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Aubrey is also President of Rebecca's Fan Club and Honorary BFF of Rebecca Ryan. I am just kidding, I have read some of the book and I think Rebecca's ideas are right on. I also think not adopting her philosophies more is why Hutchinson has had basically the same population for the last .... really long time!

Even though I teter on the boarder of XP'r, I too agree with the things I've been reading from Rebecca Ryan. I also agree with Cody, change is needed soon if we're ever going to grow our population substantially. I do however want to note that from 2004-2006 only 25 of 105 Kansas counties gained in population and Reno County was one of those. Even though we have a long way to go, I feel like we're on the right track. I've mentioned this to a few people, but now I'm going to say it out loud - Reno County feels differently than it did even three or four years ago. There is new life not only in Hutch but in the rural communities as well. I think new leadership in town (thanks LRC), new vision (thanks downtown guru Jim S. and city manager, John D.) and huge efforts on the part of many people are starting to make a difference. I'm happy to be in the midst of change, I hope you are too!

I think it is good to acknowledge that Reno County is growing and changing. I also think it is important to investigate what sort of growth or change is happening. What was the population growth we had in Reno County? Was it older couples moving into the County from surrounding areas because of the medical community here? If so, that is not the sort of growth I celebrate as a younger professional. It's a sad state to see one of the downtown boutiques cosing up shop after moving into the Wiley building. I just hope we can keep the growth and change moving towards the "cool" community we want Hutchinson and Reno County to evolve into. (I mean no ill will towards said elderly couples possibly moving into our community.)

I haven't had the opportunity to read all of her book, but the little that I have read I agree with 100%. I found myself seeing that I have that exact quality of wanting to live somewhere cool first. This past weekend I was up in Kansas City for business meetings and after the meetings I went to the Sprint Center to try to pick up tickets to see the KU!! When I wasn't at the games, I was across the street at the new power and light district. The only thing I can say about that is WOW! KC did it right when they built that. I go to KC about 10 times a year to watch Chiefs and Royals games. I've been doing that consistently for about 5 years. I can honestly say that I had more fun this weekend than I had the last 5 years. The atmosphere was amazing, the restaurants, clubs and bars were packed! Hutchinson will never be able to have what KC built, but it can have that WOW factor! We all know what to do and where to go on Fridays and Saturdays here in Hutch, and most of us opt to stay at home or go out of town. What if Hutchinson had that part of town where there was a selection of restaurants, live music clubs, bars and dance clubs where everyone can have a great time. If Hutchinson had something like that, it would have that WOW factor effect. In my opinion, there is no reason why Hutchinson can't have something like that. With the downtown revitalization project going on, adding an entertainment district would highlight our efforts at making Hutchinson a place to live, work and play. After all, the new street lights, and empty picnic tables aren't going to attract anything and will be useless if we don't have a reason for people to enjoy them! I'm eager, and willing to be apart of a movement to bring something like this to Hutchinson. I just don't know where to begin, or who to talk to about it. As a YPer, I feel that my peers and I can be an influence to this. I know I can't be the only person that feels this way!

In response to Michael's comment, I recommend that anyone interested in the downtown revitalization contact Jim Seitnater, Downtown Development Director. I know his group has several committees working on different aspects of downtown Hutchinson. He is very open to interested and excited people wanting to get involved. I say let's join their committees and get some input on the decisions being made for downtown. Jim's e-mail is jims@hutchgov.com Phone - 620-694-2677

I agree with Michael and Kate makes a great point, but... Let's (YP as a group) go to Seitnater with exactly what we think should be done. Let's not email him and say hey let's make Downtown better, Let make YP initiatives and then push for those specifically. I will think and come back here with comments about what I think those specifics could be. I honestly think this is a great topic for YP discussion group or possibly even a committee.

I read my own comment and didnt like it. I don't know I need to think about it some more.

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