Dear Editor,

As it has recently been announced by the Belmont County Board of Commissioners that four additional members have been selected to serve on the Board of Directors of the Belmont County Port Authority. I ask if it may not be appropriate to also add members to the Belmont County Planning Commission? Specifically, I would like to request consideration be given to adding the respective directors of the Belmont County Port Authority and Belmont County Community Improvement Corporation/Department of Development, as said individuals would posess the knowledge and expertise to further enhance the capabilities of the Planning Commission in the process of their developing an economic development strategic plan for the county.

I must, however, also say that I find it somewhat curious or perhaps such was nothing more than a coincidence, that each of the four new Port Authority board member predominantly come from the public sector, whereas it has long been known that the vast majority of jobs are created by the private sector. Although each new member is a fine individual who should bring much to “the table”, perhaps more private sector inclusion should have been pursued.

The continued and enhanced partnership between the Port Authority and the county’s department of Job and Family Services is a “win-win”, as J.F.S. has available a myriad of employer services and incentives that by design further strengthen the economic/workforce development capabilities of the area, and also that it was funding provided in Belmont County enhances the partnership, as well.

Personally, I would like to see more of a one-stop approach utilized for economic development in Belmont County, with all such entities located in the same building, with enhanced staff to include a secretary/receptionist ( as neither the P.A. or C.I.C. currently enjoys such as a “luxury”) and an experienced grant writer for such expertise could only serve as serious upgrades to the economic development process in Belmont County.

Thank you.

Respectfully,

Richard Hord,

Martins Ferry