In this column I am coupling “prosperous” with the value of Geneva as “sustainable.” I keep repeating “prosperous” in each installment because it is the center of this wheel of community values identified in the comprehensive plan.

For us, prosperity does not mean wealth, it means choice. We want people to live in Geneva because they want to be here and they like it, not because they feel stuck or, even worse, leaving because they feel forced out.

Likewise, the word “sustainable” in the context of this vision does not mean green (although environmental considerations are also important). Instead, it signals long-term viability focused on improving Geneva’s economic health. Symptoms of poor economic health include high taxes, rising water and sewer rates, failing infrastructure. We must see and address those while also doing the work to remedy the underlying cause.

Unfortunately, in the world of politics, complaining about symptoms scores more points than getting serious about solutions. Solutions take time, and people are impatient, so most ignore the underlying condition — and the symptoms get worse. The comprehensive plan demands that we not give in to distraction and instead have........

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