Some people are naturally imbued with wisdom, insight and vision and can make good decisions instinctively.
The rest of us have to put in the work to achieve that outcome.
For years, the Golden Triangle Development LINK has played an essential role in the development of the region, especially in Lowndes County. The good counsel they have provided isn’t based on intelligence alone. It’s based on something even better: The LINK has put in the work.
On Wednesday, LINK CEO Joe Max Higgins presented a report by economic development expert Bill Fruth to government officials and industry leaders who gathered at the East Mississippi Community College Communiversity. One of Fruth’s recommendations, Higgins said, is for the LINK to “more closely monitor” issues that could impact the region’s business climate.
Higgins interprets that recommendation to be more involved in municipal and county policy decisions throughout the Golden Triangle.
There have been times when the LINK has stepped off the sidelines to address important issues in Columbus. In 2016, when the city schools were poised to ask for a sizable increase in taxes, it was the LINK that arranged a two-day session that informed taxpayers and encouraged public participation.
Earlier this year, as the city council considered annexing two areas south and west of the city limits, the LINK provided data that showed the annexation would be of little benefit – and perhaps even harm – the city. That the majority of the city council chose to ignore that information is hardly the LINK’s fault.
In both cases, the LINK approached the issues in the way it does best – systematic, thorough and data-driven.
There is perhaps no entity in the Golden Triangle that does a better job of collecting and interpreting data than the LINK. That analytic ability is a tremendous resource that our elected officials should weigh heavily when making policy. Obviously, what’s good for business does not always align perfectly with what is best for the community, but it’s always good to have access to hard data. That’s where the LINK’s participation can help most.
We welcome the LINK’s desire to be more involved in local government by doing what it does best and hope our elected leaders see that for the asset it is.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 36 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
