While with the National Urban Coalition, I saw cities where mayors struggled, alone, to solve urban problems. The business sector was often unaware of the complexity of the problems urban communities faced. It was on that premise, during the urban riots of the '60s, that John W. Gardner started the Urban Coalition — the problems of the cities could not be solved by government alone; rather, it was the leadership from the diverse segments of a city that needed to come together to help solve them. Gardner's message to the city's business leaders was simple: "It's a short-sighted chief executive that does not make an investment in his community. That's your marketplace." Business leaders in the cities responded to the challenge and began working with other segments of the community, such as unions, churches, and civil rights groups that included the Brown Berets and Black Panthers.

In some instances, mayors took the lead in convening the diverse leadership; and then stepped aside, letting the coalition, made up of leaders from the private sector, tackle the problems City Hall could not, including those where City Hall might be the problem.

In working with leaders to revitalize cities, the Urban Coalition discovered that once mayors realized the city, along with its problems, belonged to the people, they began to ask for help in seeking solutions from all willing to help. Elected officials also found that forcing change upon a community only created a climate of resentment, needless conflict and gave credence to the saying, "that which is imposed is opposed." Creating public policy takes time and compromise; but, in the end, the public is well-served. That's leadership.

Successful leaders appeal to the kindness and the best in people, rather than playing on their fears and differences. They invite people to lend their collective talents in seeking solutions that move a community forward. They offer hope and inspire people to give their best.

Let us hope that our elected officials can learn from the past and work together for the common good of our city. Business people should not be spectators and wait for the benefits that come from a great city; rather, they also have a responsibility to come forward with their talents and resources. It's their city, too. The administration and City Council would do the city well if they, collectively, called upon the business and downtown landowners in creating a vibrant city that serves all citizens. Imagine the good things that could happen to our city if we got it together.

Good ideas, more often than not, come from the citizenry when elected leaders bring good people together to do good things.

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Utah native John Florez has founded several Hispanic civil rights organizations, served on the staff of Sen. Orrin Hatch and on more than 45 state, local and volunteer boards. He also has been deputy assistant secretary of labor. E-mail: jdflorez@comcast.net