The next session of the Cafe Society discussions will focus on why a wealthy nation like the U.S. is having so much difficulty maintaining critical infrastructure such as our road, rail, sewer, water, power and communication systems. The discussions are held each Tuesday morning from 8:30 to 10 a.m. in the Rumsey Room of the Shepherd University Student Center. Students and community members are encouraged to participate. There are no registration requirements or fees.

Mike Austin, co-facilitator of the sessions along with Art Wineburg, commented, “All too often we take these important systems for granted, simply expecting them to be there, up and running when we decide to make use of them. We frequently think about them only when we are briefly inconvenienced by some restriction or temporary problem. It is sort of a “pot hole” or band-aid mentality. Their care and maintenance takes vast amounts of money, long term planning and close cooperation between all levels of our political structure and the public and private sectors. How they are funded and kept abreast of dynamic national requirements should be one of the issues that shape the upcoming national election.”

Austin also added that suggested topics for future discussions are welcome from the community. He added that there is no effort to pursue a particular agenda or take sides on important issues. The intent is to have an open and balanced discussion that takes advantage of the tremendous knowledge and experience of our friends and neighbors in and around Shepherdstown.

For additional information, contact Austin at 304-876-0598 or Wineburg at 304-876-2586.