Open letter to Mayor-Elect Murtaugh:
Thank-you all for subscribing to my blog! I appreciate the opportunity to express my thoughts and comments in a format that is casual, yet publicly accountable. I believe it is important to be respectful, yet not be afraid to question generally accepted standards.
With that said, I have watched with interest the recent news coming from the State level. I respect the fact that the League of Minnesota Cities stepped up and issued their list of potential cuts to cities that MAY come forward. The numbers for Albert Lea are substantial!
http://www.lmnc.org/media/document/1/25_100million_cut_estimates.pdf
I happen to serve on the board of a state-wide legal aid organization that relies heavily upon funding from the State of Minnesota -- Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services. Without going into the great work that this organization does for those in need, I am most proud of this organization's ability to proactively respond to crisis. They strongly articulate their programs, but do not jump on the "poor us" bandwagon. At our most recent meeting, they appointed a "Retrenchment Committee." The goal of this committee is to carefully review our budget and recommend a series of scenarios of how we would respond to various levels of budget cuts. No-one wants to cut, but being prepared with responsible options seems beyond logical.
I suggest that you follow this lead and immediately appoint a citizen committee to carefully scrutinize the City budget and present a series of options for cuts. Use the Leagues' projected cut as the first tier, and a tier 5% greater than and a tier 5% less than that number. Most importantly, allow this committee to operate outside the sphere of influence of the staff and current council. This will not be a popular job and it is unfair to expect those with a vested interest in this year's budget to re-trench. The staff should be an available resource to this committee, as invited.
Set the expectations high and expect this committee to do a lot of heavy lifting to actually understand the complexities of the budget. Good luck!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
The Beginning of the End of the Department of Agriculture!
I'm afraid that we are seeing the beginning of the end of the United States Department of Agriculture. The USDA facilitates one of the largest sources of federal funding to Rural America. Under the new Obama administration, the trend of moving this funding source away from Rural America and to the population centers will undoubtedly be accelerated.
This week, an editorial from New York Times' columnist Nicholas Kristof entitled "How about naming a Secretary of Food," articulated this trend very clearly. Kristof states, "Renaming the department would signal that Mr. Obama seeks to move away from a bankrupt structure of factory farming that squanders energy, exacerbates climate change and makes Americans unhealthy – all while costing taxpayers billions of dollars."
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/opinion/viewpoints/stories/DN-kristof_13edi.State.Edition1.2a4e285.html
Kristof's editorial summarizes a long-time popular attack on traditional agriculture -- divert money away from USDA farm programs to food programs concentrated where the people are -- population centers. As argued by Kristof, only 2% of us are farmers, but 100% of us eat.
Kristof is no crackpot either -- he is the recipient of two Pulitzer Prizes and former managing editor of the New York Times. His opinions would certainly be considered mainstream in today's media world.
My concern is that while this frontal assault is being waged, Rural America continues to perpetuate the problem. Traditional agriculture continues to cling to the last remnants of their turf and resist reforms that would be more marketable to mainstream America. At the same time, each sector of agriculture attacks the other as they continue to fight over an ever shrinking piece of the pie.
The rural town kids, not recognizing that one of the largest returns on their tax investment is being systematically torn down, continue to tell farmer jokes and beat their chests reciting the motto, "get rid of subsidy payments for factory farms". As the saying goes, be careful what you ask for, you may get it. The new "Department of Food" will eliminate payments to farmers... and to Rural America.
This week, an editorial from New York Times' columnist Nicholas Kristof entitled "How about naming a Secretary of Food," articulated this trend very clearly. Kristof states, "Renaming the department would signal that Mr. Obama seeks to move away from a bankrupt structure of factory farming that squanders energy, exacerbates climate change and makes Americans unhealthy – all while costing taxpayers billions of dollars."
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/opinion/viewpoints/stories/DN-kristof_13edi.State.Edition1.2a4e285.html
Kristof's editorial summarizes a long-time popular attack on traditional agriculture -- divert money away from USDA farm programs to food programs concentrated where the people are -- population centers. As argued by Kristof, only 2% of us are farmers, but 100% of us eat.
