Spencer citizens working  for positive change

I can appreciate the engaged citizens and town government who are working continuously to foster economic development and quality of life issues in Spencer. What I fail to comprehend is the uninformed naysayers who offer nothing in terms of solving problems which exist in our community, and in neighboring communities.

In reference to the letter in Saturday’s paper, there is misinformation. There are businesses in the Park Plaza. There’s a medical clinic, a dental office, a swimming pool store, and most recently a new coffee and tea shop. Within steps of the shops in Park Plaza, Spencer has two new restaurants, one of them with an ice cream bar.  Yes, we are very fortunate to be the home of the North Carolina Transportation Museum,  a strong economic driver.  We also are the home of the Spencer Doll and Toy Museum, the only museum of its type in the state. The continuing development of Stanback Forest (Spencer Woods) will further enhance our quality of life and bring visitors into Spencer.  Take advantage of this primitive walking trail; it’s beautiful.

The town currently has an initiative which offers assistance  to qualified property owners who wish to make improvements to their property.  Spencer has great places to visit, and we’re doing some great things. I ask you to become an engaged citizen. Speak positively about your town.   We’re on the same team!

— Jim Gobbel

Gobbel is mayor pro tem of Spencer.

Many possibilities for town

Regarding the Aug. 8 letter from Howard H. Doby Jr. :

I appreciate your letter and certainly your memories of being a young man growing up in Spencer. I too, have fond memories of growing up in a small town. Unfortunately for all of us, however, as time passes, changes most definitely occur. Some are good, some are bad, with the important part being change constantly happens.

I feel compelled, however, to bring attention to the businesses that actually do still exist in Park Plaza. Family Dollar has indeed vacated the Plaza strip; however, it moved to the front corner of the property and is open for business. Back in the Park Plaza strip: Bost Pools, Dr. Washko’s Family Dentistry and Spencer Family Medicine are open for business as well as the newest addition, Brewtique Coffee & Tea. There are several new businesses in downtown Spencer, and as a new business owner I am very interested in my newly adopted community. I have spoken personally with other business owners and we also share your concerns.

As time permits in the coming weeks I will continue my effort to meet the surrounding business owners and discuss what we can do to help and improve our community. We all have a vested interest and need to flourish to bring this to fruition. I hope the community as a whole will patronize each one of the businesses downtown as you are able. My desire is that as we all conduct our business collectively we can rejuvenate this area and increase the vibrancy and draw of our community.  Finally, I value a constructive voice and opinion.  There are many good ideas floating around that could benefit the community. I’m fully on board, I believe in change and I believe Spencer is a very nice small town with many possibilities. Remember, where one flower blooms others follow.

— Joe Untiedt

Spencer