[Vision2020] newcomer? oldtimer?

[keely emerinemix]

I've enjoyed reading the various posts about what constitutes being part of 
Moscow's history.  I guess my family has a unique perspective . . .

My father and my father-in-law were born in Boise back in the 30s.  They 
graduated from UI, and my Castleford-born mother-in-law attended for two 
years.  My husband's family homesteaded here more than a century ago -- 
those would be the Mixes -- and my grandfather was a muckracking journalist 
in Boise for decades (he was an Emerine).  My in-laws stayed in Moscow after 
college and left in 1976; during that time my father-in-law, John Mix, was a 
co-owner of KRPL, a state legislator, and the Voice of the Vandals.

My husband Jeff and I moved here in February 2002.  I'm on the school board, 
he's president of the Latah County Historical Society board of trustees, and 
our kids are settled in to Moscow High and Moscow Jr. High.  We bought a 
house a stone's throw from where Jeff grew up, because it had a porch from 
which we can enjoy views of Tomer's Butte and Paradise Ridge, just as he did 
during his childhood.

All of this makes us feel good about Moscow, but doesn't give us any more or 
less right to be heard on issues involving our town.  To some, we're 
old-timers by blood; to others, annoying newcomers.  But what I think really 
matters is this:  Moscow is our home, and we don't plan on ever leaving.  I 
would say that I hope to die in the 83843 zip code, although not any time 
soon, and I hope my sons decide to stay here.  Regardless, I'm planted and 
the roots are only growing deeper.

It's worth fighting the good fight for our local history, our public 
schools, our environment and economic vitality, and anything that makes 
Moscow a healthy, functioning place to live.  I think we're richer when we 
listen to all of our neighbors and consider past, present, and future in our 
deliberations.  All growth is not sprawl; I think a new high school has 
benefits, even if located on the edge of town, that far surpass its "new 
Moscow" location, and any school anywhere has inherent benefits that a Super 
Wal-Mart can't begin to equal.   I remain steadfast in my opposition to a 
Supercenter simply because it's bad for my town, in the same way that last 
spring I supported the new high school because it was good for my town.  
Good people can disagree, but let's not shut off opinions because of the 
duration of residence of the speaker.

And to the one charming old-timer here who constantly tells me that I have 
"that strong, angular Mix jawline," well . . . the genetics are impossible, 
but the compliment is appreciated ... I think.

keely

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