Washington County Commissioner Jim Eardley said the Vision Dixie process has enabled hundreds of citizens and elected and appointed leaders from throughout the county to discuss the area's future in an honest, open fashion.

"We are concerned with the county's growth and want to prepare as a community for the future," Eardley said at the start of the months-long Vision Dixie process.

Lin Alder, who represents Citizens for Dixie's Future and sits on the Vision Dixie steering committee, said it's up to local residents and their elected officials whether the planning process continues or dies on the vine.

"What Vision Dixie has done is send a clear message to our leaders that we want a different kind of growth in the future," said Alder. "That is extremely valuable. Now the community has an opportunity to have a dialogue with the 'good old boys.' Before Vision Dixie, that was not the case."

Residents of Washington County have two options, he added.

"Either Vision Dixie loses speed and is put on the shelf or Vision Dixie gains speed and our citizens and leaders join together to actually change ordinances to support implementation of public transportation and protecting open spaces and everything else that is clearly supported in Vision Dixie."

Vision Dixie, said Alder, represents a "genuine evolution" in the priorities of Washington County residents.

"That is a challenge for city and county managers and leaders," he said. "I really have to honor our leaders for sticking with the Vision Dixie process. The transition will be difficult."

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E-mail: nperkins@desnews.com