The title “community organizer” has become a punch line used by Republicans to mock Democrat Barack Obama. The presidential nominee describes his early career as a “community organizer” in the South Chicago neighborhood devastated by a steel plant closing.
It struck me that “community organizer” is a title to be proud of, regardless of your political affiliation.
So I asked a few of Colorado Springs’ most famous community organizers their thoughts. Their comments in my Monday column do not represent an endorsement of any candidate. But they offer an interesting perspective on the debate.
Here are a few of Colorado Springs’ finest community organizers:
Francine Hansen and Jan Doran – Council of Neighbors & Organizations
Marjorie Lee Smith, Park Hill neighborhood
The Rev. Promise Lee, Relevant Word Ministries, Hillside neighborhood
Sallie Clark, El Paso County Commissioner, ex Colorado Springs City Council, Organization of Westside Neighbors
Margaret Radford, Colorado Springs City Council, Rock Island Trail group
Eric Peterson, Pride in the Park
Now put aside your political bias and tell all of us why small town mayors should not be mocked. I’m sure you could write a long article on this subject. If not I’ll write one for you. It might even trump the very important role of community organizer.