Kristof is no crackpot either -- he is the recipient of two Pulitzer Prizes and former managing editor of the New York Times. His opinions would certainly be considered mainstream in today's media world.
My concern is that while this frontal assault is being waged, Rural America continues to perpetuate the problem. Traditional agriculture continues to cling to the last remnants of their turf and resist reforms that would be more marketable to mainstream America. At the same time, each sector of agriculture attacks the other as they continue to fight over an ever shrinking piece of the pie.
The rural town kids, not recognizing that one of the largest returns on their tax investment is being systematically torn down, continue to tell farmer jokes and beat their chests reciting the motto, "get rid of subsidy payments for factory farms". As the saying goes, be careful what you ask for, you may get it. The new "Department of Food" will eliminate payments to farmers... and to Rural America.
Friday, November 14, 2008
LETTER FROM THE 2006-2007 CHAIR OF THE ALBERT LEA/FREEBORN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
September 2007
Exactly one year ago, I started my term as Chair of the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors with a simple theme: “Promote, Promote, Promote!” I felt it was important to focus the efforts of our organization towards promoting the strength of our business community not only within our Chamber area, but also outside of our community. I am happy to report that we have made great progress in this area. Thank you to the wonderful Chamber staff that continuously make our success possible – Katie, Liz, Marcie and Tami – your energy is contagious. Also, I have had the opportunity to work with two very positive and energetic Executive Directors, Susie Petersen and Randy Kehr. Thank you!
The theme of this year’s Membership Celebration, “Raising our Community Profile” is the culmination of this year-long effort to focus the resources of your Chamber towards this goal. Without the tremendous support of our members, our organization would quickly fail. Rest assured that we value every member when they renew their annual dues and otherwise support our programs. We have worked hard in recent years to maximize your dues and to find other revenue sources.
As a result of these efforts, we are proud to announce that membership dues for the 2007 – 2008 year will not increase. This is the first time in many years we have been able to accomplish this goal. We do, however, continue to count on our members to support our programs and to help us to grow our membership roles. Not all local businesses recognize the importance of being a Chamber member, please help us to explain this to them to continue to expand our membership and our ability to promote the community.
I often hear the community nay-sayers comment that the Chamber is boring and doesn’t do anything for the community. I’m not sure where they have been in recent years, but they apparently have not been paying attention. The Chamber has successfully kept our community active by promoting the following: the Positive People program, the Gourmet Auction, the Farm Family of the year award, 3rd Grade Farm Tours, the 4-H Livestock Auction, the 3rd of July Parade, the Party for the Lakes, Eddie Cochrane Days, Career Day and the Annual Fireworks. Likewise, we are proud of our renewed partnership with the Big Island Rendezvous, which had a record-breaking year. I challenge any organization to try to beat the quality and quantity of these “community pride” activities. Our business community deserves kudos for their continued support of the quality of life in our area.
As for our programs, our long-time Housing Committee “graduated” this year and became independent of the Chamber and is now supported by the Albert Lea Housing Authority. Our long-time support of affordable housing in Albert Lea has paid huge dividends in addressing this important economic development issue. As always, the Chamber Ambassadors and the Chamber Lake’s Restoration Committee continue to host one quality event after another. Take the time to thank these volunteers for their hard work. Also, the Government Affairs committee hosted two legislative forums, the last one in July with three of the four State Legislative leaders in attendance and our greatest turn-out yet for a legislative forum.
To promote our community, it is important that we find ways to differentiate ourselves from others. We successfully promoted this concept by hosting another record breaking event in April of this year – “Celebrating our Green Community.” With the support of our Agriculture Committee, we rolled out the green carpet for over 400 guests from around the State for our Annual Agriculture Banquet, with Governor Tim Pawlenty as the keynote speaker.
The strength of our organization and our community depends on new energy and new ideas. In an effort to continue to develop future leaders, the Chamber has partnered with Riverland Community College to create our new “Leadership” program. Our inaugural class of 20 is currently completing their curriculum.
