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Editorial: What is wrong with Marshall, Texas?

Editorial: What is wrong with Marshall, Texas?

June 17, 2016

MARSHALL – Marshall, Texas is not unlike most medium-sized communities across the United States. There are the typical sections of neighborhoods for different races, for the races to mix, for different economic classes, yadda, yadda. There is the city-run government, and since, Marshall is the county seat for Harrison County – the county governing offices are housed there.

There is a quaint little downtown area. There are at last count at least five fast-food chicken places, a plethora of doughnut stores, a mosaic of payday loan companies, two grocery stores, a Walmart, gas stations, two McDonald’s, two Wendy’s and two Whataburgers. Churches seem to line every corner.

Marshall Texas has four colleges – East Texas Baptist University, Wiley College, Panola College and Texas State Technical College. There is a movie theater, a Planet Fitness, an Anytime Fitness, a ton of dollar type stores and a bowling alley.

Allegedly, there is an ‘old boy network’ that means the town is run by old money. There are questionable characters in leadership as elected officials and in various departments of governing bodies. There is always some sort of issue involving race, economy and crime. Let’s not forget the fusses over the lack of quality of service provided by governing agencies, and what about the buildings that are falling apart. Budgetary concerns top the list of a lot of coffee club discussions. There are complaints that Marshall is not growing.

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So, what in the world is wrong with Marshall Texas?

As an outsider who lived here for two and a half years, and was privy to the behind the scenes look at city and county government and civic organizations as a reporter, and later as a city employee, I can honestly say, there is nothing wrong with the city of Marshall.

Marshall can’t be blamed for what woes its citizens. Maybe it is the attitudes and actions of we the citizens that need changing? Marshall is a typical east Texas community.

If you really looked at the city of Marshall, you would find a true gem of a city. Full of colorful characters, tradition and charming history, Marshall offers much to those who live here or visit here.

All you have to do is look outside the box, step beyond the negative boundaries and open your eyes.

Take time to take the driving tour of the area. Read the historical markers. Ride the streets looking at houses for sale, and notice the care that some of your neighbors take on their homes. Look at the styles of homes that are built in Marshall. Just looking at the styles – and boy there are plenty of unique styles – of the homes will give you a hint that the people in this city are of a different, unique lot.

This makes the community even more appealing. Your neighbor could be an award-winning rodeo champion or a nationally-known retired chef or a cousin of a professional football player. Who knows who you might be standing behind in the line at Kroger? It could be a real estate mogul or a former Jazz recording artist.

There is nothing wrong with the city of Marshall.

Be proud of your city. There really isn’t anything wrong with the city of Marshall.

I came to Marshall because of family history. I have had my Marshall experience, and appreciate it so much. Now, I am on to my next adventure. I wish you all well. Who knows, we may get together again one day – me and the city of Marshall or me and you.

Until then, wear your Marshall pride.