The rest of the world may think Flint has had it, but voters on this week’s Heller Poll don’t agree. (Thank god.)
Of the 119 votes cast, 71 percent said the water crisis will, in fact, be a catalyst for change in the city, while the remainder agreed with the notion that the crisis has finally broken the city’s back.
From the positive side, Rose said, “Yes, it will recover. The worst that could happen, has happened. It is all up from here. With the help of the universities, the colleges, Mott Foundation, federal and state funds , concerned citizens and proper leadership, I see a much brighter future.”
From the darker side, Tom said, “Recover? Recover to what? Flint will spend a hundred years in obscurity, with grass and moss growing over everything, including our children’s tombstones. Eventually, a lovely, happy village will grow up on the site. It may not even be called Flint. But, nice people will build there and live there. Eventually.”
Me, I tend toward the view of the optimists. Flint has too much to offer to go belly up. I know it sounds pollyannish, but the city has amazing assets – from the universities to the hospitals to the Cultural Center to the growing sense – both locally and across the state – that our core cities are vital to everyone, whether they live there or not.
In the end, the water crisis will turn out to be a trampoline for Flint, I figure. Here’s hoping the bounce is high. –– andy
I have to agree with your analysis. There are INCREDIBLE problems. But, wow. Don’t focus on that. Look what VERY positive stuff is there!
I’m especially happy to see you raking in big bucks (er, well, some bucks) with the electronic banner ads running on your blog. Presumably those good companies are realizing a +9.374% return on their investment. At least.
Well said Andy. I now live out West and an artist. I grew up in Davison outside of Flint and have many wonderful memories there….shopping downtown, THE record shop, concerts from Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Grand Funk, Bob Seger and more.
I’m hoping this crisis will be heard and acted on for many years pushing Flint out of poverty and despair.
I’m with you! I hope it’s a bounce so high it will be a catalyst for similar communities across the nation.
I’ve been a fan of yours for many years with fond memories of my dad (who passed a few years ago) and I reading your column, laughing at your humor and applauding your tenacity!!
Thanks for sharing your gift for so many years and look forward to reading where ever your journey takes you….
Thanks, Jan! I wish I’d been around here back then – sounds fun.
I believe the magic’s in the soil beneath our feet. It’s why our Native ancestors were attracted in the first place, then the lumberers, then the car guys–and here WE are. We’re growin strong, ask edible flint…http://www.edibleflint.org/