Letter: City can learn from school district

To the editor,

As a follow up to my previous letter on Sept. 18 (Voters beware), I received an e-mail from Mr. Wilson. It was an invitation to place blame on the city employee who didn’t know the city council’s mission or to attend the city economic planning commission meeting. I chose the latter of the two. The meeting was one I would not write home about. No earth shattering news of economic development was discussed to help local land and homeowners. But I did determine the following: First, the city has developed a marketing packet to encourage new commercial and industrial businesses to come to Farmington. This plan has been in the works for over one year. What’s the marketing strategy? Did I hear three council members say get it in the mail? What businesses are we targeting? What’s the grand plan? Is this marketing plan a line item expenditure in the annual budget?

One previous business owner expressed they weren’t impressed. Guess it needs beefing up if we really want to sell our community.

The city has a plan to develop and open a farmer’s market during the summer of 2009. Great idea. Where will the farmers market be held? What’s the minimum number of vendors needed before starting? Will the city receive profit? Please don’t open with six or eight vendors. Go big to encourage vendors to return to our community. High gas prices promote consumers to spend their paychecks elsewhere. Sure wish I could keep my tax dollars in Farmington.

Lastly, Mr. Wilson made a very profound statement. He and I had a conversation after the meeting. He stated the city council and employees need to learn from the public school systems. Did my ears deceive me? He said educators and administrators (that includes superintendents) know how to collaborate, as change agents, without reinventing the wheel. He said they aren’t afraid to pick up the phone and talk with neighboring districts to see what’s working. Thanks to Brad Meeks and the school board we have a strategic plan. Every program, budget expenditure, and decision is based on the district strategic plan. This plan was developed after a thorough needs assessment. And yes, the entire process involved community members and extensive communication with the public.

Vote for movers and shakers, visionary leaders and risk takers who are willing to put a plan in place that involves economic development. How about a strategic plan for the city of Farmington?

Call Dr. Meeks or the school board. They’ve done it and it works. Our students, staff and parents should be proud to have a leader like Dr. Brad Meeks and a school board who provides outstanding academic and extracurricular opportunities for our students. Vote for individuals who have a vision. Individuals who have experience with city growth and development. Leaders who are going to do what’s right to protect homeowners with an increased commercial and industrial tax base and protect the opportunities provided to our children within ISD 192.

Laura Pierce

Farmington

Tags: school district, opinion, laura, pierce