STRATEGIC INITIATIVES
For Our Three Western New York Counties

July 18, 2011

We are reminded that it was the renowned English philosopher John Locke who said so eloquently "where there is no desire, there will be no industry." Truly, there is an abundance of industry and energy all around us. In fact, there are many success stories in our local communities, in our County, this State, and the Nation. Truly, behind every success is effort. Behind every effort is passion and behind every passion is someone with the courage to try. We are fortunate to have great leaders in our midst. And leaders are people with credibility and a work ethic who leave their footprints in their area of passion.

We encourage our political and elected leaders, other policy makers, candidates for public office, citizens, and voters... to let their voices of transformational leadership be heard on major local issues we face today. Recently, in conversations I have had with folks of all ages... high school students to senior citizens and all age groups in between... it was expressed time and time again that there are a number of issues or initiatives which need to be addressed. It is suggested here that these initiatives ought to be thoughtfully examined with respect to our three western New York Counties of Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and southern Erie. Succinctly, as we see it, the following are the issues of considerable interest:

1) AREA HEALTH CARE IS A MUST... NOT LATER.... BUT NOW IN REAL TIME

An Area Health Care Treatment facility must be a made readily available for the pubic and thus, construction of the new Tri-CountyHospital in the Gowanda area is of strategic importance. Further, because of the need to mitigate safety and environmental potential hazards, there must be...not in "time uncertain" but in "real time"... the demolition of the the flood ravaged facility of Tri Country Hospital on Memorial Drive in Gowanda and the property site put to constructive and positive use. With respect to these matters, including flood mitigation, it is our hope that transition is underway from remedial restoration to constructive transformation.

2) EXPAND THE PRODUCTIVITY OF OUR RECREATIONAL WONDERLAND

The Counties of Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, and southern Erie County are a virtual treasure of a bountiful and beautiful recreational and travel wonderland of hills, lakes, valleys, and plains. Educational opportunities are abundant. Attention should be given to the recognition of the substantial value of this region and use this as a stimulant for job growth, recreational expansion, and housing development.

3) ENCOURAGE FREE ENTERPRISE ENTRAPRENURIAL DEVLEOPMENT

Create and promote within this region, a dynamic climate for vibrant small business development, agricultural expansion, and independent family owned business operations. Free enterprise within the private sector is the necessary engine for economic growth and it needs to be wholesomely and wholeheartedly encouraged and nurtured.

4) STRATEGIC FINANCIL PLANNING IS ESSENTIAL

In light of the current economic conditions of our times, and the financial stresses felt by property owners and all citizens, it is incumbent on policy decision makers to use all prudence in the matters of budgeting, allocating and accountability. Strategic financial planning is paramount in the short term and absolutely essential in the long range.

5) FUTURES PLANNNING FOR POPULATION RETENTION AND RENEWAL

Develop strategies for effective and dynamic creative planning with an emphasis upon meeting the needs of the total population from the very young to the most senior in age. The comment has been made on numerous occasions that it is "so sad to see that many of our youth and others find it necessary to leave the area for greener pastures."

6) UNCOMPROMISING INTEGRITY

All governmental operations should be guided by the principle of uncompromising integrity and that integrity should be the rubric for all operations beginning with the highest levels and flow through all levels of government and governmental operations.

In conclusion, organizational skills are essential in leadership. Leadership requires both soaring creativity and mundane practicality. In a sense, great leaders need to be ambidextrous. They need to be practical in the day to day's affairs and visionary in the possibility. The simple truth is....good leadership requires passion and courage for doing what is right and a work ethic to bring about that which is essential WITH, FOR, and BY the people. And that, right there, is the great success story of this Nation and of Exceptionalism at its best! And that is how we see it FROM THIS PERSPECTIVE.

(Kevin Wysocki formerly from Cherry Creek and currently from Washington, D.C. contributed to the piece.)