As a participant in the Comprehensive Plan Update I began to research how growth and planning issues are handled in a variety of other areas. Through gathering this information I have learned that the issue as an entirety is quite complex. Each of the numerous elements of the Comprehensive Plan impact and effect each other. A review of other states' plans has included retrospective studies done by agencies within those states along with their recommendations for improvements after 10 - 15 years under those plans. My belief is that we do not need to reinvent the wheel. There is great information out there about what works and what doesn't work. Greg Dale of Clarion has been hired to bring the good, successful portions of those plans to us. <br>
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One of the most important aspects is that for the Comprehensive Plan to do its job, it must be something that the majority of the people in the community trust to represent their desires. Granted, not everyone is going to be totally happy. In fact, there may not be any one person who is totally happy. But people must realize that some compromise will be required for the whole of the community to have their vision of the future reflected in the finished document. Unfortunately, our community has become bitterly divided at precisely the moment when cool heads and open minds are required. Mr. Dale is faced with the unenviable task of attempting to generate an environment of cooperation and trust.<br>
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So much damage has already been done, I am fearful for the remaining process. Without the public demonstrating a willingness to learn, without each person sitting in the Comprehensive Plan Update meeting with an open mind, no matter how good or valid the information Mr. Dale brings to the group is, the process will largely be a failure. These qualities of open mindedness and willingness to learn must be nurtured within every individual who is honestly seeking the best possible future for Hall County and Gainesville. Each one of us must set aside prejudices, preconceived ideas, and dogmatic adherence to an agenda. We must step back from emotion and view the information from an objective position. We do not need to agree with everything presented, but we do have an obligation to listen with the intention of learning. Mr. Dale has been doing this work for many years. He and his company were chosen by our government leaders because they believed in the value Clarion and Mr. Dale would bring to the process. Let us credit our elected officials with some measure of good judgment and fair intent. Hall County Commissioners and Gainesville City Council members were able to come to a cooperative agreement to enter this process. Now it is time for the community to unite with them and face this task with enthusiasm and optimism. We are planning our future. Let us do it well.<br>
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<I>Editorial by Nancy Gay Harden</I><br>
