The passing of Vicco’s fairness ordinance last month has put the spotlight directly on our neighboring small town.

Being the fourth city in the state and possibly the smallest in the nation to pass a law that would protect the rights of anyone in the city based on their sexual orientation and gender identification has been said to be an amazing step into the 21st century, and the recent media coverage has been well deserved.

However, when should the media buzz stop? Do we really need to go as far as having “The Real Housewives of Vicco”?

The Herald reported that at Monday night’s Vicco City Commission meeting, possible plans for a reality television series were in the works with the broadcasting company ABC. Even though the city’s attorney, Eric Ashley, assured both citizens and officials he would not sign on to anything that would portray Vicco as anything but what it is, I still think this is a dangerous road to travel.

I understand the possibility of revenue for the city from the show is enough to make any city official want to jump at this chance, especially with all of the improvement projects Mayor Cummings has in the works for Vicco, but I think other ramifications really need to be addressed.

It is hard to forget Diane Sawyer’s “Children of the Mountains” special that aired in 2009, highlighting the great accomplishments of those in Eastern Kentucky, like rotting their teeth out with soda and stealing coal from the side of the road.

While I’m thrilled for Vicco, and honestly hope they continue to make these much needed improvements to the city, I don’t think it’s necessary to show the world the raw truth of the area, no matter how good or bad it is.

Misconceptions and stereotypes are already embedded in the minds of those who do not live here, and I don’t think this could possibly help in surmounting those preconceived notions. It will most likely just add more fuel to the fire of the story that people can’t believe a city like Vicco could pass an ordinance like this.

Just continue what you’re doing, Vicco, and don’t let the spotlight go to your head.