Keep It Together, Tucker

Ask our Legislature to “Do the Right Thing.”

Protecting and preserving greenspace is my passion. I’ve been an active leader in Tucker parks for six years now, first as Tucker Civic Association’s Parks and Greenspace Chair, and more recently as Coordinator for two Park Pride “Friends of Tucker Parks” groups. I continue my greenspace work now at the county level as District 1 Representative and Secretary of the Citizen’s Advisory Board for DeKalb County’s Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs Department.

My husband and I moved to Tucker 17 years ago, excited about its potential, the downtown Tucker redesign, and the quality of people. Community spirit is alive and well here.

Tucker has always been proactive to make itself a success, such as the Tucker C.I.D., http://tuckercid.com, and the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Lifelong Community Initiative, http://www.atlantaregional.com/aging-resources/lifelong-community-development/emerging-lifelong-communities/tucker, just to name a few.

These divisions in our community we’ve all experienced of late have been a hard pill to swallow. Keep it together, Tucker. We know our community’s story. Feel confident in all of our hard work. Help Georgia’s legislative body understand the importance of our town.

If I may respectfully speak to the Legislators ~ I trust you will do the right thing and acknowledge that Tucker needs to protect itself from the many established and proposed cities around us that want a piece of us. You can’t let an established, beloved area that’s been around since the 1800s fall away into pieces and disappear.  Your legacy as a member of the Georgia General Assembly counts. There are only 14 days left in the 2014 legislative session. Please make it count and help us establish our rightful due.

Personally I believe Lakeside, Briarcliff and Tucker can all exist in some way, shape or form. It doesn’t have to be us and them, it can be we.  But these proposed maps need to be designed with consideration and respect for Tucker’s longstanding neighborhoods, businesses and parks.

It’s been a busy time for Tucker and its residents. And it’s easy to be swayed and confused with so much coming at us from all different directions. React with integrity and listen to your gut instinct.

In closing, I can’t help but to proudly reflect on all the top-notch community events, festivals, and initiatives our town has sponsored. Two years ago I helped the Tucker Historical Society organize Tucker’s 120th Anniversary party at the Tucker Rec Center with Tucker Station String Band performing live on the front steps.  That’s a lot of Tucker love.

We need Cityhood to protect what we love. Remember that. Click www.tucker2014.com and click on “Send a new message” to let the Georgia legislative body know that the community endearingly known as Tucker needs their support.

Pam McNall has written other editorial commentaries as the “Talking Tucker” columnist on the Tucker Patch website.