Ann Arbor, Inclusive Community?

Ann Arbor should be an inclusive community. If Kalamazoo, why not Ann Arbor? The "inclusive communities" program is an initiative of the National League of Cities which urges cities to declare themselves inclusive as a positive value. There was a news item about the city of Bluffton, IN, which declared itself an inclusive city--the mayor had received an anonymous note against a local Sikh businessman and college professor who had opened a restaurant. "In Bluffton, we don't wear turbans and we speak English." The mayor was shocked and invited the Sikh man to stand with him at an official city event, at which they received a standing ovation. The city joined the initiative and has posted signs to that effect at all entrances to the town. Ann Arbor is the kind of town that has that heart. I urge Ann Arbor to join this coalition of cities that have decided that they will stand for the values of openness and inclusiveness for all citizens.

La vie de chien!

Ann Arbor citizens deserve an off-leash dog park. In the large emerald necklace park system that graces Ann Arbor, it is a CRIME to play frisbee with your off-leash dog. Has anyone tried to play frisbee with a leashed dog? While leash laws serve an important function in society, protecting children and adults from dog attacks (having suffered a vicious Rottweiler attack I understand the danger), it is also important to allow dogs space to run free, play, and get their needed exercise apart from the walk. This keeps them happy and healthy. For intelligent commentary on the issue, see arbordog.blogspot.com