Tuesday Commentary with Billy Chism-Quality September 19, 2017

I’ve been thinking lately about why people live where they live? To be more specific, why do people live in Toccoa and Stephens County?

Think about it… why do you live here? Were you born here and never left. Or returned years later? Maybe you moved here in the 70s or 80s. A new industry brought you here. You may be a newcomer. Or a retiree living on Lake Hartwell.

Many of us would say we like the “quality of life” here. But what exactly does that mean?

I would suggest quality of life means different things for different people. For instance, someone with young children may perceive quality of life as good day care and good schools. For others, it may mean a good paying job close to home.

For some, quality of life may mean having a sense of security – feeling safe in their home and in their neighborhood.

The list can go on and on. No matter our age or economic condition, we want to live in a place that offers an excellent quality of life.

So how does Toccoa and Stephens County stack up?

It depends on how we measure quality of life. Each of us have our own beliefs, opinions and perspectives.

With that in mind, I believe there are a number of big categories – taken together – that make for a good quality of life. Let’s look at them:

 

 

Number one. A safe and clean environment in which to live.

Number two. Access to quality health care.

Number three. Employment opportunities locally or close by that offer above-average wages.

Number four. Quality public schools and nearby colleges.

Number five. Stuff to do. Recreation, entertainment opportunities.

Number six. Progressive city and county governments that provide dependable services for its citizens.

I’m sure you could add to this list. But these are mine. These elements build a favorable quality of life.

So back to the question, how does Toccoa and Stephens County stack up?

On safety and a clean environment, it probably depends on where we live. We have pockets of dilapidated houses and other buildings. We have drug and alcohol abuse, which leads to crime.

On access to quality health care, we are fortunate to have stability that the Northeast Georgia Physicians Group now brings to the Toccoa Clinic. Our county hospital situation is in transition. Will a larger entity buy it and keep it going? We don’t know. We hope so.

Employment opportunities are a never-ending challenge. We have had some successes in the last few years – with a new manufacturer from Turkey locating here and another from Germany. Our local development authority is working to retain existing jobs and bring in new ones. Does our county government understand its importance?

Our schools have made a remarkable turn-around financially. I like the idea that our primary and elementary schools are now organized by grades. I believe this enhances the collaboration among our schools.

As for stuff to do, that’s always a challenge in small communities. But Main Street Toccoa is doing a good job with events like the summer Ida Cox concerts, and now some upcoming events at the renovated Ritz Theatre.
And our public library offers a variety of top-notch community activities for all ages.

Finally, what about our city and county governments? I believe the Toccoa City Commission had made great strides since bringing back city manager Billy Morse. City officials are not afraid of projects that boost our quality of life – like the new swimming pool, the renovated facilities at Lake Toccoa and the Ritz.

The county government has lots of departments fighting for county funds –from the sheriff’s office to the courts. Not to mention roads and recreation. It’s a challenge under the best of circumstances.

So, what grade does Toccoa and Stephens County get when it comes to quality of life? I give it a B. Not a B-plus and certainly not an A.

But we’ve got something to shoot for. And that’s something to think about.

 

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