Last week, Fairfield County asked residents to share input on the future of our community.

That’s a positive step. It means conversations are happening and plans are being shaped with public involvement in mind.

But one detail stood out to me:

One of the community input sessions for Ridgeway was held during normal working hours.

That timing matters, because many people simply couldn’t be there. And whether we realize it or not, decisions keep moving forward even when we’re not in the room.

The county has identified four major priorities right now: infrastructure, public services and safety, business growth, and housing. In everyday terms, that means roads and water, emergency response, jobs, and places for people to live. These aren’t abstract ideas. They affect our daily lives.

So the question becomes:

How are working people supposed to participate if the conversations are happening while they’re on the job?

Most folks I know aren’t skipping work to attend meetings. They’re teaching, coaching, driving, caregiving, working shifts, or running small businesses. Civic engagement shouldn’t be a luxury only people with flexible schedules can afford.

I’m not trying to blame anyone; I just think it’s important to be honest.

If participation mostly comes from those who can easily attend daytime meetings, then the full voice of the community isn’t always heard.

That’s where I think we can do better together.

If meetings can’t always come to us, we can still come together in places we already gather—church fellowship halls, school cafeterias, gym lobbies, local restaurants —anywhere people feel comfortable talking honestly about what they want for their town.

If that’s something you’re interested in, I’m willing to help organize it. Just let me know.

Once we’re clear among ourselves, we can take those conversations to our elected officials with a unified voice. After all, they work for the community, not the other way around.

And let’s be realistic.

Growth is coming. Columbia and Charlotte are expanding, and that growth brings money with it.

Money has influence, but it’s not the only power that matters. Community input, policies, and local laws help shape how growth happens and who it benefits. When people are informed and organized, change doesn’t just happen to them—they help guide it.

There is strength in numbers. There is power in paying attention.

Change is coming whether we like it or not. The real question is whether we help shape it now or react to it later.

My encouragement is simple:

Go to the meetings you can.

If you can’t go, send someone you trust and ask them to report back.

If you can’t send someone, send me. I’ll go and share what I hear.

I say this as someone juggling the same responsibilities as many of you. I teach. I coach.

I work. I still try to show up because I care about Ridgeway and I care about Fairfield County.

This isn’t a demand; it’s an invitation.

What do you want Fairfield County to protect?

What do you want it to grow into?

What do you hope never changes?

You can find me in person around town or shoot me a message on Facebook. Let’s keep the conversation going.

Kenny Robertson, an educator and comedian, is a native of Ridgeway.