Paul Jenkins
Special to KRTN Multi-Media
The group which met last Thursday, decided to go back to the drawing board on creating a vision statement. They concentrated on developing a list of key words and phrases which they considered a high priority for inclusion in the vision statement. The work done by the Thursday group plays an important role in identifying core values on which we want to base our goals. However, we need input from different points of view to come up with a vision statement and strategic goals which are truly representative of the community.
Please remember, this is a process and those looking for quick solutions are going to be disappointed. It takes commitment and dedication to go through this process and then disciplined follow through to bring about the implementation. You need to ask yourself – just what is your commitment to the future of Raton? Are you willing to get down to the real nitty gritty of coming up with a vision statement or are you content to sit on the sidelines while others do the hard work of collaborating with fellow community members? Can you dedicate 90 minutes twice a month to working on Raton’s future or is that just too much for you? We realize that scheduling conflicts are going to arise; the question is – what priority do you give to helping create an Economic Development Plan (EDP) for the City of Raton?
I hope that those of you who have not participated up to this point, or participated just once, will give serious consideration to joining with us on a continuing basis as we plan for the future of Raton. The outcome will only be as good as the input. Next Wednesday night represents another opportunity to involve yourself in this vital effort. The EDP Advisory Group will meet from 6:30 to 8:00 pm at NMHU-Raton, corner of 1st Street and Park Avenue. Out of respect for everyone’s time, our goal is to start promptly and end promptly. Take a look at the attached document and think about what words or phrases you think should be in the vision statement. You can even try out drafting a statement for consideration by the group – email it to me prior to the meeting and I will make copies for the group.
If you can’t make it on Wednesday night, we will be meeting again on Thursday, March 27th from 11:45 am to 1:15 pm at the same location – think about joining us on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month if evening meetings are not something that work for you.
High Priority Vision Words & Phrases For
Raton’s Economy in the Year 2020
affordable quality of life
set your own pace
nurture entrepreneurial spirit
great climate, clean air, pure water, and beautiful scenery
outdoor recreation
high point on the Santa Fe Trail
learning opportunities
well-trained workforce
one of the best small communities
arts and culture for all ages
friendly small town atmosphere
healthy and sustainable economy
walkable
thriving historic district
From the Strategic Planning Report adopted November, 2012:
The city aggressively markets itself as an affordable outdoor recreation destination, not just for tourists but also for entrepreneurs and active retirees. Raton offers an alternative to the hustle and bustle of big city life, with stunning landscapes, cool mountain air, and pure water. There are numerous recreational attractions, a thriving arts and culture district, and easy access by Interstate, AMTRAK, and air. Raton’s ability to nurture the entrepreneurial spirit has resulted in the growth of local businesses and industries, putting many local residents to work. This new prosperity has led to improved services and business infrastructure. Business is thriving in Raton because of its strategic location and capacity to draw on high quality educational services to develop a diversified workforce. Raton is responsive to the varied needs of senior citizens and has developed amenities which make this area an attractive place to retire.
I have a statement for you:
Welcome to Raton the community of change!
We constantly ask for it (change) but we always stay the same.
We continually vote for it (change) but when it does happen we vote to recall!
We say we want prosperity, but we resist it every step of the way!
Please relocate and join us in our quest for change!