Well, Middletown, what now? The pandemic may speed up descent down an already slippery slope.

Why not take this “opportunity” to bring all of us together to rebuild? Let’s cease to tear down and begin to renew and re-purpose what remains. Loosen the over reaching regulations on small business and actually encourage anyone with the desire, imagination and know-how to revive Middletown’s economy. Remember, “it’s the economy stupid”?

The vision for “greater” Middletown in both place and ideology needs to be more open and inclusive. Let our city government oversee renewal, innovation and progress without the choking and unnecessary ordinance and red tape. A majority of the building code which stifles new business, needs to be expunged. This code was introduced and compounded by former city manager, Adkins. For example, rules dictate exactly what and how new landscaping would be installed in great detail!

Voluntarism should be encouraged as a very useful, cost effective aid with minimal oversight by the city. Some building trades and businesses as well as individuals may be interested. Voluntarism has been discouraged and even punished at times. For years, Vivian Moon was a consummate volunteer who legally, above board and single handed improved, repaired, landscaped and managed the historic Middletown Cemetery. She also served as unpaid research contact for genealogy inquiries. A former city manager, Judy Gilleland, confiscated Vivian’s legally founded non-profit cemetery fund (some of which were her personal contribution) and had her flower beds mowed down. Vivian was subsequently banished from the cemetery. In a word, unconscionable.

Sadly, there are homeless people in our midst and poverty level families. They could become part of our recovery by providing them with meals and other needs in return for volunteer labor such as cleaning and maintenance of buildings, streets and parks. This could be coordinated by existing organizations. Very reminiscent of aid during the great depression and the WPA.

Let’s go Middletown! War on the pandemic!