I have always been proud to say I am from Luverne, Minn. Why? Our community has always been a proactive and forward thinking town. I see us now as being reactive and moving backwards which, I believe, is not beneficial for Luverne or Rock County. One entity cannot survive without the other. Luverne and Rock County need to continue to work together for the benefit and survival of all of us. Five years ago, I was extremely fortunate to be one of 24 participants from Luverne and Rock County to go to the Blandin Community Leadership Program. It was an intense five days of training to build and improve leadership skills emphasizing the capacity of local citizens to create healthier communities in which to live, work and play. Working together, cooperation and collaboration within the community or multiple communities was the core principles of BCLP. We were encouraged to return home and continue or become more involved in our area community using the core principle skills we learned. Some participants are elected officials, employees of local government, and many are volunteers serving on committees striving to continue to make Luverne and Rock County a growing and vital area. Unfortunately, this is no longer happening in Luverne and Rock County. I am disappointed that these principles of cooperation and collaboration have been set aside. I encourage all Luverne and Rock County citizens to talk to your elected officials reminding them that working together is so very important to our communities. This is not a time to be silent!Barb GollaLuverne