I shed a tear. We sinners don't "deserve better" but seeing our community, both polis and family, deprived of the bare minimum of sane action is terrible.
You speak honestly here, despite the sadness and anger that floats behind every word. When you talk about the low quality of guidance and lack of vision from city staff, I hear words I could have spoken myself. There’s a flaw in municipal governance: staff often don’t live in the town for which they’re employed. And staff are not penalized for taking the safe (but visionless) path on any decision. The same goes for elected officials, in my experience. It’s deeply frustrating to witness first hand. What you describe here could have been written about my town, Littleton CO. And a thousand other American places.
Another timely article that unfortunately captures my frustrations after recently completing a 4-year term (May 2021-May 2025) on the Town Council. The "rubber stamp approvals from the Town Council and planning staff also resonate here, given the 2022 approvals of two annexations after the town council's "public hearings" were both held on the same night over the Christmas/New Year's holiday season. Then, after a majority of citizens testified and provided letters opposed to both, the town council closed the public hearing and the record. Then, they took a vote to approve 4-1. I was the only NO Vote. Flash forward to earlier this year, the staff (who recommended approval to the Planning Commission and the Town Council) said perhaps these should not have been approved! This reflects their poor report, lacking real analysis, and now we face a water supply issue. I share some blame for not " speaking out and helping to shape a better plan", also a professional planner.
Right now my community is going through a comprehensive study to rethink our business district. We are smack dab in the middle of two major commuter routes, busy streets (not roads). That line about making this a place that people don't "fast-forward through on their way to somewhere else" really struck home.
I've spent nearly 10 years being one of the many people trying to make this neighborhood better. You and your team have been a consistent influence on my thinking. Small consolation as you mourn what's happened in your own home, but please know how important your voice has been in helping so many others, like me, make a difference in ours.
“Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house." Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. And He marveled because of their unbelief.” (Mark 6:4-6)
To quote one commentary, “The proverb “A Prophet Is Not Without Honor Save in His Own Country” means that people often do not appreciate or recognize the talents and achievements of someone they know well. Instead, they admire strangers or those from other places. This happens because familiarity can lead to underestimation.
“For example, a local artist might struggle to gain support in their hometown, while receiving praise and recognition elsewhere. This highlights how people often overlook the value of someone they are familiar with, favoring external opinions instead. The proverb reminds us of the importance of recognizing and valuing the talents of those close to us.”
@Charles Marohn a humble comment of the sort that I’ve provided to you for years and never gotten much of a response to. We varied from conventional careers at about the same time and used to speak to each other regularly. My learning during those years is the ability to realize that no matter what degree of bright light you might see within yourself, the added involvement which you regret probably made absolutely no difference. I can’t remember who said don’t try to re-carpet the world—wear slippers.
That's tough. I hope sharing it was cathartic, helpful to you.
I doubt its comforting, but I will agree with others that this about the system more than it is about you. As I see it, we all live in a story (a myth) and until we change that myth we can only ever work on the edges.
This really resonates with me. I had a somewhat similar journey with an Episcopal parish and my neighborhood. I can only imagine how much the frustration is amplified by the conflict being with the communities you grew up in, and not a place you’ve moved. Your restraint says a lot about your patience and faith. In contrast, I had a crisis of faith and left.
If even the founder of Strong Towns and a devout Catholic who cares deeply about his community feels like he struggles to show up, join the parish council, make positive change - I think that says much more about our system than you. There’s an asymmetry in the consistent effort and energy it takes to be a community steward and make positive change, versus the occasional effort and energy it takes to defend a flawed status quo when it benefits you.
There has to be a better way to allow local control and community involvement without creating this issue of “too much democracy”, which gives disproportionate power and authority to a privileged elite instead of creating the great reversal we look for in the kingdom of God.
I shed a tear. We sinners don't "deserve better" but seeing our community, both polis and family, deprived of the bare minimum of sane action is terrible.
Thanks for sharing. You articulated feelings I feel often.
You speak honestly here, despite the sadness and anger that floats behind every word. When you talk about the low quality of guidance and lack of vision from city staff, I hear words I could have spoken myself. There’s a flaw in municipal governance: staff often don’t live in the town for which they’re employed. And staff are not penalized for taking the safe (but visionless) path on any decision. The same goes for elected officials, in my experience. It’s deeply frustrating to witness first hand. What you describe here could have been written about my town, Littleton CO. And a thousand other American places.
Another timely article that unfortunately captures my frustrations after recently completing a 4-year term (May 2021-May 2025) on the Town Council. The "rubber stamp approvals from the Town Council and planning staff also resonate here, given the 2022 approvals of two annexations after the town council's "public hearings" were both held on the same night over the Christmas/New Year's holiday season. Then, after a majority of citizens testified and provided letters opposed to both, the town council closed the public hearing and the record. Then, they took a vote to approve 4-1. I was the only NO Vote. Flash forward to earlier this year, the staff (who recommended approval to the Planning Commission and the Town Council) said perhaps these should not have been approved! This reflects their poor report, lacking real analysis, and now we face a water supply issue. I share some blame for not " speaking out and helping to shape a better plan", also a professional planner.
Right now my community is going through a comprehensive study to rethink our business district. We are smack dab in the middle of two major commuter routes, busy streets (not roads). That line about making this a place that people don't "fast-forward through on their way to somewhere else" really struck home.
I've spent nearly 10 years being one of the many people trying to make this neighborhood better. You and your team have been a consistent influence on my thinking. Small consolation as you mourn what's happened in your own home, but please know how important your voice has been in helping so many others, like me, make a difference in ours.
Well, you’re in very good company:
“Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house." Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. And He marveled because of their unbelief.” (Mark 6:4-6)
To quote one commentary, “The proverb “A Prophet Is Not Without Honor Save in His Own Country” means that people often do not appreciate or recognize the talents and achievements of someone they know well. Instead, they admire strangers or those from other places. This happens because familiarity can lead to underestimation.
“For example, a local artist might struggle to gain support in their hometown, while receiving praise and recognition elsewhere. This highlights how people often overlook the value of someone they are familiar with, favoring external opinions instead. The proverb reminds us of the importance of recognizing and valuing the talents of those close to us.”
He knows your heart. And now you know Him better.
@Charles Marohn a humble comment of the sort that I’ve provided to you for years and never gotten much of a response to. We varied from conventional careers at about the same time and used to speak to each other regularly. My learning during those years is the ability to realize that no matter what degree of bright light you might see within yourself, the added involvement which you regret probably made absolutely no difference. I can’t remember who said don’t try to re-carpet the world—wear slippers.
That's tough. I hope sharing it was cathartic, helpful to you.
I doubt its comforting, but I will agree with others that this about the system more than it is about you. As I see it, we all live in a story (a myth) and until we change that myth we can only ever work on the edges.
This really resonates with me. I had a somewhat similar journey with an Episcopal parish and my neighborhood. I can only imagine how much the frustration is amplified by the conflict being with the communities you grew up in, and not a place you’ve moved. Your restraint says a lot about your patience and faith. In contrast, I had a crisis of faith and left.
If even the founder of Strong Towns and a devout Catholic who cares deeply about his community feels like he struggles to show up, join the parish council, make positive change - I think that says much more about our system than you. There’s an asymmetry in the consistent effort and energy it takes to be a community steward and make positive change, versus the occasional effort and energy it takes to defend a flawed status quo when it benefits you.
There has to be a better way to allow local control and community involvement without creating this issue of “too much democracy”, which gives disproportionate power and authority to a privileged elite instead of creating the great reversal we look for in the kingdom of God.