Lecture 1 Discussion

First of all, I was pleased to learn that the class session was only going to be a 7-week segment, so the first day held plenty of encouragement. It was nice to know that even on the first day we were hearing feedback from other students in the class. I very much enjoy debate and open discussion courses, as I believe it adds to the learning environment even more so than just lecture material alone. Urban studies as a whole is a fascinating subject matter that is exceptionally interdisciplinary, and as we discovered in class encompasses administration, economics, politics, finance, sociology, planning/design and even historical aspects. The premise surrounding a 'city' is central to the human condition. As the epicenter of a region, cities play an important role in the aforementioned disciplines. I think the most interesting concept discussed in lecture however, was that of the public choice theory. In mot cases, we hold our elective representatives in the utmost of expectations. When considering individualism and statism, it is assumed that the constituents in a representative area hold officials to be honorable and altruistic, as we believe that they should serving the public. Citizens should abdicate for less government intervention in their lives, but more importantly holding officials accountable to work towards a collective yet unobtrusive local governance system. With Phoenix's system of government, we see an acceptable tax rate, an increasingly larger network of transit options, as well as appropriate spending on police and public services for citizens in America's 5th largest city. I look forward to the continuing experience in URB 240; lets remember the open discussion format. Enjoy!