Better Dads Better Kids

This appeared in the Herald & Review in January of 2010.  It was my response to being asked how I envisioned Decatur. 

I envision a Decatur that is known as the service capital of the world.

I had the privilege of representing Decatur when it was known as the softball capital of the world.  The first women’s Olympic softball team had strong ties to Decatur.  New Zealand kids used to grow up dreaming of playing here.  When we travelled to Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and Palm Springs, California, Decatur was always the talk of the softball world.  Even Hector Torres defected from Cuba for the chance to pitch here in Decatur.

What else is Decatur known for?  On a city data website, a Chicago man was quoted, “ Decatur is a medium-sized rust-belt city.  It has seen better days since industry went overseas and/or became mechanized.  What remains is a tired old city without a particular sense of purpose.”

Somehow, we have become a society that thinks we deserve things.  We deserve a good education, a good job, a nice house and a new car.  Today, our government even says we deserve free healthcare.  One way to differentiate Decatur is for us to become a town that is focused on “serve,” rather than “deserve.”  A hundred years ago, most jobs had to do with the farming industry.  Today, only 3% of jobs do.  Just like we had to adjust to this change in work style, today we have to adjust to an environment where most jobs are service related.  If Decatur can become known as a city that is here to do whatever it takes to be of service, it would be our best bet for attracting quality companies and becoming a vibrant city with a vision.

I would love to see every sign in Decatur display “we are here to serve you,” and then prove it!