One of the many things that I?enjoy about my job is a periodic column that I write called “Ask Bobb”.

Readers are invited to send in questions, concerning any subject and it becomes my responsibility to try and find an answer to the question.

Throughout the years, I?have had some interesting questions sent to me and I?have been able to answer many of them. In some cases, I?believe answering the question has had a significant positive effect on our community. I am proud of that contribution.

Recently I?received the following question: “In the almost 20 years that I have lived here, I have seen Blythewood grow from a one stop sign town into a little ‘Big Apple’. It has so much more to offer it's citizens. Winnsboro on the other hand has gone nowhere, even has moved backwards. So here's the question Bobb, What do Blythewood's council members have that Fairfield's council members don't?”

Wow! Now here is a thought - provoking question, I said to myself.

As I leaned back in my chair and pondered the question, I quickly came to the realization that, at least for me, the reader is asking the wrong question.

For me, the real question is why do we in Fairfield County not demand more of our leadership and of ourselves.

If we are not receiving what we think we should from our leadership, why are we not loudly demanding better?

If we are not happy with the behavior of government officials during their meetings, why don’t we speak up loudly and often?

Ultimately, I believe, we have the kind of town, county, state and country that we work for.

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Staff Writer Bobb Hane writes about whatever happens to be on his mind in his weekly column. He can be reached at 635-4016 or email rhane

@heartlandpublications.com