Hello Westfield and all you good folks in Ward 3. First, and foremost I want to extend my most sincere condolences to the Westfield PD for the loss of another Brother. Having known police officers for much of my life I understand the bond they share with one another. How many of us go to work with the possibility of being shot, run over, etc.? And, when something like this happens you cannot help but be reminded of the danger, and your mortality. I know several of our officers, and I try to wave, or say hi, whenever I see any of them. You can too; it won’t harm people to be nice for a few seconds out of appreciation for what these and the many other public employees deal with, and do for us. Nothing wrong with being nice…we need more of that in our jaded world.
Next: 1. We got reminder this week of why we should take a few moments to clear off storm drains! I almost got stuck on Meadow St. But, as the flood approach I took sanctuary at Gray’s Sunoco’s parking lot. I want to thank them for allowing me to stay there until the flood receded. There was another young man who likewise used his smarts to get gas. It was nice to chat with all of these. And, their antics did relieve the stress of the moment, along with the guy in the row boat, and another riding a big red plastic barrel. The folks there all helped to make fun out of a not so funny situation. And, one other humorous to share: on the radio was Credence Clearwater performing: have you seen the rain… And, I want to really thank Water Resources, Fran Cain, your guys arrived at the right time to activate the pump station so we could escape unscathed.
Something to think about: as it is being said more often. Giving the Right to vote locally, to 16 year olds. Northampton is considering it. I don’t think so…while many adults have traded their Responsibility to vote, I do not think that 16 year olds have the life experiences and knowledge. And, I would hate to see them used to vote for something that they do not understand and then become jaded when they discover this. OK, adults are tricked like this, just look at the success of the Russia with really faked news, and how effective it was. What I have advocated for, and still do, is to require passing the civics part of the citizenship test to graduate. I would like to see every high school have a means to get our 16 year old familiar with the principles and practices of our unique governance through some sort of participation. We have Model Congresses, Model U.N., and State government. Why not on local government? Course credits for participation by attending, going to Committee meetings, etc. Or, involvement in legit organizations that support issues, and Rights, or even some of the new nationwide youth involvement orgs.?
We certainly need a public that does understands our form of government. And, being born here is not an automatic means to know; it is don’t done through osmosis. As said, I became involved in our elections, and our civic responsibilities at age 13. It was the greatest educational experience anyone could have. I met, and got to know, and was mentored by prominent and successful people in community, government, business, law, education…one cannot buy this kind of education. Plus, experiencing it through participation.
Last: a question…If we have self-driving cars, what about the insurance and liability if it gets you into an accident? Your former Ward 3 City Councilor, Brian Hoose….[email protected]
