Spectrum/Form group to explore problems

Several community leaders took a stab at that question this past week in the forum sponsored by the Marshall Lions Club.

The program -- now in its second year -- which was hosted by Missouri Valley College this year, was informative. I took from the evening one main thought: We're all in this together and we have a lot more in common than we think. Thanks to the members of the Lions Club who the past two years have extended their overall mission of vision to look for the vision that comprises Saline County's future.

They are not just looking at the trees, but instead seeing the whole forest.

As Lions officials noted, it is their goal to get all the players in one room, with a second goal of getting them to talk to each other. Judging by some of the conversations I saw prior to and just after the main program, some networking is occurring. Obviously, one meeting a year with all the players is not going to get the job done.

No, I would suggest that either the Saline County Commission or the Marshall City Council and Mayor Connie Latimer now pick up this rolling ball of community momentum and run with it.

It's time.

I'm not talking about re-inventing the wheel here. I envision a small, five-member or seven-member committee created by either of those governmental entities -- where the city or the county provides funds, technical support and focus -- that would meet quarterly, rotating between luncheon and dinner meetings.

The committee could take one problem to work on each quarter, such as downtown blight, water expansion or much-needed workforce training opportunities.

During the quarterly meeting ideas could be kicked around concerning strategies to tackle the chosen problem. Written recommendations could then be forwarded to either the city or the county -- depending on who created the committee in the first place -- and then the elected officials could decide the next step based on the recommendations, funding options and public opinion.

It's time.

This process isn't out of reach for Marshall and most certainly not out of reach for Saline County. Several years ago I watched a town of 9,000 people in northeastern Ohio undergo a similar process. Cortland, Ohio, used a series of town meetings to set the stage. By the time I left the area, the community was pursuing recreational and beautification options.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not throwing brickbats at either Marshall or Saline County. The city has a marvelous park and square, many fine retail opportunities and a good quality of life. Saline County and the smaller communities of Sweet Springs, Slater, Malta Bend and Arrow Rock also have many attributes.

But in the midst of those high points there are low points. Once you walk off Marshall's downtown square the vacant buildings stare you in the face. Slater and Sweet Springs are currently working on downtown issues and Arrow Rock, completely covered as a National Historic District, has different issues to ponder.

With the growth of Mid-Missouri Energy, even tiny Malta Bend is experiencing a boomlet of sorts, as five families have moved to the area.

Then there are the overriding questions.

If Marshall can't pursue some new businesses because of its size, as Mayor Latimer noted, then what businesses can be pursued and how can they be pursued? Should business incubators or shared-space options be considered to bring options to Marshall's downtown such as a bookstore or other culinary opportunities?

The committee could tap many individuals who live within the county who bring varied strengths and expertise to the table.

I just would like to see something permanent come out of these Lions Club meetings.

It's time.

Mason is the editor of The Marshall Democrat-News. Spectrum appears on Friday.