CRITICAL ISSUES CLASS OF 2010

Since the Opening Retreat in 2004, each class of Leadership Cattaraugus has participated in an exercise to identify those issues that they believe are critical to the growth and stability of the region. The Class of 2010 participated in this exercise during the second day of the Opening Retreat, on March 17, 2010. This helps in focusing attention on pressing matters that impact the quality of life in Cattaraugus County. Additionally, as they serve on Boards of Directors of area agencies, they are aware of these issues and have learned about them. They will develop contacts throughout the program year that can help them in mitigating these issues, too.

While many of the issues are consistent with previous years, the group identified the following issues that they have become increasingly aware of:

1. Employment

2. Keeping young people in the area

3. Aging population

4. Lack of economic development

5. Lack of activities/entertainment

6. Lack of information about the area

7. High taxes

8. Disconnect to areas outside of Portville, Olean, and Allegany

9. Vacant buildings

10. Poor infrastructure

11. Lack of youth mentoring

12. Lack of public transportation

13. Transitional services for youth and special needs children

14. Medical services and recruiting MDs

15. Unhealthy (physically) county

16. dwindling tax base

17. Lack of choice in elementary and secondary education

18. Poverty

19. Lack of skilled workforce

20. Substance abuse

21. Weather

22. Maintaining high quality of educators

23. Lack of day care