A 'one voice, one vision' crescendo may soon be heard and seen in Manson

A single vision for the future of the town is the focus of a new community group, “Manson One Voice Coalition."

To update citizens on a variety of initiatives, and to begin the conversation of consensus, the group hosts a community meeting from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, March 20, at North Shore Bible Church, 123 Wapato Point Pkwy. in Manson. A second forum will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., Friday, March 21, at the Manson Marina Boat Club, 86 Pedoi St, in Manson.

Manson Chamber of Commerce Director Timi Starkweather says a grant allowed the chamber to hire consultant Dan Eernissee, an economic development and real estate consultant, to facilitate the discussion and assist citizens with the development of a community roadmap.

"To help us envision Manson for the next 5, 10, 15 years; who are we going to become and how are we going to get there," said Starkweather. "Hopefully we'll have a better understanding of what our options are. Do we stay unincorporated, do we move forward with corporation. what are those answers."

The Manson Chamber of Commerce, Manson Community Council, and the Historic Manson Main Street Association are joining forces to guide the nine- month planning effort.

"Asking questions and hearing from people, and that's really where we're all at as a group right now," said Kim Ustanik, President of the Historic Manson Main Street Program. "Not debating anything, not making any decisions, but gathering information."

"Everyone has been very eager to actually engage with the Manson community," said Manson Community Councilman Dom Amor "It's not just about being one voice, but one vision."

Manson residents are encouraged to contact Eernissee by email with their thoughts at dan.eernissee@gmail.com.

Presently, Starkweather, Ustanik, Mike Kirk, Chairman of the Manson Community Council and councilmembers are participants in the "Manson One Voice Coalition."