In previous editorials, I have written about positive thinking, seeing the brighter side of things, hoping that the rest of the city would follow those steps and together, we could all make this town a better place.

Boy, was I dreaming.

This past week has brought me to a crossroads about where this City is heading. On one hand, it’s looking pretty good. Some businesses are doing quite well and Mesquite is growing slowly but steadily, as it should. No foundation was ever a strong one if it was cheated out of setting correctly.

Last week, we began to realize the new consequences of the city’s neglect of past business, primarily at the Virgin Valley Water District. With water rates increasing dramatically in April, both residents and businesses are going to be feeling the effect of waiting so long to take care of business. Yeah, the increase is crappy, but looking at the rates of other areas, we have been lucky to have paid such low rates for as long as we have.

This week, it’s the naysayers of the city who are out to get the Mesquite Regional Business, Inc. folks who are actually trying to bring businesses to Mesquite. I will leave the specific names of those naysayers alone, as that is not my point.

My point is that there are too many people in this world, not just Mesquite, who are so dense and fixated on their own agendas that they have forgotten how to think and act on behalf of the greater good of the people. They may think that they are, but in reality it’s just chewing the same cud over and over again in different tones.

Yes, MRB was set up two years ago and funded by the city for a contract of five years, with declining funding each year. Yes, they hired their CEO from Wyoming and the website they used was by a Wyoming based company. However, did you know that Gaye Stockman, the CEO, is a Southern Nevada native? Oh, and that while the main design was done from Wyoming, the staff at MRB run the site here.

MRB has been attacked with Open Meeting Law and IRS complaints, only to come out on the other side with an excusal from both. They also abide by the Open Records Law, meaning that anyone who requests to view the ins and outs of their operations may do so. They are operating within the means of the law and the status through their non-profit license. All they are trying to do is keep Mesquite afloat and help grow it to something better, something sustaining.

But whatever response MRB has to those that are so hardcore against them never seems to be enough. Just like for other organizations and businesses everywhere.

So this brings me to my point. Don’t be the disease. Don’t be that negative force that is keeping Mesquite from realizing its potential. Every little aspect of this City has a cause and effect mechanism attached to it. Take that negativity and turn it into something positive and productive. Imagine what it would be like if the energy once placed into trying to bring a group down was redirected towards bringing something else that was good up. How would that feel?

Everything published in print and online reaches readers from all around the world. Some actually do some research into an area before anyone even knows they are considering relocating there for work, business or retirement.

Imagine what it would be like if the energy once placed into trying to bring a group down was redirected towards bringing something else that was good up. How would that feel?

I was always taught that if you don’t vote, you have no right to complain about the government. Well, in this instance, if you don’t try to solve the problems, then you don’t have a right to complain about them either.

Mesquite needs to rid itself of the negativity disease. It’s exhausting and destructive.

Have a problem with something? Find a solution for it. Not one that is off the cuff and shorthanded, but something that will legitimately work. Think you can run a type of business better than an existing one? Then start one. But don’t be that person who sits behind the computer or going around town and distributing that hate and deceit to all who read it or interact with you. It’s poisonous. And it will not help anyone here; not even you.

Now, I am not saying that there aren’t bad things happening. I am merely suggesting that there are solutions more beneficial to the community that would avoid bashing and hating those who are trying to grow Mesquite.

Be the change you desire. Be that person who makes a positive difference. Be the bigger man/woman and do your part. Just stop the hate, gossip and twisting of information.