The torrent of comments I've received on my e-letter and on this blog have turned from positive about Erie's opportunities to extreme pessimism about its future.
Early on, it seemed many readers felt strongly about the community's potential.
But in recent days, I've heard a growing chorus of opinions from folks who believe this community has nothing to offer.
They have plenty of ammunition to back up their opinions: the declining population, the troubles with local government, the loss of manufacturing jobs and the lack of professional job opportunities.
Those trends are enough to make most clear thinking people to form negative opinions.
But don't discount the power of positive thinking.
That's the message from Joe Prischak, the founder of Erie's Plastek Group. Joe, as many of you probably know, has built a very successful plastics manufacturing company here. He has also tried his hand at running a health insurance company and was the businessman behind Lake Erie Speedway.
He looks at everything he's built here in Erie and simply cannot understand why so many people have poor thoughts about the community.
Here's an excerpt of what he had to say:
"If I were a young lad or lassie in Erie today I would choose to stay here for many reasons. The people here are wonderful, our streets are safe, the educational system is superb, ( of course one must apply oneself to take advantage of opportunity to learn ), our churches abound and are most supportive when in need, as well as many, many opportunities are to be had.
"Sure we have our political controversies but you have that every where you go. That’s life. You just have to learn to accept that or really get involved.
"I came here to Erie over 57 years ago after graduating from high school and am still here although now retired. I wouldn’t trade Erie for any other city in the world and believe me I’ve been to cities though out the world and for my money Erie is tops."
His point: You can make it here -- if you get a good idea and are willing to work hard to make it succeed.
The problem is there are too few Joe Prischaks in Erie.
I'd love to hear what you think ...