Facing some difficult economic development challenges, community leaders want to establish more of a dialogue with residents.

Saturday, October 23, 1999

Facing some difficult economic development challenges, community leaders want to establish more of a dialogue with residents.

To do this, Greater Jobs, Inc. is sponsoring a town meeting Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. in Riverland Community College’s lecture hall. Its purpose is to solicit opinions on the growth of Freeborn County.

Panelists include Gene Smith, Freeborn County administrator; Brian Jordahl, county commissioner chairman; Paul Sparks, city manager; Marv Wangen, mayor; Stephanie Brand, Chamber president; Noel Austin, Greater Jobs, Inc. president; and Pam Bishop, Greater Jobs Inc.-Albert Lea Port Authority vice president.

Minnesota Department of Trade and Economic Development Commissioner Jerry Carlson will also speak briefly about development in rural Minnesota.

&uot;We want this to be a night for the people who live here to talk about the issues we have been hearing about,&uot; Bishop said. &uot;We hope to create a dialogue between the government and the people who live in Freeborn County.&uot;

She said the majority of the evening will allow for the exchange of ideas between panelists and the public.

Marcie McLaughlin will serve as facilitator at the town meeting.

&uot;We hope to clear up some of the misconceptions that are out there,&uot; she said. &uot;We feel it’s important that we all focus and be on the same page. By bringing the community together, we can share our views on how we are doing.

&uot;It’s not that we have challenges. It’s how are we solving the challenges that is important,&uot; Bishop said, adding that responsible criticism is welcome. &uot;We need all viewpoints. Everyone is entitled to their viewpoints.&uot;

She said some likely topics the panelists want to discuss include the current shortage of housing in the community. The shortage of available workers in the county is also important; so is industry and commercial recruitment.

A drawing for an overnight stay at the AmericInn will be held during the event.