While the discussion is about things … roads, bridges, paths, the REAL conversation is about people. And the people who live or work in Fayette have some key things in common regarding what’s important to us now and as we look into the future.
1. First, we are united in our desire for Fayette to be a safe place to live.
2. We want excellent education and good jobs to provide for ourselves and our families.
3. We want a healthy environment for our home and business.
4. And, we want to trust good leaders to make solid plans, pass constructive regulations, and to be good stewards of our tax dollars.
Statistically, the Fayette community has done well in each of these key areas. The question today is how to do them in the future equally well. Strong communities have a common vision that they put into a plan; they fund the plan; and then they implement the plan.
This gets right to the heart of our hopes and fears. On one hand, we worry that if we expand our transportation options, we could lose the benefits of our remoteness. And yet, if we lose our easy access to Atlanta, Hartsfield Jackson Airport, and the significant job centers that are beyond our borders, we will ultimately destroy the very quality of life we are trying to preserve.
An astoundingly high percentage, 73 percent of our employed residents work outside of the county. And likewise, a huge 67 percent of our Fayette businesses’ employees are from outside Fayette.
As a community, we are working hard to grow our jobs within Fayette. The Fayette Chamber is made up of over 700 small and large businesses located in Fayette … companies who recognize the importance of this issue.
Our larger employers like NCR and Hoshizaki depend on getting their goods and their people in and out in a safe and timely way. When we lose reasonable mobility, our jobs, our tax base, and our ability to attract and retain residents are at serious risk.
I would guess whether we’re a business owner or a retired senior citizen, almost every one of us is dealing with financial pressures right now.
At the same time, what are the implications for the health of our community if we do nothing to address our transportation issues?
If we have any doubt whether we have an issue, just ask the frustrated commuters trying to get on I-85 each morning. We share concerns that if we don’t seriously address the threat that an insufficient, or unsafe, or gridlocked transportation network poses to our residents now, when will we?
One thing we know … now more than ever, it is mission critical that we continue to have access to high-paying jobs across our region and to the many service providers and amenities that brought us to live and work in this area.
Our chamber is committed to fostering fact-based dialogue on this key community topic, and we welcome input from the business community as we participate in discussions regarding transportation improvement projects.
Virginia Gibbs, President & CEO
Fayette County Chamber of Commerce
Fayetteville, Ga.