As a community, it is important that we promote a positive feeling inside and outside our community. In accomplishing this goal, we should strive to make our community more welcoming to families and minorities. We must have an available workforce for expanding or attracting employers. We must also foster a strong relationship with our local media and find a way to promote ourselves through media outlets outside of our community. Our business community is the key to setting the tone for community success. The Chamber is the catalyst to make this to happen. Together, we can continue to promote our community and “Raise our Community Profile.”
Exactly one year ago, I started my term as Chair of the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors with a simple theme: “Promote, Promote, Promote!” I felt it was important to focus the efforts of our organization towards promoting the strength of our business community not only within our Chamber area, but also outside of our community. I am happy to report that we have made great progress in this area. Thank you to the wonderful Chamber staff that continuously make our success possible – Katie, Liz, Marcie and Tami – your energy is contagious. Also, I have had the opportunity to work with two very positive and energetic Executive Directors, Susie Petersen and Randy Kehr. Thank you!
The theme of this year’s Membership Celebration, “Raising our Community Profile” is the culmination of this year-long effort to focus the resources of your Chamber towards this goal. Without the tremendous support of our members, our organization would quickly fail. Rest assured that we value every member when they renew their annual dues and otherwise support our programs. We have worked hard in recent years to maximize your dues and to find other revenue sources.
As a result of these efforts, we are proud to announce that membership dues for the 2007 – 2008 year will not increase. This is the first time in many years we have been able to accomplish this goal. We do, however, continue to count on our members to support our programs and to help us to grow our membership roles. Not all local businesses recognize the importance of being a Chamber member, please help us to explain this to them to continue to expand our membership and our ability to promote the community.
I often hear the community nay-sayers comment that the Chamber is boring and doesn’t do anything for the community. I’m not sure where they have been in recent years, but they apparently have not been paying attention. The Chamber has successfully kept our community active by promoting the following: the Positive People program, the Gourmet Auction, the Farm Family of the year award, 3rd Grade Farm Tours, the 4-H Livestock Auction, the 3rd of July Parade, the Party for the Lakes, Eddie Cochrane Days, Career Day and the Annual Fireworks. Likewise, we are proud of our renewed partnership with the Big Island Rendezvous, which had a record-breaking year. I challenge any organization to try to beat the quality and quantity of these “community pride” activities. Our business community deserves kudos for their continued support of the quality of life in our area.
As for our programs, our long-time Housing Committee “graduated” this year and became independent of the Chamber and is now supported by the Albert Lea Housing Authority. Our long-time support of affordable housing in Albert Lea has paid huge dividends in addressing this important economic development issue. As always, the Chamber Ambassadors and the Chamber Lake’s Restoration Committee continue to host one quality event after another. Take the time to thank these volunteers for their hard work. Also, the Government Affairs committee hosted two legislative forums, the last one in July with three of the four State Legislative leaders in attendance and our greatest turn-out yet for a legislative forum.
To promote our community, it is important that we find ways to differentiate ourselves from others. We successfully promoted this concept by hosting another record breaking event in April of this year – “Celebrating our Green Community.” With the support of our Agriculture Committee, we rolled out the green carpet for over 400 guests from around the State for our Annual Agriculture Banquet, with Governor Tim Pawlenty as the keynote speaker.
The strength of our organization and our community depends on new energy and new ideas. In an effort to continue to develop future leaders, the Chamber has partnered with Riverland Community College to create our new “Leadership” program. Our inaugural class of 20 is currently completing their curriculum.
As a community, it is important that we promote a positive feeling inside and outside our community. In accomplishing this goal, we should strive to make our community more welcoming to families and minorities. We must have an available workforce for expanding or attracting employers. We must also foster a strong relationship with our local media and find a way to promote ourselves through media outlets outside of our community. Our business community is the key to setting the tone for community success. The Chamber is the catalyst to make this to happen. Together, we can continue to promote our community and “Raise our Community Profile.”
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Why are they picking on small towns?
