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In general, the focal point of a culture is its religion.

Q1 While there are some exceptions, worship service

tends to center on experiences familiar to individual culture
and ethnicity. In addition, each culture seems to respect,
trust and take direction from their religious leaders. The
city of Southfield can use this relationship to work with
these leaders to develop intercultural programs that do not
concentrate on faith but rather music, sports, drama, etc.,
involving people of all ages. The religious leaders could
authenticate, participate and recruit participation in the programs.
Also, I would encourage one or two additional International Cafe pro-
grams with a slight variation to how we do it now I would have a multiple
culture cafe to give people opportunities to sample various foods and music
from different cultures in one setting. These ideas would help us minimize
the differences and maximize the strength of our diverse community.

2 The current council, of which I am a member, has met with the
school board to get to know each other better and discuss issues of
common interest and concern. We are in the process of scheduling more
meetings in the near future. Personally, I have a good relationship with the
members of the school board and the administration. I have been part of
two major school study groups in the past several years. I was co-leader of
the Technology subcommittee when we did the Southfield Public Schools
strategic plan. I was also part of the recent High School Redesign Group. At
least two other council members have also been active with the schools, so I
feel we have an excellent opportunity to continue to strengthen the relation-
ship between the city and the schools and work on common concerns.

Q

First, let me say, Southfield is a great city of which I

Q1 am proud to live.

There is strength in its diversity.
Secondly, I do believe that Southfield has done a
tremendous effort in embracing the entire Southfield com-
munity but must continue to make strides to enhance and
improve multicultural relations. In addition, it is equally
important that residents themselves make a commitment
to this city to maintain diversity. As a member of council,
I would still want to give attention to those issues that are important to us
all sound, good government; maintain high property values; reduce property
taxes; maintain appearance, strong neighborhoods and community; although
under another jurisdiction, give attention to our schools.
Asdy, people must make a commitment to this city. We have underestimated
"people power." When individuals themselves make a commitment to this great
city, this city will remain a strong, vibrant and solid multicultural community

During my present tenure on council, I believe we have made some
strides in restoring the relationship between these two governing bodies. I
have participated in two joint sessions of council and the school board, which
were very productive and I believe successful. However, this must continue.
A bridge must be built between the city council and the school board. It is
imperative that we work together. We must insist that our educational system
stays on the cutting edge, producing students that will impact the 21st century in
all areas. Schools serve as a stabili7ing force in any community. Having an A-1
school system is a win-win situation for the city and the school district.
Therefore, it is absolutely essential that the city council and the schools — for the
sake of the children, community and all stakeholders involved -- work together.

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First, we need to change our point of view and start

Q1 visualizing ourselves as one community. Southfield

is full of possibilities because Southfield is a remarkably
homogeneous economic community. There is very little
economic stratification that might create barriers to social
and cultural interaction. We should start looking at our-
selves in terms of what we have in common instead of
focusing on our minimal differences.
Second, we can create opportunities for positive communi-
cation and put an end to name-calling. When we call names, we build walls
between us that are impossible to penetrate. The target of name-calling stops lis-
tening and starts retaliating. Where there is positive communication there will be
genuine respect. From mutual respect we can develop positive cultural interaction.
Third, our elected officials should adopt a leadership style that sets the
tone for harmonious community problem solving. This can be accomplished
by getting everybody involved in the decision-making process and setting
specific goals so that we can measure our success.

Q2 The school board and the city seem to share some of the same prob-

lems. As part-tiMe legislative officials, they have little or no control over
the day-to-day administration of these two multimillion dollar entities. I have
the very uncomfortable feeling that neither the school board nor the city
council has the time or the resources to fulfill their responsibilities.
I would support the appointment of an intergovernmental task force to
investigate how the city council might assist the school board in improve-
ment of the quality of public education. This would include the employment
of student interns to assist the task force in its research and promulgation of
its recommendations to the council and the board.
It is time to start sharing resources and sharing information. Perhaps we
should hire a management consultant to review our management systems to
elin-iinate duplication of effort. The report of such a consultant would be a
talking point from which we can begin to share operational information.

9/3
1999

14 Detroit Jewish News

Twentieth-century America's problem has been

Q1 identified as that of the color line. Governments

have attempted to "legislate" away racial problems and,
although well meaning, that legislation has failed.
Passing ordinances solely for the sake of diversity has
proven to be futile. We must maintain service at a
superior level, provide an environment that is safe,
clean, open and inviting to all its citizens. People live
where quality of life is best. The city must market what
it is. People who seek multicultural environments can find one here, this
must be marketed.
We must be aware of the needs of all of our citizens. Whenever we
pass legislation, we must be aware of the message it sends and its conse-
quence. I v4I1 encourage community dialog among all citizens; we have
done it in the past, we must do it again and again. We must bring our
citizens into the process of bridge building and ask them how to main-
tain a multicultural city.

Your question is truly diplomatic.

Q2 Each government operates with annual budgets in excess of 100

million dollars. Each blames the other for suppressed property values,
high property taxes and the failure to make the city a "center of learn-
ing." These governments must talk, and talk with the understanding that
their purpose is to serve the public. They must find a way to end this
stalemate.
Each government must define goals, objectives and work to develop
methods to overcome the barrier between them. Designate an employee
from both the school district and the city to serve as liaisons between the
two is one suggestion. Charge these employees with the responsibility of
identifying issues and making suggestions to council and the school
board. We must make Southfield a center of learning for our children
and bring about an end to finger pointing.

