Over the past year, there has been a significant amount of building projects and ideas brought to the forefront. While each of these projects can bring a new opportunity for the individual, company and community, it is important to remember that we as a community need be involved.

Regardless of where the project is in the county, getting involved and attending various council meetings is vital. Whether you agree or disagree with the proposed project, gaining valuable information will ultimately help each individual form an opinion. Don’t take someone else’s word or use third-hand information because it could be clouded in bias and based on another person’s agenda.

We, as a community, want to see the county and region regain its past luster and continue the upward momentum we have seen over the past several years. These improvements have been realized from the eastern end to the western end of the county and points in-between.

If you have not been, I encourage all residents to attend city and village council meetings along with various county meetings. In many cases, when a specific of interest is on the agenda, residents can gain a wealth of information directly from the parties involved.

If you have a question or comment about those items mentioned, residents are given a time to make remarks.

I would also encourage you to take notes that can be reviewed at a later time. If a person can’t attend the meeting and wants information, you can contact the entity and seek the minutes of the meeting.

Additionally, you can research the proposed project and gather pertinent information. These are just a few ways residents can gain the information and understanding.

Everyone does not always have to agree, but this should always be done civilly and in the proper forum and within the context of the project. Unfortunately, all too often we find that opinions can be formulated that do not have the needed information and judgments are made on projects and people. If you have an issue, it is fine to voice those concerns. However, voicing any concerns always works best in the proper setting like a council meeting.

Ultimately, each project can have an impact on residents from each end of the county whether it is good or bad. Having the knowledge to formulate your own opinion will ultimately benefit everyone in making a decision.

Being involved in your community can help our entire county and region to keep moving forward.

 

Josh Morrison is the general manager at The Tribune. To reach him, call 740-532-1441 ext. 16 or by email at josh.morrison@irontontribune.com.