9/1 My Concentration and Topic

My Major Concentration is Environmental Policy and Planning. Basically the local and regional government inner workings are explored through policy via such classes as state and local government or through Public Policy analysis. Through these political science classes I have learned that government is not as scary, completely corrupt or vile as most citizens think it is. However policy work is very slow usually, and must slowly be passed through multiple checks and balances. Incrementalism, or the slow speed at which new policy is passed, is one of the pros and cons of our system. It can prevent useless, mundane, and one-sided policy from getting passed, however it can also prevent progressive, integrative, and needed policies form being passed as well.

The Planning part my major is similar to the policy readers, in that it involves dealing with government however, most planners do not see them selves as government officials, usually because of their close dealings with actual policy makers, and their position as intermediaries between developers, the public, and the politicians. In planning classes I've learned how different land use regulations can be used to create or solve problems in the field of planning. Planning is a relatively new field, and as such is ever expanding, however some things remain constant, planners will always be required to communicate and come to compromise between multiple parties in disagreement. The role that a planner plays that I find most important would be that of advocate for the public. Planners can provide a voice of reason and present a case for the underdog in situations of corporate or political greed, but because of the law like environment created by the terminology, often there are multiple points of view and opinions that can start heated arguments.

Two topics for my senior seminar project could be either a project following the development of community gardens around Boone. It would feature at least three community gardens: the community garden by wal-mart. The Hill St. garden which I started with some of my old neighbors and have passed on to new neighbors, and finally the Howard St. garden which is a budding example of urban gardening. The main purpose of following these stories of these gardens would be to present a case for people who are growing their own food and in doing so are tied to the land.

Another idea for a senior project would be forming a farming network for Boone residents and students. HUFN & PUFN the High Country Urban Farming Network, and the People's Urban Farming Network, would be an ongoing project to create a community of urban farmers who could then trade supplies, labor, and produce, as well as recipes and meals. The Purpose of such networks would be to lay the foundation for a local food scene that goes beyond citizens and the farmers market, although both would still be a vital part of the project.