I recently received an agenda for my monthly neighborhood association meeting and noticed there was to be a presentation from Everett’s Vision Team. The flyer said that this Vision Team is made up of community members volunteering their time to develop a shared vision statement for the future of Everett and identify potential steps to realize that vision. It made me wonder, “Whose shared vision is it?”
A Power Point presentation was to be given by the Vision Team chairperson, with questions following. That sounds good, right? Show the community what the vision is. I wonder if the vision would be the same if our doors were knocked on and we were asked what our shared vision would be. Nobody has knocked on my door or anybody else’s I know.
Starbucks and Quizno’s every few blocks, a naval station with weapons of mass destruction, poor public transit, the harassment of the homeless population and a mindset to “upscale” rather than be resourceful wouldn’t be my vision of a strong community.
How about a community that promotes and gives incentives to use public or alternative transportation to cut down on traffic congestion? How about using some of the city’s resources to help keep the Compass Health day shelter operating instead of blaming it on state and federal budget cuts? It is in “our” city, isn’t it?
How about promoting local small businesses? How about using “our” waterfront for something other than a naval station and another lumber mill? Maybe a public market place, a beach? We can be creative. How about a city government that serves all of the people, not just the business community?
In a democracy there is always the voice of the people. Let’s hope it is really being heard!
Ron Toppi
Everett
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