Collective Onanism?

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Ken O’Brien
As those who read The O’Zone are aware, I am not a fan of Master Plans.
To my mind they are nothing more than what the characterAlvy Singer in the movie Annie Hall referred to as “mental masturbation.”
This was brought to mind again today by a letter inthe Southbridge Evening News titled “Add your voice to Southbridge’s futureplans.” It was signed by “SOUTHBRIDGE MASTER PLAN STEERINGAND SUBCOMMITTEES AND THE FRIENDS OF THE MASTER PLAN VOLUNTEERS.” 
In the letter the subcommittees and friends urgedcitizens to participate in a public session at town hall on Wednesday, Dec. 12,at 6:30 p.m. Among the enticements offered for this investment of time are:• Free pizza for all;• Raffle of $25 gift certificates;• Free childcare;• Spanish language interpreters; and• Transportation upon request.
The body of the letter contained two sets of issues,“burning questions” and “creative solutions”, that serve to demonstrate theperspicacious, incisive insight and pragmatic, reality-based, thinking at workin this process.
BURNINGQUESTIONS1. How can we attract new businesses to town andcreate new jobs?2. How can we improve the school district’sreputation?3. How can Southbridge best leverage its ethnic diversityin positive and mutually beneficial
    ways?                                        4. What can we do to make Southbridge a healthierand safer place to live?
CREATIVESOLUTIONS1. Attract outlet stores to our downtown
2. Create an education center for teacher training, help with homework, adulted and lifelong
     learning3. Create a unique festival that capitalizes onmulti-cultural heritage4. Develop a tournament quality multi-sports complex          5. Develop an agriculture & equestrian center6. Expand on Class 4 rapids whitewater raftingpotential
I would like to hear your thoughts on this matter,regardless of my own skepticism.
Is this a worthwhile use for $110,000 in CommunityDevelopment Block Grant funds?
If so, what would you add to either the list of “burningquestions” or “creative solutions?”