Like the United States, Missouri City is a multi-ethnic and multi - cultural society. As a matter of fact sixty percent citizens of color reside here. Ethnic and cultural diversity is a socio-political reality in twenty-first century America, or one would think. Having a city work force that looks like all the citizens should not be a novel idea.
Consider this: a high ranking Missouri City offficial asked me recently "Why is it important ?" His confusion about diversities importance is unfortunately the mindset of too many local officials who make important decisions daily about our lives. Too many cannot see the connection between diverse staffing and quality service. Little wonder mentalities that do not deem ethnic and cultural diverity issues as important leave communities of color blighted as they are. Small wonder there are currently no African American firefighters in Missouri City.
"All politics is local. " High ranking local officials determine who is protected and served, even who protects and serves. They determine the quality of our drinking water, or if there is clean drinking water. They determine who repairs side walks, or if there are sidewalks. They determine whose property values go up and whose property values are dumped. Unlike the canary in the coal mine who first consumes the poisonous gas, we must step it up before it is too late for us too.
Rodney Griffin
Government Initiatives for Missouri City Councilmember Cynthia Lenton - Gary District B
Candidate for Missouri City Council District A
