Langford Welcomes Input in the Cordele Dispatch

by Jim Langford, Linger Longer Project Executive • February 14, 2008

Dear Editor, During my travels around the state to gather input from the public, I consistently hear one thing loud and clear: the people of Georgia have an old and deep love for Jekyll Island.

A very small group of detractors, some from Georgia and some from other states, say that they don’t want anything to change on the island. They see the island as their private “discovery”, and they really don’t want any more visitors.

But the vast majority of Georgians are sad that the island is not a fun destination anymore, and they are eager to see their old friend Jekyll revitalized. Those that see the details of the Linger Longer plan believe that this plan has the right amount of development without going too far.

Georgians want to come back to the island and bring their families – but only after the new project gives them compelling reasons to return.

Georgians also know that the State cannot do this project alone, and bringing in a private partner is not a “greed driven” relationship.

It simply makes good sense for the State, for the taxpayer and the island visitor. Other state-owned properties and even national parks have private partners to help build and run hotels, golf courses and restaurants.

In a few weeks we will have a new version of the plan for revitalization. This new version will incorporate constructive suggestions from the public that we have gained from six months of public meetings, emails and travels to all parts of the state. We encourage the public to keep sending us their ideas.

Unfortunately, some people don’t really want to have a constructive dialogue about revitalizing Jekyll and have made no helpful suggestions about ensuring a sound future for the island.

This includes State Senator Jeff Chapman who introduced legislation this week that would completely derail any serious attempts at revitalization. He did so on behalf of that small number of people who really don’t want more “average Georgians” or any other visitors coming to Jekyll Island. It’s an effort to drag out the process to the detriment of every Georgian who wants to see their beloved island rise again as a preferred recreational destination.

I look forward to continuing to meet people across the state, including those in Crisp County, and hearing what the people of Georgia say as we work hand-in-hand to revitalize their island.

We are still in the process of refining our plan, and we welcome your input. Please send visit our web site at www.rediscoverjekyll.com and make your voice heard. We read every email, those for and against the revitalization, and we take all of them into account.

Jim Langford Linger Longer Communities