Bumper sticker a call to learn to love city

Georganne Bryant, owner of Phoenix clothing boutique Frances, is making news with her new "Love Phoenix or Leave Phoenix" bumper sticker. We invited her to explain why she created it.

Having a business at one of the busiest intersections in Phoenix and on the light-rail construction path, I have witnessed many positive changes during the ongoing revitalization of Central and downtown Phoenix since opening Frances in 2006.

But our location has also placed us in the eye of the storm as far as complaining and negative energy attached to the light-rail project. My intention in creating the bumper sticker was not to be confrontational, but to get people's attention.

If it said "I Love Phoenix" or some other mushy sentiment, it would not have attracted the notice and reaction it has.

The bumper sticker is a call to residents to look past the short-term pain and embrace the many good things that are happening in and around the core of the city.

The downtown Arizona State University campus, a vibrant arts community, an ever-expanding roster of local independent businesses, new hotels, high-rise residential projects and a downtown farmers market contribute to making Phoenix an exciting, unique place to live and work. The establishment and promotion of historical districts has been a boon to the neighborhoods involved.

Those of us who count our time in Phoenix in decades have long heard about the "promise" of downtown, and have seen the false starts and speculators who lack commitment to the area.

A "vision" for downtown has been a moving target. I understand some of the cynicism. But with the support of Mayor Phil Gordon and the Phoenix City Council, this time it's for real.

Communities are working together. Construction cranes are changing the skyline. The risk that businesses, great and small, are taking is being supported by those same officials.

And the forward momentum of downtown and central Phoenix is palpable.

So my hope is that Phoenix residents acknowledge they are living in a forward-thinking city - a city with such opportunity that even a stay-at-home mom of 18 years (like me) can be a success.

We all have a stake in the future. And if you learn to love Phoenix, then maybe you won't want to leave it.