Thank you, Steve, for again covering important issues in sufficient depth to make them valuable. I became aware of Camron's candidacy through one line in the Valley Breeze mentioning that he is challenging the current mayor. When I tried to find out more about him, all I could find was a FB page--not helpful, because I'm not on FB. Within a week, however, there was a thorough campaign site outlining his ideas, and I also met him at the Pawtucket Farmers Market.
Without much other research, simply reading this blog on Morley Field (especially the thorough, and thoroughly footnoted CLF letter) would cause an honest person to have qualms about re-electing this mayor. Camron gives a positive alternative to the "anyone but Grebien" approach. However, I have two serious questions for him.
I appreciate that you asked him about his political and prior experience, because that concerns me. His ideas are great--but what about the process? Things don't get done because you know they will benefit the community. It's the day-to-day slog, organization, connections, record-keeping for follow-up that we need. I'm sure Camron is finding this out as he campaigns, and I look forward to concrete ideas as he continues.
The other thing I'm keeping an eye on is what seems to be a single-minded focus on young people. I am delighted that's where a lot of his energy is going. We're leaving a sad world for the younger generation to cope with, and the more education and involvement younger people get, the better chance our society has. This is one reason I am a strong supporter of the PSU. I applaud those young people for ensuring that every RI h.s. graduate has to pass a course in civics. Why did they even have to ask? But they did, they pushed, they got it.
But we all live in this world, and many local issues affect everyone from infants to our few remaining WWII vets. The closing of Morley Field means young people have lost a place for both formal and informal recreation; working people have lost a place to walk, run, relax, and play safely with their children; older people have lost a place to walk safely without worrying about traffic or tripping on one of the damaged Pawtucket sidewalks (which is why, nearly 2 years later, I still limp). Many of us depend, or would like to depend, on public transit, but we're all left behind when the bus pulls away as we get off the train and we have to wait 20 minutes for the next one, and when we risk injury as we try to cross the unprotected intersection at the entrance to the commuter rail. As Camron's campaign builds momentum, I hope more people pay attention and support him, and that he integrates this support into his run.
Thank you, Steve, for again covering important issues in sufficient depth to make them valuable. I became aware of Camron's candidacy through one line in the Valley Breeze mentioning that he is challenging the current mayor. When I tried to find out more about him, all I could find was a FB page--not helpful, because I'm not on FB. Within a week, however, there was a thorough campaign site outlining his ideas, and I also met him at the Pawtucket Farmers Market.
Without much other research, simply reading this blog on Morley Field (especially the thorough, and thoroughly footnoted CLF letter) would cause an honest person to have qualms about re-electing this mayor. Camron gives a positive alternative to the "anyone but Grebien" approach. However, I have two serious questions for him.
I appreciate that you asked him about his political and prior experience, because that concerns me. His ideas are great--but what about the process? Things don't get done because you know they will benefit the community. It's the day-to-day slog, organization, connections, record-keeping for follow-up that we need. I'm sure Camron is finding this out as he campaigns, and I look forward to concrete ideas as he continues.
The other thing I'm keeping an eye on is what seems to be a single-minded focus on young people. I am delighted that's where a lot of his energy is going. We're leaving a sad world for the younger generation to cope with, and the more education and involvement younger people get, the better chance our society has. This is one reason I am a strong supporter of the PSU. I applaud those young people for ensuring that every RI h.s. graduate has to pass a course in civics. Why did they even have to ask? But they did, they pushed, they got it.
But we all live in this world, and many local issues affect everyone from infants to our few remaining WWII vets. The closing of Morley Field means young people have lost a place for both formal and informal recreation; working people have lost a place to walk, run, relax, and play safely with their children; older people have lost a place to walk safely without worrying about traffic or tripping on one of the damaged Pawtucket sidewalks (which is why, nearly 2 years later, I still limp). Many of us depend, or would like to depend, on public transit, but we're all left behind when the bus pulls away as we get off the train and we have to wait 20 minutes for the next one, and when we risk injury as we try to cross the unprotected intersection at the entrance to the commuter rail. As Camron's campaign builds momentum, I hope more people pay attention and support him, and that he integrates this support into his run.
It is an interesting program. Camron, if you read this, get in touch. I woujld like to talk ablut your campaign more. greg