| Author | |
kip
3/25/2009
10:06:16 AM | |
chriscasey
3/25/2009
12:43:54 PM | I thought it was a bold and exciting move for Stamford. I agree that not all the people who "need" to be represented were there...but there were many viewpoints and a great deal of expertise and strong leadership represented from many sectors. My table leader did a great job in making sure everyone was heard. Duane wrapped up the evening well and on time. I feel hopeful that this can be a vehicle to examine the constellation of issues that Stamford faces. I loved the idea of being a center of "green" technology and resources. I like the idea of capturing the many languages spoken here as an asset instead of a liability. I like the idea of examining the graduate and undergraduate offerings to support the various changing workplace and career needs of the city. And finally, I can't wait to visit a vibrant waterfront for recreation and relaxation! I hope that idea is pursued! |
barbaragarvinkester
3/25/2009
3:16:33 PM | The small number of diverse participants. An important point was made that future sessions need to include a greater number of younger people who represent the diversity of the City. |
arthurselkowitz
3/25/2009
4:46:49 PM | Anytime you get 100 smart people in a room talking about how to make Stamford better, it's a good thing. THis is an excellent initiative at a very critical time for our city and our country. I don't believe this group will lack great ideas. The real challenge will be how to make them happen. There were also some notable absences from the room. The Superintendent of Schools and all of our state representatives as well as city reps, for example. |
kip
3/25/2009
6:53:49 PM | State Rep Shapiro and State Sen McDonald were in attendance as were Board of Reps members Martin, Heaphy, Day, DePina, Figueroa, Rauh and Zelinsky, and Board of Finance member Abazzia. |
tcappleby
3/26/2009
11:45:04 AM | I was so impressed with the community's willingness to be proactive about its future. The first step towards change is to believe you have to power to make it happen, and clearly the evening gave those in attendance a sense of ownership of the problems and possibilities, and a desire to shape their destiny. This was a great start, and I look forward to seeing what we make of it. |
ckreeder
3/27/2009
11:47:43 AM | I walked away with the impression that this was an simply an opportunity for a lot of smart people to talk to each other about issues and concerns of which they are, for the most part, accutely aware. Issues that we talk about around our dinner tables and with our neighbors.
We need more than talk. We need to walk the talk. The "Reinventing Stamford" forum needs to have strong actionable goals and objectives. Put attendees to work solving key problems, developing strategic plans for tackling the them, and taking responsibility for making them happen.
Looking at the other agenda items for "Reinventing Stamford" I see more opportunitites for lots of talk.
How will these events be used to generate workable plans and solutions? How will they truly further the goal of "reinventing Stamford"? |
kscott
3/29/2009
9:27:36 PM | The evening began discussions and generated ideas that could be continued online or at future gatherings. This venue (online conversation) is an effective place to elaborate on our thoughts. |
kip
3/30/2009
1:51:56 PM | In response to Cynthia's comment above, the point of this initiative is to get the right people talking. That conversation will change thinking, and from changed thinking action will follow. We expect a lot of specific action to self-organize, particularly from the next three events, which each have a focused theme.
My experience with planning processes is that people tend to skip over a frank assessment of conditions, particularly emerging conditions. In dynamic times like these, that is a deadly mistake.
People also tend to be in specific social networks, often bounded by sector or a particular interest. Since many of the solutions to our challenges lie at the intersection of many sectors and interests, it is critical for us to connect up our separate networks. That is one of the key goals of this initiative.
I go into all of this at some length in the Smart City interview with Carol Coletta. Check that out if you haven't already.
If the side tables felt like a good dinner conversation, that's great. That's exactly what we intended. |
| |
