When it comes to getting something done, it really comes down to what you find most important.

If you’re doctor tells you need to change your lifestyle, lose weight, eat better, “or else,” then, you find a way to do it in order to avoid the “or else.”

When it comes to saving money, you find ways to cut out an extra cup of coffee here, a dinner out there or maybe wait a little on that next clothing purchase. Then again, if you find living in debt the way to go, then keep up the good work.

Such is the case when it comes to governmental spending, particular that spending planned — or rather not planned — on infrastructure problems.

Over the past few months, we have reported on a number of sink holes developing in downtown neighborhoods, problems with water lines and storm sewage lines crumbling just feet below the streets we all drive on.

These are not problems that have developed overnight, but these are instead problems that have developed over decades.

Regardless of what plans one administration has had over the other, or the good intentions one set of leaders have had versus another, the fact is that much needed upgrades to the infrastructure in the city’s downtown core remains undone.

But while it is easy to sit back and say something must be done, it is much more difficult to say just how it is to be done. Unless of course you can provide a solution that comes with no mess, no fuss and better yet, no cost.

Those solutions don’t come around very often, if ever.

Spending money on infrastructure is one of those investments elected officials — whether they be on the local level or the federal level — have a hard time getting the electorate to buy into.

The appropriate solutions often cost millions of dollars and it is often for work that once completed is never seen.

Then again, what kind of society would we be if we did not have reliable running water or proper sewage service?

Again, it comes down to what we find most important.

As I sit back and read stories about the issues we face as a community, when it comes to our downtown infrastructure, it makes me believe that an investment is desperately needed and it is one that is being talked about.

It is also something this community needs to get behind and support.

For the development and growth of downtown — and Vicksburg as a whole — to continue, it must have a solid foundation to grow from. And, that all starts with infrastructure.

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Tim Reeves is publisher of The Vicksburg Post and can be reached by email at tim.reeves@vicksburgpost.com or by phone at 601-636-4545 ext. 122.