7 Comments

I hadn’t heard this, Bill. Though my degree in Urban Affairs didn’t end up with a career in that field, I still have a great deal of interest in the discipline and remember my time in the program quite fondly. This saddens me as well.

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Yes, it is unfortunate that WSU is not continuing its program especially since it is a “local” institution. Does Edison have associate degrees in the field to at least get interested students a start? I believe there are too many citizens like myself even, whose knowledge of local governance has been very thin. Yet many of us are quick to aimlessly or thoughtlessly blame government entities or officials for our specific gripes. Hmmm. I wonder if anything is being presented in junior or senior high school classes regarding the governance of cities, townships or counties. Sadly, I have no concrete suggestions for how to pique the interest of those who could provide qualified new leadership in our communities. Qualified is a critical factor in that leadership.

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The lack of local government education is something that is evident in our high schools and yes, even our community colleges. It's not until something deeply personal that effects one life does an individual get involved in local government, usually by attending meetings and reading reports, etc. and there is often no good "start here" type of programming for residents to access to have a better understanding of their government. One of the parts of the Civic Capacity project is to do just that --- help people understand the decisions being made and understand the complex relationships that exist within local government. That being said, if there is a high school teacher or community college instructor that wants me to come in and help teach, I would completely be happy to do that!

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Excellent article Bill!

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Thanks Stu

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Well put!

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Thanks Kent!

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