A laundry list for Orlando

I love Orlando. But I can still honestly assess its needs, which have languished for years due to a lack of leadership in Orange County. Orlando will never be a major player because of these problems:

Transportation. Major cities have multiple means of getting from one place to another. For at least 20 years, county leaders have done little to connect the county with public transportation. Buses, trains and subway systems make up a transportation grid in most major cities, and I understand that subways are not feasible, but if you cannot go under, you can go over.

Culture. Where are the major art museums that other cities have — the Met in New York, the Philadelphia Art Museum or the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C.? We are glaringly behind.

Low incomes. Orlando’s is among the lowest for a metropolitan area, which means less discretionary income to support culture and a low tax base. Bringing in higher-paying jobs is great, but how about the low-paying jobs that must be filled by someone?

Education. When we are not arguing over public money for charter or private schools, the state hands crumbs to our public schools. Are they the best? Of course not.

I pointed out these problems 20 years ago, and nothing has improved. Show some leadership, commissioners, and get these things fixed now so we can get the next corporate headquarters. David W. Cruise Pine Hills