It is interesting that so many people in Hollywood think that being from a small town disqualifies a person from being smart -- or qualified to be President? Perhaps they should recognize that being a movie star does not qualify them as political experts.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6urw_PWHYk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6urw_PWHYk
Sunday, September 07, 2008
The "Palin" Label
For the past few years, it has been extremely unpopular for many people to even admit that they supported or voted for a Republican candidate. Whether it was President Bush's coarseness, or the media's successful villainization of his Presidency, it has been very uncouth to openly admit your Republican credentials.
When I ran for the Minnesota State Legislature in 2006, my traditional support of Republican ideas was a huge attack point against me. I was given the scoundrel label along with our President, as our local campaigns were tagged with national unpopularity. This is the unfortunate, yet realistic side of politics. Individuals, however, tend to avoid unpopular labels and therefore avoided admitting that they were Republican, even if they supported Republican ideas.
It appeared that this year's campaign season would be a rerun of the 2006 election, as many pundits have been predicting another successful Democrat year in the voting booth. So long as it was unpopular to wear a Republican label, it would be difficult to generate support for Republican candidates.
In one surprise appearance, Sarah Palin appears to have brought a designer label back to Republican politics. Her small town, straight talk approach is a breath of fresh air for many who have been wearing the "independant" label. This is a huge turning point for those of us who wish to have a discussion about issues, not labels.
http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-ig-notebook7-2008sep07,0,7585060.story
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/opinion/points/stories/DN-dreher_07edi.ART.State.Edition1.26b4583.html
When I ran for the Minnesota State Legislature in 2006, my traditional support of Republican ideas was a huge attack point against me. I was given the scoundrel label along with our President, as our local campaigns were tagged with national unpopularity. This is the unfortunate, yet realistic side of politics. Individuals, however, tend to avoid unpopular labels and therefore avoided admitting that they were Republican, even if they supported Republican ideas.
It appeared that this year's campaign season would be a rerun of the 2006 election, as many pundits have been predicting another successful Democrat year in the voting booth. So long as it was unpopular to wear a Republican label, it would be difficult to generate support for Republican candidates.
In one surprise appearance, Sarah Palin appears to have brought a designer label back to Republican politics. Her small town, straight talk approach is a breath of fresh air for many who have been wearing the "independant" label. This is a huge turning point for those of us who wish to have a discussion about issues, not labels.
http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-ig-notebook7-2008sep07,0,7585060.story
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/opinion/points/stories/DN-dreher_07edi.ART.State.Edition1.26b4583.html
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Vote for Common Sense
Next Tuesday, the City of Albert Lea appointed housing task force will vote on the, now much publicized, Rental Licensing Ordinance. After much discussion and hard work, the task force will be presented with at least two proposals for consideration – one from the City and one from the Landlord Association.
From a big picture perspective, we should all continue to recognize that we are in this together. Everyone at the table has an interest in making the community a better place. With that said, an agreed upon purpose that has been now been added to both versions of the ordinance reads, “To preserve and promote tax base growth throughout the City.” This stated purpose recognizes the need for balance.
According to the 2006 Maxfield Research Housing Analysis, 90% of the housing stock in Freeborn County was built prior to 1980. In Albert Lea, 46% of the housing stock was built in the 1950’s or earlier. It is unrealistic and almost arrogant to believe that this quantity of aged housing stock can be “made like new” by the symbolic passing of a “tough” ordinance with unrealistic timelines.
A better approach is to acknowledge the problem, identify the parties that can help solve the problem and then find a common solution. The City must recognize that they cannot legislate their way to prosperity. They can tell people to fix up property in as tough of a manner as possible. If it is economically not feasible to do so, however, that property will fall off the property tax roll and into blight.
The landlord proposal actually takes a reasoned approach in accomplishing the goals of the City. There are no differences between the proposals on the need for inspections and creating a good inventory of the rental housing stock in Albert Lea. The differences arise under the implementation of the program. It appears that the City cannot resist their use of the stick in accomplishing their goals.
