City should announce itself to the world

I always enjoy your editorials, even if I don’t always agree. The one dated Aug. 27 asks, what is the role of government? I suggest it should do what individuals can’t do alone. You discuss whether government has a role in developing Waynesboro. Of course it does, but what is that role? To promote Waynesboro. Would we want individuals or businesses speaking for Waynesboro?
Everyone seems to agree that we have a unique and wonderful opportunity being two miles from where the Blue Ridge Parkway meets Skyline Drive. But the question is, how do we take advantage of this opportunity? Waynesboro’s slogan is “Hospitality in the Valley,” and it is true, but it doesn’t matter if nobody knows.
This is where government comes in. No individuals or business can alone make known that Waynesboro is here and open for business! No one else but government can put up signs telling about us and pointing the way. Only local government can get the state to help tourists learn about Waynesboro and the Artisans Center of Virginia and the other attractions here at the foot of the mountain.
Not until Waynesboro tells the world, which happens to be by driving two miles away, that we are here and we are proud of what we have to offer, will anything change.
The business you envision will come and the potential of Waynesboro will be realized. This doesn’t mean using taxpayer money to invest in bricks and business but in advertising and signage and cheerleading. This means we have to feel we have something to be proud of and be willing to brag about it.
If we get the ball rolling, we can have a vibrant downtown full of boutique shops and restaurants built on our lovely location along with the many crafts people in the Valley. I can think of no other viable alternative unless we want to continue to wait for someone, somewhere, somehow to someday come along and save us. Good luck, but don’t hold your breath. All we need is real government leadership. Let’s hope we have some and can find some more.
Barry Schmidt
Afton