Mene, Mene Commerce

Here's Your Sign(s)

Sorry I feel this way, but in looking around, the question needs to be asked...

Is Commerce slowly dying?

According to the newsletter on the School District's website:
Enrollment down 68 students or roughly 4%

Last year the enrollment was down 3% 

Other Signs:

Half of the downtown buildings are vacant


Census population in 1970: 9534
Census population in 2010: 8078

City property tax rate increased almost 40% in 10 years 

Multiple churches have closed

Individuals below Poverty Level in 2000: 22.9%
Individuals below Poverty Level in 2010: 32.1%

Home Ownership Rate: 37.3%; State Average 64.5%

Zurn Closed (200+ jobs lost)
Covidien Closing (losing 300+ jobs)


And possibly the #1 reason Commerce: APATHY. 

SO...
Is the writing on the wall? 
OR...
Is the better question: What can be done?


But then again, why should I care!?!