When I think about Eldon, Mo., I don't think about glitz and glamour; I don't think about new subdivisions with white picket fences. I see a hard working town that has always been able and willing to settle for a little less in the pocketbook to enhance their quality of life. I think of an industrial town filled with hard workers. Most have a good character and understand what they have to do in a day to provide for their families.

Eldon, Mo. is going through the closest thing to Hurricane Katrina we will ever see even though this is an economic catastrophe rather a natural disaster.

I think back of times when people have pulled together for the common good of others, much like the above listed situation. People of character seem to never ask for help. Eldon, Mo. would fall into this category. They are a working people that deserve to stay working. Although they haven't asked, sometimes a person from the outside needs to stand up and point out an issue that needs to be addressed. Always faithful to our people in need of a hand up, never a handout.

The issue that needs to be addressed is the fact that Eldon, Mo. has taken to many casualties from the economic downturn, up to 600 people have lost their jobs in this area. I say, let's get them back.

Start shopping at local businesses so they may provide more jobs for the residents of Eldon and the surrounding communities.

This is a request to every person out there going through the roughest point in your life that you just didn't see any hope in, but you made it through. We need you to shop these local merchants in Eldon, Mo. to bring some sort of stability to this situation they have been dealt.

When you shop local, you open doors to new opportunities for jobs. When you support your neighbor, you now have an ally that is closer than a brother because of your patronage.

I think of the US MARINE CORPS and how they train theirs to be one of the elite to protect our country in the Corps

Honor
Courage
Commitment
Support
Loyalty
Excellence

They teach you the true fundamentals of life when it comes to survival - without the help of others you cannot succeed. We as civilians can take some of these principles and set them as a foundation for our economic success. We are in the midst of an economic disaster if we allow it. The only stopping it is for everyone in this area to come to the aid of a struggling friend.

Lets send a signal to the people of the USA and the world on how this area can and will weather this storm SEMPER FI (Always Faithful) To our brothers and neighbors of our area. This call is to anyone that will here and act.

Lets put Eldon back in business by supporting a town that has always had to work for it.

Central Missouri, you are being tested..... How will you respond?

Eldon today...... Your town tomorrow?

We can build a better tomorrow by placing priority on these things that matter first


Professional Regards

Randy Dinwiddie