Opinion

Introducing 'Dispatches: The Changing American Dream'

We want to know what the American Dream means to you and if it has changed over time.

By Amanda Harnocz
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August 15, 2011

16 Comments

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Dispatches will tell the stories of the changing American Dream. Patch

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Dispatches will tell the stories of the changing American Dream.

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Stow Patch is excited to introduce a new series for our readers: "Dispatches: The Changing American Dream."

And we want your help: Tell us what issues and what stories in Stow go to the heart of the American Dream.

Every day you hear of national media reports on how American families and businesses are adjusting to trying times.

There are so many changes happening so fast it's dizzying: national debates about unemployment, foreclosures, debt, religion, government and private enterprise all touch on fundamental ways in which we see ourselves and our communities.

In Stow and all of our Patch sites across the nation, we want to explore that conversation on a daily basis so we can better understand how our neighbors are adjusting to both the challenges and opportunities that surround us.

Stow does not need to look farther than its own backyard to see stories that represent a multitude of American Dreams.

What's a better depiction of the American Dream than a Stow resident becoming a millionaire overnight in a hand of poker, or a new business like Beef 'O' Bradys opening during this economic climate?

Looking out across almost 900 Patch sites, we see businesses holding their breath deciding whether to expand; college graduates returning home because they can't find jobs; and senior citizens bringing boarders into their homes to help pay their bills.

We also see bold new volunteer efforts, inspiring stories of local businesses that succeed because they innovated, and locals who've taken these trying times as a signal to engage more, not less, in their government.

We want to know where Stow neighbors fit along these fault lines.

Nationally, there's a debate about the education system, which is at the center of our dreams of a better life for our children.

Locally, we know Stow-Munroe Falls Schools are struggling financially and were unsuccessful at passing a levy in August.

"Dispatches" will be built upon the compelling stories and photos we find right here in Stow. To unearth the real American Dream and to share these stories with the world, we need your help.

Have an idea for a Dispatch story? Email Local Editor Amanda Harnocz at amanda .harnocz@patch.com.

Related Topics: American Dream and dispatches

Thanks. We'll email you the next time we update this story.

Ward Benson

2:02 pm on Monday, August 15, 2011

Please let us rephrase the obvious bias into something the majority in Stow feel right now:
"Locally, we know many Stow/Munroe Falls homeowners are struggling financially and were successful at temporarily halting a property tax levy increase of over 10% in August. There is a struggle between what's good for the community and what's good for the $54 million school budget."

Mike Smith

7:22 am on Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Amanda did touch briefly on the schools but did not mention the struggles of many and our district trying to push through a levy that no one can afford. She also mentioned the national debate about our education system but failed to mention the International Baccalaureate program that our districts is spending massive amounts of money to implement. The district received over 3.5m in stimulus funds with a majority of these funds being funneled to Indian Trail and Echo. Everyone seems to be trying to keep their heads above water with the exception of SMFCSD!

Amanda Harnocz

2:15 pm on Monday, August 15, 2011

Hi Ward, I do see any bias in stating that the school district is struggling financially and did not pass a levy in August. I understand the way people feel in Stow and other communities faced with this. But the story does not give bias toward any side of the situation, it simply states the facts which are that the district says it needs money and it did not pass a levy in August.

lissa bailey

2:24 pm on Monday, August 15, 2011

I do think the sentence, "There is a struggle between what's good for the community and what's good for our own wallets." does show biased. But, if you didn't mean for it to come acrossed that way than I understand. To me it sounds like those who are worried about not having enough money to pay the higher taxes are selfish and not looking out for the community. I think a lot of people. like myself, did vote the way we voted because we were looking out for the community and those we see that are struggling. I do understand that sometimes we can read into a phrase a biased that maybe isn't there. Such is the difficulty of language.

