This is “my view” regarding the “My View” piece in the January 18, 2023, Monticello News titled “Golf Carts.” While I agree with the columnist’s premise of using golf carts to safely maneuver around the streets of downtown Monticello in lieu of driving a car to save gas, she was pointing out the benefit of using electric golf carts versus driving an electric car, but what immediately popped into my mind while reading the piece was, “Why not walk to where you want to go if you live in the downtown area?” Why not walk instead of driving even a golf cart?
Now I know some of you maybe can’t walk too far at a time, and driving a golf cart is an option instead of a car, but I see far too many people driving their golf carts around downtown Monticello, even with a dog next to them, when they could be walking from their home to the post office, shopping in one of our downtown stores, meeting a friend for lunch, or taking in a show at the Opera House. I’ve even seen a young lady with young children on a golf cart and a dog running behind. I thought, really? What happened to the concept of “walking” your dog? That way everyone benefits.
After all, we all could use a little more exercise and not get in the habit of just cruising around town on a golf cart. Doing so most likely will lead to not being able to walk distances as you age, and a golf cart may not always be an option. Or if you feel you must, at least park your golf cart and walk around downtown rather than driving it from one storefront to another. Ask yourself, “Is the convenience now more important than my overall mobility and health long term?”
This piece also reminded me of when I lived in Aucilla Shores for 14 years and used to walk the dusty, dirt roads to get some exercise. I would occasionally see a homeowner riding their lawn mower down their drive to retrieve their mail in lieu of taking a walk down their drive and back.
Signed,
Lynn Stafford,
Downtown Resident, who loves the convenience
of living close enough to walk to most places around town.