Maricopa Chamber Director’s Blog

Forgive me, I am going out on a limb here…

Filed Under General | 

Last modified: October 20, 2007

As I sit on my patio today going through this week’s local newspaper these thoughts came to mind.

In one paper there are two very different stories about hope and community with varying results.

One article is about 4 of Maricopa’s “finest” who without the financial support of the City they serve, went to Las Vegas to compete in the “First Responders” competition and won 4th place in the country! WOW way to go men! Only 1 anonymous donor and 1 local business gave their support.

The other was about a local homicide and the funds that have been set up to support the surviving children.

Both stories find their hope in the unfailing support of this community but I find it a little ironic that “we” as a community are more willing to help fund tragic causes and unwilling to aid those trying to showcase our community to the entire Country. Is the message we are trying to portray that we are a community only willing to step out and help if the need is born from some dire circumstance?

Now, I am in no way criticizing the local media, in fact I applaud all their collective efforts each week to bring us local news in a clear and concise way. I am however concerned that our local residence and those outside this community will not see the Maricopa that I do every day.

The Maricopans I see are a passionate, community spirited group who give countless hours to the many, many service organizations here. I will admit that I am forever an optimist and “glass half full” girl and strive to see the good in all so I will carry on with my rose colored glasses and hope you will not think too harshly of me as I continue my quest to help Maricopa grow into the City we all envision.