Disagree
Weekly Update 10/22/2023 to 10/28/2023 #196
How I check my disagreement changed over 10 years ago. Before I explain though, let me share some of my week serving as mayor of the best small town in America.
This week, Cummins Seymour Engine Plant kicked off The Clothesline Project along 4th Street and Hwy 50. For the last few weeks, employees have been adding phrases to t-shirts for the display to bring awareness to domestic violence. For many years now, they have been partnering with Turning Point Domestic Violence for this event. This year, they were able to raise some funds as well to support their mission. A few statistics to wrap up this section of the weekly update. In Indiana, over 42% of women and almost 28% of men experience some sort of intimate partner domestic violence. As the sheriff said during the event, if you see something report it. Most cases of domestic violence are not reported by the person being abused. By keeping an eye out you could potentially save a life. To learn more please visit: https://www.turningpointdv.org
A few years ago, I explored the idea of a downtown theater while we looked at the remodel of City Hall. At that time, the project wasn’t right for what we needed. Now, we are exploring a new concept with the Community Agency Building that would allow us to maintain its mission on the second and third floors while adding a live theater to the first floor. While boosting the downtown nightlife and bringing visitors to our local shops and restaurants with various events, I believe it could be a beneficial addition to our community. This past week, the Seymour Redevelopment Commission gave the initial approval to pursue the purchase of the building as we continue to work on the overall project. I won’t dive into all the details here, but I do believe Zach Spicer did a wonderful job covering the topic in The Tribune if you want to learn more.
This was a week that involved students of all ages. Seymour Fire Department is wrapping up their fire safety programs and tours with kindergartners. Jackson County Industrial Development Corporation had Manufacturing Day with high schoolers from all the county high schools. These students had a chance to learn about different manufacturers and what they do. We also had Redding 4th graders drop by to learn some history about City Hall and past mayors. All in all, it was a good week for our area students to step outside the classroom and see what the community has to offer. Thank you to everyone involved in making the different events happen.
Back to how I check my disagreement. Many years ago, I had someone that I realized I had to stop and see if I disagreed with them because they said it or if it was a bad idea. The person had shared enough bad ideas that I found myself disagreeing even when they had a good idea. It was an eye-opening moment for me when I asked myself why I disagreed. I believe it made me view the person with more empathy and compassion than I had previously. It has also helped me realize that we as people don’t have to be all or nothing. We can find common ground in some areas and still disagree on other ideas. I have even discovered that sometimes when ideas are presented with an eye for progress, we can all learn and grow together. Today, I will leave you with a quote from motivational speaker Jim Rohn because stopping to see why I disagree has taught me to also look at both sides of the argument, "Always be willing to look at both sides of the argument. Understanding the other side is the best way to strengthen your own."