Three ‘Ps’ make this community special

Published 3:29 pm Thursday, March 8, 2018

C

entral Kentucky is rich in natural resources — fertile farmland, flowing rivers, scenic vistas, mature forests — but one valuable commodity often overlooked may be just as priceless: community pride.

That is a vital component required if we want to make our communities the best versions of themselves. Civic pride and passion are two ingredients that cannot be replaced or replicated. They are either present, or they are not.

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Those two “resources” work hand in hand with the third “P” in the equation: people.

Even here in the small towns of Kentucky, these three elements aren’t always present.

I have said it many times: Apathy and indifference remain the biggest challenges many of our communities face. Far too many people want to sit on the sidelines and complain about the problems rather than get involved to become part of the solution. 

Thankfully, Nicholasville, Wilmore and Jessamine County have people who care. 

It has become abundantly clear, in my short time here, the citizens truly care about and love their community. That’s why you have strong community organizations, volunteer initiatives and grassroots movements that are able to make a significant impact in the lives of residents.

That is also why you hear strong opinions on important topics.

Certainly, pride can be a double-edged sword, as evidenced by some frequent controversies. These issues and others sometimes become contentious in the community with individuals on both sides of a debate passionately and vocally outlining their viewpoints.

But, you know what? That is a positive mark rather than a negative one.

Does that give everyone a free pass to say and do whatever they want, all under the auspices of civic pride? Of course not.

At the end of the day, compromise and civility are important. Although there may be differences of opinion when it comes to how to achieve a particular objective, the ultimate goal remains the same.

That pride and passion will truly help move this community forward.

It didn’t take me long to figure out the people are what makes Jessamine County special.

Those are resources that are truly irreplaceable.

Michael Caldwell is publisher of The Jessamine Journal and Jessamine Life magazine. He can be reached at (859) 469-6452 or by email at mike.caldwell@jessaminejournal.com.