Davison on economic partnerships

Last week, Oconee County Commission Chairman Melvin Davis said he had some concerns regarding pursuing a joint economic partnership with Athens-Clarke County.

The Athens-Clarke County Commission approved such a partnership earlier this year, but the Oconee County Commission has not held a vote yet on the issue. Davis indicated that he felt a more broad-based regional approach which incorporated multiple partners might be a more viable option.

This morning, Athens-Clarke County Mayor Heidi Davison emailed me with some of her thoughts ...

When Mr. Davis first approached ACC about a joint economic development partnership he was most adamant that it not include multiple counties initially.

ACC continues to feel that a regional approach should start small with two counties, our most natural partner is ACC, then expand once the partnership has matured to the point of being able to bring on others.

We are ready to move forward on this initiative as soon as Oconee adopts the resolution.