U2- Unless You Are Part of the Solution, You Remain Part of the Problem

Today, in this economy, all tax supported entities, whether they be schools, libraries, government agencies, etc, are suffering from deep budget cuts. These cuts result in fewer services, fewer hours, and fewer employees being available for those served.

All the time, and everywhere I go, I hear complaints, complaints, and more complaints from citizens about the fewer services and benefits they receive, and about the poor condition of streets, lawns, and buildings. And the complaints are justified, the conditions are reality. But few people seem to be willing to search for or be a part of any solutions.

That is why I was so impressed with the article in our newspaper this week about two people who are routinely doing lawn maintenance in their neighborhoods on properties other than their own - either abandoned properties or properties with absentee owners. I have read about other communities where citizens have made a united effort to do this type of thing in order that their neighborhoods and their city could be more beautiful and retain its value and desirability. Just think what could happen in Anderson, Indiana, if such an attitude and effort could be established.

This type of volunteerism need not stop with lawn care, but could be extended to agencies that are suffering from budget cuts: schools, the library, not-for-profit agencies. I know of one citizen whose child has graduated from Anderson schools,but he still volunteers time maintaining and building props for the high school band. Don
mows a couple of other yards just to improve the neighborhood. I work
with a large group of citizens, Friends of the Library, who raise funds to supplement library services.

I know of many such selfless volunteers. But I would like to challenge the citizens of Anderson to look about and see what small effort each one could make to help improve his part of the city. Don't just say, "What a shame!" as you drive past some neglected eyesore. Actually get to work and clean it up. I did see that some citizen has started trying to cut the weeds at Penguin Point on 38th Street. They must have been inspired by the story in the newspaper. Good for them!

Let's make our new city motto be: "Anderson, Indiana - Every Citizen a Problem Solver!"