The news that Ford was considering Albert Lea for a new warehouse. Like many cities, ours sometimes has a self-esteem problem and ends up looking for outside validation; a big name like Ford provided just the right chance for that.

So, of course, the news that Ford chose another city was troublesome to many. The company, state officials and city representatives pointed out that factors beyond the city’s control were the most important ones in the decision &045; things like location and state tax rates. Yet many residents found the news another reason to believe the worst about our city and its prospects.

Thursday night, those people and everyone else will have a unique opportunity to hear presentations from local and state officials who will give their take on the situation, as well as provide information on economic development in general. They will facilitate what should be a lively discussion, and few people should be able to attend without coming away more knowledgeable about the subject.

Anybody with questions, or who wants to express an opinion, should find this a golden opportunity. Having a multi-sided dialogue on any issue is very healthy for a community.

At the very least, the event should be a chance for residents to let the powers that be know how they feel.

Greater Jobs, Inc., which is coordinating the event, deserves thanks for continuing to facilitate a community discussion. Strong communication from leaders to the public sometimes takes a back seat, but it’s a crucial part of leadership, and it’s encouraging to see Greater Jobs taking that responsibility seriously.

The forum is at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Riverland Community College lecture hall in Albert Lea.

Tribune editorials represent the opinion of the newspaper’s management and editorial staff.