The Spirit of the Clarence Community

I read. I read a lot. President Harry S. Truman said, "Not all readers are leaders but all leaders are readers." My reading subject matter and format is variable (biography, fiction, graphic novels, history, horror, magazines, manga, newspapers, nonfiction, trade journals, etc.). Presently, I have a backlog of 30+ books waiting to be read. I recently read Michael L. George's Lean Six Sigma and am now reading both Stephen King's Duma Key and David King's Vienna, 1814. Given my backlog, I sometimes go with audiobooks and just finished Blow the House Down by Robert Baer and am now listening to Bob Woodward's State of Denial. I visit bookstores located in Clarence (e.g., Barnes & Noble, Borders Express, and Crossroads Books (owned by Clarence resident Marta Carney)) and the Clarence Public Library. Daily, I check out topical websites like www.buffalopundit.com (written by Clarence resident Alan Bedenko). As a result of reading www.bookforum.com one day, I came across a link to an article entitled "America's 10 Most Enlightened Towns" by Jay Walljasper.

The author argues that good municipalities offer more than just high salaries and low crime rates. Good municipalities also foster connectedness. They are rich in civic involvement - "social capital". Walljasper writes, "Without the presence of a lively mix of citizen organizations, government and private sector efforts to maintain a healthy community will go nowhere."

I frequently cite Alexis de Tocqueville's Democracy in America (vol. 1), where he described his admiration for the United States' spirit of voluntary association, effort for the common good, and helping each other . These voluntary associations interact with and make the community and government better. According to Nonprofits & Government (edited by Elizabeth T. Boris and C. Eugene Steuerle), the relationship between these voluntary associations and the government can be complementary, supplementary, and/or adversarial. These associations are interwoven in the United States' and Clarence's social contract.

We have many volunteer activities and opportunities in Town. The most visible this year has been our Bicentennial Committee volunteers. Also, homeowners' associations and neighborhood groups, such as the Clarence Center Community Association, Clarence Hollow Association, and Harris Hill Association, help define their own hamlet-communities. Some groups have banded together to obtain lower rates for waste/recycling collection and cable television, lobby government for changes or assets (e.g., parks, bike racks, and lighting), hold block parties to encourage community-spirit, and engage in neighborhood beautification projects and activities.

I urge you to become involved. You can shop locally, connect with your neighbors through neighborhood association, and join-up with other volunteer groups. The Town is always looking for people to serve on our volunteer committees. There are many community, fraternal, and neighborhood associations in Town. The Town holds many opportunities for civic involvement, but we need your help to succeed. If you are interested in volunteering for the Town or would like some more information regarding other not-for-profits, please do not hesitate to contact my office at (716)741-8930.