My ER Wish List For 2009
January 25, 2009 Filed in: Dierdre's
Corner
Recently, I read (with great interest) the
Suburbanite’s “Our Wish List: Local Politics
Minus the Politics” (December 18, 2008) and The
Record’s editorial: “Our Wishes for 2009” (January
2, 2009).
Those pieces, in addition to Norman’s “Some Thoughts for the New Year” appearing in this edition of The Englewood Report, were provocative and intellectually stimulating to me. They prompted me to ponder the following question: What do I want for Englewood in 2009? How would I like to see Englewood poised for the future?
I envision Englewood in 2009 as:
Having a local government that is more inclusive and adequately reflective of this great city’s racial, ethnic, and gender diversity…a government that recognizes that each and every resident has value and can positively contribute to our City’s growth.
Electing a Mayor and City Council whose primary foci are getting the business of Englewood residents done, working collaboratively with each other to provide residents with sound and efficacious government, advancing the ethical reforms initiated, as well as enhancing Englewood’s profile throughout the County and State of New Jersey.
Motivating residents to move beyond complacency and fear to elect a Mayor who is truly committed to serving rather than scoping out the next opportunity to further his own political objectives.
Getting more, strategic community support for Englewood food banks and shelters, in addition to enhancing their abilities to serve an unprecedented number of Englewood residents who are in great need.
Advancing the collective push of Englewood’s public schools for reform and ensuring that all students receive a first class education.
Realizing Englewood Director of Health Services Nelson Cruz’s dream of a health clinic serving low-income families in the Fourth Ward.
Helping Englewood small business owners by “buying Englewood.” We must keep money circulating in our community by buying from local merchants more frequently.
Continuing Englewood’s positive path toward increasing energy efficiency, sustainability, associated cost savings, and a realization of its efforts to bring green collar jobs to the City for its residents.
Ensuring that all Englewood municipal workers have the kind of management that gets results for taxpayers while respecting their negotiated contracts and human dignity.
Appointing a Planning Board that considers the input of architects, city planners, environmentalists, urban development experts, and labor valuable and essential to making sound and judicious decisions.
Encouraging residents who are appreciative of their local government and respectful to the City Officials we elected (even when we disagree on principle with the decisions made).
Facilitating robust debate and a thriving democracy in Englewood.. One that is focused on ideals, problem-solving and developing common objectives for our collective well being.
Internalizing and actualizing the belief that we are our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers here in Englewood and we’re focused on the common good.
Those pieces, in addition to Norman’s “Some Thoughts for the New Year” appearing in this edition of The Englewood Report, were provocative and intellectually stimulating to me. They prompted me to ponder the following question: What do I want for Englewood in 2009? How would I like to see Englewood poised for the future?
I envision Englewood in 2009 as:
Having a local government that is more inclusive and adequately reflective of this great city’s racial, ethnic, and gender diversity…a government that recognizes that each and every resident has value and can positively contribute to our City’s growth.
Electing a Mayor and City Council whose primary foci are getting the business of Englewood residents done, working collaboratively with each other to provide residents with sound and efficacious government, advancing the ethical reforms initiated, as well as enhancing Englewood’s profile throughout the County and State of New Jersey.
Motivating residents to move beyond complacency and fear to elect a Mayor who is truly committed to serving rather than scoping out the next opportunity to further his own political objectives.
Getting more, strategic community support for Englewood food banks and shelters, in addition to enhancing their abilities to serve an unprecedented number of Englewood residents who are in great need.
Advancing the collective push of Englewood’s public schools for reform and ensuring that all students receive a first class education.
Realizing Englewood Director of Health Services Nelson Cruz’s dream of a health clinic serving low-income families in the Fourth Ward.
Helping Englewood small business owners by “buying Englewood.” We must keep money circulating in our community by buying from local merchants more frequently.
Continuing Englewood’s positive path toward increasing energy efficiency, sustainability, associated cost savings, and a realization of its efforts to bring green collar jobs to the City for its residents.
Ensuring that all Englewood municipal workers have the kind of management that gets results for taxpayers while respecting their negotiated contracts and human dignity.
Appointing a Planning Board that considers the input of architects, city planners, environmentalists, urban development experts, and labor valuable and essential to making sound and judicious decisions.
Encouraging residents who are appreciative of their local government and respectful to the City Officials we elected (even when we disagree on principle with the decisions made).
Facilitating robust debate and a thriving democracy in Englewood.. One that is focused on ideals, problem-solving and developing common objectives for our collective well being.
Internalizing and actualizing the belief that we are our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers here in Englewood and we’re focused on the common good.