lissa bailey

2:19 pm on Monday, August 15, 2011

She's entitled to her own bias just as you and I am. Stow editors don't have to be neutral in reporting, as this particular article certainly reveals at the end. I do find that there is a disappointing number of people who seem to ignore the plight of our senior citizens and others who have not had the financial blessings as they have and therefore they just don't realize how damaging higher property taxes would be right now. I'm glad there are those who aren't hurting, but we must support those who are and I will vote against the levy again. My own parents (seniors) are facing loosing their home and are really financially hurt. I would say the emergency I see in people's lives is far more of a real emergency than what the school says it has. I must side with struggling homeowners at this time. That is what I see as good for the community. It's okay to vote for some levies and at other times vote against. We must weigh the benefits each time and at this time it is certainly evident to more than just me that the true emergency of budget shortfalls is found with property owners. I have to side with which one is hurting more. Although we have an Excellent rated school, our home values have gone down and we will see, I believe, an 8% to 10% drop in values when the reevaluation occurs. That will not hurt what the schools bring in throughout the county because by law they collect the same amount as when levies were voted through. At least Stow has more homes now than 9 years ago.

Amanda Harnocz

2:28 pm on Monday, August 15, 2011

Hi Lissa, I should add in the story that there are other reasons and struggles behind the school's financial situation and how people vote. But, my intention is not to be biased whatsoever. The focus for the Dispatches section though is how people are dealing with the trying financial times. We're looking for stories from people who are trying to go to college and working three jobs, etc. Do any of you know someone or are you yourself living the American Dream?

Ed Kent

2:32 pm on Monday, August 15, 2011

Isn't it interesting that both Amanda's phrase and Ward's phrase are the facts and that each phrase, although true, shows a certain slant in feeling. Both could say their phrase isn't biased. It's kinda the way some polls are taken. It's all in how something is presented in order to skew the results in people's mind. Not that that is what this is. Just using an example.

Amanda Harnocz

2:43 pm on Monday, August 15, 2011

Hi Ed, that is a good example. I will say though, that I have nothing invested in the schools or a levy in Stow. I do not live in the city, and other than having a responsibility to report on the situation, I do not have an opinion on the school's finances or if a levy should or should not pass.

Amanda Harnocz

2:32 pm on Monday, August 15, 2011

I removed this sentence from the story: "There is a struggle between what's good for the community and what's good for our own wallets." So that it does not seem to be biased. Thank you for the feedback. Please share your stories about how you or someone else is living the American Dream! Email me at amanda.harnocz@patch.com!

Ed Kent

2:55 pm on Monday, August 15, 2011

This made me a bit sick to my stomach: "our home values have gone down and we will see, I believe, an 8% to 10% drop in values when the reevaluation occurs". I think you may be correct Lissa. I better get that equity line opened before this happens. The way this federal government has behaved and the misuse of so-called stimulus money seems to have caused many to loose the American Dream. Our politicans, as a whole, have failed us.

Amanda Miller

7:15 am on Tuesday, August 16, 2011

I was surprised to see this to say the least. Bias?? While the Patch has constantly reported on the BOE meetings they continually "forget" to report on the issues brought forth by the citizens of Stow at these meetings and they totally ignored why the community voted NO on this past levy. You will see quotes from the Administration but they have never interviewed the public. The Sentry is the same. Have you seen one article on the International Baccalaureate Programme coming to our district (other than from concerned citizens)? Amanda, everyone is Stow is trying to live the American Dream! We are ALL struggling regardless of our economic situation. Taxes, gas prices, the increase at the grocery store, there are so many stories out there but I do not believe the Patch is interested in true stories!

Ed Kent

8:08 am on Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Maybe Patch is trying to be a feel good type of site and not one with reports from citizens about their concerns over such things as school programs and levies? I'm not saying that's wrong, but Ms. Miller does have a valid point. It seems the only stories you get to read about these concerns from citizens and not just the leaders are here in the comments section. I'm not all 'anti-every-levy' either. I will be voting 'for' the Summit Developmental Disabilities levy renewal. They have one levy, no 'new' money and yet they continue to remain in budget. They run a tight ship yet continue to provide excellent service.