Scoot Forward
I had an idea for an organization in Raleigh called Scoot Forward (think Wakeup but a little more agenda focused). The whole purpose of the organization would be to push city council to be more progressive in solving city issues. To take stronger leadership position on issues and to make Raleigh truly a leader in the US rather than what is now often viewed as a follower.
I have been in many conversations lately where engaged citizens have expressed their frustration with this current council. All too many times the word dysfunctional came up. What worries me even more is that these comments came from people on both sides of the political divide.
There seems to be a recurring feeling that the council is progressive in name only. They desire progressive goals and generally support tackling the increasing complex issues we face as a rapidly growing city, but do not have tools or skill set to do so. To try and keep things the way they are, to focus solely on neighborhood preservation can often lead to exactly the thing you are trying to prevent. As is famously said in the classic children's movie, Kung Fu Panda, "one often meets his destiny on the path he takes to avoid it". In the age of climate change, social change, income gaps, job displacement, skill gaps, transit growth, urbanization, etc you can not just try and keep things as they are. This is a time to be bold. to be out front and show true leadership and take a few risks. All great leaders do.
Today, city council will hopefully vote for the Impact grants I previously wrote about. But the real hot topic today is the Scooters. These little gadgets that are loved and despised by people. It is a little ridiculous it took this long, but hopefully they will bring a common sense solution today. If we are able to Scoot Forward today, we can then focus on the much bigger challenges we face.
I have been in many conversations lately where engaged citizens have expressed their frustration with this current council. All too many times the word dysfunctional came up. What worries me even more is that these comments came from people on both sides of the political divide.
There seems to be a recurring feeling that the council is progressive in name only. They desire progressive goals and generally support tackling the increasing complex issues we face as a rapidly growing city, but do not have tools or skill set to do so. To try and keep things the way they are, to focus solely on neighborhood preservation can often lead to exactly the thing you are trying to prevent. As is famously said in the classic children's movie, Kung Fu Panda, "one often meets his destiny on the path he takes to avoid it". In the age of climate change, social change, income gaps, job displacement, skill gaps, transit growth, urbanization, etc you can not just try and keep things as they are. This is a time to be bold. to be out front and show true leadership and take a few risks. All great leaders do.
Today, city council will hopefully vote for the Impact grants I previously wrote about. But the real hot topic today is the Scooters. These little gadgets that are loved and despised by people. It is a little ridiculous it took this long, but hopefully they will bring a common sense solution today. If we are able to Scoot Forward today, we can then focus on the much bigger challenges we face.
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