Here’s the truth of the matter: We live in one of the best places in the country. I’ve lived in six states from Virginia to California and feel qualified to make that statement.

Brentwood has a public library that I would put up against any city's of its size anywhere, and most larger cities. We have an exceptional parks system. How many other cities have you lived in that have a facility like the Eddy Arnold Amphitheater and offer free concerts of exceptional quality? We have one of the most extensive trail systems you’ll find anywhere. We boast of two of the best and busiest YMCAs in the state, an Indoor Sports Complex and a senior center that’s beyond compare.

If you haven’t noticed, we pay property taxes that are far lower than most of our neighbors. Pair that with the state’s lack of an income tax and it’s hard to complain about the taxes you pay.

When we moved to Brentwood in 2000, someone told us, “If you send your children to private school in Williamson County, you have too much money.” That may be true. Brentwood and Ravenwood high schools are among the nation's top public high schools. Just ask Newsweek. But if you want to send your child to private school for any number of reasons (most of which have nothing to do with money), you have wonderful options.

Brentwood’s police and fire departments consistently win state and national awards for their service. Both deserve the recognition.

Remember the snow last winter? People who live in the cities to the north and south of us were snowbound far longer than Brentwood residents because our public works and water and sewer departments' employees worked around the clock to clear the roads as soon as the white and icy stuff started to fall.

Curbside chipper service? Need I say more.

You may have complained about your home’s assessment going up this year, but do you realize how few places in the country have homes that are actually rising in value? Yes, you may not be able to sell your home for the same price you could have, say, two years ago. But if you’ve lived in your home for more than five years, I have no doubt you would still pocket a profit over what you bought it for.

Why am I writing about all of this today? To remind you, if you live here, how very lucky you are. And to remind you that all of the above didn’t occur by luck. It occurred because of responsible and responsive management and leadership in our city. And I’m writing about it because at a meeting I attended last week, I witnessed one of the worst cases of NIMBYism and rudeness I’ve ever experienced since I began covering the city.

Last year, the city purchased a beautiful piece of property with a beautiful historic home that will become the city’s next great park. Do any of you really think the city will screw that up? This week, the city is voting on two possible rezonings. I don’t know what the outcomes will be but I can guarantee you that none of the Brentwood City Commissioners will take their votes lightly or without serious study and review. And regardless of the outcome of those votes, whatever is built or isn’t built, will have the full scrutiny of city staff. Brentwood hasn’t earned its reputation as being a tough place to get something approved and built by being friendly with developers.

While the people who call themselves leaders in Washington keep talking about doing what the “American People” want without ever really asking -- or more importantly listening -- to them, in Brentwood you can rest assured that when the Brentwood People speak, leaders listen.

But those who come to the table who have done their homework, and are willing to listen as well as talk, will get the best reception.

Susan Leathers is editor of Brentwood Home Page. Click here to read previous columns. Email her at susan@brentwoodhomepage.com