The major areas of difference are summarized as follows:
1. Talk Tough Language. The City continues to include tough language and the criminalization of every technical aspect of the ordinance. The Landlord proposal recognizes that the ordinance is legally enforceable, but softens this approach;
2. Owner-Occupied Property. The City wishes to require a license for a “dwelling unit occupied by the Owner and rented or leased by more than one Occupant unrelated to the Owner.” Consider whether you know any unmarried individuals living together with their families? Licensing is required if they share expenses. How about the host families for the new hockey team?
3. Length of Provisional License. The Landlord proposal requests 9 months after they receive the results of the inspection. The City gives 6 months after the provisional license is issued. That’s right, if it takes 5 ½ months for the City to get the results of the inspection to you, you have 15 days to complete the upgrades. “Do not worry” the City will tell us: the Ordinance says that we “may” give you an extension. Unrealistic and unnecessary? I believe so.
4. Payment of Taxes and Utilities. How does requiring payment of taxes help tenants and improve the housing stock? It doesn’t, it just adds current tax dollars to the City’s revenue stream. In our discussions, it seemed that the City was agreeing that, so long as you had a payment plan in place for your taxes you would not be “delinquent” and they would issue the license. Their recent proposal, however, has gone completely the other direction. Now, they’ve added the word “unpaid” to the ordinance. Meaning all current and owing amounts (including taxes, utilities and other charges to the City) must be paid in full to get your license. If not, you must immediately evict your tenant or you’ve broken the law. While I do not advocate non-payment of taxes, the current system is set-up so that there is a substantial opportunity to work through tough times before you lose your property. The City’s attempt to short-circuit this process is mean spirited when you consider the large short-term investment they are asking some landlords to make.
5. Landlord and Tenant Registry. The City continues to indicate that they may implement a searchable system in the future, but that they do not want to be obligated to do so. At first, Landlords were told that a registry would be illegal. Yet, it was later discovered that the City of Rochester has an on-line system that is accessible by all licensed landlords. Providing access to this information to the tenants and the landlords seems like a no-brainer. If the City wants to hold everyone else accountable, a little bit of accountability in their direction seems appropriate.
Given this explanation, it is my hope that you will understand the frustration that has been voiced by the landlords. These changes are more about fairness, than about “fighting the inspections.” In fact, as the differences are compared side-by-side, it appears that the City is driven more by dollars and cents, rather than common sense. I advocate for common sense.
Matt Benda
Published in the Albert Lea Tribune on September 6, 2008
From a big picture perspective, we should all continue to recognize that we are in this together. Everyone at the table has an interest in making the community a better place. With that said, an agreed upon purpose that has been now been added to both versions of the ordinance reads, “To preserve and promote tax base growth throughout the City.” This stated purpose recognizes the need for balance.
According to the 2006 Maxfield Research Housing Analysis, 90% of the housing stock in Freeborn County was built prior to 1980. In Albert Lea, 46% of the housing stock was built in the 1950’s or earlier. It is unrealistic and almost arrogant to believe that this quantity of aged housing stock can be “made like new” by the symbolic passing of a “tough” ordinance with unrealistic timelines.
A better approach is to acknowledge the problem, identify the parties that can help solve the problem and then find a common solution. The City must recognize that they cannot legislate their way to prosperity. They can tell people to fix up property in as tough of a manner as possible. If it is economically not feasible to do so, however, that property will fall off the property tax roll and into blight.
The landlord proposal actually takes a reasoned approach in accomplishing the goals of the City. There are no differences between the proposals on the need for inspections and creating a good inventory of the rental housing stock in Albert Lea. The differences arise under the implementation of the program. It appears that the City cannot resist their use of the stick in accomplishing their goals.
The major areas of difference are summarized as follows:
1. Talk Tough Language. The City continues to include tough language and the criminalization of every technical aspect of the ordinance. The Landlord proposal recognizes that the ordinance is legally enforceable, but softens this approach;
2. Owner-Occupied Property. The City wishes to require a license for a “dwelling unit occupied by the Owner and rented or leased by more than one Occupant unrelated to the Owner.” Consider whether you know any unmarried individuals living together with their families? Licensing is required if they share expenses. How about the host families for the new hockey team?
