An Open Letter to Tuscaloosa Mayor

Since I won't be in Tuscaloosa for the rebuilding process, I've decided to send Mayor Maddox a letter. Why? Well, why not? Thanks to the #pbsbus for spurring it in me.

This letter is the first draft, and I'll probably review it again over the weekend (or after any comments). After reviewing it, I'll mail it to him.

Do I expect him to read it? Probably not. Do I expect a response? I'm not holding my breath. Am I ok with this probable outcome? Yep.

My hope is that people with an interest in Tuscaloosa will read it, think about it, and disagree with me, so we can begin a dialogue.

Here it is:



Dear Mayor Maddox,


I am writing a letter to you as a recent graduate of The University of Alabama who will not be able to directly participate in the Tuscaloosa rebuilding process. I am moving to Colorado in two weeks to begin teaching 7th grade math in Denver, so while I know that my students and I will make a difference in our community, I also want to share my hopes about the upcoming redevelopment of Tuscaloosa.


Though my time as an undergraduate ended prematurely, I will forever look to Tuscaloosa for inspiration during times of crisis. Following the devastating storms on April 27, our city and its residents responded with resiliency and courage in the midst of great pain and anguish. You have provided steadfast leadership, and as The New York Times noted, incredible foresight in training city employees in disaster relief.


I cannot thank you more for the leadership you have displayed during not only this time, but also throughout your time as mayor. As a member of the University Fellows Experience and Blackburn Institute, I have heard your vision for Tuscaloosa firsthand. At a time when mayors around the country struggle to cope with budget cuts, city corruption and partisan politics, you have found ways to incorporate community-based initiatives with a spirit of creative entrepreneurship into the very fabric of Tuscaloosa. Thank you for modeling ethical and progressive leadership for students at The University of Alabama.


As the city develops a rebuilding plan, I hope that Tuscaloosa will adopt a model that emphasizes community engagement and facilitates strong relationships outside of traditional socioeconomic classes, religions, and races. We have an opportunity to transform Tuscaloosa through urban design, and I hope you and the city council will embrace this opportunity. 


The direction we take as a city will clearly show what is most important to the community. What type of redevelopment will we pursue: sprawling condominiums for use on football Saturdays, or mixed income housing that facilitates community-wide relationships; national and regional chain restaurants, or unique, locally owned and created establishments; sustainable environmental initiatives, or the fastest, lowest-cost building options? By considering these questions and their implications, I believe Tuscaloosa can become a model for other cities looking to develop a strong, unique community. 


I have faith in you, the council members, and the people of Tuscaloosa to ask these difficult questions in order to help Tuscaloosa become the vibrant community we all hope it can be. I hope that in twenty years, today’s faith will have grown into a prosperous Tuscaloosa for all.



Sincerely,
Marshall Houston