Something to fight for

Ben Lanka has an interesting story on the forums held to market the city's downtown development. The city's neighborhood partnerships members meeting, fed information from the neighborhood specialist who is paid by the city, was the largest forum held so far. But, this is a captive audience, memberships. Many taxpayers are not active in their neighborhood association. So the meetings are not a true representation of the city's population. Therefore many of the opponents would not have attended or given voice to their opposition to the project.

Two more orchestrated forums are being held. One is the young republicans club whichis one of several clubs held on the campus of Indiana University-Purdue University. This is a small group of young folks who targeted audiences are other young republicans and networking with republican leaders in the community. This looks like the college are up in arms, but many of the students are in classes or having their lunch during the 12:00-1:00 P.M time slot.

The second group of Northeast Young Leadership. This group is attempting to inform young folks who are professionals who are isolated. This group provide opportunities for get together. I would prefer to seek the hip generation from the D.C. area or California who are more informed about trends of today instead of copycat trendsetters.

But these are the groups that city leaders need to attract to a dying downtown. When in fact those who are the actual homeowners, the elderly, business owners, retirees, or the majority of African-Americans are not attending these events. These young folks have no history of the political manipulation. For instance from the city failure to update their technology, old school was very dependent on young folks upgrading their technology.

If businesses are folding in Fort Wayne, it makes sense for Councilman Sam Talarico to fight for downtown development. Council Talarico is also fighting for consolidation. Talarico is an attorney who works downtown. And with the shaky business deals see the downtown turning into a ghost town. Desperate measures during desperate times call for orchestrated forums.

Do you think the Mayor has contacted any opposing group to have forums? The anwser No.