VIEW FROM MY WINDOW
VISION 203O
I have just finished reading a book entitled ABUNDANCE written by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson. It was unsettling. The authors describe abundance as a state in which there is enough of what we need to create lives better than what we have. The authors prescribe that the focus must be on future building blocks identified as HOUSING, TRANSPORTATION, ENERGY, AND HEALTH.
The unsettling portion was that the current political parties in an effort to assure equality have instituted far too many safeguards and policies to have projects occur effectively and efficiently. However, the opposing party does not want any government involvement and services privatized. Thus, frequent polarization results in impasse. The authors are suggesting a new “political order” will be necessary, though it is not defined.
While reading this book I was invited to a vision planning meeting for 2030 for Greene County, hosted by the Greene County Development Corporation, GCDC.
The invitation asked for input and ideas that will help to generate projects to attract new business, make the community more livable and inviting, and attract new residents/employees to Greene County.
Readers may recall a plan that was initiated seven years ago called Vision 2020. Some ideas expressed came to fruition and resulted in the new high school/Career Academy and the expanded Childrens Center in Jefferson. Housing remains an issue, but progress is being made. One priority expressed, the brew pub, has not materialized.
While the invitation has temporarily been put on “pause” as GCDC restructures, the request for leaders and key community members from all parts of the county will soon be reissued to help develop plans to grow and improve Greene County during the next five to ten years
I began pondering how and when GCDC was formed. I used the Internet and learned it was incorporated in December of 1965. I contacted Rick Morain, GCDC long term and current secretary. He indicated that in the early 1950’s his father Fred and other community leaders initiated a development group called Jefferson Industries Inc. They recognized that the size of farms was increasing and would result in a diminished farming population. A goal was established by the Jefferson Industries group to have a balance of agriculture, manufacturing, and retail businesses.
One of the first developments was completed when $250,000 was generated by private investors to build the American Athletic building following the development of the trampoline by Bill Sorensen. This grass roots effort grew in the basement of Seela’s hardware.
Supper conversation with my spouse about 2030 Visioning was revealing and appreciated. Thankfully, it was not to return to women remaining in the home, raising children, and gathering eggs. Rather it was to live in a safe community, with a solid educational system and quality healthcare available. An educational system that encourages astronauts from Paton; engineers that design and manufacture sanitary collection trucks that are shipped all over the world; technological skills taught in our Academy that will enable and encourage computer and whatever may be beyond skills. In addition, recognition of the importance of environmental protection to ensure the soil remains intact for agricultural prosperity, and safe water is available for drinking and recreation.
What will be your thoughts for Greene County for 2030? When the public invitation is issued for “YOUR IDEAS TO HELP GROW GREENE COUNTY,” be certain to attend the session facilitated by former Jefferson resident Michelle Book of Book Smart Solutions. This will be of critical importance for our children and grandchildren and even generations beyond.
View from my window is shared by Mary Weaver, who resides on a farm near Rippey.
