Eva GeoRene Jones
♦Dear Citizen Colleagues,
Now that, for better or worse, we own the Mall, it is time to focus on creation of a master strategic plan for its utilization.
Messrs. Pierce and Mitchell told me Monday afternoon they will support a process for building the plan giving all stakeholders a voice in the process. Over the next few days and weeks, I plan to discuss this with Messrs. Sides, Barber, and Caskey as well.
The Commissioners will show visionary leadership by inviting into the process all stakeholders who work toward resolving The Three Great Needs, starting with the leaders of all 10 municipalities in the County. Additional stakeholders — those agencies, civic groups, faith community, and individual citizens — whose daily interaction give them a firsthand look at the issues, their individual complexities and their inherent interdependence, must also be involved.
Participants must be willing to be heard AND listen to others. Strong alliances are built when people hear echoes of their own thoughts in the concerns voiced by others. Sound solutions rise up when multiple points of view merge into innovative thinking. Such a process is worthy of support from every individual regardless their social, political, or religious, affiliation. We do not have the luxury of time to continue decades-old feuds and finger-pointing. These problems must be attended now or we will all suffer the catastrophic consequences.
As a private citizen, not political leader or even candidate, I am committed to seeing this through to fruition. If you are like-minded, please let me hear from you.
In response to all the comments I’ve heard from everyone that there is no way the City will ever work together with the County on anything…
I recently asked in open session that the County Commissioners work together with the leaders of all the towns and municipalities to develop the Master Strategic Plan for the newly purchased Mall.
Commissioners Pierce and Mitchell have both agreed to support an initiative to work with all 10 of the Countyto Municipalities to develop a Master Strategic Plan for the Mall.
Before speaking in person with Chairman Sides, I am getting ready to appear before the City Council to ask for public confirmation that they are willing to work with the County Commissioners and leaders of the other 9 municipalities in our County to develop the Master Strategic Plan for use of the recently purchased Mall.
