Here's another item from the weekend e-mail bag (or should I say, box?).

This comes from reader John DiVecchio (not sure if he's related to a certain County Executive):

"I am writing this to ask why it is that Erie is the true home of the pessimist? It has gotten to the point that when I open GoErie, I get depressed over the mood of doom that seems to emanate from the screen. With its location, facilities, and potential, it's hard to understand. There are many other locations and towns with more problems and less future. Can you explain it, and better yet, fight it?"

I can explain it simply -- Erie has been losing jobs and wealth for more than 30 years, is in the shadow of three major cities and has been let down by its leaders.

As a result, we have a community that largely pines for the "good old days" because many of the people locally do not yet see a clear plan for where Erie is heading.

There are a lot of things to like about this town. We have a wonderful natural resource in Lake Erie, a base of still strong employers, affordable real estate, short commutes, and a strong work ethic.

These are great building blocks. But something has to be built on top of them if Erie is to experience a true renaissance.

Should the community be more optimistic? It wouldn't hurt. But those who have seen their quality of life diminish over the years are unlikely to become cheerleaders for the community until their fortunes change.

Here's how I can help: I'm offering a venue for the community to share its ideas about how it can improve. Hopefully, we can get enough people behind some of those ideas to make a difference.