spoonspatula
Member since Jun 18, 2009
Recent Comments
Re: “Summer Clearance”
Offering a more organized and streamlined government is a benefit to us all not just business leaders. As a supporter my hope is that the items detailed in the charter like a neighborhood commission and the stronger focus on economic development will act as a catalyst to make us a competitive/attractive community again.
Re: “Cityside Concerns”
The fact that the municipalities voted not to participate in this charter is not as big of a deal as the naysayers seem to think. In Louisville, there were 90 small municipalities before consolidation and 90 after. The municipalities will still be part of the metro government in many ways and for the first time their residents will have better representation. I have typically supported the local Democratic party but I feel like they made a mistake on this vote.
Re: “Bicameral Government?”
The idea of cleaning house and starting a fresh is very appealing. In order to be truly successful this can not just be about functional consolidation or just encouraging joint discussions between the council and commission.
We need to create a footprint that attracts new leaders and gives them the opportunity to succeed. From what I can tell the new charter not only does this but it sets the tone for community wide engagement. There are true states(wo)men in this community that are willing to serve, willing to build consensus and to lead us beyond the quagmire we are currently in. Let's vote this in and see what a new structure and new faces can do.
Re: “Sopa Pollo at Rio Loco”
I'd like to find some where that has a good albondigas soup.
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Re: “The Most Dangerous Neighborhood in Memphis?”
@charlieb are you assuming that people in this area do not have Volvo's? Safety is about the networks you build. CABANA and other community groups work in neighborhoods all across this community daily and know where the risks are. They also know how to address them, report them and avoid them. The problem is that the system we have for dealing with crime and blight is disorganized and nonresponsive.
Individuals like Ms. Buchanan are there because they choose to be and because they are working closely with residents who want to see change in their neighborhoods.
I worked in community development in this city for 15 years and have seen it all. It did nothing but make me more determined to work with others to address the issues facing areas like Ward 232. Do not discount the work of others unless you are willing to pull your own weight to implement improvements and change.