Some free civics classes called Government Leadership Institute are happening in February and March. Lots of discussion about economic life in the city at the U of W Tacoma Branch. Monday evening the discussion was about schools.
I read the cartoons, and a favorite from last year does come to mind for me, from Sally Forth: last summer Sally and her husband Ted decided not to have another child, in one episode Ted said, How do you say you do not want to have another child without sounding like a Philistine?
The Philistine reference occurred earlier in a Sally Forth episode, (was it the one where she wanted to put his mounted fish in the garage sale?) By Philistine we refer to Goliath the giant who was slain by David with only a slingshot. The term was first used, according to the Reader's Encyclopedia, by Matthew Arnold to refer to an uncivilized, dangerous outsider.
The cartoons sometimes offer insight into human nature. It is hard to discuss family size without sounding like an uncivilized, dangerous outsider. As a life-long non-parent, I often feel at special risk on this point.
February 2 Tim Farrell, Julie Anderson, and Bruce Kendall did Regional Competition, Coordination, and Cooperation. Most memorably, Bruce Kendall compared regional economics to a giant pick-up basketball game, those who happen along play. Julie Anderson observed that groups can actually not do the lobbying that can advance their interest. With technology more voices can put their concerns forward.
February 9 Lauren Walker, Paul Turek, Bob Levin, and Armando Mendoza did Strengthening and Expanding the Local Labor Market. Lauren Walker from the city council narrated a story about how internships help people who work to advance their educations. Paul Turek, a labor economist, described the online data and opportunities provided by WorkSource.
February 23 other priorities required me to be away from Human Capital Development in Tacoma. (I have to assume they were spinning straw into gold.)
Monday, March 2, Jim Dugan from the school board and Dr. Jarvis, the school superintendant, with Marilyn Strickland from the city council, did Schools. Marilyn Strickland said it was an uphill effort to add education to the scope of city government, but now the city can say of all of the students in K-16, "they are ours". In Tacoma, the school system and the Metro Parks system are separate from city government. At present, education is a part of the city standard scope. She discussed how the city government helps provide the safe, clean, attractive context necessary for the attainment of education, including the library system, Safe Streets, and after school tutoring and opportunities. The city includes higher learning in the K-16 educational description.
March 9 Mayor Baarsma and Eric Anderson, the city manager, will be present for Urban Power and Decision-Making.
The Government Leadership Institute is organized by Mark Pendross from University of Washington Tacoma Branch's Urban Studies Program and Elton Gatewood of Tacoma's Neighborhood Council Office.
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