Horbovetz's point is well-taken in the context of my own blogging experience. It has been only recently that posts about what I'd consider genuine matters of importance in New Albany -- TASER threats from intemperate bureaucrats, future city hall cost overruns, the mayor's deforestation fetish, City Hall's street grid ineptitude -- even get close to the readership levels accorded restaurants and "fun and cool" stuff.
But ... it's getting better. Thanks for reading, and don't forget to vote.
IT'S TIME TO START PAYING ATTENTION TO WHAT WE CLAIM TO PAY ATTENTION TO, by Arian Horbovetz (The Urban Phoenix via Strong Towns)
... We all love happy, positive, sense-enticing news that makes us feel good about our communities. In fact, I truly believe we need more of this kind of positivity with regard to our cities. Community engagement and a feeling personal ownership over the places we live are the first steps toward empowering our urban cores and our neighborhoods.
But, as with everything, we need balance. As we rejoice with the great stories of new restaurants and fun events in our cities, let’s remember that our attentions also need to focus on the complexities and intricacies of our cities, some of which are difficult to digest. Issues of poverty, equity, transportation, jobs, community health and diversity continue to be overshadowed by the bright lights of “progress” in our city centers ...
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