Saturday, May 15, 2010

Small Towns

This is my first blog and it is being written at the request of some friends. It will no doubt be to the dismay of some others.

Small towns have all the same issues and problems as large cities. They have budget concerns, safety concerns, development issues, over regulation and under regulation. The difference is that the dollar value of these issues is smaller and they affect fewer people. They don't generally make the news because of that. Many issues are also worked out in a more neighborly way as everyone knows, or knows of, those involved. What takes place in committee and caucus in larger cities, happens on street corners, park benches and donut shops in small towns. This works well if you get along with the right people and stay informed. Unfortunately not so well for those who don't agree or when it is kept very, very quiet so that some don't find out. The upside is that it doesn't take a million dollars, an act of congress, or a major political overthrow to make things happen, at least not all things.

Ideas can come from anywhere and I want to hear from others who want to talk about what worked and complain about what didn't.

I am going to focus on how small towns, small businesses, small organizations, and even just one or two concerned people that make a difference with a big idea. Give light to both good and bad ideas so that we all don't repeat the same mistakes, or at least have an idea where to start.

I want to let people know what is being done. If it works but is done wrong, you might want to know. If it doesn't work and was done wrong, you should know.  Either way, if you are paying for it, and if you are paying your taxes you probably are, you should know.