Projects and infrastructure investment

Hey, everybody, it's Amanda from Princess Elementary School. I'm back and as curious as ever. I just graduated sixth grade and will be attending Princess Middle School next year. Princess Middle School is directly adjacent to our city hall and it got me thinking about the purpose of governement. Is the purpose of government to create flashy projects that make everybody say "Wow." I hear about a lot of new taxes to fund big projects in Indianapolis, like Conseco Fieldhouse, the new Colts stadium, the convention center and various hotels. I also hear about a lot of other things that need funding like combined sewers, police and fire pensions, the court and correction system, schools, roads, and the bus system, etc. But I rarely see results with respect to fundings those activities. I only hear alot of talk about it, but little action. So, since I was confused, I asked the mayor, Bart Simpson, of Prince, IN what he believed the role of governement should be. He indicated that government collects tax money so that it can be reinvested in facilities that encourage the future growth and economic vitality of a city. He said that some people try to make government exciting by focusing on big fancy projects, but that real government was not that exciting. Real governments keep their nose to the grindstone and focus on investing in the community by providing and improving services and infrastructure. He also said that it is important to keep up with new technologies, like wireless communications, including broadband. He indicated that not only do small cities like ours have to make sure that we upgrade our sanitary sewer plant to accomodate future growth, but that we also must have the foresight to provide for the future technological needs of our community's economy. Otherwise, a small town like ours will most definitely decline, he said. Unfortunately, he indicated, many people are hypnotized by the fancy projects and do not focus on this type of investment because the results of the investments are not as immediately obvious. Bart belives that if you invest in your city, neighborhood by neighborhood and stay away from the glamour projects that you can maintain solid, steady growth and continue revitalize your community. He believes that there is no reason for any area of city to turn into a ghetto if the city leaders focus on investment and reinvesment in infrastructure and services.

Well, after having a talk with our mayor, I can't imagine why anyone wouldn't be excited about providing a sound infrasturcture in our community to enhance our economic development and prosperity. Now I can't wait until I have civic class in eighth grade and can discuss these important issues with my peers and teachers. But now, I need to do my own research to find out what progressive communities are doing. My mayor said that I might have to look outside Indiana for progressive thoughts, actions and results. I hope that is not true, but I'll let you know what I find out.