To print this article open the file menu and choose Print. Click here to return to previous page Article published Dec 22, 2005 Dec 22, 2005 City needs to listen to neighborhoods BARBARA T. WHITE Worcester I feel I must set the record straight. An article by Richard Nangle, “City planning group criticized” (Telegram & Gazette, Dec. 10), does not tell the whole story. Mr. Nangle did a good job with what limited information he had. As an advocate from the neighborhoods in Worcester, I do much more than pick up used needles. I attend three to five meetings a week on issues all over the city and I go to the City Council meetings and make sure all sides of an issue are heard. I believe Councilor Dennis L. Irish doesn’t get why those at the grass-roots level are so upset; not with the forum, but how this group started up. I hope Mr. Irish isn’t suggesting that community activists lack credibility. It’s not about an election. That’s what it sounds like. We volunteer and never get a salary for caring about our community. For more than 30 years, I’ve never taken a salary, nor will I ever. Throwing money at situations won’t necessarily make them better. Perhaps agencies, CDCs and corporations may make good copy and maybe that gets grant money. At 5 p.m., when doors are locked and they go home, I don’t want to be left to deal with whatever they’ve created and what they believe is best for me and my neighbors. Worcester doesn’t need more layers of leadership, they need to sit down and actually listen to the neighborhoods. We’re doing everyday tasks, 365 days a year. Order the Telegram & Gazette, delivered daily to your home or office! www.telegram.com/homedelivery Copyright Worcester Telegram & Gazette Corp.