Norfolk Daily News

Wednesday – March 12, 2008

Your View

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NORFOLK — On one hand, we have the “can’t do” attitude of the city vs. the “can do” attitude of (1) those proposing a shared-space option for new city offices and (2) those promoting the river walk project. My vote is with the optimistic view for a brighter future for Norfolk.

I’ve read one too many articles that brag about Norfolk’s low property taxes. Personally, I find it embarrassing. No wonder parts of our infrastructure (like the city offices) are in the shape they are. We get what we pay for. I’ve grown tired of a reactive community. I’m looking forward to a pro-active community.

Much has been said in recent times about our young adults leaving Norfolk. I commend the Norfolk Area Recruiters for their efforts to combat this problem. I would suggest that if the attitude of the city does not change, our citizens will have little reason to look to the future with optimism, and the recruiters’ hard work will be in vain. And, at the other end of the age spectrum, I predict that the exodus of baby-boomers as they reach retirement age could be alarming.

I’m going to look very carefully at each city council representative and candidate in the upcoming election, not just those in my precinct. I look forward to attending candidate forums involving the council and mayoral positions. I want to know how each one sees our city five, 10 or 20 years from now. I also want to know if they have a plan and the energy to get us there. These can be exciting times for Norfolk if we do not allow the status quo to strangle our community.

CHERYL JOHNSON