly any crime and people didn’t mind working. When you look on television or travel to another state you see successful business men and women. So the question we ask is “What is wrong with us?” Why can’t we have great careers and provide for our families? You just need to take the time to invest in you. What I mean by that is that people need to go after their dreams and goals. I have never seen so many talented people as I have came across in this area. With the right resources, we can be building and managing businesses right here in South Carolina., not to mention Marion County.

The main objective here is “growth.” I feel that if we get out there and make a stand and take pride in our businesses we will expand, gain revenue and stay in business for a long time. There are many empty buildings here and we need to rent out some of them a couple nights out of the week and have free lectures in business, finance and self improvement in the areas where we need help the most. This country is in major need of change and I am asking God for more wisdom and more opportunities to provide for the welfare of this area. So join me in being on the lookout because poverty can be defeated.
“Inspiring entrepreneur,”
Kimberly Genwright

Main Street Marion thankful for beautification efforts

Dear Editor,
In response to the letter last week criticizing Mayor Bobby Gerald and The Marion City Council, please let us explain the importance of a clean downtown and those new bricks and street lamps on Main Street. When businesses are looking to relocate to Marion, one of the first places they visit is the downtown area. If Main Street is not clean, if Main Street has old, dilapidated fixtures (street lights, benches, signage) or cracked and worn sidewalks, Marion will not be home to these or any other new businesses.

New prospects are checking not only for their location, but also the quality of life for their employees that will move with them to Marion. As simple as the beautification process seems, it does bring in more businesses, and shoppers, to downtown Marion.
Comparing Mayor Gerald and the City Council to waiters or waitresses does a great injustice to public officials who spend a great deal of time trying to improve the community. Also, just for information, money used for beautification is money from SCDOT, and can only be used for these projects. The Department of Transportation knows the importance of upgrading downtowns, and provides money just for these purposes.

All elected officials in Marion, Mullins, and Marion County work very hard to encourage new businesses to open in our area. Unless someone has visited with new prospects that are looking to relocate, they do not understand what all it takes to bring new jobs here. It is a very lengthy and involved process. Marion has to compete with the world, not just Florence and Myrtle Beach.
We at Main Street Marion want to thank Mayor Bobby Gerald and the Marion City Council for working hard to make Marion a better place to work and live.
Chuck Wiegert
Executive Director
Main Street Marion