1 w Detroiters react to the bankruptcy process and the city's future. Compiled by Keri Guten Cohen I Story Development Editor CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Five Jewish Detroiters give their take on Detroit, the bankruptcy process and the city's future. Jake Cohen: partner, Detroit Venture Partners; board member, Quikly and Level Eleven. How long have you lived in Detroit? I moved to Detroit in February 2011. I was in Ann Arbor for 11 years Jake Cohen before that, and I grew up in West Bloomfield. Detroit in 2013 is undeniably one of the most interesting cit- ies in the world. It has unintentionally become ground zero for discussions about what the future will hold for American cities, educational systems, government and industries. Necessity has forced Detroit to rethink everything, and young people are moving here to be a part of this discussion. How will bankruptcy affect Detroit? The current level of city services for Detroiters is absolutely tragic — for basic needs like transportation, police, firefighters, water and streetlights. While the bankruptcy will be incredibly pain- ful for many of Detroit's citizens, the vast majority of its citizens will benefit from improved city services that are desperately needed. As a practical matter, the bankruptcy will allow Detroit to dedicate its lim- ited resources to supporting the needs of its citizens today and into the future. Currently, most of those resources are going toward paying for services that supported the city many years ago. The 8 August 8 • 2013 bankruptcy is a much-needed chance for a fresh start. What is the future of Detroit? The bankruptcy is what I would call a "trailing indicator:' meaning that it is an indicator of what was happening in the past (e.g., population decline over several decades), as opposed to what will happen in the future. "Leading indicators" of a thriving future for Detroit are everywhere — college- educated young people are moving to the city in record numbers, University of Michigan students are staying in state more than at any other point in my life- time, the trendiest restaurants and bars are opening in Detroit rather than Royal Oak or Birmingham, and commercial and residential occupancy rates in Downtown Detroit have been steadily climbing for at least two years. I plan to live in Detroit for many years and be part of its historic comeback. Harriet Saperstein: chair, Woodward Action Association; board member, Opportunity Resource Fund, Center for Community-Based Enterprise, WSU Press Board of Visitors, Harriet Reconstructionist Saperstein Congregation of Detroit. How long have you lived in Detroit? We have lived in Detroit since 1963, when my husband, Al, came to Wayne State University. A local colleague lived in Huntington Woods, and another in Detroit's Lafayette Park (a co-op apartment building east of Downtown.) We chose Detroit because as former New Yorkers we disliked commuting, and we wanted to bring up our children in an urban, inte- grated setting. Living in this new development meant Al could bicycle to work, and we could be part of an urban experiment that also promised possibilities for me as a sociolo- gist. We stayed because we became com- mitted to our neighbors, to our neighbor- hood and to Detroit, a challenging and challenged city, even at that time. We appreciated the other individuals and families who shared our values of a commitment and willingness to take action for community improvement. We were reasonably satisfied with Chrysler School and Cass Tech for our two daugh- ters and (later on) our various exchange students. I began working for the city of Detroit in 1967, and that reinforced my understand- ing of the complexities behind Detroit's difficulties and my desire to be a part of the solution, not the problem. How will bankruptcy affect Detroit? That's the wrong question. It should be: "How will it affect Detroit, the region, the state and even other cities?" No one really knows what it will mean. The required changes will directly and indirectly affect a much larger region. For residents, it will hurt individuals as pensions and health benefits in an underfunded system get cut back, and as politicians at every level continue to take personal benefits while undercutting the social safety net. The probable negative is a "leaner, meaner" city, with even fewer available services or necessary funding for invest- ments to improve the physical and social service structure. The possible positive is a "leaner, meaner" city that is part of a more integrated, regionally funded area; a state that doesn't just see cutbacks as the only answer, and is again a leader in education and technology; and a responsible private sector (including bond holders and inves- tors) that has accepted reasonable finan- cial compromises. What is the future of Detroit? My dream: A city of about 700,000 in viable neighborhoods amidst green areas, inte- grated in terms of race, ethnicity and class, one that builds on some of the vibrancy and enthusiasm of the younger people coming into Detroit, keeping them as we improve schools and services. My image: All of us in our area strug- gling to make this dream work. Yes, I will continue to live in Detroit, trying to be part of the solution, not the problem. I take many of my values from my Jewish heritage. Tikkun olam is how I have lived and will continue to do so. I will look at the positives — e.g., the Riverfront — and work on changing those negatives that I can. I will also work with younger people in our community to hand on and hand over the continuing challenges in our community. Detroit is worth working with and for. Jodee Fishman Raines: Jodee Fishman Raines vice president of pro- grams, Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation; board member, WSU Alumni Association, Palmer Woods Association, Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue.