The two main "Points of Light" that are being considered have been addressed. The commission now wants to "reorganize" the wastewater authority and purchase all or part of the Flowery Branch Wastewater Treatment Plant. The negotiators would "work on" settling the debt owed to the county by Flowery Branch.
The reorganization of the authority translates into better representation by Hall County or at least something that does not mean we may not see the abolition of the authority. Settling the debt owed by Flowery Branch translated means that we may now see some or all of the debt forgiven.
Folks, we may see agreement in our lifetime. We need to continue to discuss this publicly until we get action in the short-term and not drag this issue out ad infinitum. There is no need to revisit the House Bill 489 resolution that was agreed upon about a year ago (the mandated Service Delivery Strategy) as this will surely prolong the agony.
The Economic Development Strain and Drain
More than just dragging this out, we will see our economic development continue to suffer. For those who argue that "we don't have the infrastructure" to support industry like the recently announced Toyota plant right across the county line in Jackson County I say "bad argument". Why? Jackson County, as I read the press releases, does not have it at the selected site either. But, the elected officials have the political will, the long-term vision and economic development acumen to "get the job done" within the deadlines. Economically, long-term the numbers will work.
The elected officials in Jackson County see that this plant that will not bring $30,000 jobs to the area but $60,000 jobs and long-term not 120 jobs but somewhere in the neighborhood of 900 jobs according to unofficial sources. And guess what? We'll get the privilege of providing housing for many of these new residents. Hey, how do you like being a bedroom community for Jackson County?
Industry pays its way and assists in paying the way for residential housing that our commissioners say does not pay its way. I say lets move on, get the petty stuff behind you Hall County Commission, et al and lets get the job done for all of our sakes. How many more Toyotas of the World are we going to let pass us by?
Conclusion
The elected officials responsibility to this county is great. Letting the economic viability of Hall County slip by will be disgraceful. It's on their shoulders. Get behind this issue everybody. Our families are depending on a strong economic engine to survive and we either see improvement immediately or we will be years in recovering once we get the "marginal growth" folks out of office and get loyal, dedicated elected officials who act like statesmen and not let personal disputes and egos get in the way. These elected officials can do it
http://accesswdun.com/article/2002/7/191886