The land deal is done and the Boy Scouts of America are moving forward on work to construct a new National Scouting Center on an 11,000-acre tract of land situated in the southeastern Fayette County and northern Raleigh County.
Fayette County Commission President Ken Eskew said the presence of the Boy Scouts facility �is a huge opportunity for Fayette County, particularly� and that he �can see the economic footprint� it will make �over the upcoming years.�
We can see it as well. However, it�s too bad there weren�t more people thinking about how new and updated schools would have helped to expand upon that footprint.
The voters of Fayette County spoke clearly last weekend about how they want to proceed with their public school system by soundly defeating a bond call that would have provided funds for consolidating four high schools into one new, modern building, in addition to making badly needed repairs at other aging buildings and closing some others which border on being unacceptable learning environments.
We supported the bond call because we believed it was the best thing for the kids. We still feel that way.
But it must be pointed out, as an extension of this issue, the importance of that choice and how it will impact the speed of economic progress in the future.
Thanks to the BSA, Fayette County is going to experience some nice growth over the next decade and beyond � improved infrastructure, new jobs, establishment of supporting businesses and other things that come with a $100 million investment.
What really concerns us is that the pace of the spin-off businesses locating here could have been greatly accelerated had the bond call been approved.
You see, whether many want to believe it, there are lots of people who would love to bring businesses to our region but once they delve into the quality of the available educational system, they start looking elsewhere. It�s a fact which economic development officials will verify.
In time, schools in Fayette County will be updated and replaced. Whether the local school board actually gets the chance to do it or the state does it during a takeover of the system, it�s going to happen.
It just seems like the opportunity to demonstrate some vision was missed, and the size of the initial footprint is a 5 when it could have been at least a 10.
Opinion
October 28, 2009
Good news — and bad
<b>Fayette County experienced both ends of the spectrum</b>
- Opinion
-
-
No-bid contracts
Lawmakers need to put checks, balances in place
-
Negative campaigning
Smear tactics do nothing but add to public’s distrust
-
Deterrent
Authorities’ use of murder charge could help curb copper thefts
-
Mine safety
For agencies to remain relevant, public must demand a better job
- Thumbs
-
Sweep it up
Volunteers to converge on litter today, tomorrow
-
Fighting the flu
CDC recommending vaccinations for everyone ages 6 months and older
-
Dental hygiene
Give kids healthy snacks and take advantage of programs
-
Get it right
Election officials must stop abdicating responsibilities
-
Too late
Reactive rather than proactive, MSHA decision on ventilation enforcement a slap in face
- More Opinion Headlines
-
No-bid contracts
Obama Gives Education Waivers to 10 States
Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe
Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs
States, Banks Reach Foreclosure-abuse Settlement
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration
Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
