Here it is, now 2004, and what has changed in this city? As citizens of Ogden, either by those who reside in or those who commute through this city, entrepreneurs or employees, patrons or merchants, clients or those who serve, those who are permanent or those who are transient, do you look around and say, “Nothing?” There’s still an empty hole in the middle of the city. There’s still vacant lots and deteriorating buildings. There are still people walking around with nowhere to go, no one to care. It’s true, you have to look very hard to see the changes brought about in three months, but they’re there: a new face on a building here, a roof being replaced to save a building, saving or creating a business, and a local piece of history there. Or, look, a new restaurant to try, and more activity going on in the inside of a long vacant store down there. You have to be very observant, indeed. But be assured, behind it all, plans are moving, transactions are being negotiated, and new businesses are being courted for economic stability and the creation of new jobs in this City. There are more people than you can imagine, public and private, who care about what is happening in Junction City. We all logically know that brick and mortar do not happen overnight. These things take time, planning and patience. As humans, we all want immediate gratification, or we find it easy to loose sight of the end.

But what has happened that we can see? Reflect on the past several months. This city, a child in infancy, has gone through a major election. In a city plan, any tiny pinch could cause a major folding in upon itself in the outcome, resulting in a huge blemish on that newborn baby’s skin. As I can see it, we have come to the aid of that baby, and administered to that potential scar. I am not being political; in either outcome of an election, change is destined. On one hand, the outcome could have brought major change. It could have brought new focus, and it could have brought some projects in their beginning stages to a halt. It could have brought the continuation of some projects, but with either slight or major changes based on the outcome prospective of new individuals. The election, itself, brought to light issues that were previously not thought of. The possibilities of where this city could now be going were endless, and they still are. Who is to say that either way would have been the “right” way to go? That isn’t up to the end tally in an election poll. It is up to each one of us and how we each perceive our positive collective direction for this city. And our individual motives must all be positive; for I can’t conceive of anyone connected with this community who could

One momentous issue that has come to light in this city during this time of change has come under the reflection of the election, due to the unavoidable timing, but not by the election itself. This issue is that of the voice of the Hispanic, Latino, or any other ethnic name one wishes to give an integral core section of our community. We have a Hispanic councilman who saw a need to be a major voice for that community and run for mayor, a brave and unheard of action in a major Utah city. (I say this with no disrespect in any way, for the voting population of Utah, but as a person who came to age in a very liberal section of this great country.) We have a current mayor who braved criticism to negotiate the appointment of a gentleman born out of that very core segment of the population in need of a voice, to fill a distinguished position and work to bridge the gap between government, community and business. These negotiations were all done at the very time of the mayor’s bid for re-election, a reelection being held at possibly the most critical time for this city. It was a crossroads, so to speak, another bold act. Both of these gentlemen were acting wisely and bravely for the good of their community. The appointment of Joe Reyna, who will be housed here at the BIC, is a light in the midst of the city and in the middle of the ‘vard, in particular. I am proud that this location was chosen as the base of operation for Mr. Reyna. We welcome him and hope that we can complement him in his endeavors. This appointment can become a beacon in the center of the city, not only for the Hispanics—who include the individuals of Mexican, Mexican American, Columbian, Peruvian and every other Latin American heritage— but for all those individuals who deserve the validation of the needs of any “minority” community and not just that community in general, but the diverse individuals within that community. These are individuals of American Indian, African, Haitian, East Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese descent or any other group of citizens who don’t feel that they have a voice or a chance to be part of the growth of this community. An appointment of this magnitude gives a signal to the community as a whole. We all give speak to the word diversity. Diversity is good, diversity is necessary for the success of the community. These words make us feel like we are caring people, on the right track. Diversity is a beautiful thing – but what is truly the most beautiful thing is unity. Unity as a community can bring miracles. Unity as a community can bring economic prosperity. Unity helps each member of the collective group to succeed, for in helping each other, we help ourselves, and our community.

Jeanne Harris is the Manager of the Business Information Center, a public resource center for existing and potential small business owners, at 2444 Washington Blvd., and a Sr. Project Coordinator with the Business Development Division of Ogden City. In addition to her position with Ogden City, Jeanne is a painter and photographer. Jeanne can be reached at 629-8604 or at JeanneHarris@ci.ogden.ut.us

Jeanne in Greece Fall 2003 with a STREET Magazine at the ruins in Greece. Street goes international.