3. Length of Provisional License. The Landlord proposal requests 9 months after they receive the results of the inspection. The City gives 6 months after the provisional license is issued. That’s right, if it takes 5 ½ months for the City to get the results of the inspection to you, you have 15 days to complete the upgrades. “Do not worry” the City will tell us: the Ordinance says that we “may” give you an extension. Unrealistic and unnecessary? I believe so.
4. Payment of Taxes and Utilities. How does requiring payment of taxes help tenants and improve the housing stock? It doesn’t, it just adds current tax dollars to the City’s revenue stream. In our discussions, it seemed that the City was agreeing that, so long as you had a payment plan in place for your taxes you would not be “delinquent” and they would issue the license. Their recent proposal, however, has gone completely the other direction. Now, they’ve added the word “unpaid” to the ordinance. Meaning all current and owing amounts (including taxes, utilities and other charges to the City) must be paid in full to get your license. If not, you must immediately evict your tenant or you’ve broken the law. While I do not advocate non-payment of taxes, the current system is set-up so that there is a substantial opportunity to work through tough times before you lose your property. The City’s attempt to short-circuit this process is mean spirited when you consider the large short-term investment they are asking some landlords to make.
5. Landlord and Tenant Registry. The City continues to indicate that they may implement a searchable system in the future, but that they do not want to be obligated to do so. At first, Landlords were told that a registry would be illegal. Yet, it was later discovered that the City of Rochester has an on-line system that is accessible by all licensed landlords. Providing access to this information to the tenants and the landlords seems like a no-brainer. If the City wants to hold everyone else accountable, a little bit of accountability in their direction seems appropriate.
Given this explanation, it is my hope that you will understand the frustration that has been voiced by the landlords. These changes are more about fairness, than about “fighting the inspections.” In fact, as the differences are compared side-by-side, it appears that the City is driven more by dollars and cents, rather than common sense. I advocate for common sense.
Matt Benda
Published in the Albert Lea Tribune on September 6, 2008
Friday, July 18, 2008
Proud Americans
Los Angeles -- Downtown??
What I pleasant surprise! I had always viewed L.A. as the symbol of excess in America. With Hollywood and all the glitz and in your face debauchery, to say I had low expectations for my visit to L.A. was a gross understatement.
My wife recently had a Rotary International convention there and we took, what prevailing wisdom considered, a chance and booked our hotel in the heart of downtown L.A. in Little Tokyo. What a great decision. The excitement, buzz and culture in this entire area was overwhelming.
The people were nice, the streets were clean and activities were everywhere. A short walk around town took from a sushi lunch with my wife (she then went to her convention), past a traditional Mexican dance and festival and into China Town. On my way back to the hotel, I wandered into a Catholic mission church and sat through mass in Spanish. The next day, we visited the fashion district, the toy district, the jewelry district and the garmet district -- people were everywhere.
The overwhelming observation I made was that L.A. was open and welcoming to all -- especially people celebrating their culture. After all, they have Little Tokyo, Little China, Little Italy ... the list goes on. Yet, to suggest that because these people celebrate their culture that they somehow are not "American" misses the entire point of L.A. This place is as American as it gets. These people are living life.
The only difference is they are choosing what it means to them to be American. Nobody will tell people in this community what it means to live -- after all isn't that the American dream? Watching the Celtics v. Lakers game at a sports bar in Little Tokyo confirmed it for me -- I am proud that there are so many people that are creating their own definition of what it means to be a "Proud American."
What I pleasant surprise! I had always viewed L.A. as the symbol of excess in America. With Hollywood and all the glitz and in your face debauchery, to say I had low expectations for my visit to L.A. was a gross understatement.
My wife recently had a Rotary International convention there and we took, what prevailing wisdom considered, a chance and booked our hotel in the heart of downtown L.A. in Little Tokyo. What a great decision. The excitement, buzz and culture in this entire area was overwhelming.
