What will become of Selma? What will our city — the place we call home — look like in 10 years? What about 20?

It is this kind of forward thinking we have always challenged our elected leaders to look at when making decisions. It is the future we are often most concerned about.

But, it is that future that is being put at risk by the decisions of today.

It is not just the home that is robbed by a wayward juvenile or delinquent; part of this city’s future is also robbed.

It is not just the person who is assaulted at an illegally operated club who feels the pain, but the potential our city has in attracting residents, businesses and industries.

That is why the crackdown by city law enforcement and code enforcement divisions is so crucial right now.

There must be an urgency on the part of those in charge to do what is necessary to curb violence, crack down on those violating city codes and reducing the number of so-called “crime hot spots” within the city limits.

In the coming weeks, through the events tied to the annual Bridge Crossing Jubilee and the historic Pilgrimage, Selma will welcome thousands upon thousands of visitors. It is these visitors who are now becoming a much-larger player in driving our local economy.

These visitors will help shape the future of Selma, and we must work to make these visitors fell right at home.

Selma has all the potential in the world if we can agree we succeed together or fail divided. We are one Selma, whether we act like it or not.

Let this initiative on the part of our city leaders give us the start we need to shape a better, more vibrant Selma.