By Rebecca Martin
“Life is for love
And they say that love is blind
If you want to live easy
Baby pack your clothes with mine
I feel a change coming on
And the fourth part of the day is already gone” - Bob Dylan
Kingston is a special place. It’s a city with history, potential and proximity.
However, for the past six years, I’ve seen a great deal close-up that could make even the warmest of hearts grow weary. From a host of grass root community efforts come and go to a government who claims it wants citizen input…with limits.
But a change is a comin’ on – and the truths we’ve found ways to dash in the past can no longer be ignored.
For Kingston Citizens, forget national politics. If we can’t get our own home in order, what does it matter what’s happening even a dozen miles away from here?
Here are some items to get your thinking locally.
1. . Your Neighbors: Do you know them? Sit on your front porch from time to time and look at the shape of your immediate landscape. Do you like what you see? Are there things you can help to change?
2. Your Alderman: What ward do you live in? The Mayoral role is critical, but who is your direct connection to city hall? Get to know them and make yourself known.
3. Your Rights: See what is written in the charter. Alot needs to be updated – but you have to know what’s law first.
4. Your Assets: Take a look around. Do you have a city park close to home? In urban planning, the rule of thumb is that an open space is only five minutes away from your door step. Is that the case? If so, how can you improve it? If not, what can you do to help create it?
5. Schools: We want what’s best for our children. Get involved.
6. Transportation: Does the bus come on time? Are there easy bike pathways? Are you engaged to walk to where you wish to go?
7. Food Sources: Everyone should have quality food choices close by. What’s closest to you? You should be able to walk to a grocery store. If not, ask your local bodega to carry healthy fresh foods. Better yet, plant a raised bed garden.
8. A Voice: Is there a place where you feel you can voice your concerns on a regular basis to public officials?
9. Safety: Does your neighborhood have a watch in place?
10. Communications: What’s happening in Kingston?
11. Local Papers: We need them all….and I mean all of them.
Got other ideas? Post them in the comment section.
Onward and upward. The glass is half full. We’re in this together for as long as we’re here. Que sera sera.
