For 14 years, I owned a business in downtown Evanston that greatly benefited from the existence of Northwestern University. The university supported me in ways that went beyond patronizing my business, and they made me feel as though I were part of the NU family. I grew up in the shadow of NU, and I have always admired what the university stood for. My relationship with the university is deeply rooted even though I never went there.
One regret I have in those years is that I remained silent while my fellow citizens and some elected officials blamed the university for Evanston's continued fiscal woes. Their comments and criticism, which are often over-the-top and irrational, have always gone unchallenged - but not anymore.
The unfortunate reality is many citizens have now bought into this misguided belief. Though these well-meaning but completely misguided people are few in number, they get the most attention because they "make the most noise." Evanston has a long history of cowering before the people who complain the loudest. My goal is not to change these people's attitudes, which can't be done. My goal is to make you aware that they do not represent conventional wisdom in Evanston. We all know who "butters our bread," but we are just not willing to admit it.
Over the years, NU has offered the city of Evanston millions of dollars in economic opportunities that the city has often rejected because of the attitudes I mentioned above. These people want payments, not opportunities. The undeniable fact is that NU is a multi-million dollar net gain for the city of Evanston, and demanding the university pay additional payments is nonsense. Besides, it won't happen.
Evanston is in turmoil with the recent defections from City Hall, and if ever there were a time to make a change, this is it. And the good news is the changes have already begun.
The Evanston Chamber of Commerce has a young, brilliant president who was instrumental in bringing a Bicycle Grand Prix race to downtown Evanston last summer. This event would never have happened 10 years ago. The Chamber has always advocated we pursue the economic opportunities NU brings to Evanston. We just need to support their efforts.
What can you do?
You can all start by registering to vote. Unless your hometown needs your vote, bring your vote to Evanston where we need it. No one should ever tell you who to vote for, but you need to vote so that elected officials will pay attention. That's how the system works just about everywhere, and if you don't vote, don't complain.
Secondly, support the businesses that support you. I am working on a "Willie Friendly" campaign for Evanston businesses so that NU students and faculty know which businesses return the support and which businesses are just taking your money. There is a difference.
NU makes Evanston a great city, but Evanston does not make NU a great university. That's what needs to change. Evanston is a college town, so why don't we start acting like one? There are many ways we can make Evanston more enjoyable for everyone, while generating revenue for the city, and still maintain our charm. We just need to lighten up a little, which is no easy task.
For those students returning in the fall, the seeds will be planted for change. It all starts with an idea. And for those graduating and moving on, I hope when you return to Evanston someday you will find Evanston a bit more 'purple friendly.' It's the least we can do. Go Cats!
- Tom Fischl
Evanston resident and business owner
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