Do you remember the concept of the Common Good? Many of us grew up with this idea, that the Common Good is what is shared and beneficial for all or most members of a community. Sometimes, it is meant to describe what is achieved by citizenship and active participation in society. The Rotary Club is a great example of people coming together for the Common Good. It was a guiding principle, often cited, in American politics for well over a century. It was used to justify policies that strove to favor the largest number of people—directly. In today's politics, the Common Good has often been replaced by practices and doctrines that promote the good of the individual or their family, alone, based on the idea that saving as much money as possible is the highest good that society can achieve: that money is the core value. I disagree. We come together in towns and states for our mutual benefit. Humans have been doing that for thousands of years. And I have observed that together we do more for everyone than we can acting individually. As someone said, when everyone does better, everyone does better! Not just roads but education, sidewalks, services for those who need them, and so on. Amanda Janoo, an economist, says that we can have an economy that's people-centered, rather than just business-centered. The idea is to help people achieve their own independence and dignity—that's what people want, much more than some handout. If you have a curiosity to hear a viable candidate for governor in person, an economist who specializes in the people-centered economy, come to the Mari Castle on South Main Street in Randolph Village, opposite Gifford Hospital, on October 17th from 2–4. How could a people-centered economy even work? You would get the opportunity to ask this crucial question.