A few weeks back I (brazenly) broached the subject of our county seats “backside”. I’d gently prodded that backside, just to see if it really was as out of shape as it appeared. The more I strolled around, peering about, even touching some of it (yuck) the worse it became (some areas even smell!).
 In case you missed that column? I was commentin’ on the buildings and grounds bordering the railroad tracks runnin’ through the center of town (which are gonna soon run even more!). Sure enough, the more I probed, the more it’s appearance sagged to the touch (well, the eye). The wider the inspection, the uglier the whole area became.
 The buildings backsides for the most part, look more like they belong to a slum area (maybe they do?).
 Curiously the new Visitors Center and the lone building representing “Old”..., that newly completed addition to the Historical Society, are the ones that look most out of place? They’re the attractive ones!
 Why even that (almost) spanking new bank building is prematurely showing it’s age? It’s backside (once trim as a teenager in her first miniskirt) exhibits peelin’ polyurethane on it’s once beautifully stained exterior wood! (guess I won’t be droppin’ by there for a loan anytime soon..., now will I?!)
 Some folks (including at least one “town father”) who actually read that column surprised me by taking time to contact me about it. Seems I’d stumbled upon something many had missed?
 I’m bettin’ a few, like me had long taken note of the run down look of that backside of town. But being human, felt more comfortable dwelling on the spiffy look the town offers along Main (and other) streets.
 Naturally, most of us have preferred to treat the towns backside just like our own? That is, unless someone whistles (or an unwary spouse makes an errant comment) we’d rather not think about it. Now you know, that might work just fine? Long as you’re simply loungin’ ‘round the house (sittin’ on it). But out there in the public domain, it shows!
 The polite (smart) among us don’t usually raise the subject of backsides (unless one happens to spy an attractive one strollin’ down the street?).
  Although, bein’ human, ones eye seems irrevocably drawn to those umm..., less attractive ones? Comments can quickly (quietly) arise at the sight one that’s broad abeam or swathed in the most garish attire? These will undeniably draw (unwanted) attention quicker than say, your umm..., average housewife?
 Butt..., just because we local folks (may) have become inured to the “slum areas” along those old railroad tracks? It doesn’t change the “out of shape” appearance of 'em!
 Newer folks visiting the area (prospective business people?) often see what we locals don’t (or won’t). There’s a more fastidious eye cast about when one visits a place, looking into it as a potential new home (for a business).
 We must be cognizant that Everywhere  in this part of our commonwealth (so proximate with the overcrowded states to our east) Every Chamber of Commerce, Business Organization or Partnership, Realty Board, Town Council or what have you, is working overtime to attract those visitors (potential investors) to their own “special” little town!
 Business parks (standing empty) are being developed in hopes they’ll fill up with business (jobs!). New people (and money) are needed to replace jobs (and tourism) lost over recent years. Incentives in the form of tax forgiveness, low interest loans, even rail lines (!) are being touted.
 You can clearly see that becoming yet another “historic” (antique?) town or district is Not enough. Most any town can lay claim to being historic or scenic or (business) friendly.
 But what if your town offers an eyesore in addition to all these (common) positive attributes?
 You won’t convince a skeptic (anyone new to the area) that “our town” is the ideal place to plant seeds (and pray for growth). Not if it involves tendin’ their garden planted in old coal dust. I really don’t believe you can convince ‘em that the best place to “grow” is alongside an old coal pocket storage area (no matter how “Historic” it is!).
 So let’s watch and see if our town (county, business) leaders are honestly willing to improve the town? Jobs, income, tourists (money!) will  follow leaders!
 I Don’t Know About You..., Even I might, If they finally “firm up that backside”!
 (Note To Readers: Your “Letters to the Editor” about the column are always appreciated! I’m not allowed to contribute “Letters to the Editor” myself. However, I can and often will respond to yours, on the Independent’s web site).
Cal Teeple, founder of the Observational Cogitation Consortium may still be found three stools down. Or At: www.wayneindependent.com/cal Or At: calteeple@gmail.com He may be ignored, accosted or contacted in all three.