Although I am not a Fayette County native, I have lived here longer than I have lived in any other place in the world. I once told my husband that when he retired he could live any place in the world, but if he wanted to live with me it would be in Fayette County. And here we are.

During the time that I have lived here, along with the rest of my family, there have been many changes. Some good, some not so good.

I have read countless complaints from old Fayette County folks decrying developers and big-box stores. Yet, every time a big box store opens people flock to it.

Yes, they are cheaper, but here’s the thing, folks: If we want to take back Fayette County; if we want to keep the down-home feel, we have to put our money where our mouths are.

WE have to support those old Fayette family enterprises.

If you love Fayette County, go to Andy’s Garden Center this Saturday and buy a plant or two. Go to the local hardware store and buy a new hammer, go to any of the other family owned businesses around here, and buy something. Then go back again and buy something else!

Like everyone else, these small business folks are in trouble, and the big banks don’t give a hoot for what we want for our county. If we don’t support the local businesses in Fayette County, they will fail, and our county will suffer for it.

Think of the impact if everyone in Fayette County bought just one thing from a local business.

Come on people, Let’s do it!

Eleanor J. Sanderson

Fayetteville, Ga.