Last night (Thursday October 7th), I met Mesquite City Councilman Stan Pickett (Place 3) at the convenience store at Carnation and Rodeo Center to go walk some streets in the Valley View Heights Neighborhood. Our purpose was primarily to go around and knock doors of those homes, whose owners or renters are doing a great job of keeping their property looking nice and clean. We wanted to encourage them to keep moving forward and let them know they are valued!
We got to spend some time with James, who is going to be our first crimewatch chairman in Valley View Heights--and James took us around to a few doors of folks he met. We had some wonderful visits. There is definitely a little more progress already taking place in that neighborhood than I realized--in bits and pieces! But of course, we saw other homes and heard about numerous families having their homes broken into 2 or 3 times over the past few months--so there is definitely much work yet to be done!
I was very proud of Councilman Pickett and proud to have him with me. He really made everyone we met feel at ease and showed all of them kindness and genuine empathy. It always warms my heart deeply--when a person of influence takes the time to show love and kindness to those who have no influence--who would otherwise be easily forgotten! Thats one of the reasons I so value Mayor Monaco--because he has come out so many times to places like Allenhurst and Peachtree Apartments and showed real kindness to everyone!
It was a very productive evening and I was very excited when we left! Word is getting around--at least on Rose Street that help is on the way. I can also see where the City of Mesquite has been pushing some issues with a few homes--that were just out of control in terms of code issues.
And I wanna be very clear--OUR PURPOSE IS NOT TO HARRASS PEOPLE INTO HAVING PERFECTLY MANICURED HOMES! My home was built in 1940 and needs a number of things done to it. We do what we can here and there when we can afford it. I am simply talking about big eye sore issues like very high weeds and grass, lots of trash, and things that are just way out of control. My concerns--are situations where there is maybe a vacant house that looks awful sitting there for a long time--the neighbors around that home should not have to be demoralized by that day in and day out! There were several homes we walked by last night--that could use a paint job or a little touch up here and there--but they were homes who had nicely mowed lawns, no trash, and you could tell they were making efforts to do what is right. I think thats all we should really ask of folks in neighborhoods that need so much work done!
Pray for the Nehemiah Mesquite Mission--that more families--especially children--who live in rougher parts of our city--will get to experience more of the abundant life Jesus promised! Pray that evil and ugliness and crime will be rooted out of places like the Valley View Heights Neighborhood. Pray for God to raise up and give courage to good people like James--to become leaders among their neighbors! Pray for every family in that neighborhood to be enpowered to step out with courage and make a difference!
These things and more can be done--with God's help--and support from good citizens in Mesquite! Thank you Councilman Pickett for making a difference last night.
God bless our city!
Bruce
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