Lake County Pushing Regionalism

Lake County is a prosperous part of Northeast Ohio, and that's why it is so important that officials there are embracing a more regional approach to economic development.

A new strategic plan unveiled last month calls on municipalities to:

• Adopt "smart growth" principles in the comprehensive planning process.
• Encourage consideration of zoning maps of adjacent communities.
• Eliminate "ballot-box zoning," where decisions often are reactions to isolated circumstances.
• Preserve and protect riverbanks, coastal areas and wetlands.

As an editorial in the News-Herald noted:

This blueprint didn't develop without identifying some clear challenges, too.

New businesses have declined in the past nine years. So, business owners must better understand their needs and respond properly. The bold initiative required vision, and the 100 project stakeholders from an array of Lake County's business and political leadership developed a clear path to a 21st century workforce.

Education will be at the forefront by helping future generations grasp the importance of a college education and jobs that feature a living wage.

Among obstacles is interaction among municipalities. The vision is a regional focus that puts the good of the county equal to individual cities, townships and villages. Elected and appointed officials must examine the implications of how they do business. Working separately will defeat the energy generated by the plan. And that can't happen.

This strong community can do better, and it's incumbent on all of us to do our part. Make it a priority - for everyone.