http://blogs.e-rockford.com/viewpointsboard/2008/03/31/igniting-change/ The Community Viewpoints Board advises the Register Star on the Editorial Agenda and on topics of the day. They are conservatives, liberals and independent. Some are retired. Others are doctors, teachers, pastors, social workers and marketing specialists. Several members of the board agreed to blog on rrstar.com. They’ll share their views here on local issues. Their thoughts – as well as the opinions of other board members – also will appear with other opinion content online and in the newspaper in the Opinions section. Sun, 7 Sep 2008 23:46:14 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=wordpress-mu-1.2.4 http://blogs.e-rockford.com/viewpointsboard/2008/03/31/igniting-change/#comment-30 Raymond C. Garcia M.D. Wed, 02 Apr 2008 22:41:13 +0000 http://blogs.e-rockford.com/viewpointsboard/2008/03/31/igniting-change/#comment-30 One of the most common statements I hear from Rockford residents (and I admit I have been guilty of this at times as well) when talking about the city's assets is, "Chicago is only 90 miles away and Madison is even closer" -- or some variation of this theme. I've said it to doctors when I am trying to recruit them to Singer or to the College of Medicine. It's time that we begin to look at our region for what it offers on its own. Sure I enjoy visiting Chicago and Madison, but how can we get others to appreciate the Rock River Valley if we do not appreciate the area on its own merits without deferring to these other communities? I for one will watch how I sell Rockford from now on and let the Chicagoans and Madisonites (?) sell themselves. One of the most common statements I hear from Rockford residents (and I admit I have been guilty of this at times as well) when talking about the city’s assets is, “Chicago is only 90 miles away and Madison is even closer” — or some variation of this theme. I’ve said it to doctors when I am trying to recruit them to Singer or to the College of Medicine. It’s time that we begin to look at our region for what it offers on its own. Sure I enjoy visiting Chicago and Madison, but how can we get others to appreciate the Rock River Valley if we do not appreciate the area on its own merits without deferring to these other communities? I for one will watch how I sell Rockford from now on and let the Chicagoans and Madisonites (?) sell themselves.

]]> http://blogs.e-rockford.com/viewpointsboard/2008/03/31/igniting-change/#comment-26 Brian Maier Tue, 01 Apr 2008 12:29:39 +0000 http://blogs.e-rockford.com/viewpointsboard/2008/03/31/igniting-change/#comment-26 I agree, Erin! I used the phrase "the best kept secret" around when I was talking to a group of NIU student teachers about where to look for teaching jobs. Great neighborhoods, great people, and a true community (as opposed to the unattached, crowded, unemotional feel of the suburbs). Of course, I want the secret out because, like you, I want to change the perceptions than many people have about Rockford. I agree, Erin! I used the phrase “the best kept secret” around when I was talking to a group of NIU student teachers about where to look for teaching jobs. Great neighborhoods, great people, and a true community (as opposed to the unattached, crowded, unemotional feel of the suburbs). Of course, I want the secret out because, like you, I want to change the perceptions than many people have about Rockford.

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