
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, April 27, 1993                   TAG: 9304270359
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

GIVE REGIONAL APPROACH A TRY

YOUR APRIL 2 edition included several articles on regional approaches to economic development in the Roanoke Valley. A number of quoted comments from local government and business sources were negative in tone, implying that any attempts in this direction are likely to be nonproductive.

I believe the valley governments and business leaders have an obligation to take a serious look at the concept. Just because some staffers are fearful of their jobs or other regional programs have had dubious results does not mean that we should throw up our hands and say "no way."

The recent Roanoke Valley poll indicated broad citizen support for a regional approach to many activities, including economic development. I hope the local politicians and business movers and shakers will overlook the initial negative reactions and take an objective and comprehensive look at how we all might benefit from working together for our mutual economic benefit. LEE B. EDDY Vice Chairman Roanoke County Board of Supervisors ROANOKE

by CNB