Are We a TV Society ? Can computers make us interactive ?

Dealing with volunteers for many years, it has seemed that people think we are a TV society - a society that allows us to only turn the switch on or off - or to just switch channels. People don't seem to think that they can cause things to happen. Change the plot or script so to speak.

When we really step on some toes (which we do on occasions) ; someone always says to me "I can't believe you said that."

Issues need to be discussed and hammered about, not just turned on or off. Negotiation, compromise and discussion is what freedom is all about.

Computers are allowing for much greater interactivity - such as this blog - where you can add your comments, ideas or suggestions. To stay silent means: you are afraid or embarassed to express yourself; the issue is of no importance to you; or you feel that making any expression will have no result on the issue discussed.

Our elected officials are very accessible as a rule. Have you taken time to talk to them ?

Imagine being in a job where you came in every day, but you had no direction or assignment of work to do. Be pretty boring and unchallenging, wouldn't it ?

Challenge your elected officials and candidates to discuss your issues. They do work for you, but without your suggestion and direction they may do what you least want them to.

Watching the City in Action ! LOOK OUT ! More Police Coming to SOHO Area.

Mayor Pam Iorio has been conducting a series of Town Hall type meetings across the city over the past few months. The idea is a simple one: go to the neighborhoods, bring along an impressive array of city administrators with pads and pencils in hand, and listen to the gripes, problems, and concerns of the public, and then : RESPOND.

The Oct. 18th meeting was designed to reach the South and West Tampa neighborhoods. If you have never attended one of these events, you should. It is representative government in action. Some of the attendees came with specific concerns about speed bumps on their street, curbs that are needed, potholes and bumps that need repairs, code enforcement issues (like a neighbor converting part of their home into an additional living unit etc.) , and concerns about congregating young people. Mayor Iorio is one of the best elected officials to conduct this type of Town Meeting. She is knowledgeable and responsive. Most of those issues were responded to by an administrator with an assurance that a personal response would be supplied - in time.

The larger issues are usually presented by Neighborhood Associations or community activitists. Community activists are the conscience of the city. They may speak on any subject imaginable. Issues raised at this meeting included : concerns about the overuse of public surveillance monitors; announcement of plans to oppose major sporting events coming to Hillsborough County due to portrayed discrimination against the Gay, Lesbian, Bi, Transexual community; over development and the many problems associated with that issue; and even the concern for the decline of rental housing due to rapidly rising real estate values.

The Courier City neighborhood group expressed concerns about parking problems in the SOHO area. It was acknowledged that plans were already in place to increase Police officers on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights to issue more tickets to violators. The Mayor seemed to have no solution to the parking problems. Concerns about streets being jammed with parked cars and the potential danger created by narrowing streets so that emergency vehicles can not navigate these streets. I asked the Mayor if the goal of this was to raise funds for a new parking garage or for providing expanded mass transit to reduce the demand for parking. Her response was clear: at this time there is no plan for adding any parking to the SOHO area and no plan to add mass transit. When I further challenged about the allowance of more development that is creating greater density and increasing parking needs, theMayor deferred the issue to city administrators. City Council member Linda Saul-Sena, further emphasized the parking problem to the Mayor and administrators. However, if you are looking for the city's solution to this ever increasing problem, the answer may be as clear as the newly written ticket on your windshield.

My general take on the event: people are really concerned about the "appearance" of the City of Tampa and the impact of devlopment. Many commented about lack of landscaping on roadways and many lamented that Tampa was not as pretty as St. Petersburg. Development and roads are on most everyone's minds. Major concerns were expressed by numerous groups concerning the planned development of a condominium/retail project at the corner of Swann and Howard Avenue and the soon to be added traffic. Parking problems in SOHO will be responded to by increasing the amount of parking citations. (doesn't seem like much of a solution to us.)

However, it was my general take on the response that bothered me. Many citizens complained that they had been raising their issue over many years and had received no response. While overall, phone calls seemed to be returned; many calls are still not. It seemed pretty flippant when they heard this: "Well if you have had the problem for 30 years, another 30 days won't matter."

In today's world of instantaneous communication and information, and with the scope of professional administrators; the City needs to be doing a better job of addressing the long term issues of the neighborhoods. (BY THE WAY: no one mentioned the future of the Tampa Museum of Art - maybe the neighborhoods would rather have the money spent on those curbs and potholes that they deal with every day instead) What do you think ?

Ybor City and Its Challenges

This past weekend while attending a Buc's party, I was gently attacked by an Ybor business owner about how we clearly did not support Ybor City and its efforts. I listened intently and took the comments to heart.

The fact is: I really like Ybor. The rich history and culture reflected in the architecture and character is magnificent to say the least.

The District is working to return Ybor from a reputation as being a party and club district to more of a cultural and business district. That is a great idea. With the many great clubs and restaurants that seem to dominate the area, it is sad that the daytime business isn't stronger than it is. In fact, Ybor doesn't start to happen until 10 pm at best.

With camera and pencil in hand, off I went to see the Ybor Renaissance of ARTS YBOR, a planned Second Wednesday of the Month event designed to showcase the arts and retail side of the area. The galleries offer some creative works in a comfortable atmosphere. Many shops are located in restored old homes that are works of art in themselves.

There was no one there. Business leaders seemed to be invisible. Even though the publicity for the event had been pretty extensive, there was just no one there. The supposed leadership was missing. No real effort by the Ybor Chamber of Commerce. No real effort by the businesses in the district.

At this time, Ybor City is a night time bar and restaurant district with retail shops that cater to that market and nothing more. Unfortunately, due to previous problems of violence, that image is not going to attract the crowd that the districts business leaders are seeking. A meeting of the minds needs to be held - with all businesses represented - to decide the direction of Ybor City. Or the so-called business leaders need to accept Ybor as it is. As a ship without a rudder, this magnificent part of Tampa's heritage will never reach its real potential. What a shame.