Affton Is My Underdog....and I Love! Dogs

There has been heavy discussion recently on The Patch about what this sweet town of Unincorporated Affton needs to make it more attractive, fresher, or simply put, a more appealing place to visit and reside.
I have lived in Affton for eight years, worked here for nine, and have a couple of investment properties here as well. 
I do not claim to be an expert on Affton.  A lot of people have lived here for 30 plus years.  In my eyes, those are the experts.  I also consider Joan and Larry experts.  They have given us a lot of great information about where Affton has been and where we are going to attempt to go. 
I do, however, have an interest in Affton's survival and growth as I have a lot invested in the community.
I have degrees in Mass Communications and Marketing.  I own two small businesses.  One is nine years old the other business is two.  I have learned a great deal about running a business thru trial and error and I have vowed to succeed simply by learning from all my mistakes, and so far I haven't run out of those. 
I actually moved to Affton to be close to my job.  If I hit the green light, I am 2 1/2 minutes away from my place of employment.  I found the move to be an intelligent one, since most of working Americans spend a lot of time on the road trying to get to the office. 
The funny thing, the only other aspect I demanded prior to moving here was to find out about the school districts.  Were the Affton schools respected?  The answer was a resounding yes!.   I do not have children, but I knew as long as the education system was viewed well, then I felt I'd never have a problem selling when the time came.
OK, Affton gave me a quick trip to work (check) and a quality school system (check), I never really entertained anything else.
Now, being in my mid-forties and my financial advisor is constantly talking retirement, I am finding a growing concern about where I reside.  I need my house to grow in value, I need my investment property values to grow as well to help ensure me that retirement is even an option.  More superficially, I want to live in a town that is fun, exciting, and a place my friends want to come visit me.
Here is where I stand today. All my friends have moved to Kirkwood and I find myself inviting them out to dinner in Kirkwood.  Just this week, I invited them to Billy G's.  A few weeks ago to Bar Louie's and Dewey's is always a favorite option of mine.  As a matter of fact, I am in Kirkwood so much they are all asking "Why do you not live here?"  My answer stays consistent "I live close to work, we are focusing on paying down our mortgage,  we have nice neighbors on a quiet street, why fix something that isn't broken?"
They do all have large beautiful homes, great yards, most don't have to park in the street and several friends are within walking distance of the wonderful farmer's market, some very nice restaurants, and a quiet place to just have a nice cup of coffee.
I will stay in Affton for now and for a while. Here is why.  I am wired to root for the underdog.  I always want someone/something who is not supposed to do well, but deserves to do well, to achieve greatness. 
Right now, Affton is my underdog and I love! dogs.  (I have a pup that I would take a bullet right between my eyes for if I needed to.)  I believe now, more than ever, Affton is in a position to reinvent itself.  Zig Ziglar encourages us to make lemonade with all the lemons that are handed to us.  Affton has lost several businesses, Affton is old, Affton is dark.  It's prime! time to start making lemonade, to change directions, to brighten and whiten this little town.  I have such a competitive spirit that I will stick around here just to show the friends that Affton will be a pretty cool little town. 
Kudos to Larry Stone and the Affton Chamber.  They deserve much credit on getting things rolling with the county. 
As we all know, in order to achieve greatness, it really does take a village.  I promise to start inviting my friends to come to Affton to eat and hang out.  They do love Sybergs and Affton Café.  I hope you all will join me in doing a better job of keeping money in our community, as I believe down the road we will all be pouring many glasses of lemonade.
Make every day count!