As Jefferson envisioned, there are benefits to elected officials knowing the residents they represent by name. The number of local units is not the problem in and of itself. My home state of Michigan has more than five times the number of local governments as Virginia (2,875 versus 518) with only a slightly larger population. The region is home to seven of the top 10 states in total governmental units, and all save New York are well above the nation’s average for governmental units per capita (Table 1). One result is that the states of the Midwest have more local governmental units than others. As frontier cities and towns grew, they were incorporated into numerous additional municipalities. The region was platted in 6-by-6 mile townships, each housing a school (and ultimately a school district).

And it organized a political governance structure close to the people. It placed value on education and schools. The Northwest Ordinance adopted by Congress in 1787 organized the then-territories of the Midwest by codifying the values of Jeffersonian democracy: The region would have free labor, not slave labor. The problem starts with the sheer number of local governments in Midwest states. While the administration’s plan isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, it nonetheless exposes anew the fiscal and governance dilemmas that underlie infrastructure challenges in many of the region’s vulnerable communities.

The production will also continue its annual tradition of raising funds for local charities during intermission.This proposal poses a quandary for the Rust Belt: the region hosts some of the nation’s most aged and degraded infrastructure, but is also home to a large number of communities with little to no ability to pay for rehabilitating it. Theatergoers will also be able to purchase jewelry and souvenirs at “Starrlet’s Workshop.” Each performance will include a complimentary wine and cheese reception. The cast of the show includes Nicole Zayas, Dean LaSalandra, Jeremy Grimes, Caitlyn Murphy, Sam Mentzer, Sarah Whitlach, Vicci Sfikas, Rachel Clifford, Diane Marie, Wesley Miller, Kage Coven, Josh Yohman, Lisa Torrence, Celena Coven and Joki. Seating will be limited for this year’s production to provide social distancing, “so it is very important to make and keep your reservations,” Joki said. “Cancelling the show because of COVID was a devastating blow to the theater, which survives on ticket sales, but we are thrilled to be back in front of a live audience this year,” Joki said. Last year’s production was a filmed “highlights” version of the show that was available only for online viewing because of the pandemic. Written and composed by Robert Dennick Joki and Josh Taylor, the show is updated each year to lampoon politics, current events and pop culture.

Rust belt