Jasper had an opportunity. It had the chance to build an economic development board filled with citizens who bring real-world experience, business knowledge, and fresh ideas to the table. Instead of embracing that opportunity, leadership chose to keep things exactly as they’ve been.

This isn’t just about positions on a board — it’s about the people who were nominated. These individuals weren’t just random selections; they represent talent, diverse perspectives, and a chance to create a truly collaborative JEDCO. Their experiences could have strengthened local economic development, bringing new ideas and expertise to help Jasper thrive.

Everybody knows that JEDCO presents itself as an open door for ideas — a place where citizens can share their visions for Jasper’s future. But when it comes to actually allowing a new team to lead, that openness disappears. Instead of embracing the fresh perspectives that could push Jasper forward, leadership chose to remain locked in the familiar, unwilling to pass the torch to those who could bring innovation, collaboration, and new energy.

Because of the last few days and seeing the exposure of how things truly run, my focus turned to Councilman DeMarcus Holmes and his vote on the matter. I knew Holmes was out of town, and honestly, I wasn’t sure if he would be present at the meeting. But he was brought in on a Zoom call so he could participate. He had some technical difficulties at the start, but they were quickly resolved.

I don’t know Holmes personally, but his reputation precedes him — a good old country working man, a “one of us” type of person. He’s been on the council longer than anyone, and that kind of longevity makes moments like this feel even more significant. If anyone understood the need for fresh voices, it should have been him.

But that hope was quickly shattered when he voted for the status quo.

Maybe Holmes didn’t fully grasp the gravity of the situation, being out of town and working hard as he often does. Or perhaps there were lingering technical difficulties that influenced his decision. But it’s hard to imagine someone so down-to-earth, so connected to the community, not wanting other Jasper citizens to have a say. Holmes had the chance to leave last night’s meeting as a hero — someone who stood for change and progress.

Instead, his vote wasn’t just another checkmark in the system — it was a choice to preserve control, to ignore talent, and to shut the door on meaningful change. In that moment, Holmes had the chance to break the cycle, to side with fresh leadership, and to push Jasper toward something better. But he didn’t.

Holmes probably won’t see this, but the reality remains — he still has the ability to take a stand. He could call another special meeting, readdress the issue, and choose to vote for the people. Whether he takes that stand or continues to uphold the entrenched system is his personal crossroad.

Jasper deserves leadership that sees the value in its own people — that recognizes the talent within the community and allows it to shine. The citizens of Jasper shouldn’t forget this moment, because missed opportunities like this don’t just slow down progress — they ensure that the same problems will continue, unchecked.