Please include any other thoughts you have on how we can build bridges among communities in Flint's 7th Ward.

“Mabe a yearly meeting of all associations and block clubs” – Alicia Pitts

“Seems like Pierce Elementary could be more visible throughout the neighborhood throughout the year.” – Bob Mabbitt

“Perhaps a joint potluck or fundraiser for all the neighborhoods in our ward, where we can yearly raise funds to be used for beautification but also network and honor those working for the betterment of our neighborhoods.” – Cathy Lancaster

“The 7th ward is comprised of three distinct areas. The College Cultural area which has garnered the lion share of resources based on the key political stakeholders in that area. Second, parts of the east side which is comprised of poor white, black, and Latino residents, Arson is the highest in the Flint, state, and possibly the nation. Then, there is the area near Thread Lake which is comprised of mostly elderly and retired blacks or relatives who recently acquired the propery due to the death of an elderly relative. Unprepared to assume property preservation, many stable residents live in fear and anger due to the decline in that area. Thread Lake continues to be a hidden treasure, though. The area going east across Dort Hwy to Center Rd also has a large black population that are experiencing a shift in property preservation due to the same phenomena; however, it is not as prevalent. The way to build bridges is through neighborhood collaboratives. In other words, sponsoring social events together and supporting and encouraging others to support them. Reduce the negative perception of Fint and focus on what is good. Educational community -- Kettering, Mott, Davenport, Baker, U of M. Return to what worked, Community Policing strategy and seek federal grants to increase this successful model.” – Denise Smith Allen

“Keep talking. Social Bridging events.” – Desiree Duell

“volunteering” – E. Custer

“This is a good start. Flint needs to acknowledge its history for the good things that happened in the past, but still strive for a viable future suited for everyone's security, happiness, and creativity.” – E. Perkins-Harbin

“?” – Emma

“We don't know who is in Flint's 7th Ward” – Erik and Lata

“We have found benefit in working thru Court St. Village Non Profit so that the neighborhoods speak with one voice familiar to the various city & non profit agencies rather than several calling about the same problem. Norma Sain is that voice and she takes no guff from anyone.” – Ingrid Halling

“Block party!” – Jessica Coyne

“I think we might have "happenings" or big neighborhood parties! Cook outs at some common park!” – Leslie

“If ward 7 includes Washington School which will be closed, we should help keep the playground there. it is beautiful.” – Margie Latter

“I love living in this neighborhood. For all of our problems, I love living in Flint, too. I thought the income tax increase was a good idea when it was proposed by researchers and elected officials. We certainly wouldn't be the first city to pay more than the state mandate: http://www.michigan.gov/taxes/0,4676,7-238-43715-153955--F,00.html Paying a higher rate if income at such small percentages seems like a small sacrifice for some big gains. What we face isn't a budget problem. It is a revenue problem. And Flint is like the canaries in the national mine for that: cities losing revenue. If you look at our spending compared to affluent communities in Michigan, we look like a bunch of misers so tight with our budget that it squeaks: http://sugarlaw.org/2011/08/flint-citizen-counters-logic-of-emergency-manager-action/ I don't want to see any more folks living in houses without water. I certainly don't have any idea how many of them may live on my street that I would have to face! But in the long term, I've got .50% of my income to give if it means we can have our parks and security back under control. If the folks running the show are elected and live here with their families, too, we're all in the same boat. We'll have to get creative to figure out how to get everybody to row together. But some dudes sent to balance a budget for us from some miser in Lansing won't have the same vested interest as I will, with my family, my house, my neighbors, and my future. I'm sick of this "emergency" show, and I know there are people in Flint who are smart and can figure this out WITH us. Not FOR us. We've tried that. It didn't work. That's the thing. "Who are they" depends on who we have to run to represent us. Democracy is messy, but it seems to be the best form of government that we've ever seen in world history. Dictatorships, especially when appointed for financial interests, never go well. There are no easy answers. Kurtz is an especially interesting example. Last time he was our emergency financial manager from 2002-2004, he raised water 11 percent, laid off fire and police, closed senior centers, gave the millions to his buds (most notably the now empty Flint Journal printing facility where Uptown is trying to relocate the Farmers' Market), etc. and still nothing changed for Flint. Now, same dude, Kurtz, managed to make a comeback, less than a decade later, to work the same tricks on us. They say the definition of insanity is doing the same thing, again and again, and expecting different results. There are other strategies than what we've seen implemented in Flint (http://research.upjohn.org/up_press/207/ ), but we, as Flint residents, need to know how to stand up for what benefits us, and our kids, and our jobs. Which is why democracy is so messy. And probably why we are so willing to hand the job over to some emergency managers in the hope that they know what's best. We learned this a decade ago: Kurtz can't fix Flint. We're going to have to rub shoulders, have discussions, and fight for it ourselves.” – Melodee Mabbitt

“Street party!” – Michael Kelly

“Neighborhood events. Picnics, ice cream social, Meetings about shared concerns.” – Stephany Diana

“Ask everyone in the 7th ward (2) questions: 1) What are you connected to...? (It can be also from the pass) 2) What are you connected to in the city of Flint, today. 1) I am connected to all my memories from childhood (The good and bad) 2) I am determined to give my neighbors and the children of Flint the simple life of years passed. Meaning neighbors help each other's children be children.” – Vanessa Terrell