Editor, Commonwealth:
Greenwood City Council President Ronnie Stevenson, you said that it saddens you that Anjavette Payton of the North Central Planning and Development District has her office in Baptist Town (“Council appears to support gunfire alert system,” Nov. 2). You seem to think that the break-in occurred because of the location of her office.
Her office is located in the Baptist Town Community Center because no one else would give the Planning and Development District rent-free space. Not only do they not pay rent, they neither pay nor contribute to any utility bills or janitorial services. The center even provides the necessary toiletries.
So, you see, they are not really doing the center a favor. It really saddens me that you think of our community with such distaste. The Community Center is an asset for them. Did it ever occur to you that maybe one of her clients might be the thief?
Baptist Town is not the tragedy that many like you think it is. Our community is safe for the most part. There is crime in all communities, so why single us out?
The Community Center opened its doors to the program knowing that we would receive no financial compensation. When there are programs at the center for our youth, we have yet to receive a donation from North Central Planning. They don’t even offer to volunteer. Those who come and ask to use the center are usually granted permission by the board. These people are paid to provide their services by others, yet they make no contribution to the center at all. None of them ever gives back.
It would have been nice if you would have taken the time to get the facts before giving us a black eye. Thanks!
I am proud of our community and the progress the center has made. We, as a board and community, work hard to maintain the center and our community. We have put a lot of our own resources in the center as well, without always asking for a handout for everything we need. We are thankful to those who have come to our aid and helped us get as far as we are. Our progress might be slow, but we are still moving forward, thank God.
Mr. Stevenson, thank you so much for your vote of confidence in us. We really appreciate it.
Were you informed that at least one of the computers taken belonged to the center? The center suffered a loss in many ways, yet that doesn’t seem to matter. It’s OK because this, too, shall pass. Just think, we elected you. Wow!
Citizens of Baptist Town, hold your heads up and keep moving forward. With God we shall prevail.
Sherron Wright
Board Member
Baptist Town Community
Development Center
Greenwood
