Logansport Problem/Solution Thread (Lafayette, Spencer: crime rates, house, landscaping)

[Seger J Mathew]

Please take the time to post one problem and possible solution to the problem as it applies to Logansport, IN. Please be considerate to ethnic groups and use no "mud-slinging" attempts to get your point across. I would like to see posts that offer the recongition of problems, and the possible solutions. Let's take the time to talk about the problems (not the people) and possible solution. Thanks all for your help...this could be a great thing. I will check in tomorrow to see what was written. Thanks
SEGER

[Seger J Mathew]

Hello all,

I am sure that most of you who read this already know me. I have lived off and on in Logansport for most of my life. I just bought a house there and am moving back in April 07'. As I drive through the city, I see a lot of changes. Some of them are good and some of them are bad. I would like to focus this post on "What Logansport Could Be".

I am sure that most anyone can point out the obvious when it comes to negative factors about the city. Most residents probably blame the local government or the increase in minorities. Most residents have opinion based on what conversation and ideas that their peers share with one another. I would like to point out the positive efforts though first, and then the negative, moving finally to a conclusion on how to ultimately make things better in OUR town.

In the last few years, I have seen a great upgrade to the aesthetic value of landscaping and ornaments throughout the city. The carosel horse that sits just tangent to the China Lane is a simple yet effective addition. I have seen some residents put faith in the city by upgrading the exterior and yards of their homes. I know that the current mayor (Fincher) has put much effort in making funds available to upgrade sidewalks, parks, and the most impressive Little Turtle Waterway. There are continual efforts by individuals to make their own "part" of the city as nice as possible. The city has came a long way, but has much farther to come. It is not only the city's responsibility to create a pleasant environment, but each of ours. With that said, let's take a look at the negative factors.

The first negative aspect of the city is its "run-down" look. Although it was better than even 3yrs ago, it still needs a vast makeover. Unfortunately, we cannot just sit by and say "Logansport is a dead city. There is no reason to upgrade my home, I will never get out of it what I put in. Why should I care if there is trash sitting around in yards and grafiti on the public parks? This place is terrible and it is pointless to care!" However, as I frequent local establishments, this is the attitude that many people have. A lot of residents (particularly the younger generation 20s to 30s) go to work, if they have a job, and then spend a majority of free time in the bars or just hanging out. I am not judging too harshly, I like to go visit the Old Style from time to time. I am judging the fact that people need to begin to care about Logansport on a personal level. This is the city that I grew up in. This is the place my kids are going to grow up in. I want the best for them, myself, and my community. All I am saying is, have you even thought about what you can do to make a positive impact to help the city? If you have, wonderful, but you are a minority. We all know it is easier to see the problem with others than with ourselves, but we need have enough courage inside and ask, "What can I do?"

Here are a list of things that I would like to see happen to improve what could be a very beautiful city. First of all, I think we need more community activities. We need a place for our children to go and grow and be safe. We need a safe and beautiful place for them to learn and have fun. As far as I know, the YMCA is the only place that offers things like this.
Most of Logansport's young parents do not have extra money to join the YMCA and it is those who need it most who suffer. What alternative do we have? There are multilple parks. What of the parks though- how do they stack up against the parks of neighboring cities?

I visited Happy Hollow park today with my kids (Lafayette). There, they have a "tikes" playground and a larger playground for kids 5-12 yrs old as well. They offer a walking trail that allows people to enjoy nature at its purest form (blooming buds on trees, new growth, ect) in the Spring. By the way...HAPPY SPRING! We have riverside park, which is okay...but could see a great renovation. We have Spencer Park, which has seen a great renovation and is pretty nice (the playgrounds and such). The South side of town has Fairview Park, which takes its name to full worth...it is only a "fair-view". Okay okay...most of the parks could see improvements. How do we do it though?
The last time I visited Riverside Park, there were many children running around (about 20-30) and only 3 adults! What is that? Why are the kids there without supervision? This is not the city's fault, it is the residents to whom the kids belong! The problem is that the parks are not safe because the parents are not there to enforce the rules. Parents....Where are you!!!?? Why is it that when I visit the park with my kids, I end up almost babysitting someone elses kids as well? That is the reason that parks are flooded with unsupervised children who do as they please and make a visit to the park an un-enjoyable experience to kids like mine.
The solution, parents need to be present. The city needs to pass a law that says that parents of kids need to be with them to visit the parks. Well, maybe not parents, but an adult of somekind. I am tired of seeing 7yr olds watch 3yr olds without a parent. It is against the law to leave them at home alone, so why shouldn't the parks require it too? It does a dis-service to not only the kids that have the parents there, but to the kids who's parents aren't there. After all, a 7 yr old is not concerned with watching the 3yr old...they just want to be a kid and play. Final note on this....Parents, you had the kids...take the responsibility to watch and participate in their lives. They will appreciate it as much as I will.

