At 7:30 p.

Tuesday, January 11, 2000

At 7:30 p.m. tonight at Ohio Universithy Southern Campus, Lawrence County and Ironton residents have a chance to show Columbus that southern Ohio needs help and that promises at election time just aren’t enough anymore.

And, while they are at it, the group that gathers tonight also will remind Columbus that central and northern Ohio are not the only places that should be receving grant announcements, economic development assistance and millions of dollars in highway money.

The meeting is designed to bring together development experts, city officials and others to discuss the future of Ironton and Lawrence County in the wake of the recent announcements of plant closings and job losses.

This gathering is one that is important for every adult who wants to stay close to home and raise his or her family now and for every mom and dad who hopes that her or his child will decide to settle here.

Without some sort of decisive action now and a road map for the future, there will be no jobs for future generations.

Ironton can’t sit around waiting for something good to happen; and Lawrence County development officials who have ignored the west end of the county cannot possibly continue on that path if they want to have a job – or a region to promote.

Lawrence County has weathered many crises before this one, but there is no question that this is a critical test not only for area leaders, but for the community as well.

Attendance at tonight’s meeting will show Columbus that this community wants to save itself and that platitudes won’t be enough to placate this area anymore.

It is time to demand help from the Statehouse and governor’s office. And that will only come if word gets back to Columbus that Ironton and Lawrence County are ready to help themselves and that the voters are willing to back up those demands at the voting booth.

Take an hour out tonight to attend the citywide meeting. If you have something to say, get your notes ready, or simply come and listen. It could be the most important hour you spend this week both for you and your family.