By Mayor George Evans
The Selma Times-Journal

As we gather this week with our friends and family, let us give thanks for our many blessings.

As a city, we have come though many challenges. This year, we lost two major retailers. The economic recovery that is taking hold elsewhere in the state and around the country has been slow coming to Selma. But there are signs of progress. Businesses are hiring. New construction is underway. The housing market is picking up and values are rising. If these trends continue, our future looks very bright.

Next year, Selma will welcome thousands of visitors as we commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery marches and the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Selma. We have a tremendous opportunity to showcase our beautiful historic city as well and our wonderful people.

The management team at the St. James Hotel is making renovations and working hard to restore its image. The city has resumed work on the amphitheater with completion projected in time for all the festivities. The National Park Service has installed the beginnings of a world-class exhibit at the Selma Interpretive Center. A few days ago, the first of a series of historic plaques marking the Civil War trail in Dallas County was unveiled.

And what about having scenes from the movie, ‘Selma’, filmed right here? We’ve played host to presidents and congressmen and dignitaries from around the world. But this summer we played host to Oprah! How exciting was that? I know I had a great time and hope you all did too. In case you haven’t heard, ‘Selma,’ the movie, is scheduled for release in January and is getting great reviews and Academy Awards talk. That’s good for us. Not only will the movie help to tell our story but the attention will bring visitors and much needed tourism dollars to our city.

As mayor, I want to thank the dedicated city employees who strived to do the best job for our citizens every single day. I want to thank the city council members and the elected officials at every level who worked to better our city, county, state and nation. I want to thank the many individuals, organizations and businesses who provided goods and services to our community, to the educators in our public and private schools and colleges who imparted their knowledge, to the volunteers who donated their time and efforts to worthy causes, to the civic and cultural organizations and institutions that sponsored events that informed and entertained us and enhanced our quality of life, and to the health care providers for their dedication and commitment to our wellbeing. Lastly, I want to give thanks to our spiritual leaders and houses of worship that uplifted our spirits and fed our souls.

As you celebrate Thanksgiving, please remember to reach out to those in our community who are less fortunate, to give gratitude for the police, firefighters and first responders who keep us safe, and to pray for the brave men and women at home and abroad who are serving to safeguard our freedoms.

In closing, I urge you to shop local this weekend! Retail sales taxes provide most of the revenues in the city’s budget. And because small businesses are the lifeblood of our community, please patronize the specialty stores and boutiques located downtown and around the city on Small Business Saturday and every day. Wishing you a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving,