Igniting Change

2 comments March 31st, 2008

I was at a board meeting last week at a popular local restaurant in downtown Rockford, when the business owner made a very profound statement when asked why he decided to open a restaurant in our community. He stated that, “Rockford was a jewel of a community that more people need to discover,” and that “we as a city need to change our perception of how we think of ourselves in order to grow.” He’s exactly right.

Rockford does have so much to offer to outside visitors, individuals looking to establish their own businesses, companies wanting to expand, and even new families building their first homes. We need to invite visitors to see what a jewel of a community Rockford truly is, and our residents need to open their eyes to what we have around us.

This business owner had such conviction and passion when he talked about our community, that it was infectious. He believes so deeply in what Rockford can truly become, and he’s influencing everyone around him in order to ignite change. That’s what we all need to do – find a way to positively influence and find a way to ignite a positive dialogue. I know that it will take more than a little positive thinking in order to help turn things around for the better, but establishing a dialogue is always the right place to start.

So I thank that business owner who is doing his part to start the conversation. And, I challenge the rest of Rockford to begin doing the same.

Who will be the first

6 comments March 31st, 2008

It is reported by switching off lights that Chicago saved an estimated 420 tons of carbon dioxide according to the local utility, Com Ed. Who will be the first to suggest that we go with an Earth Hour EVERY MONTH?

Jan Herbert 

Hang Up And Drive

3 comments March 31st, 2008

I agree with Jan that we all need to slow down.  I would also like to say that often, when I see someone driving erratically, they are holding a cell phone.  Often, they’re talking, and often, they’re TEXTING.  Many cities and municipalities have banned the use of hand held cell phones while driving.  Earpiece/voice-activated units are normally acceptable under these ordinances, which allows persons who spend a lot of time in the car to conduct business.  I would certainly support such an ordinance in the city of Rockford.  It is already illegal for Illinois drivers under 19 and school bus drivers to use cell phones while driving.  (Of course, this is because your 19th birthday is the clear demarcation point for an improved ability to pay attention while holding a cell phone and driving.)  I would be interested to know how many teenagers have been ticketed by the Rockford Police Department pursuant to this law since it took effect on Jan. 1, 2008 (assuming they have the authority to do so).  And I’d be interested to know the City Council’s opinion regarding a ban on hand held cell phone use while driving.