Vision.
Vision is the ability to see and shape the future if only for a single step. It is the hopeful wistfulness for a better life for all those involved. It is natural for all of us to fear change even if the present is less than acceptable. The unknown frightens us all. Either you ride change or change rides you! Yet doing nothing is a choice that leads to mediocrity and stagnation. Vision allows us to find the better way. Without it, our lives become stale. Travel, study, life long continuing education, and the ability to see the fit in our lives make vision possible. It is my intention to use the above principles.
The vision for Evansville is a promising one. With the creation of tourist attracting features of multiple museums, the Aztar "District", the LST dock and a future Homeland Museum to showcase our past WW II golden age, we will soon see a major increase in tourism. As Evansville's lower riverfront is revitalized, solid increases from heavy industrial, intranodal revenue will be realized. With the expected increase of fuel costs and a smoothed pathway up the Mississippi/Ohio River corridor, we can grow substantially to deliver goods to America's core interior at a low cost per ton. During the next decade, the major cities that surround us will become overcrowded, traffic bound, taxed more, and suffer higher crime rates. With its strategic river location and planned with judgment guided changes of tourism and industry, Evansville sits in the cat bird seat. A balanced economy based on Aztar fun, lower river industry and upper river tourism plus culture allows us a wonderful future. If the courage and foresight to guide its creation can be found, we can realize this vision. I, for one, with the help of as many people I can muster intend to be a part of this vision as an Evansville City Councilor At-Large.