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Support for John Stromberg
We recently had the pleasure of meeting with John Stromberg, a candidate for City Council who is currently a member of the Ashland Planning Commission and organizational development consultant. We came away from that meeting feeling optimistic. He has a refreshingly creative agenda and a participatory communication approach that would actively seek and support involvement of the community in its own governance.
Its not just John's suggestions for the introduction of proven and available light rail technology or the development of a sustainable energy research and development center in the railroad district that were impressive.
An affordable housing arrangement for our teachers built on idle, non-park land already owned by the schools and similar housing initiatives for our own police officers, or a review of the current budget to support some of these initiatives, rather than ensuring that we pave roads.
What is also impressive is that John will openly tell you that many of the ideas he presents are not his alone but that they have derived from his conversations with people in our community. With all of the experiential, intellectual and creative resources in Ashland, we can and should be setting an example for others to follow in this state and nation. Because Ashland citizens are 'e-exposed' to what is already emerging by way of innovation in our bioregion and beyond, its high time for Ashland to step up, act and show its 'beyond-sustainable' leadership.
Citizens don't like to feel that the expression of their ideas is like throwing darts into a pillow, but rather that their ideas hit a mark, are heard and considered. We feel that John will be this kind of council member, working together, creatively and cooperatively with other members of the City council to help get the community involved in the implementation of its own ideas. In these times, when we hear too much of what doesn't work, what makes us divisive or what can't be done, it is great to hear someone say, let's talk about these ideas, lets find a way to work together — to make it work.
John is seeking time for debate and discussion, for pro-active input of our community in governing — our community. With him on the city council, citizens will have the potential to make things happen.
Richard and Joyce Stanley
Ashland
