The Growing Frustration With Local Leadership

By Sophia Fragale

If you are from Cameron County, you know that many people view the county as two distinct areas: Emporium and “Down County.” Residents take pride in their communities, traditions and independence. But that independence can also make change difficult and cooperation across township lines even harder.

Each township has its own identity and priorities. Communities often operate independently, and the idea of working together for the good of the entire county gets lost along the way. We share a county, but we don’t always act like it.

ATVs are a familiar sight throughout Cameron County. Riders bring their machines from larger communities to enjoy local riding opportunities. ATVs can be seen at gas stations, on established trails and traveling through Driftwood on the way to the Saloon.

The interest is here. The riders are here. Businesses see them. Yet Cameron County still lacks an established network of trails connecting communities throughout the county and linking riders to neighboring counties. The interest in outdoor recreation is obvious. So why haven’t we done more with it?

Bobby’s Run Club is one example of what can happen when people share a common interest. Its members gather to enjoy riding while raising money for charitable causes. They have built a community around their sport and shown that ATV riding can also be a way to give back.

We have seen similar efforts through Dice Runs over the years. Organizations bring people together to travel from place to place in Jeeps, motorcycles and other vehicles. These events attract participants and bring visitors into the area.

Yet concerns about drinking and driving are often raised as an argument against expanding ATV riding opportunities. That concern should be taken seriously, regardless of the vehicle involved. No one should operate an ATV, Jeep, motorcycle or snowmobile while impaired.

But where is that same concern when other motorized activities are welcomed?

Last winter, when snowmobilers were able to travel through the county, people praised the influx of visitors and the business they brought to town. The focus was on the economic benefits. The potential for impaired riding does not disappear simply because the vehicle or season changes.

There is nothing wrong with Dice Runs or welcoming snowmobilers. These activities bring people together and support local businesses. But if similar concerns are applied differently to ATV riders, it is fair to ask why.

This is where township supervisors need to take a closer look at what is happening, or perhaps more accurately, what is not happening. Developing a connected trail system would require planning, landowner cooperation and attention to safety. Those challenges are real, but they should lead to discussion and solutions, not endless inaction.

A single event may bring visitors for a day. A connected trail system could give them reasons to return throughout the year.

Cameron County has the riders, the visitors, the businesses and the people willing to volunteer. What seems to be missing is a collective effort to turn that interest into something lasting.

Township supervisors don’t have to agree on everything. They do need to look beyond their own boundaries and consider what could benefit the entire county.

Cameron County is too small to keep acting like a collection of separate communities. The potential is here. We will see if anything happens before trails are built around us and we are no longer considered a possibility.

Food for thought.