Before I go into this, let me say that I have not spoken with any of these businesses. I do not know their thoughts on this issue, and I am in no way stating that they all agree with my point of view.

Recently one of the big uproars in Arkadelphia has been over the Pine Street name change to Martin Luther King Jr. Street or Drive or whatever the name of it was set to be — frankly it's irrelevant at this point. Now, the person who proposed this idea, was he or she thinking of anyone but themselves? Were they thinking of the many businesses that would have been impacted by the change, or were they just thinking that one of the most inhabited streets in Arkadelphia needed a little revamp?

Honestly, regardless of where the idea originated and who supported it, it has got to be one of the least thought out ideas to come to vote in our town. I'm not saying this because I "hate" Martin Luther King Jr.; I am saying this because nobody thought about all of the businesses that would have been affected by this change. You may think this is irrelevant now that the vote is over and the name was not changed, but it is still relevant because there are still people complaining.

I have seen many people furious with the fact that the street will remain Pine Street. Honestly, these people need to grow up and think of someone besides themselves. Let me say, for the record, that I would not support them changing the name to anything different than it is, be that Dr. King or George Washington, or Taylor Swift for that matter (sorry T). Street name changes involve more than "honoring heritage" or anything else you want to call it. I think it's great that they gave the street its new honorary title, but I have seen so many people complaining that the change wasn't enough.

I have included a list of businesses on Pine Street to show that this effects so many more people in Arkadelphia than people realize. To change their address, a business must first fill out a change of address for the IRS. Then they must notify the Secretary of State. Then they might even have to possibly amend their articles of organization, depending on the type of business (which can include paying a fee). Not to mention, all of the businesses contacts will also have to be notified of the address change. Then finally they must notify the Department of Revenue. Sounds like a lot of trouble, right? Exactly.

The overpass is in honor of Dr. King, which is great. Stick with the overpass, and let's not get crazy unless it's a street with fewer necessary changes. Do I think anyone will actually read through this list? No. Which just proves my point — this list is so long that people will actually get bored reading. Hence, way too many businesses to go changing a street name. Be happy with "honorary," because that's as close as it's going to get. A man like Martin Luther King Jr. probably deserves more than a street name. Name a building or throw a festival, something that will be more memorable than the street name that caused tons of businesses to have to get a new mailing address. This list most likely does not include all businesses and as stated above, that's all it is — a list.

Churches

Fellowship Church

First Presbyterian Church

Christ Temple Holiness

Church of Christ

First Baptist

Shopping/gas stations

Exxon

Shepard's Quick Stop

Winner's Circle

Shell

Phillips 66

Exxon

Brookshires

Wholesale Beauty

Stage

Maurice's

Shoe Sensation

Aarons

Discount Tobacco

Waite's Gun and Pawn

Ivan Smith Furniture

AT&T

Lucky Liquor

Spa Scents 'N' Jazz

Sherwin Williams

Covenant Books and Gifts

Factory Connection

Sears

Redbox

Family Dollar

Auto-related

Autozone

Paul Shepard's Auto Sales

Nationwide Insurance

Arkadelphia Auto Glass

Mike's Tire and Auto

Rogers Auto and Equipment Repair

Gravett's Paint and Body

O'Reilly Auto

Restaurants

Arby's

McDonalds

Burger King

El Torerro's

Chicken Express

Hamburger Barn

Big Cheese Pizza

Andy's

Donut Palace

Subway

River Ridge

Medical and school-related

Arkadelphia Medical Clinic

Compass Healthcare

Urology Arkansas

AllCare Pharmacy

Arkadelphia Special Education

Peake Elementary School

Happyland Childcare Center

South Arkansas Pet Hospital

Banks

Bank of the Ozarks

Citizens Bank

Southern Bancorp

U.S. Bank

Miscellaneous businesses

Air Pro AC and Heating

Nelson Robert Barber Shop

U-Haul

UPS

Able Locksmith

Arkadelphia Laundry and Cleaning

Ozark Cleaners

Legacy Termite and Pest Control

Arkadelphia Health Club

Arkadelphia Chamber of Commerce

Arkadelphia Regional Economic Development Alliance

Ace Hardware

Jester Logging

Suddenlink Communications

College Inn Motel

Hardman Interiors

Glow Tanning