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Editorials - 09/12/02WCU's growth should be positive for entire county |
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We've been hearing for several years now that Western Carolina University, Jackson County's largest employer, is poised for a growth spurt.
The latest enrollment figures, showing WCU with its largest enrollment in history, are concrete evidence of the accuracy of those predictions and an indicator of things to come. With enrollment now at more than 7,000 and another 2,000-plus students predicted before the end of the decade, county leaders and business owners should seize the opportunities WCU's growth will provide. While Jackson County's economy will see some benefit simply from the increased number of students - higher enrollment will lead to additional staff and support positions filled by local residents - local entrepreneurs should be able to take advantage of the growing need for student housing and student-friendly eateries and specialty shops. The university itself is doing its part to create programs that will both benefit students and aid in job creation to encourage and enable its graduates to find suitable employment in our county. New cooperative initiatives like photonics and biotechnology allow WCU to partner with other institutions of higher learning in innovative programs that should benefit the entire region. Western has come a long way from its one-room beginnings more than a century ago, but it has remained true to its mission of bettering the lives of mountain children. We salute the university and its leaders as WCU embarks on its latest journey of growth and development. Town leaders to be commendedAnd while we're handing out congratulations, let's not forget to applaud the recent actions of officials from three towns - Sylva, Dillsboro and Webster - to find a fair and friendly solution to what appeared to be a contentious issue - funding fire protection for their citizens.When differences arose, members of the three town boards had an amiable discussion and appointed a committee to come up with a plan. That group came back with a proposal that bases each town's contribution on that town's percentage of ad valorem property taxes. If the committee's recommendation is approved, Dillsboro and Webster will contribute more but not as much as the $10,000 Sylva leaders first requested. We're proud of the three towns for reaching accord so quickly and hope the three town boards will ratify the committee's proposal.
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