Newton Trails

Sometimes, in Newton County, it's hard not to feel we're living on a different planet or in a parallel universe, separate from the all the other communities we hear about.  A good example is this news story about the Tweetsie Line Trail between Johnson City and Elizabethton, in northeast Tennessee. 

Click here, then watch and listen as elected leaders, business development professionals, small business owners, and residents share enthusiasm and excitement about what the trail will mean to their community.  Imagine for a moment the Newton County community united in the same way around the Norfolk Southern railroad opportunity.

It's hard work, but we have to keep telling the stories.  Nationally, there are more than 1,600 rail trails covering over 19,000 miles of converted railroad.  It's happening somewhere everyday...  Just ask the people in Johnson City!

When we post links on our Facebook page to stories about the benefits of trails, facts to debunk arguments against, or success stories in other communities, I sometimes wonder what our readers think.  Do you ever ask "And, just what do you want me to do about it?"

Sure, we're preaching to the choir.  But, for one thing, we want you to read, get informed, and become a better trail advocate.  We want you to use the information to persuade your friends and neighbors to support trail building in Newton County.

But, there's something else...  We want you to get involved!  It's an unfortunate reality that progress these days is won or lost in the political arena.  And, that's a touchy subject.

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, Newton Trails can't tell you who to vote for in any election, nor can we contribute to a campaign.  We can, however, encourage you to make support for greenway trails an important criteria in who you support.  This fall, the City of Covington has three council seats and the Mayor's position up for grabs.  Next year, the County Commission Chair and three commissioner posts will be up for reelection.  Consider, for a moment, that one vote on either the Covington City Council or the Newton County Board of Commissioners would have been enough to swing the vote on acquiring the Norfolk Southern railroad corridor.  A single vote makes all the difference.

So, what can you do?  At the very least, attend any and all candidate forums or "meet and greets" this fall.  Ask pointed questions about support for trails and find out where each candidate stands on all matters related to building trails in Newton County.  Make candidates take a clear, public stance.

Better, yet, become a candidate yourself. Qualifying for the 2011 municipal elections in each of Newton County's five municipalities is August 29 through September 2 of this year.  (Don't live in one of the cities?  Start making plans now to run for county commission next year.)

Contact the Newton County Board of Elections for information on qualifying to run in the November 8, 2011 Municipal Election.

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