Write a commentThe last several of my columns have focused on Harborfest, and our attempts 30 years ago, to re-invigorate the community, and particularly its waterfront. While we achieved much, a great deal was left undone. One of the few regrets I have in life is that I did not seek a second term as Mayor in 1991. I wish I had been able to, but with two kids in college at the time, and two more on their way, I had to leave to focus on my career and making money, and as exhilarating as the Mayoralty was, it was killing me economically.
So, I moved on, hoping that my successors would continue to 'Think outside the box'. Unfortunately, that did not happen, and in my opinion, the community has been on cruise control ever since. But now, I think things are changing again. There is renewed hope and expectation, and that's a good thing.
Having just watched the Steve Jobs movie, I have been thinking about how people who 'Think outside the box' make a significant impact on their communities, and the lives of all those who surround them. People like Steve Jobs also make people close to them uncomfortable at times, due to their intensity. They are driven and demand much of those with whom they associate, but ultimately, they make a difference. They also pay a price.
The vast majority of us, especially those who have achieved a relative degree of comfort, are not comfortable with exhortations to change. People who are comfortable resist change, and are unlikely to rally for the cause. Vibrant communities are comprised of a healthy mix of innovators, risk takers, dreamers, change resisters and curmudgeons. The interaction between these individuals and groups of people who form to bring about progress is a very interesting dynamic, and at the core of the ability of any community to move itself forward is belief in their ability to do so. If you don't think you can make your community a better place, you will be among those who resist change. If, on the other hand, you are willing to "Think outside the box" and consider the possibilities, much can be achieved. Attitude, in the end, is a crucial part of the process.
In 1848, Oswego decided to change from a village to a city. It was written at the time that there was "an aura of confidence and optimism" that permeated this new, little city. The streets of the new city were designed to be wide, and city planners envisioned a population of 100,000 residents. The waterfront was bustling, the riverside mills were flourishing, the Erie Canal was awash with commercial traffic, and the railroads were soon to come, The possibilities were endless. What happened?
A number of factors beyond Oswego's control acted to limit the community's robust growth, but Oswego remained vital, busy, and bustling, even as a smaller version of what it's founders hoped it would be. The opening of the Welland Canal in 1832 diverted much commerce away from the Erie Canal and the Oswego port, providing a direct route between Lake Erie and Montreal. The Railroads took a toll as well. Nevertheless, Oswego continued to thrive, well into the mid part of the twentieth century. It just didn't get as big as it was envisioned to be. That said, it is still a great little city on a great big lake, where the water never ends, and neither does the community spirit. Oswego still has the resources, the water, the sunsets, the power, the people power and above all, hope and a collective resolve for a better future.
There is no doubt that in 2016, Oswego faces new challenges, like the potential loss of the Fitzpatrick plant. That should not be allowed to happen, and hopefully our state government will act to prevent it, but there is still no reason to despair. We will still remain the power capital of New York State. With a 'Can Do' attitude, a belief in ourselves and our community, and a newfound vitality in City Hall in the person of a young and energetic Mayor, it is my view that Oswego's best days are yet to come.
