A Little Kindness
By Joe Rector
Yes, our community is still in the middle of construction on the new Schaad Road. Our neighborhood road is at the beginning of the detour. Then, the new way empties traffic onto a narrow, one-lane road. Several eighteen-wheel rigs have traveled over these roads, and we’re lucky no major accidents have occurred. The Ball Camp community is nearing its collective wits’ end. That’s why we requested a meeting that would answer questions.
The office of Knox County Public Works sent a small army to meet the public at the elementary school. Things didn’t start well for those attending. They had to walk through a polling place set up in the library. The road gathering was being held in the gym at the far end of the building.
Some residents came “loaded for bear” and ready to verbalize their grievances. The public works employees were well prepared. They listened to individuals who hated the whole program and wished the road had never been built. Others complained that deliveries from companies never came because drivers couldn’t find a way to reach customers’ houses. No matter how angry residents became, Mr. Jim Snowden, the leader of the KCPW, was polite and remained low-key. He patiently answered everyone’s questions, even if he’d already answered a question several times. Other folks who came with him fanned out in the crowd and followed his lead. Sure, a couple of people were overcome by anger and expressed their displeasure with curse words intermingled with their comments.
The truth of the matter is that the KCPW’s team proved itself to be loaded with shining stars. They had already put in a long workday before coming to our meeting. These hours were overtime, and I don’t think the workers were paid. The politeness and attention to individuals eased tensions. Most of us were surprised by the professionalism and kindness that the team exhibited.
An updated map was taped to the walls of the gym. Residents could find their homes and how they sat in relationship to the new road. Most were concerned about the placement of red lights, and Snowden gave that information. At the same time, he was open to suggestions for lights and other changes or additions.
I’ve experienced the same kind of treatment at the county clerk’s satellite office in Cedar Bluff. The guard at the door is a mixture of motherly love and teacher. She is kind and helpful, but she can easily handle any hothead who crosses the threshold. The entire staff takes care of a variety of services, and they do so in a quick way that always ends with a “thank you.” At times, the waiting room is filled, and some folks grow testy. That hateful attitude never seems to affect the employees. They remain kind. I always leave the place thankful for the service and kindness I’ve received.
It’s fashionable to belittle governmental offices and their staff. I won’t take part in such behavior. My experiences with the clerk’s office and the KCPW staff have given me faith in our local government agencies. The next time you visit one of these places, thank them for their assistance and kindness. Too often, those people only hear the ravings of irate customers. A little kindness goes a long way.
