The new American Dream

In his foreward to Mick Cornett’s book, “The Next American City” (see Page 18 for a Q&A with Cornett himself), author Richard Florida makes an observation that rings true.

“When I meet a national politician, it is immediately clear which side of the political divide they’re on,” Florida writes.

“But when I travel to cities across the United States, I am amazed that I can never tell who is a Democrat and who is a Republican. Is it any wonder that at a time when less than a fifth of Americans have any trust and confidence in our federal government, that as many as three-quarters of us still have trust and confidence in our local governments? …

“Localism, not nationalism, is the essence of the American experiment,” Florida concludes.

We’d submit our “2018 40 Under 40” feature as Exhibit A.

Browse through our profiles of these high achievers, and you’ll be struck by the friendliness and warmth of them all. Who’s left and who’s right? Who knows, and who cares?

What’s certain is that all 40 would be exceptional mayors, council members or local legislators, because they’ve mastered the ability to listen to others, to compromise and to get along.

That shows in the balance they bring to their own lives; mentions of family and friends are frequent. It shows in the nominators’ affectionate comments about the nominees.

And it shows in the winners’ love of their local communities, which gets brought up again and again.

In his foreward, Florida speaks of “a vision of America made up of great places full of creative people producing big ideas, building their own communities and creating new purpose.

“That, in a nutshell, is the new American Dream.” Turn to Page 24 to see it coming true.

Good reading, Tom Dennis

I welcome your feedback and story ideas. Call me at 701-780-1276 or email me at tdennis@prairiebusinessmagazine.com.

PUBLISHER KORRIE WENZEL

AD DIRECTOR STACI LORD

EDITOR

TOM DENNIS

CIRCULATION MANAGER BETH BOHLMAN

LAYOUT DESIGN ANNA HINSVERK

ACCOUNT MANAGER NICHOLE ERTMAN 800.477.6572 ext. 1162 nertman@prairiebusinessmagazine.com

Prairie Business magazine is published monthly by the Grand Forks Herald and Forum Communications Company with offices at 375 2nd Avenue North, Grand Forks, ND 58203. Subscriptions are available free of charge. Back issue quantities are limited and subject to availability ($2/copy prepaid). The opinions of writers featured in Prairie Business are their own. Unsolicited manuscripts, photographs, artwork are encouraged but will not be returned without a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

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For most commuters near New Town, ND, taking the HWY 23B bypass will save some time, but when Senior Transportation Engineer, Tim Arens, PE, designed this route, he was more concerned with saving lives.

Developed to relieve heavy truck traffic through town, this highway provides a safer route protecting motorists and pedestrians alike.

Tim’s passion is protection; for the residents of New Town and those in every community we serve.

To learn more about the New Town Northeast Truck Reliever Route, visit our website at www.ackerman-estvold.com/projects