Do We Want Economic Development?

An Editorial by Dave Freneaux

    When my daughter was six years old I had every intention that she would eventually grow up to be a mature, well educated woman…but I did not give my six year old the car keys and tell her to go out and get a job.  My goal was to help guide her development, growth and education so that she was prepared at each age to handle the challenges she would face.  At times, I felt she was growing up too fast, and I could gently apply the brakes, but I could not stop her from growing up.  At other times, I felt she was not growing up fast enough, and I had to gently push her so that she was prepared for the next stage of her life, often against her will, but for her own good.  That, in a simple analogy, is Economic Development.

    It is simply not possible for Central to survive with zero Economic Development.  I see lines being drawn in Central, and on one side people are loudly proclaiming a desire to stay a quiet rural community with plenty of farm land and oak trees.  On the other side the call is to build a tax base that can support the school system and the resulting growth and infrastructure demands.  I have friends on both sides of the line and I hear both arguments, and they are both right.

    The question, as I see it, is not WHETHER to encourage Economic Development, it is HOW QUICKLY and IN WHAT WAYS.  Regardless of WHAT will be done, the process of intentionally planning Central’s Economic Development needs to move forward.  If those who are willing to pitch in and assist with the process will come to the table with an open mind, hear differing viewpoints, and seek consensus, Central has a good chance at making sound decisions.  As those decisions are made, we have the opportunity to look beyond our own desires and build a community that meets the needs of our children and grandchildren.

    Part of me wanted my six year old to stay Daddy’s little girl forever, but now she is grown and I am glad I did not interfere with that unstoppable progression.  Central’s first schoolhouse was a slice of 1900’s Americana, but could never have prepared our children for the technological and educational demands of 2011.  Central’s eight roads and 100 family farms of 1920 are the roots of a great city, but could not support the conveniences and leisure activities we enjoy today. 

    The Central community made a decision to create an independent school system and city.  That decision set economic wheels in motion that cannot be stopped, but the course and speed of those wheels can be influenced.  Central’s schools will grow.  People will build more houses.  New businesses will open.  Our ordinances will provide guidance and government agencies may facilitate discussion, but the direction of this community will ultimately be determined by our citizens. The cost of education, lifestyle and convenience will ultimately be paid through Economic Development or through taxes.  The challenge is to come to the table with our preferences pencilled in, and a willingness to hear other ideas and find the Economic Development solutions that are right for the community as a whole.  Like my daughter years ago, our Central is only a six year old, and we CAN have an influence on her as she grows, but we can’t stop her from growing up.