Change for the Better - Another View
George Kotti responds to questions posed by a Horizons Program Coordinator:
1. How has your community changed since joining Horizons?
I believe that a door to a more positive dialog has been opened. Prior to Horizons the community was very segmented. As the Study Circles began, individuals from different segments of the community began to see that we all had similar concerns about our community and that we all could work together to address some of the major issues that we face. I believe that we have laid a foundation for working together in the future. The progress toward addressing youth concerns has been a very shining example of this cooperation.
2. Is your community more hopeful about the future? How do you know?
I think that the community is more hopeful about the future. Simply meeting together to create a strategic plan has caused many of us to hope that many of our community’s challenges can be met. One specific example has been the Chamber’s affordable housing project. When the program was first announced it was received with mixed reviews. I believe that the identification of a lack of housing by the Horizon’s Study Circles and the successful completion of the first home going to a young Hot Springs couple has increased interest in the program by identifying additional lots where homes can be built. Thanks to Horizon’s for their support.
George H. Kotti
Executive Director
Hot Springs Area Chamber of Commerce