Greater Jobs, Inc. was right to schedule public meetings on the possibility of a huge pork processing plant and corporate headquarters being built in Albert Lea. This is a proposal with a short time window, and the company is urging the cities it’s considering to get the ball rolling fast. The city council isn’t planning a city-sponsored public meeting. It’s important that residents be given the opportunity to have a dialogue on the subject before a decision is made, and it’s crucial that they have access to accurate information upon which to form opinions.

The three Greater Jobs forums set for next week should provide ample opportunity. Representatives from all levels of local government, law enforcement, health care and more should be able to provide answers about the impact of such a large operation. It’s also encouraging that Greater Jobs expects a legal representative from the company to be present.

Residents of the city have made it clear to leaders that they want to see more new jobs. With 2,000 &045; 300 of them in an office &045; expected within seven years of the plant’s completion, this company would certainly provide that. But an operation this large would also have an enormous impact on the city. People need a chance to get the facts and use them to form opinions before it’s all said and done. The company, Premium Pork, is considering Albert Lea and two other cities for its headquarters.

People in Albert Lea should take advantage of this opportunity to have their questions answered and participate in a public discussion. The meetings are set for 7-9 p.m. Monday, 3-5 p.m. Tuesday and 7-9 p.m. Wednesday.

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