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On Sunday, Dec. 3, Luke Combs will bring his heartfelt country melodies to Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, with fans enthusiastically singing along to “The Back 40 Back.” While this concert promises to be a night to remember, it also serves as a poignant reminder of the disparity between our entertainment choices and our civic responsibilities.
In Westfield, the Northpoint II development is a real-life reflection of Combs’ lyrics about the loss of rural landscapes. As fans don their cowboy boots and immerse themselves in the music, I urge them to carry the soul of a country music fan beyond the concert venue and into the realm of community engagement.
It’s one thing to post a picture on Instagram in cowboy attire, and quite another to embody the spirit of country music, which often champions rural values and a connection to the land. The Northpoint II development, with its questionable rezoning procedures, is a critical example of why we need to be vigilant and engaged in local decision-making processes.
I encourage the people of Westfield to delve deeper into the Northpoint II development and to reach out to Mayor-Elect Scott Willis and other officials. It’s crucial that we, as a community, keep a close eye on our local government’s actions and ensure they align with our values and the preservation of our agricultural heritage.
This concert is more than just entertainment; it’s a call to action. Let the lyrics of “The Back 40 Back” be a reminder of our duty to support our farmers and safeguard our rural landscapes. Let’s transform our admiration for country music into active participation in our community’s future.
If we don’t take a stand, the very essence of what makes Hamilton County unique – its rural charm and farmlands – might soon be relegated to the past.
Clifton J. Hackman
Westfield