Who Gets to Belong in Columbia County?

Recently, an opinion article made the rounds claiming that Columbia County needs to "slow growth"—not because of infrastructure or planning concerns, but because of who is moving in. Families in apartments. Renters. Lower-income households. People who might not vote the way the author prefers.

The piece argued that Columbia County’s changing demographics are a threat to its values, safety, and schools. It implied that certain people—based on income, housing type, or voting history—don’t belong here.

Let’s be clear: that’s not just misguided. It’s harmful.

Your ZIP code shouldn’t determine your worth—or your child’s future. But in America, it often does. Educational access, healthcare outcomes, even life expectancy are tightly linked to where you live. And when we act like only homeowners or high earners deserve access to good schools and safe neighborhoods, we’re reinforcing the very cycles of poverty and segregation that keep communities divided.

Columbia County is growing. That’s not something to fear. That’s an opportunity. Growth means new ideas, new energy, and yes—new voters. And instead of asking how we can stop change, we should be asking how we can shape it into something more just, inclusive, and forward-thinking.

Many of the families moving here—yes, including renters—are doing exactly what we say we want people to do. They’re working hard. They’re looking for better schools. They’re trying to build a better life for their kids. Isn’t that what the American dream is supposed to be?

If Columbia County is shifting blue, it’s not because of an apartment complex. It’s because more people are waking up to the idea that communities thrive when we invest in everyone. That fair wages, affordable housing, strong public schools, and healthcare access help all of us. And more than that—people are realizing that these values aren't just good policy. They're practical. They're stabilizing. They reduce crime, create jobs, and build resilience. Investing in people creates stronger local economies, a healthier population, and more engaged communities.

People are tired of being told that their hopes for a better life are a threat to someone else’s comfort. They're tired of a system that blames working families for structural problems instead of solving them. And they’re tired of leaders who talk about 'values' while ignoring the ones that really matter—dignity, fairness, and opportunity.

So let’s stop treating people like problems and start treating them like neighbors.

We’re building a community where everyone belongs.