Elizabeth Klick: Merced needs bigger thinkers to become a better town

I have lived in Merced since 1980, after I moved here from a town north of Sacramento. Merced seemed to be progressive and I was happy to see so many businesses. The letter “Why isn’t Merced getting better?” included many of the things I have been thinking the last few years. For some reason, our businesses seem flat; it is difficult to find things I need in town. Many stores have closed or left town.

I went to the mall this week and all I could think was “Blah!” The restaurant has closed, the trees in front of JC Penney’s were gone and trash was everywhere! It’s embarrassing!

The UC is here and I am glad of that. But there is little to inspire the students to come to town. The homeless are everywhere; there is little near the campus and lots of empty subdivisions. The “status quo” needs a shake-up!

I don’t want big-box stores everywhere, but more choices and planning. How many auto-parts stores do we need? How about fixing up the mall and revitalizing downtown? Where are the big thinkers?

This story was originally published April 28, 2016 at 2:52 PM with the headline "Elizabeth Klick: Merced needs bigger thinkers to become a better town."