Background Information

The following is a column written by Kent Warneke, editor of the Norfolk Daily News, that appeared in the Dec. 28, 2005, edition. This Commentary page column served as the impetus for the start of the Visioning 2026 process.

Visioning process for Norfolk needed in 2006

I’ve often used this space just prior to New Year’s Day to share some facetious new year’s resolutions. There is usually a point behind many of them, but others were just nothing more than having a bit of fun.

This year, I have just one resolution that I’d like all Norfolkans to consider making. My hope is that they all would simply resolve to seek a common vision for Norfolk in 2006.

There have been many occasions in the past when Norfolkans have exhibited an impressive sense of unity. Coming together to pass the bond issue for the Norfolk Public Schools is one recent good example of that.

But unity and common purpose haven’t always been in abundant supply here. If you took the time to informally poll a random group of Norfolkans, one might find these kinds of sentiments:

• A desire for a convention or events center to attract more people to Norfolk and to provide a new venue for a wide variety of events.
• A desire to be responsible in the spending of tax dollars and focus on needs rather than wants.
• A desire for some sort of a water park to improve the quality of life in Norfolk and especially offer something for children to enjoy.
• A desire to recruit new industry and manufacturing jobs to Norfolk.
• A desire to improve Norfolk’s streets and highways and make the city more aesthetically pleasing.

There are other desires, of course, many of them. All of them have merit. Not a bad idea in the bunch, really.

But, in all likelihood, none will be accomplished unless Norfolkans are willing to come together and share their opinions and listen to those of others. To develop a common vision for the city. To acknowledge that every individual’s top priority might not be what needs to happen first in Norfolk. To stop second-guessing every decision made by city officials and community leaders. To be part of a consensus-building process instead of a tearing-down one.

Our challenge to city leaders is to dedicate 2006 to bringing Norfolk together. That’s not to imply this is a community fighting among itself in all corners. That’s not at all the case. But there are too many different priorities, too many ideas, too many inspirations. And, in all reality, too many people who simply get angry and go home when they don’t get their way.

A visioning process for Norfolk has been done before. It’s time to revive the effort and see where it takes us.

Kent Warneke
Editor of the News