Beech Tree News Network

It was with great interest that I took in the story in the June 11 edition of The Banner-Republican concerning Morgantown’s listing as the 16th-poorest city in the United States. I have heard many differing opinions and thoughts on this information, with many attacking the numbers and citing an “inaccuracy.”

Certainly, when information such as this is pointed out, there will be emotional responses, but let us first address the accuracy of the numbers. Despite what we may feel in regards to the Census Bureau’s economic numbers, Morgantown is still measured in the same manner in comparison to other communities. In that, we see a level playing field of reporting. So don’t poo-poo the numbers … the numbers are what the numbers are.

This data is exactly the data economic developers use, and what industrial and business prospects look at when deciding where to locate. If there be an emotional response, perhaps that outrage should be that, according to the U.S. Census Bureau – the official clearing house for this type of data – Morgantown is the 16th-poorest city in the United States.

As a community, we need to address the causal issues, the reasons our economy, on paper, is stagnated and atrophied. Certainly, this is simply my own personal analysis, but a starting point could be we are failing to keep our best and brightest at home. In my time in Butler County, I have attended four Butler County High School graduations, and every time, I have been able to identify those young people we may never see again. They go off to college, and stay gone, as they see nothing to return to by way of opportunity.

According the City of Morgantown Comprehensive plan, by 2020 the 65-and-over population of Butler County will be more than 20 percent, way up from 14.5 percent in 1980. Some have said Butler County lags 30 years behind the rest of the country; maybe these numbers support that? Senior citizens are looking to retire, not continue contributing to the workforce. With such a large senior population, we can also expect to see less property tax revenue as “Homestead” exemptions take effect in the coming years.

Then there is the issue of the Morgantown Housing Authority being the largest provider of housing units in the county. I am not sure if the public housing situation is a cause or an effect, but it is disconcerting. Certainly, these resources are needed, but it should never be a first option for young adults. It is my understanding that once you find yourself in this situation, it can be difficult to rise above it. This matter is not helped when I am told many people from out-of-state are moving to Morgantown because “there are free places to live.” We do not need this reputation.

As well, consider the fact many will say they cannot find a job, when the industries we do have in town are begging for workers, only to find they cannot fill the jobs. Do you think a factory will stay long if they cannot meet their workforce needs? I am thankful for these facilities, but the community must support them if we expect to keep them. Supporting means showing up to work on-time, following directions and orders, putting in an honest day’s work, and passing on that ideal of work ethic to the next generation. Somewhere, we seem to have failed in this endeavor.

 And then in the realm of small business, many of us would rather drive 40 miles round-trip to Bowling Green to buy the things we need. Independent small business is the driver of any local economy, but if the community does not support those businesses, then they will fail. A U.S. Chamber of Commerce report has stated that for every dollar spent with a local business, about 70 cents remains in the community, by way of more local spending, tax revenue, and expansion. Why do we continue to give our money to other communities, helping them grow?

And speaking of Bowling Green, we must ask ourselves why are we lagging behind, with our community situated so closely to the fastest-growing micropolitian area in the state? Our city and county sends in excess of $40,000 annually to the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce for its SouthCentral Kentucky marketing and economic services. Where is our return, when so many others in the 10-county region are seeing results? Are we not adamant enough in demanding results? Are we funding the marketing of Warren, Logan, Allen, and Simpson counties, all counties with major investment announcements in the past year? I believe those dollars are best spent at home, building up our own economy and identity.

With eight Kentucky communities listed in the “poorest” communities, we find Morgantown is out-ranked in income by several Eastern Kentucky communities. Very interesting, considering so much attention lately being placed on Federal dollars and state initiatives to bring that region up to snuff.

The key to turning this thing around is multi-pronged, to be certain. There must be a partnership between the City of Morgantown, the County of Butler, Butler County Public Schools, and the Chamber of Commerce to immediately address this issue. It is not too late to turn it around, but we all must willing to stop being territorial and dismissive and work together. We must increase our literacy rates, we must support local business, we must establish continuing education opportunities at home, and we must cease the negativity about our community.

The numbers are what the numbers are. It’s up to us to change that.

Thank you.

C. Josh Givens

Morgantown, KY

Editor's Note:  C. Josh Givens has filed to run for Mayor of Morgantown.