Democracy is about the ability to draw in the most amount of people into governance as possible and in turn build a strong base of support for national development that improves citizens lives. While there are often subsections of society that are more politically active (demographic) than others, the concept of inclusiveness in politics is what helps democracies grow as it pushes an entire governmental system to adjust and change to new ideas and leadership influence (We elect new people to ensure we update and change....there is no negative reflection on prior leadership because it is a necessary process that goes back to the beginning. The old create stability while the new bring forward fresh ideas. The U.S. had its very first town hall in Dorchester, Massachusetts, in 1633. You can read about democracy HERE.). Escanaba is one of those examples of democracy at work in our home towns and you can see it in action by watching the city council meetings! You may want to read the agenda for more clarity beyond the video Escanaba Agenda December 16th, 2021. (I kind of looked through the data at the comments. You got to read all of them...some are very interesting! Yikes! 😬....and no I didn't put any comments in there. 🙊)
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| Roosevelt's Four Freedoms of Speech Norman Rockwell’s 1942 Freedom of Speech, Worship, Want, Fear |
Escanaba is a rural community that is located on the shore of Lake Michigan in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The area played a key role in regional natural resource extraction that helped build the preindustrial era with lumber and then the industrial era with ore and metals (You can read the history of Escanaba HERE. Notice how positive interaction in history, first settler, and native Americans started something new. Just take a mental note...and later on we will discuss this in greater detail. That same "under current" might have occurred in other places and is intimately part of our past and likely our futures as new and old ideas blend based on idea exposure.). Escanaba, like many rural communities, is still on a path to finding its global footing but may receive increased market investment interest and grant opportunities in a way that aligns local jobs with global opportunities (ok...it could happen! Maybe...maybe not!🤷 A few things going on in terms of investments, social change, and national trends are signaling pending adjustments based on environmental challenges and local resources. However, its only one path of possibilities and not yet fully substantiated or realized. 🙆)
For now...lets just look at some of the things going on in the area. I know its exciting times but hold your horses as time and reflection often lead to insight! (See Advice on Change)
Bay College Lease: Continue the lease for 4 more years and then a $6K for early 10 year early termination and changes to agreement (Was originally a 25 year lease.). Carving out some of the south end of the field for the daycare and YMCA. One option would be to terminate immediately the agreements on the field but that might ruffle some feathers. Soccer program would be a good thing to offer as its an attractive sport important globally/nationally (Del Mar went from polo to soccer a few years ago but it is what it is. 🐎⚽🏒!)
DNR Recreation Plan: A very nice presentation and PowerPoint within the Agenda. The recreation department indicates that people want more events but participation is sometimes small. Variety, access, lake front, free and inclusive recreation opportunities. What they hoped to change was off road bike paths, soft service trails (hiking), updated play grounds, splash pad, clean bathrooms. Volunteers is what makes things happen in this town (along with full time employees.).
Fishery Grant: DNR working with Escanaba that can help in fishing but also fishing docks. Such grants increase not only tourism but the long term viability of the area in terms of Great Lakes fresh fish, fishing industry, and recreation (I'm still dreaming of my part-time commercial fishing business 😢). Some money will be used to improve the bike path which is also something of interest to a lot of people. Not a bad idea. It was also included into the waterfront recreation approach. (Escanaba Harbor)
Housing Variety: I'm going to agree that there is a need for seasonal, condo, apartment, etc... housing. I would seek to maximize those places located downtown and above the existing businesses. One reason why there should be a push for this areas is that it helps redevelop the the downtown and draws a younger demographic while still serving tourism and seasonal buyers. Selling the buildings to entrepreneurs (in area or likely out of area.) that want to micro build (especially if outdoor tourism oriented) toward selling on the global market would balance the need for tourism and export oriented small business that have higher likelihood of future growth. (Rebuilding Escanaba Downtown, SME Attract, Start Up Delta, Full Bloom Delta)
As a side note: Some of these members and the mayor are new to the council. You can see a hint at the positive transition occurring from meeting to meeting in terms of coordination and ground rules. They seem to be in the Storming and Norming stages and with further adjustment might eventually be in the Performing stage where higher levels of team outcomes are actualized. (See Psychologist/Professor/Researcher Bruce Tuckman's Stages. You may also be interested in reaching about Internal-External Strategy and Schumpeter.)
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