THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, March 5, 1995 TAG: 9503030210
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Editorial
LENGTH: Short : 36 lines
Nobody is better qualified to implement Vision 2005 than Assistant Economic Development Director Steve Herbert, who will be named project coordinator.
Herbert probably knows more about this economic development plan than anybody and, because he has been involved with the process from the beginning, he knows how consultant Ray Gindroz reached the recommendations the City Council has adopted.
City Manager Wayne Orton said that in order to keep the city focused on the plan, a single person is needed to keep it moving. He picked the right individual for the job.
Herbert talked with citizens from Downtown to Midtown just as Gindroz did. He has heard their concerns. He has seen the plan changed to accommodate those concerns that were valid.
His knowledge of the process makes him less vulnerable to pressures that would destroy the effort. And that familiarity with the plan also gives him an edge on talking to business prospects for the city.
In addition, he knows that all segments of the population and all parts of government must be involved to make the plan work. That in itself will not be an easy thing to accomplish.
Orton is right. Nothing will happen if somebody doesn't make it happen. Herbert is the person who can keep that momentum going. He should be given a free hand to do it. by CNB