Earl Blumenauer: “Mr. Speaker, we in Congress can do many things to enhance the livability of our communities, giving a wide range of…”

“Mr. Speaker, we in Congress can do many things to enhance the livability of our communities, giving a wide range of opportunities, whether it is requiring the Post Office to play by the same rules as the rest of America by following local land use laws and zoning codes, and maybe even having meaningful public input, or having more rational water policies to help protect and renew our communities' waterways. But no matter where we are in America and how we define livability, there are several visual indicators that will tell us right away whether or not we are in a healthy neighborhood. If we are in a community that is free from vandalism, it is a sign of a healthy neighborhood. If there are areas that provide access to walkways and sidewalks that are away from the rush of traffic, it shows respect for the residents. We are in a healthy neighborhood. If we have opportunities to move away from the blight that has been a plague for many communities, and there is renewal of deteriorated property and housing well-being, it is a sign of a healthy community. I would think the most basic indicator, however, is whether or not our children are able to move safely through their neighborhood.”