Where are the supporters of Country Crossing? Quietly supporting maybe

Debbie Ingram/Dothan Eagle

Published: March 20, 2008

Since Country Crossing was first presented to the public on February 25, there have been meetings of pastors, a rally organized by out-of-towners, and a press conference called by local businessmen and pastors—all of whom expressed concern or flat-out opposition to the development as it exists. That is, with charity bingo.

Houston County Commissioners say they have received a lot of supportive phone calls and e-mails, and Chairman Mark Culver, on behalf of the commission, recently received a standing ovation at Dothan Rotary Club for bringing the project to the county. Chat rooms and blogs are also filled with discussions, mostly positive, on the project.

Reader responses to Eagle stories are more pro than con.

These Eagle stories, I would like to point out, are not meant to be negative or positive. We announce the project. We report the thoughts of those opposed. We report the land purchase. We report how people are affected by the land sale. We report the infrastructure needs, legislative movements on bingo, comparisons to Branson, etc. etc. These events and happenings are not meant to be negative or positive. They are what they are. And editorially, this newspaper has not come out in opposition to the project.

That said, on Thursday, March 20, during the county commission’s administrative meeting, someone publicly stood up for the Country Crossing project. Her comments are worth repeating.

“I’d like to offer up my sincere appreciation to the commission, the chamber, and the sheriff’s office for their forward-thinking decision and action regarding the Country Crossing project,” said Debbie Trueblood.

“Please know that I represent many people that fully support this project. They’re just off at work during commission meeting hours.”

“The size and scope of this project should bring MANY new jobs to the entire Wiregrass area, and you’re to be commended for your dedication and resolve. We stand on the brink of becoming a major destination for country music fans and their families, eager to spend their time and money in our area.“

“Speaking of resolve, I can only imagine how yours is now being tested. Between negative newspaper articles, talk shows, demonstrations, press conferences, computer-generated phone calls and television news, you’ve been pretty well hammered. Don’t lose sight of the original reason that your collective guts told you that this project was right for the Wiregrass. That gut feeling that said, ‘Oh, man. This is an amazing opportunity for us.’”

“Stay strong,maintain that resolve, and see this project through to its completion, knowing that there are many in this community that fully support both you and it. Thanks for all your hard work.“