It is great to finally see cooperation between Corbin and London

One of the most pleasing headlines we have had in this newspaper came last week when it read, “A United Front: Mayors Pledge Cooperation.”

Don Estep is publisher of the News Journal.

It was a story about Corbin and London coming together after decades of rivalry over the property along the Cumberland Parkway, off I-75 Exit 29 in what we refer to as North Corbin.

As I look back and ask, what if that terrible law, that was passed decades ago and did not allow annexation into a third county, prohibiting Corbin from annexing into Laurel County, had not been passed? Then, that area would now be one of the most thriving business areas in southeastern Kentucky. Instead, development has been held back for years. Both Laurel County and the City of Corbin have lost no telling how much revenue because of that legislation.

Now we can put that behind us, because London Mayor Randall Weddle and Corbin Mayor Suzie Razmus, along with others involved, have done the right thing. As Razmus said, “When we lock arms and start working together, we will amaze each other and our whole region.”

What if the world had that attitude? What if Putin laid down his arms and Israel and Palestine were at peace? Plus, China not threatening to take Taiwan and everybody getting along? We know it is not going to happen, but if those of us locally can work together for the good of all, then our region will progress.

Over 36 years ago I worked at the Sentinel-Echo newspaper in London. I never had a problem, and I made so many good friends. But it was at that time when the location of the new Baptist Hospital was being determined. I attended meetings both in London and Corbin. The competition was harsh, and many bad attitudes were formed. This decision on the Exit 29 property shows that attitudes have changed for the better.

As long as I can remember, Corbin and Williamsburg have been good neighbors. I think we can now add London to the group. The towns can still compete for business, the sports teams will still have rivalries, but when it is all over we can still be good neighbors. Congratulations to all involved, this was a giant step forward!

Congratulations to former Corbin Mayor Scott Williamson for being selected as the new City Manager to replace Marlon Sams, who is retiring.

I would like to see Sams go out in a blaze of glory by announcing that Kentucky Street will be paved this summer. I have written about this so many times it is kind of like one of those things that I wondered if it would happen in my lifetime.

I had the same thoughts about the paving of Gordon Hill and the settlement at Exit 29. I know at some time in the future Kentucky Street will be milled and paved. The right time for the state to do it is this summer!