Planning process continues

DUNKIRK - Many communities face the same problems, but those who work through them are the ones with the strongest "civic infrastructure" in place, Derek Okubo of the National Civic League told a Jay County group Tuesday night.

More than 80 people were on hand at West Jay Middle School for the second in a series of 20/20 Vision sessions to develop a strategic plan for the county. The project is being funded by The Portland Foundation, United Way of Jay County, and local units of government.

Okubo said key factors in an effective civic infrastructure include:

•Having a shared vision for the community.

•Fulfilling roles and responsibilities in government, business, the non-profit sector, and at the level of individual citizens.

•Working together.

•Sharing information.

•Diversity.

•The ability to build consensus.

•Working across jurisdictional lines.

•Focusing on ways to solve problems.

•An environment of on-going learning.

Issues don't stop communities, Okubo said. "Communities stop themselves."

The group's next session is set for 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 1, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Wabash Township.

The public is invited to attend and participate in the process. Those involved on Tuesday expressed special interest in getting more young people to take part.

More information is available on the Internet at www.jaycounty2020.com.[[In-content Ad]]