Published: June 25, 2010
In the last month, there has been a stark contrast between the two Barres. First, there is the Barre that must go through the motions — humorous at times — of deciding whether cats should be leashed or whether dogs can be walked in cemeteries. These short-sighted debates have spurred plenty of discussions about quality of life in the city, public safety, enforcement and the rights of property and pet owners.
Meanwhile, a week ago, a teenager was shot through the neck in what appears to be a reckless accident. She is lucky to be alive. Vacant homes around the city are being filled with trash, and absentee landlords are being targeted. Somewhere, there are vandals and an arsonist among us. On Thursday, we learned a source of community pride, the Vermont Frost Heaves, needs $100,000 by Aug. 1 or risk folding the team altogether. And complaints roll in about people walking downtown being rude, unruly and thoughtless. Once again, discussions center on quality of life in the city, public safety, enforcement and rights.
We are quick to point to how Barre and surrounding towns don't do enough to support either of the Barres the way they should. It's about attitude and thinking outside the box. This city — for the short- and long-term — needs to prioritize and focus on identifying its problems, come up with reasonable solutions, and move forward. It's time for bigger picture thinking. This is about positive thinking and progress, doing all we can every day to make our community stronger and better. That's community building.
That's not cats or dogs. But it is quality of life.
From Times argus Published on June 25, 2010
