Richmond: Run Aground or Full Sail?
The critics reacted to Dr. Crupi's report but it was somewhat muted criticism and, because the report itself was not as blunt as the previous one, the hysteria is at a thankful minimum.
This report, like the last one, has nothing in it no one is saying isn't true. It's all pretty much true and only a starting point. People say "why did we pay him big bucks to tell us stuff we already knew?"
The answer is the same as why your mother tells you a million and one times to brush your teeth, do your chores, be quiet at the table, and wear clean underwear in case you are in an accident.
Because we all need reminding of even the simple tasks if we are going to get anywhere. We apparently can't remember even the simple tasks - or at least do much about them.
We know what is good for us but we don't have leaders who act similar to nurturing parents. Most parents want their children to grow up and become good citizens and successful with their lives and families.
Crupi says it himself by noting that the leaders of today have little if any interest in grooming leaders of tomorrow or even listening to others' ideas - he points out most leaders can't name any future leaders - they must think they are our last hope.
They may listen to us now as a result of this report, but in the past new ideas and voices have not been very welcome or given due consideration. Will that really change this time?
Our leaders seem to have more of a mentality that they are the last ones around and if they don't set the ship in the right direction we are doomed because the kids can't possibly be smart enough to figure out how to sail.
John Sarvay summed it up nicely:
"...if Crupi's report becomes the discussion we're doomed to repeat the mistakes of the past three decades. And if the Crupi report drives a new discussion -- a broader, more inclusive one where the region creates its own vision for the future, rather than simply regurgitating Crupi's best take -- change will happen.
New discussions and involvement on all levels seemed to work for the Downtown Plan sessions (so far), and it can work for the city as a whole to begin addressing the report.
If anything, this report lets us know - yet again - our ship is still at the dock and can't yet sail without a full contingent aboard.
~
This report, like the last one, has nothing in it no one is saying isn't true. It's all pretty much true and only a starting point. People say "why did we pay him big bucks to tell us stuff we already knew?"
The answer is the same as why your mother tells you a million and one times to brush your teeth, do your chores, be quiet at the table, and wear clean underwear in case you are in an accident.
Because we all need reminding of even the simple tasks if we are going to get anywhere. We apparently can't remember even the simple tasks - or at least do much about them.
We know what is good for us but we don't have leaders who act similar to nurturing parents. Most parents want their children to grow up and become good citizens and successful with their lives and families.
Crupi says it himself by noting that the leaders of today have little if any interest in grooming leaders of tomorrow or even listening to others' ideas - he points out most leaders can't name any future leaders - they must think they are our last hope.
They may listen to us now as a result of this report, but in the past new ideas and voices have not been very welcome or given due consideration. Will that really change this time?
Our leaders seem to have more of a mentality that they are the last ones around and if they don't set the ship in the right direction we are doomed because the kids can't possibly be smart enough to figure out how to sail.
John Sarvay summed it up nicely:
"...if Crupi's report becomes the discussion we're doomed to repeat the mistakes of the past three decades. And if the Crupi report drives a new discussion -- a broader, more inclusive one where the region creates its own vision for the future, rather than simply regurgitating Crupi's best take -- change will happen.
New discussions and involvement on all levels seemed to work for the Downtown Plan sessions (so far), and it can work for the city as a whole to begin addressing the report.
If anything, this report lets us know - yet again - our ship is still at the dock and can't yet sail without a full contingent aboard.
~
Labels: change, Crupi, development, history
posted by Jon Baliles | 8:05 AM
<< Home