Dear Mr. McCutchen:  Mayor
Baker forwarded your e-mail to me for response.  As to your opening
paragraph regarding use of the term “Quality of Place,” projects the term was
selected by default; could have been “special projects,” “economic
initiatives,” or any other word smithing selection.  The term was
introduced by an author named Richard Florida in his book Rise of the
Creative Class.   I’ve read it once, heard him speak twice,
disagree with about half his thesis and agree with the other half.  He
faults in creating questionable assumptions regarding the success of certain
cities’ success in redevelopment, but his assumptions don’t reach or
rationalize the conclusions he makes for all cities.  He cites
redevelopment successes in Portland, OR, Pittsburgh, PA, Boston, MA, Miami
(South Beach) Beach, FL to name a few; he credits their success in
“livability,” to the “creative class,” i.e. artists, designers, musicians,
etc.  His basic flaw, in my opinion, is his failure to recognize cities
with successful track records in redevelopment not related  to the
creative class; key examples are cities that have grown and redeveloped due to
the influence of the military, i.e. San Antonio, TX, San Diego, CA,
Jacksonville, FL, Kansas City, KS, Colorado Springs, CO and Witchita, KS, to
name a few.  Again, in my opinion, an ingrained bias toward objectivity. .
.and we haven’t even talked about the demographic shifts that took place
following WWII from the rust belt to the sun and wheat belts during the ‘50’s
and ‘60’s that created new cities predicated on manufacturing and job
relocations.  His failed conclusion, in my opinion, is every city is unique
in its own right; there is no cookie cutter approach to redevelopment success
that can apply to every city.  Each city needs to determine for itself
what is appropriate for its economic vitality (that’s my editorial
opinion).  As to Fort Smith, there is a fierce tradition to submit ideas
and proposals to the citizens for referendum to make those determinations; when
referendums are scheduled, every effort is made to inform the voter as to the
date, time and purpose of the vote.  THEY will decide!  Don’t know if
this answers your questions, but it’s my take.

As to your numbered questions:

Question 1: No and no

Question 2:  No and n/a

Question 3:  No, don’t know
(but will find out) and don’t have a clue.

Question 4:  No and n/a

On behalf of Mayor Baker

Respectfully,

Dennis W. Kelly

p.s.  On a personal note,
please accept my apologies for the belated response; I do not receive your
e-mails.  The Mayor’s secretary sent me a copy late yesterday and have
just now been able to respond.  Regards, DK