I am going to continue to post "problem/solution" blogs on here. I just found this site and think I am going to like it. I encourage anyone in Logansport to post what they feel about the city and how they feel it can be improved. Another post could be about an improvement that you have seen benefit the community as a whole. So for the few who write on here....let's make our voice heard!

Note to Mayor Mike Fincher.... I saw a post of yours on here the other day...I am not sure how long ago you wrote it...but I would love to see you active on this site. I know you love Logansport, and what better way to encourage participation and caring about the city than to lead by example with your thoughts posted where everyone can have access.

I hope to see all of your thoughts real soon. thanks for reading
SEGER

[Seger J Mathew]

This is my second thread. I feel that an important part to making any relationship work is to have an open mind and understanding. The same goes for the relationship one has with his/her city. In Logansport, I understand that there are a lot of cultural differences. I know some local parents are irritated by the fact that elementary school children are being taught two languages to tear down the barriers between the Hispanic population and the majority Caucasion population. I know a lot of people hold strong reservations against the Hispanic growth in the city. These biases are part of small town thinking and small mindedness.

The truth is, the Hispanic people who now call Logansport home have the same ideas that the native Caucasion and Black residents have. They want the best for their children, a decent job, opportunity, and the ability to succeed. The only difference we are truley looking at is the language barrier and skin color. In this day in age, we as a society should be able to see that everyone bleeds red, cries when they are sad/hurt, and laughs at amusing things. Although my examples are surface, they prove a point. We are all human.

The efforts of the school system to teach bi-lingualism in our children in not only a proactive effort, but a beneficial one as well. What harm comes from a child understanding what someone of a different ethnitcity is trying to communicate? In my opinon, this effort should not only be accepted; It should be encouraged. Parents should make effort on both sides to learn about the culture of others. Diversity is what makes up the U.S. Many jobs seek out individuals who are able to speak different languages. The whole concept is to allow for communication. We need to communicate with one another to be able to understand what each of us is saying and what thoughts are trying to be conveyed.

The main effort in a community is to create "one-body" made from different parts. There are always going to be bad people in this world. Obviously, this leaks down to the local level. Next time you read the police reports, see how many Hispanics are listed versus native White and Black residents. The amount is proportional to the overall population. The main driver of crime is not what race you are, but the type of person you are and what you have been exposed to. Facts show that persons of a lesser social status tend to have higher crime rates. Residents of Logansport know that the average income is not very high, due to a lack of opportuniy (and retention of persons who are capable to make a difference).

The idea of "one-body" in a community should be forefront on proactive citizens minds. Next time you go out in town, see the interaction between Hispanics and native residents. There is very little. This alone is a problem that can only be changed with understanding one another and a change of thinking. I am sure that this example will make clear what I am trying to convey. If you go to a foreign country and there is a strong language barrier, you will be timid (at best) to try to communicate with locals. The act of trying to interact with the locals would be even more hampered if you did not feel welcome. I am not trying to be cliche', but what would a good person do? What would a good neighbor do? Each of us needs to make an effort to try and understand one another and build personal relationships with those around us. That may be as simple as simply saying hello to a stranger, because after all, that person is a part of the same "one-body" community that you are part of.

We are all neighbors in our city. Let's try to change our thinking and reach out to make a difference.

[Judi Lyn]

I haven't visited this forum much recently, so I only just found your posts. This is a very good site, but I honestly don't think that many of us from Logansport know about it. Most of us are busy on the Pharos-Tribune blogs. http://community.cnhi.com/eve/forums/a/cfrm/f/7051014 If you find that you don't get much feedback from locals on this site, I encourage you to visit the Pharos-Tribunes forum and join us there.

I'm not a solution finder, so I can't contribute much to your discussion, but I am an active participant in efforts to improve the city. I work as executive assistant for the Logansport-Cass County Economic Development Foundation, and love my position there because it allows me the opportunity to know what things are going to happen in Logansport - something that I often find encouraging as my son is going to grow up and see the end results of efforts being made now. I have also joined the Design committee of Logan's Landing, and have been asked to chair a committee that is planning the installation of an outdoor Chess Park in downtown, hopefully by the end of this year! I am also chair of the Family Arts Festival committee this year.

If you would like any information on any of the above organizations, please let me know!

I hope that you receive a warm "Welcome Home" in April.