Why change?

August 2022 Change is a very hard concept for many people. We fall into our habits and routines as children, and we feel the comfort when things “go the way they should”. In the Murdo area, we are very close and tight knit community, not wanting anyone to come in and ruffle feathers or put pressure on our existing businesses. That says a lot about our home and our appreciation for one another. On the other hand, let’s look at what that means long term.

If we remain with the thoughts and ideas that our store fronts and small business owners can never be in competition with new companies/businesses, the Murdo Area will stay stagnant and when our current business owners grow to an acceptable age to retire, we are without that business in our community, unless (typically) family takes over the business and continues to operate as before. I love that our hometown has carried on the tradition thus far and I hope our small businesses continue to grow by families carrying on the tradition.

My challenge to you in this article, as a community member, is to think long term and what our community looks like when your children, grandchildren, or even possibly great grandchildren return to the Murdo area. Will we be thriving? Surviving? Dying? In all honesty, I hope we’re thriving. I want nothing more than our interstate town to be steadily/comfortably growing in population and opportunities. That reason alone is why, I am guessing, I was offered this position. I can visually see the Murdo area thriving and improving. But I need to you to see it too. As a community, we need your assistance in helping our community thrive. We have work to do in our community. In our elected positions, volunteered positions, and as community members, we need to begin looking at what we are facing currently in front of us, along with what our hometown looks like in the future.

As always, if you’re interested in a deeper conversation on this topic or have suggestions to help the Murdo Area thrive, my contact info is 605-516-9080 or murdoed@gmail.com.