Conversation on "Common Challenges"

Getting people to set aside ego investment long enough to look at community/regional investment is going to take some doing. There do need to be cooperative discussions and they need to include some citizens as well as elected officials. There is such a tremendous resource in the ideas of citizens that is virtually ignored in many areas. There needs to be open lines of communication to encourage new ideas. Each community can keep its own identity while working with a regional approach. In economic development specifically, this MUST be done. Isolationist views by Towns, Cities, and Counties do not do anyone any good except for maybe a few individuals. If we are going to provide citizens with good paying jobs, the opportunity for advancement, etc., we need a bit more than a new McDonalds. Retail, restaurant, and other service trades are a necessity but seldom provide employees with the income that allows a community to grow in an economically healthy manner. People need to get involved and start asking questions. Great topic! And, great writing! Thanks.

Interesting post. Could serve as scorecard for local officials. How would you rate the Town of Christiansburg on addressing these issues?