I recently moved to Cumberland, a little over a year ago. I came in response to a job offered in the Hagerstown Paper. Being from the Hagerstown area, the job appealed to me on several levels. It was close to my family, a small business that I felt that I could contribute to, and of course my first trip over the mountain sold me on its beauty. In fact, a year later I am still amazed at the mountainous terrain I now call home.
 
 The Downtown Mall was quiet on my first visit, but I couldn't help but be enchanted by the brick streets and beautiful architecture. The potential practically screamed in my ears. So many wonderful little towns had these very same features. . .what was the problem here? Could the people here not see the gem they held in their midst? Where were the specialty shops, coffee places, department stores, offices and most of all, the people?
 
 Since I've been here so many varieties of people tell me how prosperous Cumberland "used to be." "This used to be the second largest city in Maryland"; "All the major corporations were based here"; "The downtown used to be hustle and bustle"; "Rocky Gap Music Festival used to be THE concert to go to."
 
 It's good to be proud of your past. It's even good to talk about it. But what's not good is to live in it. Cumberland is none of the things it used to be. Nor should it be. It's a new millenium, a new age in industry and economy.
 
 When I announced my move to Cumberland the response from people who knew the area was mostly negative. "WHY would you move there?" My father told me, "It's a depressed area with nothing to offer someone your age. There's no future, and there's no money to be made." Even a local hairdresser told me in a whisper "it's a dying town."
 
 To the person who asks where we would be without Cas Taylor - I respond with young, fresh eyes. I'm a college graduate, and have lived in thriving communities. This community IS dying. I'm lucky to have found a job - right place, right time. But, the potential I saw a year ago is fading.
 
 With so many technical advancements, surely there are companies willing to locate here. Where is Cumberland's piece of the pie? Where are the jobs and paychecks to boost this soon-to-be ghost town? $5.15 an hour selling tickets at the new ampitheatre won't sustain a family.
 
 To not hold politicians accountable for the loss of big business in the community is absurd. To not hold them accountable for the loss of 10% of the population is inexcusible. If they're doing such a good job, WHERE are the people going? Could the layperson have persuaded The Kelly to stay? No, probably not. But our politicians might be able to persuade other companies like The Kelly to locate here if they focus on that task.
 
 Where would you be without Cas Taylor? I'm not sure. I only know where you are with him. And that's a town that no one respects. Outsiders may see the physical beauty of Allegany County - but too many only see it as depressed, unattractive, with no future and a slowing pulse.
 
 Isn't it time for the potential to shine through? Starting with new business, new blood and heaven forbid - new leadership?
 
 I'm young, I'm inspired and I'm outraged that anyone in this community is o.k. with "used to be."
 
 I'm ready for someone to represent and respect my generation of exciting, intelligent thinkers - and I'll do my part to make that happen.
 
 Sincerely,
 Allison Hall
 Cumberland
 
 1/22/01