by Gabe Donio

The public decides what it wants, and what it wants is Hammonton.
No one can really dictate what the public wants, or when it wants it. But when the public decides it backs something, it is an unstoppable force.
Not nearly unstoppable, mind you.
Not almost unstoppable.
Unstoppable.
Right now, at the moment you are reading these words, Hammonton is more wanted by the public than at any point in its history. The intersection at this point in time of completed projects, projects that are underway, civic pride, planning and execution, media coverage and unprecedented access to the community through technological advancements have created an awareness of Hammonton that has never existed prior to the current era.
Despite a recession, construction continues, new businesses open and people purchase homes. What sort of aggressive push should we anticipate when the overall economy is strong again?
The public decides what it wants.
Think about popular movies, television shows, Facebook, clothing, music or a place to live and raise a family – no one can tell the public what to like, and what not to like.
It doesn’t matter how often one beats a drum. If they’re preaching, and no one’s listening, they aren’t going to make a difference.
People make up their own minds.
They have made up their minds about Hammonton, and the results are concrete. They can be seen in the population reversal that was made from 1980 to 2010. A shrinking population from 1980 to 1990 in this town was reversed, and increased. The average age dropped down to 39, and the community became vibrant and alive, committed to renewing the place and making it better than it had ever been.
New residents entered the local scene and have made a positive difference. The combination of longtime and new Hammontonians helped turn the tide of history in the community. People of every age group became involved in the process.
Like a new restaurant opening on the first day, waiters at the tables, glasses above the knives at each place setting, napkins folded atop the dishes, the town was ready for patrons. Would they come?
Today we know the answer. The public decides what it wants, and what it wants is Hammonton. They are in the restaurants, in the Eagle Theatre, in the stores. They are buying homes, joining churches, sitting at club meetings, playing with other kids in sports like the Hammonton Youth Soccer Association, the Little League or the Hawks.
Hammonton is in demand, and each month makes the town a little more than it was the month before it.
That’s what happens when the public decides it wants you.
Get used to the feeling, Hammonton. They’re going to want us for a long, long time.

Gabe Donio is the publisher of The Gazette.