Artificial intelligence cannot replace helpfulness of gate attendants in The Villages

I would like to, if I may, add to the discussion of gate attendants and their functions.

I have been a gate attendant for seven years here in The Villages. During that time I have directed motorists to gas stations before they ran out of gas, and to The Villages Hospital, for a motorist not feeling well in her car. And I helped a poor couple who had driven 36 hours to reach The Villages, who were unable to find the Hampton Inn on County Road 466. After my directions to the hotel, the couple returned showered, fed, and rested. And they thanked this gate attendant very much for showing them the way to what they called a great hotel in The Villages!

Now I must, more importantly, point out that gate attendants, using handheld STOP signs, try to ensure that every vehicle that passes our way, is traveling at a prudent speed, posing no threat to other vehicles OR golf-carts, thus avoiding personal or property damage, to thousands of vehicles we see each day.

I have, and continue to enjoy my job as a gate attendant. I have made many friends/acquaintances with many nice Villagers I see each day. I feel this kind of behavior/relationship, fosters a feeling of safety, comfort, maybe even security with all who come through our gates.

I also feel it adds a feeling of community here in The Villages, and it would be a stretch to say that AI, or any other artificial means, could duplicate this part of community like we have in The Villages!

So, and I think I can speak for many other gate attendants, this is our wish:

That whatever their pursuit or pleasure, it is our wish that for all who pass through our gates, may they make memories they will treasure, where we serve with the spirit and pride of The Villages, Florida’s Friendliest Hometown.

Ronald St. Pierre is a resident of the Village of Charlotte.