Well stated sir. I truly hope people aren't running from race because guess what folks, you can't run from reality. We are now a nation of different races who have evolved and should be able to live in harmony.
I think the exodus, and I see it in our area of town as well, is due to the potential threat of a massive state or even local tax increase and equally as much to property values declining because of an overall community change. People here don't seem to take care of property any longer. That sends a message of "no money" to potential developers. Add to this the steel mill being idled and people are simply fed up.
If I was ten years younger and saw the signs I mention, I would sell and move in a New York minute. My kids will eventually own the house and sell it for what they can get but I certainly wouldn't recommend them setting up hop here any longer.
The city, as many in our state, is in serious trouble right now. I hope things turn around but it's starting to get scary. The recent repeated mistake of hiring an unqualified economic developer only adds to my concern. My hope is that some younger people run for offices in the city and try to inject some new ideas and concepts.