What are some issues in Kalamazoo, Michigan that I can do a persuasive speech on. Issues that are 2010 or greater?

One of the biggest controversies in our area was about the Portage Schools superintendent. There was also the proposal for developing a square block downtown Kalamazoo for a sports arena (like we need another one!). The oil spill in the Kalamazoo River generated a lot of distress. What about our former moderate Republican Congressional Representative Fred Upton, who seems to be kissing up to the Tea Partiers?

Check the Western Herald for other ideas.

To identify some potential issues for a persuasive speech on Kalamazoo, Michigan, you can follow these steps:

1. Research local news sources: Start by exploring the websites of local news outlets in Kalamazoo, such as MLive or the Kalamazoo Gazette. Look for articles or sections that discuss community issues, ongoing debates, or concerns affecting the area.

2. Review city council meeting minutes: Visit the city's official website and search for recent city council meeting minutes. This can provide valuable insights into current discussions, initiatives, and challenges faced by the city.

3. Engage with community organizations and forums: Join online platforms or groups that focus on Kalamazoo. Participate in discussions, ask questions, and seek opinions from members of the community. Engaging people on social media, online forums, or attending local community events can also provide a wealth of information on prevalent issues.

4. Consider broad topics: Based on your research, consider broad categories of issues that you can focus on. Some possibilities could include public transportation, affordable housing, education system challenges, water quality, community health, economic development, racial equity, environmental concerns, or youth empowerment. Choose a topic that aligns with your interests and that you believe can generate a persuasive argument.

5. Narrow down your focus: Once you've chosen a broad topic, narrow it down to a specific issue within that category. For example, if you choose public transportation, you could delve into the lack of accessible transportation options or the need for improved infrastructure.

By following these steps, you should be able to identify some significant issues in Kalamazoo, Michigan, that are relevant to the time frame you specified (2010 or greater). Remember, it's crucial to conduct thorough research and gather diverse perspectives to make your persuasive speech comprehensive and compelling.