A Passerby’s Trail

Yesterday’s approval of the $700 billion bailout bill may restore America’s financial order but it will take some time for the entire nation to experience its impact. Meanwhile, unemployment rate is getting worse, housing prices continue to fall, and the rising prices of food and fuel still hurt American households. Many workers, even those with good jobs, are saving little or nothing for retirement.

As Presidential candidates see economy as a political issue, many voters are finally paying more attention to what each candidate’s record tells about them. Americans can no longer afford to solely depend on media to provide the right information for them. Media has proven its imbalance and failure to be a competent watchdog for the people’s good and internet sites multiply global information and disinformation. We should, therefore, carefully research candidates and put a great deal of thought into our greatest duty as citizens.

“My fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.” - John F. Kennedy, 1961

Everyone knows Fitchburg is in crisis because the mayor took a decisive action to declare it. Our city faces a budget shortfall that jeopardizes not only public safety but also the quality of life and other important city services. Budget cuts in different departments are starting to hurt us. Letters of complaint by our residents regarding the proposed trash fee can be read in the paper for days. People including children have rallied to protest against library cuts. The City Hall itself is tightening its belt — its departments have been reorganized, all spending are being scrutinized and approved by the mayor, and all vehicles owned by the city are not allowed to be taken home at night.

While more and more citizens express their frustrations about everything that’s going on, our mayor works even during the wee hours of nights and early mornings trying to fix all the mess that she has inherited from the past administration. Our city council is thinking and making decisions proactively — constantly striving to do whatever is in the best interest of the city. Our city, despite its huge crisis, is finally operating as an open and accountable government where everyone can voice their opinion and get a feedback (if not, results).

How can we pitch in for help? There are other options besides paying additional fees:
1. Focus on the positive things about Fitchburg.
2. Maintain the cleanliness around your property.
3. Patronize our local stores, restaurants and other businesses.
4. Participate in community affairs such as Mayor’s First Thursdays and other city, school or church-based events.
5. Volunteer to help the city. There are many volunteer opportunities ranging from cleaning up the neighborhoods to construction and clerical tasks.
6. Visit the Main Street more often. Having more people downtown definitely attracts more businesses to our place.
7. Voice out your ideas, suggestions and concerns. You have the right to stand up and defend your city.

Police work can be stressful and dangerous especially here in Fitchburg where Police Officers may feel they’re overworked and under-resourced. When they are in uniform, they represent our community as well as their profession. So ethics aren’t an option for them. They are a requirement.

But for civilians like us, it is difficult to understand why not a single one of them showed up at the new chief’s swearing-in ceremony. We can only think of throwing stones at them for their unprofessional and immature behavior. We easily forget how they have sacrificed so hard for our city, even while we sleep.

Police work is a noble profession and our Police Officers, including Chief Robert A. DeMoura, deserve our respect. They cannot be held solely responsible for solving the problems in our community. They cannot make sure that our children resist peer pressure to try illegal drugs. So, let us stop the bickering and finger-pointing. Unity and mutual respect are what we need most right now.

Great things can happen when community members, city officials and law enforcement work together to solve crime problems, investigate allegations of misconduct and improve the livability of our city. By working together, we can set a good example for our children, tackle the tough issues and someday break the cycle of drugs and violence in our place.