The people were nice, the streets were clean and activities were everywhere. A short walk around town took from a sushi lunch with my wife (she then went to her convention), past a traditional Mexican dance and festival and into China Town. On my way back to the hotel, I wandered into a Catholic mission church and sat through mass in Spanish. The next day, we visited the fashion district, the toy district, the jewelry district and the garmet district -- people were everywhere.
The overwhelming observation I made was that L.A. was open and welcoming to all -- especially people celebrating their culture. After all, they have Little Tokyo, Little China, Little Italy ... the list goes on. Yet, to suggest that because these people celebrate their culture that they somehow are not "American" misses the entire point of L.A. This place is as American as it gets. These people are living life.
The only difference is they are choosing what it means to them to be American. Nobody will tell people in this community what it means to live -- after all isn't that the American dream? Watching the Celtics v. Lakers game at a sports bar in Little Tokyo confirmed it for me -- I am proud that there are so many people that are creating their own definition of what it means to be a "Proud American."
Saturday, April 12, 2008
MEASURING COMMUNITY SUCCESS: Our Community’s Quality of Life
How do we measure what is good and bad for a community? Is it good if an elected official says so? Does the newspaper editorial committee get to decide? More likely a successful community action is one that is talked about with pride around the dinner table or the coffee shop circuit. In other words, we’ll know it when we see it.
The phrase “quality of life” is thrown around like candy at a parade when describing our community measuring stick. One of our community’s greatest strengths is the “causes” that are started and implemented. Our community is vocal and engaged. When an individual or group starts a project, the volunteers and money often follow. This is a great indicator of a vibrant community. Yet, these successes still seem random and spotty. If a group declares their cause a “quality of life” issue does that mean it is good for the collective community, or just that particular special interest group. Broader community objectives should be taken into account.
Our community is interconnected and resources are finite. There is a limit to how many causes any community can successfully support. Rather than quantifying quality of life from an individual basis, perhaps we should measure quality of life from a community perspective. We should promote our “community’s quality of life.”
The school district successfully used this approach in promoting the “yes/yes” vote on the referendum. The Albert Lea Medical Center also promotes this message: quality affordable health care is a good the entire community. Yet, both of these organizations have a symbiotic reliance on community success and growth. They must support each other to be successful. Likewise, individual businesses need to think beyond their “economic bottom line” in quantifying success.
Local governments must also recognize that their funding sources are finite. They continuously struggle with providing community “good” within their means. The trap for them is to avoid mistaking more causes as progress. Again, how to promote the community’s collective interests, not special interests or causes.
It sounds like a simple concept! However, recognizing the interconnectedness of our community activities can go a long way in measuring success and allocating our limited community resources.
The phrase “quality of life” is thrown around like candy at a parade when describing our community measuring stick. One of our community’s greatest strengths is the “causes” that are started and implemented. Our community is vocal and engaged. When an individual or group starts a project, the volunteers and money often follow. This is a great indicator of a vibrant community. Yet, these successes still seem random and spotty. If a group declares their cause a “quality of life” issue does that mean it is good for the collective community, or just that particular special interest group. Broader community objectives should be taken into account.
Our community is interconnected and resources are finite. There is a limit to how many causes any community can successfully support. Rather than quantifying quality of life from an individual basis, perhaps we should measure quality of life from a community perspective. We should promote our “community’s quality of life.”
The school district successfully used this approach in promoting the “yes/yes” vote on the referendum. The Albert Lea Medical Center also promotes this message: quality affordable health care is a good the entire community. Yet, both of these organizations have a symbiotic reliance on community success and growth. They must support each other to be successful. Likewise, individual businesses need to think beyond their “economic bottom line” in quantifying success.
Local governments must also recognize that their funding sources are finite. They continuously struggle with providing community “good” within their means. The trap for them is to avoid mistaking more causes as progress. Again, how to promote the community’s collective interests, not special interests or causes.
It sounds like a simple concept! However, recognizing the interconnectedness of our community activities can go a long way in measuring success and allocating our limited community resources.
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