Patch Voices: Building Bridges Between North & South Forsyth

Note: Cumming Patch welcomes letters to the editor and op-ed pieces from local residents and officials.

I believe our elected officials should work to build consensus and bridge the gap between competing interests and ideas. I believe our elected officials should remain impartial on matters that they have not yet voted on. I believe our elected officials should be our best and brightest, making judicious decisions and showing class, reserve, and restraint when necessary. They should embody the utmost wisdom, integrity, honesty, and self control.

Given these beliefs, I was shocked and dismayed when Commissioner Mills took to Facebook in an inaccurate, one-sided, and intellectually dishonest outburst attacking the very citizens she represents. There were over half a dozen untruths in the single statement she made.

Even worse was what Commissioner Mills “liked” in the comments of her post. Among those she “liked” was a call for these citizens to “pack up and go back where they came from”. Many of these Settle's Rd. residents have lived there for 20 years. How many years of residency are required before Ms. Mills believe they earn the right to have a valid opinion?

Another comment Ms. Mills “liked" was a call from one citizen to "dump manure on the lawns" of the citizens she was attacking. This outrageous and immature behavior is unbecoming of any citizen, but is entirely unacceptable when performed by an elected official. Unfortunately we see crazy posts like this, but public officials should never endorse them.

I believe we are better than this. I do not believe in perpetuating a divide between North and South Forsyth County and demonizing those with alternative views. We are friends, neighbors, co-workers, and family. We all share in the tax burden, the benefits of growth, and the challenges collectively, as one County. When we lose, we all lose, and when we win we all win. We are one Forsyth County.

Commissioners take an oath to represent the entire County, not only citizens they agree with. It's time our elected officials rise above the political rhetoric and begin to build bridges between all citizens. We need leadership and balance. Forsyth County and it's citizens deserve it.


Matthew Broms, Forsyth County resident