Submitted by Chris (not verified) on Thu, 01/17/2008 - 00:18.
Hello there, well speaking from someone who has only been in this state for a few years, I think that there are a lot of things that could help.
First of all, not only is the transportation a mess and not really efficient, neither is your state aid. If the state workers here actually were willing to help people rather than make you jump through hoops only to say no, most people would actually make more of an effort to stay here rather than move on after one of your major plants or larger office areas close. If the politicians here concentrated more on helping rather than padding their own pockets, they may actually get things done. Stop fighting amongst yourselves and work together. You also need to let people know what programs are being offered and when. IF YOU TELL THEM, THEY WILL COME!! Stop hoarding your information and actually let people know that there are courses offered for little or no cost. Hello, this is a poorer state and people are actually willing to take these courses if they know about them.
Next, how about a real gym. I keep hearing that this is becoming an obese state but there are absolutely NO gyms here. YMCA can't do everything.
I really like the idea of a cultural area. In fact, I am from New York and was just thinking how much I miss places like China Town, Greenwich Village and Little Italy. Not only do these places offer a variety of foods but they also offer a chance to get to know other cutures. There really is not much diversity in this area. I also agree with the idea of offering more for young people up to aged 18. Let's face it, they don't really have much to do other than get into either trouble or drugs. There are only so many after school activities for them. And what about the weekends?
While I understand that in many ways, this is becoming a retirement state, if you don't at least try to cater to the young people, you won't have anyone here to retire or to take care of the ones that are retiring.
WHAT MAY WORK
Hello there, well speaking from someone who has only been in this state for a few years, I think that there are a lot of things that could help.
First of all, not only is the transportation a mess and not really efficient, neither is your state aid. If the state workers here actually were willing to help people rather than make you jump through hoops only to say no, most people would actually make more of an effort to stay here rather than move on after one of your major plants or larger office areas close. If the politicians here concentrated more on helping rather than padding their own pockets, they may actually get things done. Stop fighting amongst yourselves and work together. You also need to let people know what programs are being offered and when. IF YOU TELL THEM, THEY WILL COME!! Stop hoarding your information and actually let people know that there are courses offered for little or no cost. Hello, this is a poorer state and people are actually willing to take these courses if they know about them.
Next, how about a real gym. I keep hearing that this is becoming an obese state but there are absolutely NO gyms here. YMCA can't do everything.
I really like the idea of a cultural area. In fact, I am from New York and was just thinking how much I miss places like China Town, Greenwich Village and Little Italy. Not only do these places offer a variety of foods but they also offer a chance to get to know other cutures. There really is not much diversity in this area. I also agree with the idea of offering more for young people up to aged 18. Let's face it, they don't really have much to do other than get into either trouble or drugs. There are only so many after school activities for them. And what about the weekends?
While I understand that in many ways, this is becoming a retirement state, if you don't at least try to cater to the young people, you won't have anyone here to retire or to take care of the ones that are retiring.