Citizens’ vision for Cass County includes superior schools and modern health care facilities to rank highly alongside the  area’s points of pride, which include recreational opportunities and the scenic landscape.

The results of Cass County’s “Future Vision” town meeting March 29 at the Road Commission Building in Cassopolis were recently shared with the Cass County Board of Commissioners and Planning Commission.

More than 95 residents attended the town meeting to give their input on current aspects of Cass County and their aspirations for its future.

Resident expressed pride in the county’s natural resources, scenic and rural character and recreational opportunities.

Many also expressed pride in the educational opportunities, farming and diversity. The “sorrys” garnering the most votes included drug activitym loss of industry and lack of high-speed internet. The “sorrys” pertaining to poor economic conditions accounted for 30 percent of the total votes cast.

As to the future, many envisioned a superior school system, a county transit system, opportunities for youth to stay in the area and wireless internet and voice systems. Other opportunities spoken included modern health care facilities, water quality management and diversified businesses.

The town meeting was held as part of the county’s effort to prepare a new master plan.

“We are in the process of doing the master plan,” said Barbara Cook, chairwoman of the Cass County Planning Commission. “In doing that, you hire a consultant to help you with the details.”

“It was an excellent opportunity,” Cook said. “It was an evening packed with exchange between people. Everybody in the room had a chance to express their opinions and ideas.”

County officials were divided with residents into 13 groups, each seated with five to seven people a table. Each group participated in three brainstorming sessions. The first two sessions focused on what aspects of the county made each group member “proud” and what aspects made each group member “sorry.”

The final session focused on the images each group member hoped to see from a hot air balloon 20 years into the future when looking down upon the county.

“It was done in a way that was not judgmental,” Cook said. “I wouldn’t say that there were a lot of surprises, the economy was certainly on many people’s minds.”

The report can be viewed on the county’s website. In conjunction with updating the county’s master plan, Edwardsburg, Pokagon Township, Silver Creek Township, Vandalia, Volinia Township and Wayne Township will be updating their plans as well.

Town meeting results

Those who attended Cass County’s “Future Vision” town meeting gave their input on what was good and not so good about their community.

Points of pride
• County resources
• Scenic and rural character
• Recreational opportunities
• Educational opportunties
• Farming
• Diversity

Drawbacks
• Loss of industry
• Lack of high-speed internet
• Drug activity

Future vision
• Superior schools
• County transit system
• Job opportunities for youth
• Wireless internet and voice systems
• Modern health care facilities
• Water quality management
• Diversified business