How far ahead should we look?

On a recent PBS special featuring Steven Covey whose program, "The 7 Principles of Highly Effective People" is sweeping the country, one interview included the leader of the Oneida Indian nation. The Oneida chief explained that Covey's principles were welcome, but not news to his people, who live their lives planning for seven generations ahead.

What are we doing today that will make a difference to the grandchildren of our children's children's children's children's children-future Adair Countians?

Can we think too far ahead? Beverly England says, "Columbia and Adair County are at an historical crisis point." Others agree with her and also believe we are at an environmental crossroads. With these thoughts in mind, what are our goals for this organization for this year?

The Rev. Rachel James recently told her Columbia United Methodist Church congregation, "it is not a question of whether we serve, but how we will serve."

Should a person with residence, roots, or business in Adair County, also enjoy the duty to give back, to preserve something positive for future generations?

What Main Street Group is - and is not

The town meeting effort began as an R & D "think tank" of Adair County businesses and individuals. The term "Main Street" applies to the state government program by that name, a division of the Kentucky Heritage Council. We represent a broad based group of people who come from different perspectives, who share a desire to protect, revitalize and enhance the places and things we enjoy most about this place in which we live. Beyond jobs, beyond economy, beyond preserving for the sake of history, this group wishes to concentrate on the spirit, that part of downtown which gave so much to us in our upbringing, that part of life which we don't want our children and their children to miss.

This group is not a regulatory body, rather, it is a group who seeks to influence those who do make the regulations of our city and county.

This group is not one meant to displace any other group. Sincere concerns have been voiced that if we recruit, might we get in the way of the local Industrial Board. That is not the mission of Main Street, Kentucky. We only seek to work with the Industrial Board with an emphasis on filling empty downtown spaces (like the upstairs locations around the square). There are enthusiasts at work individually all over the county who constantly recommend Adair County wherever they find people looking to move to a better place. These extra efforts aren't meant to interfere with the search for major industry which is the undertaking of the official organization.

The Promotions team and this newsletter are not to displace any of the good works of the three local media who have been so involved and helpful in promoting the Main Street efforts. It is only an added voice in the face of what seems to be a growing appetite for more communications-especially from one business to another.

The Design team is not meant to displace architects and landscape services, but to study ways and means to make our downtown more inviting and comfortable for those we recruit-and then help see to its implementation.

The Main Street Kentucky Program recommends that ours be a body of people who seek to work with all other organizations and concerns already in place, but one which stays separate to stay focused.