Ending the island mentality
Put aside the budget controversy, and here we are at another crossroads. County commissioners have taken the first step in trying to make something happen, or should I say develop, in Marion County.
Regardless of past history, these six people, who will be on the task force, will hopefully be able to come together and work as a county entity.
One of the biggest hang-ups or challenges is jealousy. We're all so afraid that somebody else is going to achieve something better than us that we limit our own successes.
Eventually all of the "powers that be" must realize that when one city or area of the county succeeds, it helps everyone else in the county. The opposite is true, too. When a city or a part of the county is failing, it affects all of us.
Some cities need to quit thinking of themselves as an island. No city or area is so self-sufficient that it doesn't need the support of others.
Even cities the size of Wichita need the surrounding areas to provide employees and to purchase products and services.
We need each other.
County and regional development is the only way Marion County, and the cities within the county, are going to survive over time.
Coordinated efforts have to be made. Island mentality has to end. County cohesiveness has to be obtained.
Otherwise, this will be another futile exercise in promoting "warm fuzzys" with nothing really being accomplished.
— SUSAN BERG
