To the Editor:

A key for many companies seeking locations is quality of life. This includes good government, more than adequate public safety organizations, good health care and superior schools.

While we have good government, a well trained, professional and motivated law enforcement organization, outstanding fire and emergency medical service, and improving schools with new leadership, we can and need to be better. We cannot, however, be better by trying to get by on the cheap. It would seem a comprehensive economic development program would include attention to the matters.

Somewhere in an investment of $3.5 million in economic development, can we not find additional funding for our schools, our police, and our fire and rescue? So far, this investment has not produced any substantial ribbon cuttings, but shared with the city services, it could not only enhance our community’s reputation but bring an improved environment for us who are already here.

Businesses seeking new sites are often secretive in their search, and we cannot know all that our economic developers are doing. We pray that their efforts are successful and simply suggest a better product for them to offer.

Joe Stutts

Franklin