People are waiting for a savior in Birmingham. This savior must be able to pick up every piece of trash off of the streets, keep grass along the streets cut and in pristine condition and be able to renovate every building in town that needs it. They’ve also got to be able to stop the bickering in City Hall. Completely.
People are waiting for someone to lead the city to its position of prominence that many feel it deserves. The people are waiting, and waiting, and waiting.
I learned a quote during my first month of college that remains extremely important to me today:
“Leadership is action, not position.”
I’ve been thinking about this quote recently as things seem to be in flux around me. Part of this upcoming election will determine the type of leader we want. A leader that talks a good game is fine, but the real question should be “What will they be able to deliver?”
That leader must also be able to engage the population in able to deliver. This is whether you’re the leader of our city, a leader in an organization or church or just “someone” that wants to see something happen. While a leader may be able to help cheer the people on and use the bully pulpit, nothing will happen until the people that she or he represents take a larger role in the redevelopment of our city.
At issue is whether or not we are willing to take the action necessary to move our city forward or do we continue to wait for the knight in shining armor.
We as a city cannot continue to wait for it to happen. If it’s going to happen, we need to do it. It’s as simple as picking up a piece of garbage, not throwing a cup out of your window when you’re driving down the street and maybe becoming the real eyes and ears of the city again.
There are times when the village that is supposed to raise a child should be able to raise a phoenix from the ashes of discontent and perpetual promise. It’s time for this village to fully undertake their role.
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4 responses so far ↓
1 trav // Jul 19, 2007 at 10:33 am
Right on! It is true we need a leader who is about action, not position. We need a leader who will work with businesses and go after things like the RSA tower (now in Mobile).
And we need one that will let “the village” take the helm of projects (i.e. Railroad Park, etc.) and not try and turn every public-born idea into a political item.
I’m anxious for a clear picture of all the hats in the ring.
2 Andre // Aug 14, 2007 at 10:36 pm
I’ve said it elsewhere on the web that height means nothing without density, Trav. The idea of building an RSA Tower without taking care of filling the buildings that already exist will only add to a perceived vacancy problem rather than figuring out ways to improve what we’ve already got. We’re already slated to get new buildings; maybe we should figure out what will make Birmingham unique and still keep the FAA happy with us.
3 Julie // Aug 18, 2007 at 1:08 pm
I’m wondering about the decision to turn the Regions building into a luxury hotel. There’s already too many rooms, and unless it’s May race weekend, most sit empty. I just don’t know if the city can support another hotel.
4 Carol Duncan // Aug 19, 2007 at 11:11 am
I am a product of the Birmingham Dream, I grew up in Powderly. Attended public schools and watched as past city leaders sat by and 1) paid no attention to 1960’s suggestion to move the airport to undeveloped land adjacent to Birmingham 2) allowed the Train Terminal destroyed 3)allowed neighborhoods to be destroyed by an interstate system without thoughts of the future. Where Regions Tower sits was one of the grandest hotels ever the Tutwiler on the day of implosion the grand lady shuttered and remained standing. In recent years I have met some of the talented folks moving to Birmingham. Yes ladies and gentlemen Birmingham will not only survive, she will prevail!
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