Friday, September 10, 1999
Minister sees talents as tools for community
New group faces issues in second ward
BY JANET C. WETZEL
The Cincinnati Enquirer
MIDDLETOWN — For The Rev. Michael Bailey, the goals of the new Second Ward Middletown Community Council are simple — neighbors working hand-in-hand, sharing their knowledge and talents to make the south end a better place to live.
“Everyone has a gift, and we plan to help second-ward residents recognize and act upon those assets,” said Rev. Bailey, council chairman and pastor of First Baptist Church, New Miami. “It has been shown that successful communities are those in which everyone uses his or her gifts.”
While the organization, which was unveiled last month, is still in its infancy, it already has vision and mission statements.
The next meeting will be 7 p.m. Monday in the Middletown Community Center, 800 Lafayette Ave.
The vision: “Empower all community residents to share their gifts and talents in the development of our second-ward community.” The mission: “To develop community leadership to create a drug-
free, clean, safe and beautiful community with the pride of comprehensive services — through leadership and economic development with the churches in our community lending a helping hand.”
While the problems in the second ward aren't necessarily different than those citywide, Rev. Bailey and Vice Chairwoman Donna Jackson said there has to be a starting point.
“We can't take on the whole city at once. We want to start here,” Ms. Jackson said.
“I've been here all my life,” Rev. Bailey said. “I'm a homeowner and among a vast group of individuals that take pride in their community.”
There are already 30 members, including religious, business and political leaders.
They include Second Ward Commissioner Robert “Sonny” Hill, who said he is optimistic the new council will make a difference.
The ward, with an estimated population of 15,800, is unique in that the majority of the city's industry and jobs are located there, as is the city's Main Street Historic Preservation District, Mr. Hill said.
Members plan quality-of-life efforts, such as economic enterprises, forming new partnerships with businesses to create more jobs, and building associations among residents to offer alternatives to crime and despair for youth and adults.
They also plan to work on issues such as senior-citizen concerns, improved transportation, child care, health care and more self-help and support groups
“We want everyone to get involved in the community — not just when something goes wrong. ... This is their community,” Ms. Jackson said.
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