The column laid out two possible visions for the future of our city. One possibility was a community in which "Houses are once again full of people, and businesses expand and thrive". In the other "Most of the big businesses have moved away... unemployment is rampant, and even people with jobs are resentful, feeling trapped in a rotting husk".
The whole premise of this column displays the kind of dangerous, dualistic small-mindedness that threatens to keep Toledo from ever blossoming into the beautiful, thriving community it has the ability to become.
Once again, rather than providing any new insight or ideas, it's suggested that Toledo follow some vague path toward embracing the type of policies and planning that cities like San Francisco or Ann Arbor or Portland discovered decades ago. Once again we should happily fall behind the curve rather than embracing any serious new visions or ideas. Once again we should continue to emulate past efforts of other cities, suffering from what one local writer recently referred to as "low civic self-esteem" rather than becoming a unique, trailblazing example of what communities can do to engage the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
Priorities must be decided. Do we continue to deify "big businesses" and slave-wage employment as the answer to our problems, or do we finally decide that the actual needs and desires of the people that live here should be of paramount importance? We must decide that our ability to live safe, satisfying lives comes before the ability of big corporations to siphon our money and resources away into the pockets of overpaid CEOs.
Where do we see Toledo in 25 years?
We envision a former rust belt community that has found new life and hope. Everyone who chooses to live here has a safe place to call home. Community gardens and urban agriculture thrive, providing people with fresh, healthy food at almost no cost. Neighborhoods are clean and full of life. The sky is clear of the toxic chemicals once produced by oil refineries, and waterways are nearly as pristine and alive as when our ancestors first stumbled upon them. Former big-box retail stores now serve as community centers. The greedier citizens have left, leaving behind massive homes for more deserving families to inhabit. Pedestrian traffic is the rule rather than the exception, and our public transportation is the envy of other cities. Those of us living here enjoy an amazing, unparalleled quality of life and sense of community in the clean, beautiful environment that had long been buried under Wal-Marts and industrial waste.
When Toledo won the LivCom award for being the third most livable city in the world, there was outrage in the right-wing business community. Our city was being held up as an example of a great place to live in spite of their frequent complaints that we're not business friendly. Thankfully, the judges understood that there are more important aspects to consider than how many dollar bills can be pumped out of a city. Recent environmental efforts, our incredible parks system and world class libraries, social programs and access to beautiful and unique natural assets all make Toledo a place many are happy to call home.
If we can continue to focus on the possibilities and opportunities provided by this stunningly beautiful part of the world and the people who live here, then maybe, rather than trying to play catch-up, Toledo can finally be the place that other cities look to as an example.
No comments:
Post a Comment