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Editorial
Now that plan is approved, public must stay involved
Wednesday, May 11, 2016
Congratulations to the McCook Economic Development Corp., executive director Kirk Dixon, board members and the community in general for approving and extending McCook's economic development plan.
New on the job, Dixon isn't likely to accept much credit for the wide margin of approval, but he and the MEDC leadership that put him in place deserve recognition for the positive vote.
Dixon was able to hit the ground running after spending years as at least a part-time McCook resident, and playing an important role in Chamber of Commerce strategic efforts.
He's spent many hours seeking input from local leaders and regular citizens, and that's a good sign for the future.
There are other avenues for promoting economic growth, but the plan for using sales tax funds under the LB840 law was already in place as the most efficient and expeditious means of accomplishing that goal.
The plan includes avenues for accountability and public input that haven't always been followed in the past, but signs are good that will improve, at least if the momentum leading up to Tuesday's election carries through to the future.
Economic development is too important a job for just a few people or one entity to take on. Now that an important tool is in place to make it possible, let's hope the public is able to stay involved as we move on to the next stage.