The local discussion has been sprinkled in recent days with talk of naysayers.

Erie, it seems, has a lot of naysayers -- people who like to poke holes in any efforts to improve our community. There's a contingent that simply cannot be happy, with anything.

And there's a perception that this part of our community is dominating the discussion.

Those who want progress are frustrated by the naysayer contingent -- and they're speaking up.

You've seen it on Rick Griffith's ubiquitous signs around town, in the commentary of local writers like Pat Howard and -- this week -- in the e-mails I've been getting from readers.

That's not a new theme in our little world called "Inside Erie." For several months, we've been talking about change and exchanging ideas.

But the recent flurry of comments I've received has me encouraged about the future.

Consider this note from Erie resident Adam Trott:

"I deal with all sorts of people in all sorts of positions. It becomes evident over time that change makers have a very important ingredient within their mix....confidence.

"Confidence to go after something, and confidence to know that if the initial angle you take isn't working, you will find the right one and work the problem out to a success before the end.

"Most nay-sayers I've seen that don't offer alternatives seem as though they are simply people who lack confidence, or are intimidated by it.

"We need community leaders with confidence, as every community does. I know that they exist here in Erie. Many of them are already engaged in our community, but we obviously need more.

"It would be good for us to always encourage one when found.

"Thanks for your writing, and for keeping the pot stirred."

If you fit Adam's description of a change-maker, I invite you to step forward and let your confidence shine through. We need you.