WHAT WAS SAID AT THE INTERVIEWS
The seven (7)-member Resource Team spent two days interviewing the local residents to hear what they had to say. Those being interviewed were directed to answer four questions:
- What are the major problems/challenges in the community?
- What are the major strengths/assets of the community?
- What projects would you like to see implemented in the short term (12 months or less)?
- What projects would you like to see implemented in the long term (the next two or three years)?
We have listed below, without comment, what we heard from those who volunteered to be interviewed.
BANKING & FINANCE
WHAT ARE THE MAJOR PROBLEMS/CHALLENGES IN THE COMMUNITY?
- Peanut industry leaving county - going through transition in ag industry
- Lack of coordination in combining resources in area but a definite need
- Need to overcome dependency on agriculture economy
- All businesses affected by decrease in peanut industry
- Losing peanuts is big problem
- Must have another crop to replace peanuts
- Lack of employment opportunity
- Diversification is definite need
- Need to determine replacement options for peanut industry
- Need to work with other communities to look at other markets available
- Lack of driving force to lead through transition
- Need framework to pull a transition plan together
- Must work with adjoining communities
- Aging population
- Lack of assisted living facilities
- Lack of funding to supply needed facilities
- Retired residents have available income but not willing to utilize their funds to make needed changes because they have other interests - Younger residents cannot afford to fund the needed changes
- No firm plan for Comanche County hospital location
- Lack of good surgeon in hospital
- Gangs
- Drugs
WHAT ARE THE MAJOR STRENGTHS/ASSETS OF THE COMMUNITY?
- People (Concerned)
- Schools
- Lake Proctor
- Sell of quota pounds
- Concerned financial institutions
- Quality land
- Quality farmers
- Good location
- Residents returning to retire
- Return of residents from cities for children to be reared in rural areas
- Schools
- Hospitals
- Good highways
- Access to railroad
- Recreational facilities
- Location
- People working out of home - use of Internet
- Agricultural land
- Good water
- Good farmers
- Good growing season
- Adjoins largest dairy industry in state
- Good recreation (hunting leases)
- Wildlife
- Agriculture is prime factor in community
- Retired citizens
- Good business people
- Agriculture
- Strong capital base available to fund growth
- Good location
- Potential growth market in proximity to Stephenville
- Productive land
- Availability of water
- Good farmers
- Benefit from job opportunities in Stephenville
WHAT PROJECTS WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE IMPLEMENTED IN THE SHORT TERM (12 MONTHS OR LESS)?
- Combining resources with other rural communities
- Develop strategic plan, be committed, and back plan
- More employment opportunities
- Implement county-wide plan - eliminate petty jealousy among communities
- Develop regional concept - overcome "Friday Night madness"
- Overcome aging population situation - show elderly population how they will benefit
WHAT PROJECTS WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE IMPLEMENTED IN THE LONG TERM (THE NEXT TWO OR THREE YEARS)?
- More rental properties
- Reasonable but aggressive campaign to attract industry
- Ditto
- Taking care of current industry
- Talking to absentee owners of business in community
