This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

A Search For Balance

Can we each find our share of happiness in Evanston?

The word balance, used as a noun, is defined by Dictionary.com as:

1. a state of equilibrium or equipoise; equal distribution of weight, amount, etc.

2. something used to produce equilibrium; counterpoise.

Find out what's happening in Evanstonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

3. mental steadiness or emotional stability; habit of calm behavior, judgment, etc.

 

Find out what's happening in Evanstonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

With so many questions swirling around Evanston these days, it’s hard to find answers – let alone balance  -- when the topics themselves aren’t exactly black or white.  For instance...

Why are there so many shootings in Evanston?

Do our children receive a decent public education?

How can we attract more business to Evanston?

Should we ban plastic bags altogether?

Why does Trader Joe’s avoid coming here?

Should a business like The Tilted Kilt open in the center of town?

Why must fashion-forward residents travel outside the city limits for Jimmy Choos and Louboutins?

Enter Hubertus von der Goltz's "Encounter" sculpture.   This distinctive piece of art, which caused a flurry of debate while it was considered as an installation, is found high atop the Maple Avenue Parking Garage.

Von der Goltz’s art is found all over the world.  His “Encounter” sculpture was installed in Evanston in December, 2009.  Click here for a video of the installation.  Von der Golz describes his work here

Balance, like art, is in the eyes of the beholder.  For instance, handgun ownership might disgust one resident while another Evanstonian feels naked without one close at hand.  One of us might pour every available resource into a new business venture while another resident complains about the image that business projects. 

We’ll always walk a fine line.

However, this is America.  This is democracy (not democrazy).  And, this is Evanston, Illinois.

Each of us has a voice.  We have the right to share our opinions, and we need to find our platform(s) upon which to share them.  So,

--Include your feelings and ideas in the comments section here on Patch. 

--Create a Facebook page and share your views with your email contacts. 

--Speak your mind at Evanston City Council meetings. 

--Share your ideas on the City of Evanston’s Engage Evanston webpage from now until May 7. 

Whatever you do, let your voice be heard while keeping that fine line in your sights.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?