It’s finally above forty degrees in Anderson and you desperately need a day out. With a push from some friends and maybe a nudge from a commercial, you decide to visit the infamous downtown, but what is there to do? Today I explored the endless solutions to such a case of “what to do” with my fellow Junior Leadership classmates. Now, there’s always a delicious breakfast and some conversation to start a brilliant day, which undoubtedly began at the Chamber of Commerce with Mr. Juan Johnson. With a leading presentation on diversity, I was shocked to learn that humanity in fact made up the term “race”. There is no proof of “race” in DNA. So why is diversity important? In fact, diversity is what makes each and every one of my JLA classmates so unique and interesting. Whether it be that they play golf or that they’re bilingual, each person has their own distinct story. After such heartwarming discussion, some were given the opportunity to sit in the same seats as our own city council members. Yes, the actual chairs! I nearly fell out of my own chair at Mr. Newton’s mention of the approximate $58 million budget given to Anderson every year. Moreover, how do the city population's tax dollars contribute to that? Most of those millions actually come from independent businesses as well as the $1.8 million from the housing of federal prisoners downtown. Indeed, federal prisoners. So, what other hidden things lay in the shadows? Turn a corner to find yourself a gorgeous wren, but make sure not to run into dear old Mr. Whitner. Notorious for bringing Anderson electricity and specifically the first street lights, Mr. Whitner is responsible for the “Electric City” title. During your stroll, make sure to thank Chief Stewart for monitoring the dominating vehicle related crimes. Furthermore, talk to that fellow in the corner standing alone. Their story may just shock you.
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