Ruston 21

Ruston, LA is launching a community planning process that is strikingly similar to what I wish we would do here. It involves having the community set our own vision for the future (not the consultants or even the elected leaders deciding for us); things like infrastructure priorities, traffic and parking concerns, how to balance development with quality of life...

Former Mayor Transue was open to the idea, but felt we had to bring in an outside consultant in order to get all sides to trust the process. Mayor Pro-tem Huson has some ideas on bringing everyone together (without a consultant).

I don't think we need the $350,000 price tag they will be paying in Louisiana. If we just start talking in a neutral, open setting we can get some of these priorities outlined. The town planner could take it from there. Perhaps the planning commission could organize a series of open-ended meetings.

Its worth a shot. At least it give us something positive to think about and talk with each other about. What do you think? How could something like this be structured? Is there a way to bring people together to talk openly without paying thousands of dollars? ~ Karen