It seems that one of the objectives of every candidate for office for the city of Gardendale is to “grow” our city.

I have not read one campaign flier or ad that did not promise to recruit new business, promote our city to developers and builders, increase our tax base, etc.

Why?

So we can reach the magic 12/15,000 population and have a Birmingham-type city government, use our increased tax base to recruit even more businesses to again increase our tax base?

It’s a never ending circle which will change our beautiful city into what?

Incumbents are running for re-election listing all their efforts in growing our city.

Why?

Fieldstown Road already looks like Highway 280 at times and it will only get worse.

We are no more than 15-20 minutes away from shopping at Fultondale, and I for one will be content to be a “suburb” of that fair city.

Let them have their businesses and the headaches that go with it — increased police patrols, shoplifting, loitering, traffic, etc. (Yes, even the increased tax base.)

Plus, we are only 25 minutes from several shopping malls and a nationally ranked hospital.

I am not naive enough to think Gardendale should not grow. We will grow because we are a beautiful city and we will grow without offering incentives and/or active promotions, simply because of our location and because it is a wonderful place to live.

If businesses want to locate here, let them pay for the privilege. Trying to keep up with Fultondale is no reason to change our city.

Sincerely,

Jim Sloan

Gardendale