Someone I know, pondering a try at local politics, recently wondered if his ideas even mattered. Politics and public service, these days, do seem so co-opted, so corporatized by the powerful and monied that it was easy to understand and impossible to dismiss his sense of futility.
Many of us share it. No point in going into the reasons. We’re all more than aware to the point of increasing -and dangerous- cyncism of what has become of the high ideals of statesmanship.
So, can you actually make a difference? Any difference? Do you have a voice? Can your voice influence public policy and bring about positive change or improvement?
Indulge us a bit as we get this thing called UnderMain underway. We actually do believe the answer is “yes.” And part of our mission is to encourage and facilitate your voice as a powerful Lexington cultural resource.
You are invited to become a contributor to the UnderMain blog community. Send your submission for consideration to editorial@under-main.com. Consideration? Yes. There is plenty of snark out there. That’s well covered. This is a place where we talk frankly, but with respect, about moving things forward. We will offer observations of our own from time to time, but our hope is to create a carousel of perspectives and ideas about our cultural landscape and conditions.
I’d like to get this rolling with what may seem an odd question for a cultural affairs magazine. But you know? Sewage is a cultural affair.
So, this multiple choice quiz for your consideration:
How aware are you of the details of the city’s agreement with the EPA to fix the mess that is our ghastly mingled system of sanitary and storm sewers?
I’m up on it
I’m somewhat aware
I’m vaguely aware
I know very little
Huh?
Are you aware that city officials anticipate that implementation of their plan to meet the requirements of the federal Clean Water Act will cost the city at least $600 million?
Yes, fully aware
No. You’re kidding?
Did you know that this cost is being covered with a recently enacted sewage fee that most likely will have to be increased?
Yes and I would support an increase to ensure Lexington is in full compliance.
Yes, but I do not support a tax increase for this purpose
Fixing sewers is decidedly unsexy compared with creating an entertainment district in our downtown. But there is a limit to what our tax base can support. Which is your priority?
Fix the sewers
Build the entertainment district
Which of the following best describes you as a Fayette County citizen?
Actively engaged in the affairs of my community
Interested in the affairs of my community
Somewhat aware of what’s going on
Aware but too busy to care
Unaware but wish I knew more
Unaware. Blissfully unaware.
