After struggling and working hard for 40 years, my husband and I decided to retire and relocate so we chose the small town of Ellerslie to reside, thinking that being a small town, the people would treat others the way they would want to be treated, the way we were raised.
Instead I feel humiliated, intimidated and an outcast and see nothing for my tax contribution to the town.
So after moving here, I discovered that the town had a local committee which handled the funds of all incoming tax monies paid by the residents approximately $45,000-$50,000 a year.
With great dedication and devotion I was able to bring this committee to the forefront of the local people.
As I contribute to many organizations in Allegany County, I felt my duties were to help out and contribute whenever to the small town I resided.
The past two years with great concerns, I have brought up various issues which included several fish fry to support the local fire department (but that was too much hard work after having them the first month), suggesting setting up an ice cream stand, flea marketing, karaoke/bingo at the fire hall, all of which would be for a good cause and bring the people together and make money, but nothing was ever accomplished.
I suggested a “Welcome to Ellerslie” sign (make the people feel like they were getting something for their tax dollars.)
What could be done about the speeding throughout the town, (they drive like its a free-way), shrubbery on private property that is impeding entering the main road from side streets.
Halloween decision that is kept close to the vest, therefore most family with children don’t know what night is celebrated for Halloween unless they have connection to someone that knows.
Crime Watch setup? That got nowhere. The suggestion that tore my heart the most was the suggestion for a small Christmas function for the children in the town, but nothing was ever voted on, nor discussed in any fashion, totally ignoring that I ever brought any issues on the floor.
Instead of divide and conquer, creating jubilee and harmony could entice the local people to these meetings, but I feel this committee would rather operate with closed doors.
I pray in the future that this committee will come up to date instead of living like 10 to 20 years ago and realize how much more that could be done to enhance this community other than supplying uniforms and baseball bats and make this small town one of the best small towns in Allegany County.
There is always room for improvement and I am here to help out on improvements.
So until I have to relocate to an old-age home, I will continue to contribute and seek my refuge in the other small towns of Allegany County, such as Frostburg, Midland and Lonaconing, towns that work with their fellow citizens, towns that are congenial to their neighbors. and continue to reside in my lovely home as a dead end street.
So sad.
Emily Webb
Ellerslie
Opinion
Suggestions to improve the community went for naught
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