I've felt there are people here who want it gone because of the Norma Rae stigma, which roughly translates into a union stigma when, like Detroit and the auto industry, unions were not the sole cause of the downfall of the textile mills here.

Tuesday night was the first time I've heard in a public setting passionate concern about saving this history and rising past the bitterness the departure of the mills has seemingly caused.

As the city continues its discussions of overhauling its antiquated comprehensive land use plan, it finds itself in a position now to have frank discussions on how to preserve what little is left of the mills and find ways to negotiate a sale of the WestPoint plant and aggressively market it as an industrial showpiece.

It almost seems there has been a rush to forget the history of the textile mills as all that is left of the Patterson mill is the monolithic smokestack and the Rosemary mill has become an eyesore that looks as if it was the victim of Axis bombing raids during World War II.

What happened to the textile industry is a shame but it is what made this city and its history should not be forgotten because when we remember history we find ways to learn from past mistakes and how to move forward.

First and foremost in preserving the textile history is to sign no more deals with the devil to obliterate buildings with a character and appeal that is all their own. If there were to come a time when a new high school is needed, I'm sure the citizens would have plenty to say if there was even a mere thought of putting the wrecking ball to Roanoke Rapids High School, whose school system administrators saw fit to lay the Patterson mill to waste.

Secondly, there needs to be a push to acquire the WestPoint plant and develop a plan to market it as either one whole industrial building or a series of small industries where all utilities, including rail, is within walking distance.

Thirdly, there needs to be an effort to acquire the office building across from the Rosemary mill because that is the site of your textile museum and, yes, there should be one. Also in the third part the city needs to make sure nothing happens to the tower that still stands at the Rosemary plant and devise some plan to save what's left of the once thriving mill.

Fourthly, instead of being demolition happy, the city should help preserve the integrity of the last mill standing by helping its owner seek grant funds, low-interest loans or other means to save it.

Lastly, citizens of Roanoke Rapids should come to grips with the fact while the textile mills have gone, there is hope for a revival with the right planning.

To face history is to face the future with pride and have another chance to do things right — Lance Martin