The Chesterfield County Economic Development office has a good problem. Phones are ringing and we are able to provide hope to the people that are calling. People (mostly from Pageland) are calling in hopes of a job with National Choice Bakery. That’s why recent comments about not needing or not wanting jobs in Pageland leaves me dumbfounded.
This leads to a point. What has been noticeable about the citizens against progress is that none of those speaking out actually needs a job. What about the citizens of Pageland that do need to work? Is anyone speaking for them?
Pageland Demographics (US Census)
Under 5 years — 7.9%
10-19 years — 21.2%
20-64 years — 55.4%
65-& over — 15.5%
Median age is 33.8 Years of Age
These demographics tell me that the majority of Pageland consists of working age citizens and that almost 30% more (ages 0-19) are dependent on that source of income. It appears that very few of Pageland’s citizens are actually being heard. A town’s fate lies in its young people and if the town is not concerned with jobs, then they will move away. Even worse, when young people don’t have opportunities, they turn to crime and often their next home is jail. When a town draws a circle around the perimeter and firmly states it does not want growth, it faces certain death! And finally, after the town loses its appeal, the only people willing to move in are certainly not the ones you would like to see in Pageland.
If the commercial and industrial revenue were eliminated (or even reduced) from the town’s budget, then all expenses for the town of Pageland would fall on the remaining citizens of Pageland.
n I am not promoting growth merely for the sake of growth nor to benefit the County. The last time I checked, Pageland is a part of Chesterfield County and I try extremely hard to represent all citizens equally!
n I don’t envision “hi-rises” in Pageland although I would like to see quality affordable housing for the citizens
n I would like to see good jobs for all citizens to support a better quality of life.
One of the main issues in our national, state and local economies is that our working class sector is NOT growing at a sustainable level to support services for the younger & older citizens. The working class group must grow and have jobs in order to survive and ultimately to support education and senior citizens.
Although there are some citizens satisfied with life “as is” in Pageland, there are many more who are not. I think it is crucial to point out that nothing stays “as is” – change is coming and the town can plan & reap the benefits or let the town shrivel and die. It is time for ALL of the citizens of Pageland to let your voices be heard.
What we have here is truly a line of Dominos, and you are tipping over the first one here in Pageland.
Cherry G. McCoy,
executive director,
Chesterfield County Economic Development
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