To the Editor:
Not too long ago Hamden had a large number of active neighborhood civic associations, one for almost every neighborhood in Hamden. Today there are only a few active neighborhood civic associations left in Hamden.
What has brought about the decline of neighborhood civic associations in Hamden? There are numerous reasons for the decline. Due to word limitations, let me address just three possible reasons for the decline in Hamden neighborhood civic associations.
First reason why there are fewer active neighborhood civic associations in Hamden is due in part to declining membership. In today’s fast-paced electronic world, the use of social media and local internet newspapers has replaced the need for people to attend civic association meetings. People can stay in the comfort of their homes and use Facebook, Tweeter and local internet newspapers to become aware of neighborhood issues and activates. This at home comfort has contributed to the decline in neighborhood civic association members, which in turn brought about the decline in active neighborhood civic associations.
Second reason, many Hamden politicos have used Hamden civic associations to advance their political careers in local and state government. One just has to attend any neighborhood civic association meeting to see these politicos voicing their political philosophy at meetings. This is fine, they have every right to do this, but when these politicos take on leadership positions within a civic association, this practice raises ethical questions. Maybe that is why some civic association members have found this practice objectionable and have stopped attending civic association meetings. These former civic association members are also making the point that some Hamden civic associations have turned into neighborhood political social clubs that are under the control of Hamden politicos.
Third reason, some Hamden residents do not see themselves as members of a neighborhood or as members of the Hamden community at-large.
Will Hamden neighborhood civic associations go the way of the dinosaurs and become extinct?
Thomas Alegi
Hamden
