On the Mayor's mind
Sunday, February 9, 2014
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| Shari Winstead Mayor of Shoreline |
As our plane touched down at SeaTac the first thing I saw was “GO HAWKS” – a sign hanging at the Alaska Airlines plane deck. I had watched a small part of the victory parade in awe (streaming it live from the other Washington). More people than anyone could have imagined gathered downtown to show pride in the Seahawks.
"It really is unbelievable hearing an entire city cheer all at once. I love football but I really love hearing everyone come together for a single purpose, even if it's just a game.” The Facebook post from my friend Edi Zanidache really summed up what I was feeling. The Seahawks had formed a community.
What’s on my mind isn’t really the Seahawks. It’s the idea of everyone coming together for a single purpose.
Coming together for a single purpose - it’s how we start a little league team, pass a Parks bond, and even how we start (or stop) projects in our neighborhoods. Sometimes it’s how we meet new friends. And sometimes it’s how we show our pride in a sports team. But most importantly, we can come together to prevent neighborhood crime.
It’s unfortunate that sometimes it takes a crime or a “not in my backyard” project for neighbors to come together.
So here’s my suggestion, don’t wait to come together - get to know your neighbors now. Forming a block watch is really easy. The City and police department would love to help you. Check out this Shoreline website for all the information you need to start your neighborhood watch, and to make your neighborhood safer.
National Night Out Against Crime is August 5, 2014. This is a designated evening for block parties (remember those from your childhood? Tons of fun!) A really great way to spend some time talking to your neighbors.
As the sunny days become longer in length, take a moment to knock on your neighbor’s door, and put your neighborhood on the map of block parties to be held on August 5!
Every year, your elected officials and police make every effort to visit these block parties. I hope I’ll see you this year!
Mayor Shari Winstead
City of Shoreline
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8 comments:
Very good and well written! I completely agree--form community bonds before a crisis occurs. Everyone will work better together when necessary if those relationships are already strong.
NIMBY is a powerful, positive force Mayor. And it is our RIGHT! Get over it Sherri.
This is exactly what the community needs. An invitation to form bonds that keep everyone safer and more connected. These block parties are fun, relaxing and essential for neighbors to get to know one another and therefore look out for one another. You're right. The Seahawks win made me feel more connected to all of my fellow Western Washingtonians. Let's bring that unity closer to home.
Great job Shari!
So are we supposed to be happy, happy, happy and united about the city's cooperation with BSRE on Point Wells? About abusive developers intruding into our neighborhoods? About stupid tree cutting by City Light or thoughtless neighbors? Or just follow the City or School District blindly like good little children? Go happily to your block parties and don't raise your voices children, or Madam Mayor will tell you to be quiet. BTW, cheering for the Seahawks does not mean you love everything here!
Winstead is naïve.
I guess the February 11 Special Election is not on the Mayor's Mind. She made no mention of it, let alone remind the citizens to vote on the Shoreline School Levy.
Point Wells is NOT a NIMBY. Nor is a one-off zero setback across the street from an R6 neighborhood a NIMBY. . If Mayor Winstead does not know that, she hasn't been paying attention. A NIMBY is an acknowledgment of a common good (like a jail or a school), but wanting it located somewhere else.
The survival of man depends on the diversity of ideas, on individualism, and variation. United celebration of a momentous achievement, like a sports victory or winning a war in one thing. A yearning for a universal, harmonious spirit of cooperation, on the other hand, is a chilling prospect, and leads to thoughts of totalitarianism. Candles in the rain occur only at funerals. Stick to sports, Mayor.
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