A quick glance

It's rather late, so we're only get to get some quick thoughts from tonight's work session regarding the possibility of Oconee County partnering with Athens-Clarke County for a regional economic development task force. I'll sift through my notes in more detail tomorrow, but here are a few highlights ...

- Post One Commissioner John Daniell has emerged as the strongest voice of support for the partnership. In addition, he was open to discussion of the issues that were potentially hindering the process, as well as eager to embrace pragmatism in addressing those challenges. All in all, I was most impressed by his willingness to advocate for the issue, but be open to dialogue and discussion.

- One of the primary concerns expressed by Post Four Commissioner Chuck Horton was that of eliminating the county's existing economic development office. Horton said he wanted to make sure that the ongoing efforts could continue, and that he wouldn't vote for a proposal that ended the local funding.

- Ed Perkins, the chair of the regional economic development task force, said that consolidation of efforts was a crucial component of success for other communities that have embraced regionalism.

- Watkinsville City Councilman Brian Brodrick stressed the value of bringing together a board of professionals from the private sector from both communities to serve as ambassadors for economic development ('When you put a board together, then you're able to put your finger on the pulse of the business community and your marketing efforts instantly broaden because they will also be relationship-driven.')