Our Viewpoint Editorials
JEDCO board slows progress...again

It was all done in the name of economic development.

The Jasper Economic Development Corporation Board set in motion Thursday, Jan. 10, a proposition that would reduce JEDCO's sales tax revenues by one half and create a street maintenance and repair tax.

Gayle Meigs is president of the JEDCO board.

The reasoning behind this decision was to improve the streets in Jasper. Board members rationalized that without good streets, economic development fails.

David Barber is a JEDCO board member.

The decision will virtually cut JEDCO's funding in half all in the name of better streets in the city of Jasper.

Gloria Monzingo is a JEDCO board member.

Board members believe that JEDCO will be able to take care of all its business liabilities and actively pursue economic development interests with half of its current budget.

Rita Cummings is a JEDCO board member.

With this decision, we guess it is safe to believe that the city's street department had been judged not capable of maintaining the streets with the budget it was alloted and needed JEDCO's assistance to get the job done right.

Dr. Willie Williamson is a JEDCO board member.

There is no doubting that the city's streets need to be improved. Anyone can drive down a city street and drop an axle at any time. But taking away from a corportation who's primary goal is the economic development of the city is just shortsighted.

Miegs, Barber, Monzingo, Cummings and Williamson are the board members of JEDCO, who on Thursday, Jan. 10, said that fixing the streets of Jasper was more important than bringing a new industry to Jasper. They believe new streets will in turn impress all the CEO's of companies seeking to open their businesses in Jasper.

But with half a budget, will JEDCO be able to actively recruit these businesses? The JEDCO board believes industries will just follow the newly paved streets to the Land of Oz...Jasper.

JEDCO has long been criticized for its misses in economic development. But it's not time to give up. This area needs an industry to help it grow. This area needs a JEDCO board that backs economic development.

Roses go to….

tJasper Police, for bringing in FBI representatives to help in the Martin Byerly case. The technology just may lead police to closure in this case.

tTo all the area churches who will participate in the Sing With One Voice program Tuesday, Jan. 22 at St. Michael's Church.

tJudge Cooper, who was named Fireman of the Year at the East End Volunteer Fire Department awards banquet last week.