Because all of us are smarter than any of us.
Thomas Christy Review Phase I: July 2019 to November 2019 The Goal: take one city, figure out how civics works in practice, discuss whether the civic ideals are being met and imagine moving forward. While it could be any city, this project selected Niagara Falls, N.Y. as it’s study subject. It’s maybe the best known brand in … Read more
When cities become poor by spending more than they raise, talk turns to the need for a control board. The talk is mostly on radio and in coffee shops. It never really gains traction with the decision makers in government. If it IS ever talked about seriously within government it’s because they have an option, … Read more
“Niagara Falls is an unclaimed promise.” No one has ever described Niagara Falls so succinctly or beautifully. Those six words may just be the most intelligent ever spoken on the subject of civics. I can’t imagine they came easily to the lips. It took 86 years to perfectly form that short sentence. It was … Read more
The important thing about civics is that it is all-encompassing. Every municipality has varied components. Service some and ignore others like a giant chemistry experiment. Actions have consequences. These are the components of a civics discussion. “I was moving some things around in my home the other day and I moved a box, and on the … Read more
The more you learn about Niagara Falls, the more you realize you don’t know anything. It is one of the most complex situations you’ll ever run across. Yet that’s what makes it so fascinating. It is a deep and puzzling maze. Nothing is as it seems. How can a city with less than 50,000 people and shrinking … Read more
There are many smart people among us. If you have a question there’s an answer one or two connections away. Someone knows someone and is very happy to introduce you. Asking the right questions then becomes the issue. After weeks of feedback to these posts it will be helpful to revisit the focus and questions we’re … Read more
Change isn’t easy. It takes intellect to question norms and character to make unpopular changes in pursuit of goals. It includes having conversations with people you may not agree with. Seek to understand, then be understood. “You probably hate Trump. Both parties hate him. He’s not one of them. He’s probably not the ethical choice, but it had to start somewhere. If … Read more
Thanks to everyone who have reached out to me after the introduction to The Civics Project. The encouragement is appreciated and the intense visceral passion pleasantly surprising. People consider Niagara Falls to be far more than just another city, and that the potential to build something truly special here is real. Thank you. It’s not all … Read more
In trying to make sense of Niagara Falls from a civics standpoint, we’ll frequently need a history lesson from someone who was involved. It was in this vein that I knew I needed to hear from Vince Anello. People like this don’t grow on trees, but they do walk among us and we often forget … Read more
If you say you’re running for mayor, you’ll get people’s attention. And I want your attention. We have a serious project in the works, it needs your help, in fact, you’re an integral part of this project. Ten years ago I was a semi-public persona. I hosted a live television call-in show for three hours every week, … Read more