Elkin’s support of the parks and recreation system is one of the things that Elkin residents and visitors alike love about this small town.

In making the decision to “shelve” the application for the renovation of the Elkin Municipal Park recreation building, the Elkin Town Board showed respect for the financial burden of the town’s taxpayers.

With the national economy sitting in the worst situation it has faced in years, and the effects beginning to be felt in small towns across America, many municipalities are having to question where and when to spend the available tax dollars to benefit the taxpayers without emptying the bank. As businesses close, tax dollars that would support the programs decrease leaving town boards with difficult decisions to make on what projects to fund and which programs to keep in force.

The board’s decision to wait until the financial future of Elkin is a little more secure is one we support and commend. Numerous small communities could benefit by using the same wisdom and sense of responsibility toward the people that the Elkin board represents.

Elkin’s town board is made up of members of the community with the levelheadedness to hold onto funds that are present and not risk funds not yet received.

Several issues have come before the board that will have to be funded due to federal requirements and state regulations, but trivial expense is not the plan of the elected members of Elkin’s board.

The residents that are affected by the decisions of this board can be assured that the members are also a part of the community and as such look toward the future of the town with a discerning eye toward growth.

The continued involvement with the Golden Leaf and Surry LEAD Projects are programs that will provide the town with additional funding and opportunities that many small towns do not have access to. Members of the board in conjunction with the Elkin Economic Development Committee visit local businesses to show their support and learn more about the business and the owners. The committee supports local businesses and the impact they have on the town. By visiting and learning, they are better informed when discussing growth issues and needs in the area that will impact the same businesses in a positive manner.

Elkin residents can be confident  in the leaders chosen to represent them. Issues are discussed and plans made that will benefit the town in the best way possible by intelligent minds that have a great interest in the future of the town.