April 16, 2009

editorial

Development dialogue needed

It’s undoubtedly true, as Village Council President Judith Hempfling stated at the April 6 Council meeting, that the sort of economic development the Village chooses will shape this town. If Yellow Springs attracts green energy firms, our town will be a different place than if it looks toward the aerospace industry.

Because this choice will impact our future, it makes sense, before hiring a staff person to implement a plan, to bring the community together to consider what sort of economic development reflects village values, as Hempfling suggested at the meeting. But several other Council members, and some villagers, disagreed. People have been talking about economic development for years, these folks said, and the last thing we need is more talk. Rather, they suggested that Council immediately task the Village manager to hire a staff person to pursue bringing new business to town and retaining current firms.

But there is a need for more community dialogue. Yes, people have been talking about economic development for years. But too much of that talk has taken place behind closed doors and between only a few business leaders, as economic development talk often does. And last week’s Village Council discussion was the first time this Council discussed it. Surely, no one can claim that these specific Village leaders have been talking too much about this critical topic.

It’s also relevant that many villagers are keenly interested. In January, more than 200 villagers went out on a frigid night to hear economist Michael Shuman talk about localization, and more than 70 gave their weekend to attend his workshop. Council needs to engage this energy.

No one wants endless talking. But before taking the significant step of hiring an economic development staff person, it makes sense for Council to take a month or two to bring together interested citizens with the groups already doing this work, including Chamber of Commerce and Community Resources. For our economic development effort to succeed, and to reflect the uniqueness of Yellow Springs, it needs to begin with a transparent, community-wide conversation on who we want to be.

—Diane Chiddister