We are in a Lifeboat

Owosso, like most of Michigan and other parts of the country, have had a rough time since the economic downturn in 2008-09.  In addition to the financial suffering and human pain in businesses and families, local government has been tested as well.  Three years ago, I wrote about the then three year decline in property values and its negative impact on our local budget (read it here).  The most recent news from our assessor, shows that property values--and thus City revenues--have continued to decline.  Our challenges are not over with.

I am optimistic however.  The Michigan economy has turned around and some good things are happening in Owosso:

• A local auto parts manufacturer have gained more work, and with help from the City and the Shiawassee Economic Development Partnership (SEDP) have opened a new plant; this is but one of several economic success stories.
• Our downtown theater, burned six years ago in a fire, is now being restored as the Shiawassee Performing Arts Center, with lots of local effort and state assistance (one of the last state tax credit deals); other downtown buildings are being renovated.
• New parks and recreation facilities have been built through the initiative of local citizens and with some small amount of state aid (one of the first local grants from the Passport program).

In thinking about the last few years, a story came to mind.  While I wrote it about Owosso, it could apply to other communities and the State of Michigan as well.

We are in a lifeboat. A little over four years ago we were struck by a storm and we were forced to take refuge. Our boat is sturdy, but old: the frame is solid, a few of the fittings are missing, and there have been some leaks, but the craft is seaworthy. After the storm, we were adrift and uncertain about what to do. We gathered the survivors, assessed our supplies, regained some of our strength, and waited for rescue; it didn't come. 

Some of the passengers gave up, and swam off on their own. Some found flotsam to which they clung, others were rescued by a passing cruise ship, and some, sadly, were lost. It has been a hard time, and many of the survivors are hurting; to the extent possible, we have tended to their needs. 

After rescue did not come, we discussed our predicament. Some among us wanted to wait, and a few flares were sent up in search of help.  Others wanted to take action. Couldn't we find an island and seek a new beginning? Or at least move into a shipping lane and hope to be discovered? Fortunately, a few professional sailors survived, and their knowledge of charts and the elements enabled us to consider some options.  

There was, of course, more than one place we might seek safety. Some were well known to some of us, others we had heard rumors of, and some were foreign and appeared dangerous. We consulted all of the passengers and crew, and after some debate, decided on a plan of action.

To reach our destination we needed everyone to volunteer to help.  Most able-bodlied passengers took up oars, but we were in disarray; someone provided instruction, and another a cadence so the rowing could be coordinated and efficient.  The sailor took readings from the sun and stars.  We also needed someone to take the tiller, and by vote we chose a few from among us who seemed to have the most experience, clearest vision, and a firm hand.

Most everyone found a task: some took account of our precious food, others bailed or made repairs, and a few ingenious folks designed a method to collect water from rain that still fell on us. We all took turns caring for the weak and injured, but some were more able to extend sympathy than others.  

We all came to appreciate those who provided a kind word to the tired or encouraged those at the oars to move us forward. Thank God for those who remembered their prayers, hymns, and sea shanties to inspire and entertain us.

It has been some time now that we have been at sea, and some among us are discouraged or doubting the wisdom of our plan. Mistakes have been made along the way. Some grumbling has been heard amidship. The sailor assures us we are on course. Others think they see land on the horizon, but it is still cloudy and our vision remains obscured.  

Our captain is optimistic. We are almost there. If we can stay the course, work together, and keep looking forward, then we will escape the storm.

This is how I see Owosso.  We have been on a critical journey for the last several years, and have accomplished much.  We have not yet arrived, and the effort has been hard on all of us.  I believe we are on the right course. Thank you for the part you have played to keep us afloat and sailing forward.