A Sign and a Thank You

I wanted to first start off, as someone did in the ABH Opinions Section, thanking some local business owners:

Thanks to local businesses PeachMac, an Apple computer retailer; Jordan, Jones and Goulding, a civil engineering firm; Athens First Bank and Trust; the Silver & Archibald law firm; McDonald's; Technical Services Audio Visual; and Advanced Asphalt Coating, the fireworks show that has been a centerpiece of Athens-Clarke County's Fourth of July celebration will go on.

Thanks! You guys and your businesses are the reason that communities like Athens continue to thrive. Your selfless donations are very generous. Also liked this comment regarding the budget:

It does suggest, however, that as county officials prepare the government's annual spending plans in the future, they should do so with an especially sharp focus on finding ways to cut expenditures, with an eye toward the possibility that - as the money made readily available for two years' worth of Fourth of July fireworks suggests - there might be private dollars waiting to pick up the slack to help fund some county government services and programs.

We must remember that local businesses and private citizens are often times willing do donate to local causes. While we cannot count on that, we can make sure that we use those funds for appropriate activities when they come in!