“For you who are criticizing the chamber of commerce, what are you doing to help Marshall and Harrison County?” Since I wrote the original Letter to the Editor and spoke before the Marshall City Commission, I hold myself responsible for the ongoing, and well-deserved criticism that has resulted in bitterness, loss of friendships, board resignations, individuals breaking their fear and speaking up, as well as a mass of newspaper and internet articles addressing the issue.

What am I doing to help Marshall and Harrison County? More than anything I am trying to make people aware of what goes on behind closed doors, and trying to enlighten their minds to the fact that nothing in our community will change as long as there is fear. Attend any board meeting in this community at any time and you will quickly learn that fear runs rampant, and there are very few who have the guts to raise their hand, look you in the eye, or tell the truth and let you know how they really feel