The last time we gathered, we reflected on where we’ve been and what brought us to where we are today. We looked in the mirror and saw two possibilities: one image of a community blessed with great assets—but one that squandered them—and another of a community with those same assets, ready to start fresh and build back stronger.

Yes, mistakes have been made. But if life has taught us anything, it’s this: mistakes are the only things we can truly call our own. What matters is that we learn from them—and move forward.

Right now, Winn Parish feels adrift. Perhaps we’ve been lost for some time. Too often, we look around for someone or something to blame. But like any addict seeking recovery, the first step is acknowledging the truth: the problem starts with us.

For too long, we’ve allowed petty jealousy, positions of power, race, and social or economic status to divide us. That must end—now. If we are going to move forward, we must do it together. We must be a team, and every single one of us needs to be on that team. You cannot sit on the sidelines, nitpicking and complaining while contributing nothing, and expect anything but more of the same.

Get involved. Ask, “What can I do to help?” President John F. Kennedy was right when he said: “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.” The same principle applies here. So, with that in mind, let’s consider some realities—and some possibilities.

Facing the Future

Government is the largest employer in Winn Parish—and in much of Louisiana. That reality comes with risks. As technology advances, resources shrink, and efficiency becomes the priority, how long can this model last? Will the state continue to fund 72 separate school districts, dozens of police juries, district attorneys, and other local offices indefinitely? Or will consolidation become the only economic option?

This isn’t a new concept. Years ago, Winn Parish was not its own judicial district—it was combined with Grant Parish. That changed for political reasons, not efficiency. Across the state, similar shifts have happened repeatedly.

Even now, we see examples of streamlined governance. East Baton Rouge Parish, for instance, doesn’t have individual mayors or city councils for its towns. Instead, it operates under a single parish government with one council and one leader. Could such a model work in a small, rural parish facing financial challenges like ours? Maybe. At the very least, it’s a question worth asking.

Building Solutions Together

Local organizations—economic development boards, chambers of commerce, advisory committees—can play a huge role in guiding growth. But they need two things: leadership and participation. They need people willing to put in the time and effort.

Here’s the truth: the only bad ideas are the ones that are never shared. If you have an idea, bring it forward—but do so constructively, not critically. Don’t just shout, “We need jobs!”—everyone knows that. Instead, ask how we can create them.

Imagine our parish as a hedge maze. Everyone inside knows the goal is to find the way out. We don’t need leaders who just point out the obvious—we need leaders who ask the right questions: Who? What? When? Where? How? If their answers are vague or evasive—if they say, “I’ll look into that” or “That’s a good question”—they aren’t ready to lead. Real leaders acknowledge problems and bring ideas for solutions.

The Path Ahead

Not every idea will work the first time. Some will fail. That’s part of progress. Edison didn’t invent the light bulb in a day—it took countless attempts. But when that bulb finally lit, the world changed. That’s what persistence does.

We need leaders who can rise above politics, race, and social divides—leaders who unite, not divide.

There’s an old saying I love: “If you want to change your world, change your mind.” So, Winn Parish, let’s change our mindset. Let’s work together for real change. Let’s champion each other—and let’s change our world.

George Moss is a former Winnfield City Mayor now turned columnist. This piece is the third installment of several being shared with the Winn Parish Journal.