Daniell wants economic partnership

Oconee County Post Two Commissioner John Daniell said he disagrees with Oconee County Commission Chairman Melvin Davis's words of caution regarding the possibility of a joint economic partnership with Athens-Clarke County.

Daniell, in an email exchange with me, said he firmly supported the proposed partnership and hoped to vote on it soon ...

I do support the regional economic partnership. The task force study did an excellent job identifing the key factors for success and presented a new approach on an long standing issue. The high caliber people involved along with current economic conditions make it a perfect time for this regional effort.

Davis told me that he had started to have doubts about pursuing the partnership with Athens-Clarke County, and he pointed to other more broad-based efforts as the possible path to success.

Just a few days later, however, Athens-Clarke County Mayor Heidi Davison reiterated her support for such a partnership. The Athens-Clarke County Commission, by a 10-0 vote, opted to pursue working with Oconee County on economic development earlier this year.

Davis said he worried about the ability of Oconee County to put up the necessary funds to launch the partnership and how that would impact the community's broader approach to economic development. As a result, he pointed to the successes of existing multiple member ventures, such as the Bioscience Development Authority.

Daniell, who said his primary concern was letting this opportunity pass, expressed doubts about the effectiveness of those multiple member efforts, noting that the proposed partnership offered a path to increasing membership down the line ...

I believe we should focus on the current proposal at this time. After the organization is operational and productive, other counties could be allowed to participate. Some regional groups exist now, however, no one seems to know if any real activity is going on.

Daniell also said the only obstacle standing in the way is not a financial one ...

The greatest hinderance is the partnership is not supported by Chairman Davis.

I've got messages out to the other three Oconee County commissioners to gauge their level of support for the joint economic partnership.