The following is a letter to the editor written by Dena Martens of Wellington. 

To the editor: Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against Cowley County Community College. In fact, our daughter in currently enrolled at CCCC.  There is a wonderful program that CCCC offers to the Wellington High School to all of the high schools in Sumner County.  It is called Fast Track. FastTrack at Cowley College is a dual enrollment program that provides an opportunity for eligible high school students to start earning college credit prior to graduating from high school.   (www.cowley.edu/dual) 

We were excited about this program and attended a parents meeting regarding this.  They covered all our questions. We were very impressed.  Sadly, there was only a handful of parents present.  We paid the $598 tuition. Those credits will transfer with her to K-State! What an excellent opportunity.

Now, hear are my problems: 

1.  CCCC will not officially commit to building a satellite here in Wellington unless we vote yes.

2.  If the  idea / desire is so great, why are they not investing their money and time?

3.  The words, might, if, possible and when are not words I wish to hear regarding my taxes. This also includes the eight new “opportunities” that might come here if we pass the vote.  Otherwise, they have no interest in Wellington).

4. As a business owner, I am saddened that not one person contacted our company on how this project would benefit us, or how we could  help CCCC.

5. The majority of all this new money will not stay in Wellington, nor Sumner County

My main concern is…. Our Smalls.  Most of you know I am passionate about supporting our local and neighboring Smalls.  If the City of Wellington, Chamber of Commerce and the Sumner County Economic Development would put in half of much time, energy and money in helping to support, promote and grow the businesses (Smalls) that are  have already invested their blood, sweat and tears into Wellington, then the other business will come to invest in us. 

I watch other businesses struggle to stay afloat. I watch them close their doors.  They are not just businesses, they are friends and neighbors.  I watch a new business struggle to get things ready, robbing Peter to pay Paul.  There is no offers of help. No one is running out to offer them a half cent sales tax, no one is offering them anything.  When we opened our business,  just getting a simple answer was like pulling teeth.  We did it on our own.

If Wellington does not believe in what is already here, WHY ask us to support something that in not local?

I know there are argument, examples.. blah blah blah to prove my reasons incorrect, but just think about it.  Progress and growth needs to start at home. 

Dena Martens

Wellington.

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