I appreciate your consideration in allowing me to correct an inaccuracy in the comments that close out the article, “Commissioners discuss downtown, zoning, business recruitment at lengthy meeting,” which ran in the Feb. 23 issue of the Johnson City Press. The comments I was quoted as making were made as the City Commission met in a strategic planning session on Feb. 22. We had been having an extended conversation regarding the revitalization of downtown and I advised the other commissioners that I felt that we — as a body — would need to become more actively involved in the planning for downtown, as the effort from the Johnson City Development Authority had been modest. Identifying the wrong entity in the quote (Washington County Economic Development Council, rather than JCDA) and not stipulating that my concerns about the targeting and recruitment of new business were made in reference to downtown, only, makes it appear as if I was being critical of the WCEDC.In actuality, I applaud the efforts of the WCEDC and our county is beginning to realize the positive fruit of its efforts. RALPH VAN BROCKLINMayor Johnson City
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