COVID disrupted this whole nation and Midland. As a father, I saw my son’s senior year spent at home behind a computer sometimes well into the night to complete school homework and projects. His parking spot at Midland Lee left only with the black paint that we started covering the paint from before. I remember him asking me, “Dad will I be able to walk the stage for graduation?”
I looked at him and told him, “Yes,” as I knew we would bounce back from the pandemic.
He missed his school friends, but he never lost focus on making sure he did his work because graduation was on the horizon. Focus was on the mind of my son and many in Midland. We were accustomed to the highs and lows of the oil economy, but we did not expect a double whammy.
I, as many, worried about my oil and gas production company and its survival. I adjusted my company and prepared myself of what was to come. I saw business acquaintances lose their companies, and I went from 150 employees to 60 in two weeks. In Midland and West Texas, we are survivors. I saw the community come together to help each other, support each other and full of faith.
During the COVID pandemic, I had a calling to get more involved in my community, and I ran for an elected position on the Midland College board of trustees. This election called for creative ways to get my name out there, as knocking on doors and visiting with the citizens face to face proved difficult because of social distancing. I was proud of our campaign as I was victorious in winning a position on the board of a jewel in our community that has such a special place in my heart and the Carrasco family.
Workforce training has never been so important for Midland College. We learned that during downturns we must be able to teach those at home or those who are unemployed to explore a new type of career or advanced training. The advantages of having such a great community college here in Midland stand true. The board, administration and all staff at Midland College will continue to prepare young minds and adults for the future.
As I sit in my office looking out to the north at Loop 250, I see more traffic and life. As a commissioner on the city’s Planning and Zoning Board, I see an increase of new businesses, new planned developments and expansion of businesses coming to Midland. In May, I sat at “The State of Midland” which Bobby Burns and the Midland Chamber of Commerce presented as one of their great pillars of programs and saw a sold-out program. With the top leaders of the major taxing entities on stage, they once again assured us that Midland was ready to get back to business and push forward.
Midland has so many positive things to look forward to. New and up-and-coming leadership in the community is happening, and we need more of this to give Midlanders what they want and need. Getting involved in our community is so important. There are city boards, committees and non-profit boards that need our help and input. Our current city and county leadership needs us to support and work with them for the common good of Midland. The new Centennial Park and micro-markets have brought a new life to downtown. The joy of seeing families coming together downtown is wonderful. The need to unify as community has never been so important as we continue to bring outdoor life, new economic opportunities and expansion upon our great oil economy to Midland.
I know it is hard to make everyone happy, but we cannot move this community forward without strong leadership and especially the support of its citizens. Midlanders have always stuck together, and it is our time to push this beautiful city forward together! God Bless Midland and ADELANTE (move forward)!
The Reporter-Telegram has asked community leaders to provide their opinions about what they believe the community's priorities should be as the COVID pandemic comes to a close. This is another in that series.
"Opinion" - Google News
July 10, 2021 at 08:55AM
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Opinion: Midland is ready to push forward - Midland Reporter-Telegram
"Opinion" - Google News
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