quote:Originally posted by LAWGRL:quote:Originally posted by vick13:
Honestly, I don't see how the area can grow without decent paying jobs.
That's a big part of it. We must have local officials who will act as lobbyists for big business. And in order to accomplish that, I believe the local mayors and councils must work together as a group and not try and improve one city to the demise of another. It's not enough to improve what's already here.
Even though I doubt this will ever happen, I sometimes think that some sort of metro government would best suit the Shoals area. Think of this: between the four cities and two county governments, how many boards of education do you have? How many different local government agencies could be reduced if everything was consolidated into one? Utilities, law enforcement, schools, etc, etc.
Many will say, "But what about those who would lose their jobs in a consolidation like that?" While their immediate job title may change, I doubt it would be that much of a reduction in the number of people employed by the local governments right now. The only difference is that you reduce redundancy and waste. You also have one solid government working toward one common goal for the whole area. I think having that river between us, and dividing us has been something that has held us back for years.